National North Round-Up 23/10/2017
We picked up a crucial win on Saturday, as we beat Bradford Park Avenue, our first win in six games....
League leaders Harrogate’s lead at the top was cut to just one point after they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by a Leamington side in great form. The visitors who have recently taken points off Salford and York took the lead through Junior English. George Thomson and an own goal, put Harrogate in front, before Robert Thompson-Brown earned the Brakes a point twenty minutes from time.
Salford City beat York 3-2 to cut the gap at the top. A double from Liam Hogan with a Jack Redshaw strike in between put the Ammies in control. Goals in the final six minutes from Louis Almond and Aidan Connolly gave York hope, but they were unable to get anything from the game.
Blyth Spartans are third despite losing at fourth place Brackley Town who cut the gap between the sides to one point. Dan Maguire put Blyth ahead, but a second half double from Aaron Williams and a Shane Byrne strike gave Brackley the 3-1 win.
Spennymoor needed a last minute penalty at Kidderminster Harriers to earn a point. David Foley put the Brewers ahead early on before goals from James McQuilkin and Andre Brown turned the game in Kidderminster’s favour. However, in injury time James O’Connor was sent off and gave away a penalty, which Joe Tait scored to give Spennymoor a 2-2 draw.
Chorley moved up to sixth with a 1-0 win over FC United of Manchester. Nicholas Haughton scored the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute for Chorley.
Curzon Ashton are in the final playoff place after victory over Boston United who dropped into the relegation zone. Jordan Wright gave Curzon an early lead, but they were pegged back by Kabongo Tshimanga shortly after half time. However, they were only level for nine minutes though, with Richard Baker giving the Nash a 2-1 win.
Stockport County are ahead of ourselves on goal difference after winning 3-1 at Nuneaton Town. Jason Oswell, Gary Stopforth and James Ball scored for County, with Daniel Nti netting a late consolation for the hosts.
North Ferriby United remain stranded at the foot of the table, after a 2-0 defeat at home to Telford United. Jordan Lussey and Elliot Newby gave Telford the points and they are just one place below ourselves with two games in hand.
Kevin Davies had to settle for a point in his first game in charge of Southport at home to Gainsborough Trinity. Former Quaker Tom Davie gave Trinity an early lead, with Jack Sampson levelling early in the second half. Kaiman Anderson appeared to have won the game for Southport with four minutes to go, before Craig King earned a 2-2 draw for Gainsborough in stoppage time.
In the final match on Saturday mid-table sides Tamworth and Alfreton met with the away side winning 3-2. Brody Robertson twice gave Alfreton a first half lead, with Reece Styche levelling on both occasions in the first period for Tamworth. However, in the final minute of the match Craig Westcarr won the game for Alfreton who moved above their opponents in the table.