Tuesday's Premier Division action review

There were only four matches in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division on Tuesday night but three of the top four were all in action, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

And only leaders Skelmersdale United were able to grind-out three points as both second-placed Buxton and now third-placed Ramsbottom United were held to home draws.

Skem edged out lowly Nantwich Town 1-0 at the West Lancs College Stadium, the tight match finally going the way of the league leaders courtesy of a 61st minute Alan Burton goal.

Buxton shared a 1-1 draw with FC United of Manchester, who are just below the top five.

A crowd of 810 at Silverlands saw Dean Stott rescue a point for the visitors from the penalty spot after Matthew Wolfenden had been controversially sent-off. Buxton went ahead after just nine minutes through Jamie Green and things went from bad to worse for the Reds five minutes before half-time as Wolfenden received the first red card of his career for a poor challenge. A handball in the area handed FC United a lifeline and Stott made no mistake from the spot just before the hour-mark.

Ramsbottom were held to a draw by the same scoreline at the Riverside by improving Workington AFC.

It was goalless at the break, but the visitors broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the second period when a long kick from the keeper was latched onto by Scott Allison, who clipped the ball home. The Rams finally equalised seven minutes from time when a corner was forced in at the far post by Jordan Hulme.

Barwell moved up to sixth in the standings after easing to a 3-0 home win over Grantham Town.

Richard Lavery crucially gave the Canaries the lead a minute before half-time and Anthony Carney added number two in the 73rd minute. A Liam Castle penalty in stoppage time wrapped up a comfortable victory for the in-form Leicestershire outfit.