The only other side from our division in FA Trophy action were local rival Spennymoor Town. On Saturday they shared six goals at The Brewery Field with Leek Town, Paul Johnson scoring a stoppage time equaliser for Spennymoor. The replay on Wednesday night appeared to be heading for extra time before Ryan Dicker scored an own goal five minutes from the end of the game to give Spennymoor the victory 1-0. The Brewers reward for victory is a third round qualifying match at home to Chasetown.

Droylsden remain second, but missed the chance to draw level on points with us after a home defeat to Burscough. Liam Caddick gave Burscough the lead, however Droylsden equalised minutes later through Kevin Leadbetter. The Bloods would finish the game with nine men and were made to pay in stoppage time when Daniel Smith scored for Burscough, as they took all the points with a 2-1 victory. Droylsden are now three points behind Darlington having played one game more.

Salford City slipped to fourth following another league defeat, their first at home, against Harrogate RA. Mal Farquharson gave Harrogate a lead, before the league’s top scorer Nathan Cartman scored a hat trick to give the visitors a 4-0 lead. Salford were able to grab a consolation in stoppage time through Sam Madeley, with the final score finishing 4-1. Salford are six points behind us, however they now only have one game in hand.

Northwich Victoria took advantage of Salford’s defeat, as they moved up into third place. They were comfortably able to win at home to Clitheroe. Callum Henry gave the home side the lead not long before half time. With Aboubacar Sanogo scoring two further goals after the break as Northwich won the game, 3-0.

Bamber Bridge stay fifth after a victory at home to Prescot Cables, 2-0. Alistair Waddecar gave Bamber the lead in the first half, with Paul McKenna doubling the lead just after the break.

Farsley comfortably won at home to Ossett Albion, 4-0. Two own goals from Ossett Albion, along with strikes from Aiden Savory and Robert O’Brien. Farsley stay in sixth place ten points behind the Quakers, but they do have two games in hand.

Scarborough Athletic also picked up a victory away from home to keep within touching distance of the playoff places. Gary Bradhsaw, Matthew Plummer and Ryan Blott all scored for The Seadogs in a 3-0 win.

Kendal Town moved up to eighth after victory over Warrington Town. Jordan Connerton scored twice for Kendal in the first half, before Craig Carney sealed the win in the final quarter of an hour as the hosts won 3-0.

Mossley are tenth following a surprise 3-2 defeat at home to Brighouse Town. Ernest Boafo and Ryan Hall gave the visitors a two goal lead before Brian Matthews pulled one back for Mossley. Boafo made it 3-1 with Douglas Carroll making it a tense finish, however Brighouse were able to hold on for the three points.

In the final game of the week Ossett Town faced Lancaster City. Ross Armstrong gave Ossett the lead, before Billy Akrigg levelled on the stroke of half time. Ossett claimed the victory thanks to a Chris Wood penalty in the final quarter of an hour as they won the game 2-1.

On Saturday we host Clitheroe at Heritage Park looking to extend our lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile Droylsden face a tough trip to Spennymoor Town on Tuesday. Salford City have two games this week, away to Lancaster City on Saturday before hosting Warrington Town in mid-week.

November 22nd Fixtures

Brighouse Town v Padiham

Burscough v Farsley

Darlington v Clitheroe

Harrogate RA v Ossett Town

Lancaster City v Salford City

New Mills v Northwich Victoria

Ossett Albion v Kendal Town

Prescot Cables v Mossley

Scarborough Athletic v Bamber Bridge

Spennymoor Town v Droylsden

Warrington Town v Radcliffe Borough