Tuesday's Premier Division action review

Several of the main contenders were in action, including leaders Blyth Spartans, who suffered a surprise defeat at Croft Park to ten-man Frickley Athletic.

Two great strikes from Brad Grayson and a goal from Jacob Hazel saw the Blues beat the league leaders, despite being reduced to ten-men just after the hour-mark.

Bradley Grayson put the Blues two goals up on 18 and 38 minutes before Tom Davie was sent-off for handling inside the box and Blyth reduced the arrears through skipper Robbie Dale from the penalty spot. Hazel pounced to score the Blues' third on 65 minutes before Dale scored a second penalty five minutes from time to make it a nervy finale.

But Frickley held on to move into tenth spot, albeit nine points behind fifth-placed Stourbridge, who beat Sutton Coldfield Town by the same scoreline on the 3G at Coles Lane.

Aaron Forde gave the Royals a 38th minute lead that Karl Hawley cancelled out six minutes later. Chris Lait then put the Glassboys in front 12 minutes into the second period and Hawley`s second seven minutes later made it 3-1. Ryan Edmunds reduced the deficit 5 minutes later but the visitors held firm.

Darlington 1883 stay third, but had to make do with just one point from a 1-1 Heritage Park draw with eighth-placed Ashton United.

The majority in the crowd of 961 thought they`d witnessed the winning goal when Tom Portas broke the deadlock to give the Quakers an 83rd minute lead. However, Ed Toner equalised in stoppage time.

Salford City reduced the gap on the Quakers to just two points after increasing Marine AFC`s relegation fears.

The Ammies won 2-0 at the Marine Travel Arena with goals from Chris Lynch after 18 minutes and then Luke Clark 17 minutes from time.

Seventh-placed Nantwich Town could only manage a 1-1 draw at Causeway Lane against mid-table Matlock Town.

Joe Purkiss gave the Gladiators a half-time lead, courtesy of a 37th minute strike. Matty Kosylo equalised just two minutes into the second half but the Dabbers weren`t able to find a winner and are now seven points behind Stourbridge.

Rushall Olympic are a point further back in ninth spot after winning 2-1 at Silverlands against Buxton.

Alex Reid`s brace for the Pics after 27 and 44 minutes put the visitors in command. Niall Doran pulled one back for the Bucks on the hour-mark but they weren`t able to find a leveller.

Bottom-markers Ramsbottom United are eleven points from the safety-mark after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium to Skelmersdale United.

It was a special night though for Skem`s Chris Almond, who helped himself to a hat-trick with goals in the 24th, 47th and 90th minutes.

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