Tuesday's Premier Division action review

Skelmersdale United maintained leadership of the EVO-STIK League's Premier Division table after beating Blyth Spartans at the West Lancs College Stadium on Tuesday night, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Kenny Strickland scored the only goal of the night right on the half-time whistle to hold on to top spot while Buxton and Curzon Ashton are now second and third respectively after Stamford suffered a 2-0 reverse at home against a Barwell side who started the evening in bottom spot. A brace from Jon Stevenson after 37 and 76 minutes sealed the Yellows victory.

Buxton beat Frickley Athletic 4-0 at Silverlands, courtesy of goals from Liam Hardy after 34 minutes and then a second half hat-trick from Shaun Tuton in the 66th, 80th and 82nd minutes.

Curzon, beaten for the first time by Rushall Olympic last weekend, returned to winning ways by beating Witton Albion 3-1 at Wincham Park.

Matty Kay gave the visitors a great start with the opening goal inside the first minute. Danny Andrews equalised on 31 minutes and parity was held until the 73rd minute when the unfortunate Michael Lea put through his own net to restore Curzon`s lead. And five minutes from time, Ryan Brooke made sure with the visitors` third.

Stourbridge complete the top five and they enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win at Amblecote against a now second-bottom Belper Town after a special night for the Glassboys' Luke Benbow who netted all four goals in the third, 12th, 21st and 45th minutes.

The majority in another fantastic midweek crowd of 1,844 were disappointed in the end as FC United of Manchester couldn`t find a breakthrough at Bower Fold against Matlock Town. The Reds continued their unbeaten run with the goalless encounter, but it was a sixth draw out of eight games.

It also ended 0-0 at Borough Park between Workington AFC and Marine AFC while Grantham Town moved above Nantwich Town into tenth spot after a 3-0 success at the Weaver Stadium.

Connor Johnson gave the Gingerbreads a 19th minute lead that Alex Simmons eventually doubled with 20 minutes of the game remaining. Laurie Wilson made sure with a third seven minutes later.

The two other matches both finished one apiece. Michael Oates gave Trafford an early third minute lead in their derby at Hurst Cross against Ashton United whose Bradley Robinson equalised in the 23rd minute. And at Dales Lane, Elliott Turner put visiting Halesowen Town in front in the 12th minute, with Nathan Rooney levelling for the Pics six minutes after half-time.