Tuesday's Premier Division action review

Chorley moved to the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division table on Tuesday night after they edged out Matlock Town, while overnight leaders AFC Fylde were held to a draw at Nantwich Town, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Garry Flitcroft's Chorley side maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 2-1 win at Causeway Lane against Matlock. Jake Cottrell gave the Magpies a 32nd lead, only for summer signing Daryll Thomas to pull the Gladiators back on level terms 10 minutes after half-time. But Tom Baker's 74th minute effort sealed victory for the visitors – their fifth win in eight games.

Fylde were held to a 1-1 draw at the Weaver Stadium by a Nantwich side who fell behind just past the hour-mark when Michael Barnes broke the deadlock. But Fylde's lead lasted barely six minutes as Aaron Burns maintained his good form with the equaliser for the Dabbers.

Promoted Skelmersdale United are third after a fine 3-2 success at Wincham Park against Witton Albion. Nick Rogan, who has been a shrewd signing by Skem boss Tommy Lawson, opened the scoring after just sevene minutes, only for Danny Andrews to level 10 minutes later. Joe Holt restored Skem`s lead three minutes later and then just as the final quarter of the game began, Adam Morning made it 3-1 to the newly-promoted visitors. Josh Hancock reduced the arrears from the penalty spot with nine minutes to go, but Skem held on for three excellent points.

FC United of Manchester recovered from last Saturday's disappointing home defeat by Rushall Olympic to win 2-1 at Westfield Lane against Frickley Athletic. After taking a 17th minute lead through Gavin Allott, the hosts conceded two second half goals to Tom Greaves in the 51st and 70th minutes to slip to a 2-1 defeat. Frickley had substitute Phil Oniama sent-off for a late tackle in the 92nd minute and FC's Mike Norton was also dismissed after the final whistle.

Rushall, meanwhile, followed up that win over FC United with a victory against Ilkeston FC at Dales Lane and leap-frog their opponents into fifth spot. However, they had to come back from being a 21st minute Laurie Wilson spot-kick behind to win, with Ahmed Obeng eventually equalising six minutes after half-time. Much-travelled Dele Adebola put the Pics in front less than five minutes later, only for Aaron Hooton to pull the Robins back on level terms with 20 minutes remaining.

A draw looked likely until there was more late drama here too. After Ilkeston`s Wilson received a straight red following an altercation on the touchline, Rushall capitalised on the deficit in the dying minutes of the game, Josh Craddock scoring from a stoppage time corner.

Stafford Rangers, who parted company with manager Greg Clowes at the weekend, finally picked up their first point of the season after a 2-2 draw at Marston Road against Marine.

It is often said that teams under caretaker charge are dangerous opponents, but Andy Mutch's tenure in temporary charge of Rangers started badly when Jonathan Goulding put the Mariners in front from the spot after 21 minutes. But Danny Quinn responded with a penalty equaliser of his own 13 minutes later and when Michael Lennon made it 2-1 in the 81st minute, a first Rangers win of the season looked on the cards – but their nerves couldn't hold and three minutes into injury-time, Lee Parle popped up with Marine`s leveller.

Another surprise struggler, relegated Droylsden, picked up only their second point of the campaign to date in a goalless encounter at the Butcher's Arms against Blyth Spartans.

Whitby Town enjoyed a good 3-0 away success at Trafford, with Graeme Armstrong giving the Seasiders a 27th minute lead. Adam Rundle doubled the visitors' advantage just before half-time and Shane Henry added a third to make sure on the hour-mark.

Grantham Town earned a late win at The Meres against Stocksbridge Park Steels, who led through Will Senior's eighth minute goal. Gregg Smith equalised on 31 minutes and then Nathan Watson put the Gingerbreads ahead nine minutes into the second period. Danny South levelled in the 72nd minute, but Smith's second with 10 minutes to go proved to be the winner for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Danny Newton's seventh goal of the season so far after half-an-hour eventually proved to be enough for Barwell to secure a 1-0 home win over Stamford AFC.