National North Round-Up 20/02/2018
We suffered our first defeat in six matches as we lost 3-0 at Brackley. We were without Stephen Thom...
Salford City maintained their two point lead at the top of the table with a hard fought 3-2 win at Alfreton. Daniel Livesey gave the Ammies an early lead with David Shiels levelling for the hosts. However, just four minutes later Jack Redshaw put Salford back in front and Augustin Mafuta doubled their lead before half-time. Marcus Marshall pulled one back for Alfreton late on, but it was not enough. The result leaves Alfreton one place ahead of ourselves on goal difference.
Harrogate kept the pressure up on Salford with an impressive 2-0 win away to Kidderminster Harriers. Joe Leesley gave them the lead after quarter of an hour with Dominic Knowles sealing the win just after half-time.
Blyth Spartans made it three wins in a row with a comfortable victory over playoff rivals Bradford Park Avenue. Dale Hopson, Jarratt Rivers and Robbie Dale scored the goals for Spartans who are now fourth. Bradford are five points off the final playoff spot.
York City’s playoff hopes suffered a blow as they lost 4-1 at Curzon Ashton. Naill Cummins scored a first half hat-trick before Sam Walker made it four. Jon Parkin was sent off before Alex Kempster scored a consolation for York. The Minstermen are sixth, while it was a huge win for the Nash who moved up to 13th in the table.
Spennymoor also had a setback at home to Nuneaton. Ashley Chambers scored the only goal of the game for Nuneaton, to move them five points ahead of the relegation zone.
Chorley kept themselves in the playoff shake-up with a 1-0 win over Gainsborough who dropped to second bottom. Josh Wilson scored the only goal for Chorley who are four points off the top seven.
Stockport are only one point further behind Chorley after victory at FC United of Manchester. Matthew Warburton scored the solitary goal of the game for County after quarter of an hour.
Leamington picked up a huge victory away at Boston. Ahmed Obeng scored just after half-time to earn the points for the Brakes. They stay fourth bottom, but have increased the gap between them and the dreaded drop zone.
Two of the sides in the worst form in the league met as Tamworth and Telford met with all the action happening in the final quarter of the match. Amari Morgan-Smith gave Telford the lead before Akwasi Asante levelled for the Lambs. An own goal put Telford back in front, but Thomas Shaw earned a 2-2 draw for Tamworth in the 94th minute. It was a huge goal leaving Telford 20th and Tamworth 15th.
Southport moved ahead of ourselves with a 3-0 win at bottom of the table North Ferriby. Jason Gilchrist and David Morgan scored just before half-time, with Jack Sampson sealing the win just after the break.
