Wednesday's Premier Division action review

Darlington 1883 moved three points clear at the top of the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's First Division North table on Wednesday night after narrowly edging a thrilling derby with Spennymoor Town at Heritage Park, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

A terrific crowd of 1,637 gave up their Bonfire Night to see if the Quakers could achieve the league `double` over a Moors outfit looking to step into the top five. And the home fans were cheering seconds after the opening whistle blew when Graeme Armstrong headed the Quakers in front.

And an late comers missed the only goal as that proved to the difference between the teams, although the home side were grateful to goalkeeper Peter Jameson for keeping the scoreline blank with some fine saves.

Wednesday`s other game saw in-form Kendal Town move up to eleventh in the table after hammering Padiham 5-1 at The Arbories.

The Mintcakes, fresh from smashing title-favourites Salford City last Saturday, had to receive a warning to get going on Wednesday as Martin Parkes gave the Storks a 13th minute lead. But a Tom Murphy own goal on 33 minutes saw the teams go into the break on level terms.

Once Zach Clark put the Cumbrians in front 10 minutes after the restart, there looked to be only one winner, and Jeff King extended their lead eight minutes later. And a brace from Jordan Connerton, who netted four times against the Ammies last weekend, in the final six minutes made it a nap hand for Kendal.