Tuesday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

The gap between North East rivals Blyth Spartans and Darlington 1883 in the race for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League title narrowed to four points on Tuesday night after the Quakers won 4-1 at Stamford AFC, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

However, it took an hour for the Quakers to break down the relegation threatened Daniels with Gary Brown netting the opener.

Terry Galbraith quickly doubled the visitors` advantage three minutes later, and after Sam Hill had reduced the arrears after 74 minutes, Graeme Armstrong made it 3-1 just two minutes after that. Nathan Cartman made sure with a fourth on 86 minutes.

Third-placed Salford City remain two points behind Darlington after a 1-0 win at The Grove against Halesowen Town, courtesy of a 64th minute Ritchie Allen effort.

Stourbridge hauled themselves back from 2-0 down to pick up an invaluable point at the South Kesteven Stadium against Grantham Town to return to the top five.

Two excellently-taken goals from Lee Shaw put the home side in command with little more than 20 minutes played and at that stage Stourbridge had not shown much to suggest that a comeback was likely.

However, Karl Hawley's persistence and neat finish from close range four minutes before half-time gave them something to build on, and after a second half onslaught the Glassboys, they finally drew level when Dan Scarr headed home substitute Tom Tonks's long throw 12 minutes from time.

Barwell lost their top five spot after going down to a 2-0 defeat at Dales Lane against a Rushall Olympic outfit who are still in with a shout themselves.

Alex Reid gave the Pics a 25th minute lead that Jack Duggan added to 18 minutes from time.

Frickley Athletic and seventh-placed Ashton United fought out a goalless draw at the SW Jackson Utilities Stadium.

After an uninspiring first half, Tom Davie rattled the Ashton crossbar from the edge of the box on 54 minutes, while Steve Jeff was forced to hook the ball off his own line in the 80th minute to clear a goal-bound header. Frickley`s Jameel Ible then struck the woodwork in stoppage time as his shot from inside the box came back off the post.

At the opposite end of the table, second-bottom Colwyn Bay earned a crucial 2-1 win in Derbyshire against third-bottom Mickleover Sports to narrow the gap on their hosts to three point.

Recent signing Adam Morgan gave Bay a 37th minute lead that Jake Bennett levelled after 64 minutes. But Jack Kelleher ensured the points went back to North Wales with a 75th minute winner.

Marine AFC suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to mid-table Buxton to remain only three points above the drop zone.

Niall Doran`s 21st minute opener for the Bucks was cancelled out by Chris Sharp after 33 minutes. However, Spencer Harris popped up with the visitors` winner 12 minutes from the end.

Nantwich Town recovered from last weekend`s disappointing FA Trophy result to win 4-1 at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium against bottom-markers Ramsbottom United.

Mat Bailey gave the Dabbers a 12th minute lead that lasted barely two minutes as Kevin McGrath equalised. Elliot Osborne restored the Dabbers` lead immediately after the break and then Steve Jones after 53 minutes and Josh Gordon in the 71st minute, completed a comfortable win for the visitors.

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Where next?

Last day beers on tap from now on! Wherever they finish from now on, Marine's fans can look forward to having a good drink on the final day of the season after their EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club announced plans to stage their first ever beer festival.
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