National North Round-Up 01/04/2018

National North Round-Up 01/04/2018

Despite our home game with Southport on Saturday falling victim to the weather, plenty of action too...

Despite our home game with Southport on Saturday falling victim to the weather, plenty of action took place in the National North with nine games being played on Friday and Saturday. We remain 11th in the table seven points off the top seven, and nine ahead of the bottom three.

Salford City extended their lead at the top of the table to six points. Lois Maynard and Jack Redshaw put Salford in control at home to Curzon Ashton, meaning Joe Guest’s strike was just a consolation for them as the Ammies won 2-1.

Third placed Brackley and second placed Harrogate held each other to a 0-0 draw which does little to help either sides title challenge.

York are fourth but had to settle for a point at home to fellow playoff chasing Chorley. Alex Newby gave Chorley the early lead, with Connor Smith levelling for York to make it 1-1. Chorley are five points outside the playoff places.

Kidderminster Harriers playoff hopes took a blow, as they lost at Boston United.  Daniel Bradley gave Harriers an early lead, before quick fire goals from Jordan Keane and Ben Middleton turned the game in the Pilgrims favour. George Waring brought Kidderminster level inside the last 20 minutes, but Jonathan Wafula earned Boston the 3-2 win in stoppage time.

Stockport moved up to sixth after a 3-2 win at Bradford Park Avenue. Jason Oswell scored twice to put County 2-0 but late goals from Javan Vidal and Euan Mulhern appeared to have gained a point for Bradford. However, James Ball score in stoppage time for Stockport with what could be a huge goal in the playoff race.

Spennymoor dropped to seventh after a heavy defeat at struggling Gainsborough. Andrew Johnson gave the Brewers an early lead, but goals from Shane Clarke, Ashley Worsfold, Alex Simmons and Nathan Jarman meant Gainsborough picked up a surprising 4-1 win.  Trinity remain second bottom but are now only three points off fourth bottom Curzon Ashton.

Tamworth earned a crucial three points on Friday night against already relegated North Ferriby. Dior Angus, Aman Verma, Akwasi Asante and Jack Lane gave the Lambs an important 4-1 win to put themselves four points off the drop zone. James Nichols scored North Ferriby’s consolation.

Alfreton are still in the relegation mix despite picking up a point at home to Nuneaton. Brendan Daniels put Alfreton ahead just before half time, with Daniel Nti levelling for Nuneaton with eleven minutes to go.

Leamington and FC United of Manchester are also not safe yet, but Leamington picked up a huge three points thanks to Jamie Hood scoring the only goal of the game in the last few minutes of the first half.