Salford City also were defeated at the weekend in the league, as they fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat at Grantham Town. Rhys Lewis opened the scoring in the 69^th minute and he doubled the lead in the final ten minutes.

Workington have moved into a play-off spot with a 3-2 win at home to Ilkeston. Lindokuhle Ndlovu and Joe Doyle-Charles had twice given the visitors the lead. However, Joseph McGee and Gareth Arnison levelled.  Arnison then won the game in stoppage time for Workington.

Halesowen Town were held to a 0-0 draw away to Rushall Olympic, they are one point outside the top five.

Whitby Town moved up to 21^st place after a 4-1 victory over Mickleover Sports. Michael Roberts and David McTiernan put the hosts 2-0 ahead, before Nicolantonio Degirolamo pulled one back for the visitors. Former Quaker Dale Hopson regained Whitby’s two goal lead with Kieran Weledji  sealing the victory.

The final league game of the week saw mid-table sides Hyde United and Frickley Athletic draw 1-1 with each other. Scott Spencer gave Hyde the lead in injury time at the end of the first half only for Thomas Davie to level early in the second period.

Those sides that were still in the final qualifying round of the FA Trophy were in action this weekend hoping to book their place in the first round.

Blyth Spartans were knocked out by Matlock Town 4-2. Daniel McGuire gave Blyth the lead after just six minutes, but a double from Danny Holland turned the game in the hosts favour before half-time. Andrew Cartwright, who played on loan for Darlington last season, levelled for Blyth, but Jack Siddall and Niall Mcmanus sent Matlock through.

In the next round they play Nantwich Town, after they won 2-0 away to Stockport County. Both goals came in the final ten minutes, thanks to Andrew White and Liam Shotton.

Stourbridge beat Darlington’s neighbours Spennymoor Town 4-2. Mark Wright gave Stourbridge the lead, before Joseph Tait and Andrew Stephenson turned the game in the Brewers favour. However, goals from Stuart Pierpoint, Justin Richards and Wright’s second saw Stourbridge progress. Their reward is a second meeting of the season with rivals Kidderminster Harriers, after the sides met in the FA Cup.

Sutton Coldfield Town also are through after a 1-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic.  Ramone Stephens scored the only goal after five minutes to set up a tie with Barrow.

Ashton United were held to a 0-0 draw at Gainsborough Trinity, but were able to progress with a victory in their replay. Gainsborough took the lead through Stephen Brogan after just two minutes. However, goals from Martin Pilkington, Stephen Mason and Jeff King saw Ashton United win 3-1.

Skelmersdale United also needed a replay to progress against Chorley. In their second game a double from Chris Almond, along with goals from Shaun Holden, Gerard Kinsella and Tom Ince saw them advance as 5-2 winners.

This coming weekend we host Rushall Olympic in the league.  Elsewhere the national attention will focus on Salford City and Stourbridge. It is the second round of the FA Cup, Salford host Hartlepool United and Stourbridge play Eastleigh.

Fixtures Friday December 4^th

FA Cup

Salford City v Hartlepool United

Fixtures Saturday December 5^th

League

Ashton United v Sutton Coldfield Town

Buxton v Workington

Colwyn Bay v Grantham Town

Darlington v Rushall Olympic

Frickley Athletic v Nantwich Town

Halesowen Town v Hyde United

Ilkeston v Ramsbottom United

Marine v Blyth Spartans

Matlock Town v Barwell

Mickleover Sports v Stamford

Skelmersdale United v Whitby Town

FA Cup

Stourbridge v Eastleigh