National North Round-Up 07/09/2017

National North Round-Up 07/09/2017

We suffered a heavy defeat at Chorley on Tuesday night, as we fell into the bottom half of the table...

We suffered a heavy defeat at Chorley on Tuesday night, as we fell into the bottom half of the table for the first time this season. Chorley led 3-0 at half time and despite a goal from substitute Harvey Saunders we were unable to get back into the game.

Brackley Town are top of the table despite being held to a goalless draw at home to Tamworth, they are now the only unbeaten side in the division.

That is after second placed Harrogate Town lost at home to third place Salford City. The Ammies took an early lead through Mike Phenix, before Joe Leesley levelled just after half time from the penalty spot for Harrogate. However, Salford went on to win the game 2-1 thanks to a late Lois Maynard strike which takes them level on points with Harrogate, one behind Brackley.

Fourth placed Southport were hammered by Stockport County who moved into the final play off place. Southport played nearly 70 minutes with ten men after Adam Dugdale was sent off. However, they were already behind at that stage. Matty Warburton gave the Hatters the lead in the opening minutes,  with James Ball doubling the advantage after Dugdale’s dismissal.  Harry Winter and Jason Oswell both added further goals before the break to make it 4-0. Ball and Oswell both scored their second each after the break to seal an emphatic 6-0 victory for Stockport.

Neighbours Spennymoor Town are fifth despite losing an entertaining clash at home to York City.  York scored two penalties, both given for handball and both converted by Jon Parkin, with Louis Almond adding a third for them before the break. The Brewers got back into the game after they were awarded a penalty of their own for handball, which Joe Tait scored. Mark Anderson gave Spenymoor a glimmer of hope pulling another goal back with six minutes to go. However, Kane Felix sealed a 4-2 win for York in stoppage time after scoring from 40 yards after an error from goalkeeper Dan Lowson.

Blyth Spartans are sixth after continuing their recent good form with a 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester.  Daniel Maguire scored shortly before half time for Spartans, with Sean Reid doubling the advantage just after the hour mark. Jason Gilchrist, pulled a goal back for FC United, before Maguire grabbed his second to seal the win.

Bradford Park Avenue have moved into the top ten after a 3-0 win away to Gainsborough Trinity.  Oliver Johnson, Adam Boyes and Wayne Brooksby scored the goals for Bradford, with defeat leaving Trinity just outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

North Ferriby United are bottom, despite taking the lead away to Boston United. Joseph Pugh gave them the lead, but a double from Jay Rollins in the second half gave Boston the 2-1 win.

Leamington also fell to another defeat despite leading twice at home to Alfreton Town who are now eleventh.  Tom Breedon gave the Brakes the lead after 13 minutes, but Craig Westcarr levelled just seven minutes later for the visitors.  Stefan Moores regained the lead for Leamington, but David Shiels again levelled for Alfreton before half time. The deciding goal was scored in injury time at the end of the game, as Thomas Platt gave Alfreton the 3-2 win on the road.

Kidderminster Harriers were held at home to Curzon Ashton on Tuesday. Mark Croasdale gave Harriers the lead just before the break. Seven minutes into the second half, Curzon levelled through Matt Regan, but Joe Ironside quickly restored Harriers lead with a looping header. However, Niall Cummins struck a minute from the end of time to earn a 2-2 for Curzon.

In the final match of the mid week games, Nuneaton lost 2-0 at home to Telford United and are now only one point off the relegation zone. Anthony Dwyer opened the scoring before an own goal made the result safe in the second half.