Tuesday's Premier Division action review

By David Watters

Altrincham are six points clear at the top of the EVO-STIK League Premier table following Tuesday night`s hard-fought 3-2 win against play-off chasing Ashton United at Moss Lane.

The Robins looked to be cruising as they led 3-0 with only 17 minutes to go, thanks to goals from Max Harrop after just two minutes, James Poole after 15 minutes and then Jordan Hulme on 73 minutes. But Connor Hampson conceded an 82nd minute penalty for a foul on Nic Evangelinos which Aaron Chalmers converted to prompt the visitors’ revival.

Then, in added time, Harrop’s foul led to John Pritchard hitting a superb free-kick against the underside of the bar before Alty blocked a follow-up on the line. But just a minute later, a Harrison foul on the front edge of the box, gave Pritchard another free-kick and this time he made it 3-2. Despite the nervy finale, the majority in the 610 crowd went home happy – and relieved!

Shaw Lane AFC are second after winning 3-1 at Owen Street against lower mid-table Coalville Town.

It was goalless at the break before James Pollard headed home unmarked at the back post after a short corner to give the Ducks the lead two minutes after the break. David Norris converted a cross past Matt Cotton with a firm header to double Shaw Lane`s lead after 66 minutes.

The Ravens reduced the deficit just two minutes later though when Nathan Watson`s deep corner was headed home by Danny Jenno. But the game was settled in the last minute when the visitors were awarded a penalty after Coton was adjudged to have brought down Alex Byrne and Spencer Harris converted from the spot.

Warrington Town got back to league action following their Buildbase FA Trophy exploits to move into fourth place after a 3-1 win at Matlock Town.

The Gladiators got off to a great start when Lee Bennett opened the scoring in the third minute. But recent signing Joe Piggott bagged a quickfire brace in the sixth and seventh minutes to put the visitors in control. And a third in the 50th minute from Bradley Barnes sealed Warrington's win.

At the other end of the table, bottom-markers Sutton Coldfield Town's 3-1 Coles Lane victory over fourth-bottom Marine AFC has really closed things up - the Royals now level on points with second-bottom Halesowen Town and only two points separating the bottom four, with fifth-bottom Whitby Town possessing a six-point advantage on them.

A rejuvenated Royals were ahead in the ninth minute through Danny O`Callaghan, with Niall Flint adding a second in the 24th minute. Danny Mitchley pulled the Mariners back into the game in the 74th minute, only for James Beresford to restore Sutton Coldfield`s two-goal advantage four minutes later.

Stalybridge Celtic earned a vital 2-0 Bower Fold victory over inconsistent Stafford Rangers to move up to third-bottom, Connor Hughes the Celtic hero as he bagged both goals in the 58th and 63rd minutes.

Tuesday night's other game saw Rushall Olympic ease to a 3-0 Dales Lane win over Lancaster City.

Veteran striker Richard Brodie bagged two in the 15th and 32nd minutes, with Lewis Archer eventually adding a third with 10 minutes of the match remaining.

Image courtesy of nonleague.pitchero.com

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