Tuesday's Premier Division action review

Buxton are the only side in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division with a 100 per cent record from the opening two matches of the new season, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Frickley Athletic could consider themselves a little unfortunate not to have taken at least a point on Tuesday night after hosting the Bucks who headed home with all three points thanks to substitute Mark Reed's 77th minute winning header.

Four sides are yet to obtain a point in the NPL's top flight, including Frickley, relegated Droylsden, fancied Witton Albion and Stafford Rangers.

The Bloods were beaten 2-0 at the Butcher`s Arms by Whitby Town, whose Graeme Armstrong and Craig Farrell scored in the final 17 minutes.

Witton were also beaten at home by the odd goal in five against Marine, despite taking a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a Josh Hancock brace in the 8th and 29th minutes. Andy Fowler reduced the arrears in the 33rd minute and then a Dean Astbury double in the final quarter won it for the Mariners.

Stafford lost by the same score at home to Barwell, whose Danny Newton grabbed a hat-trick with goals in the 43rd, 45th, from the penalty spot, and 56th minutes. Jermaine Johnson in the 48th, and Fabrice Kasiama nine minutes from time, pulled Rangers back into the game, but the Canaries held on for their first win.

There were also first wins for promoted King's Lynn Town and Skelmersdale United plus Grantham Town, Matlock Town and Blyth Spartans.

Ten minutes of first half madness costs Rushall Olympic dearly as they crashed 6-0 at newly-promoted King's Lynn in front of a crowd of 665. The Linnets raced into a 3-0 lead between the 21st and 30th minutes, thanks to a brace from Dan Jacob and George Thomson.

Jacob completed his hat-trick eight minutes after the break before Andy Hall on 68 minutes and Ewan Clarke three minutes from time completed the rout.

Skem beat Nantwich Town 2-1 at the West Lancs College Stadium. Kenny Strickland gave the home side the boost of an opening goal just before half-time. Gary Barnett eventually doubled that eight minutes from the end, with Aaron Burns replying in the 88th minute.

Grantham saw off Worksop Town 3-1 at The Meres, taking a 28th minute lead through Dean Meikle before Tom Denton equalised six minutes before the break. But Romaine Graham on 64 minutes and Meikle again 18 minutes before the end, sealed the win for the Gingerbread.

Matlock, meanwhile, beat Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-0 at Causeway Lane. Lavell White put the Gladiators in front after just seven minutes and Daryll Thomas added a second on 22 minutes. Thomas scored his second and Matlock`s third a couple of minutes after the interval.

Spartans won 2-1 at Croft Park against promoted Trafford, whose Shelton Payne put them in front from the spot after 17 minutes. But Joe Kendrick levelled – also from twelve yards – three minutes later and Dan Maguire scored what proved to be the winner after 37 minutes.

Chorley and Ashton United shared a thrilling 3-3 Victory Park draw. Josh Hine after six minutes and a Darren Stephenson brace on 48 and 51 minutes looked to have given the Magpies in a match-winning lead.

But after the Magpies were forced to make three changes due to injury, Ashton hit back with a Mark Pilkington double on 72 and 78 minutes and eventually grabbed a last minute leveller through Lee Rick.

Tuesday's other fixture was the least dramatic of the night, FC United of Manchester and AFC Fylde sharing a goalless draw in front of a good crowd of 1,649.