Wednesday's Premier Division action review

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off hopes of both Buxton and Chorley all but ended after the pair shared a 1-1 draw at Silverlands on Wednesday night, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

Chances were at a premium throughout with both teams struggling to control the ball on the hard and bumpy surface before Buxton took a 26th minute lead, Lee Morris scoring from close range. It was much the same story after the break but the visitors created the better of the openings and drew level just 15 minutes from time, ex-Southport and Bradford City forward Darren Stephenson scoring, and again from close range.

The result ended Chorley’s slim play-off hopes and all but ended those of the Bucks with AFC Fylde only requiring two points from their remaining four matches to deny them a place, and that is if Buxton can win their remaining three fixtures. This Saturday the Bucks make the long trek to Kendal Town with a Buxton victory all but guaranteeing relegation for the Cumbrians.

The other Premier Division match on Wednesday saw Ilkeston FC leap-frog Whitby Town into twelfth place in the table after a comprehensive 4-0 win at the Turnbull Ground. Whitby boss Darren Williams had warned his squad they were playing for their futures with the Seasiders, but it was a youthful Robins outfit who played with freedom and no lack of passion and skill.

Once they broke the deadlock on the hour-mark through Bermudan Antwan Russell there was no stopping Kevin Wilson's side, who added two more on 66 and 69 minutes, Laurie Wilson bagging a brace. Russell added his second of the game with 14 minutes remaining to make it 4-0.