National North Round-Up 29/03/2018

Mar 29, 2018

There were some crucial games at both ends of the table this week as we get ready for a Bank Holiday...

There were some crucial games at both ends of the table this week as we get ready for a Bank Holiday double header.

Salford moved four points clear at the top of the table after coming from behind to beat Blyth Spartans whose own playoff hopes took a blow. Sean Reid gave Blyth the lead after 20 minutes before Nicholas Haughton levelled just before half time. Thomas Walker, Anthony Dudley and Liam Hogan scored in the second half to give the Ammies a 4-1 win.

Harrogate still have a game in hand over Salford, but suffered a huge set back in the title race as they lost 2-1 at home to Spennymoor. James Curtis and Christopher Mason scored twice quickly after the break for the Brewers, meaning a late consolation from Mark Beck was not enough for Harrogate.

Brackley kept their own title hopes alive with a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Boston. Shepherd Murombedzi, Jordan Nicholson, Aaron Williams and James Armson scored in the last 20 minutes for Brackley, with Jordan Keane netting a late consolation for the Pilgrims. Brackley are five behind Harrogate and nine behind Salford, however, they have three games in hand on the league leaders with a better goal difference.

Kidderminster Harriers moved up to fourth with a 2-0 win at Alfreton. Joe Ironside and Daniel Bradley struck in the second half for Harriers. They are level on points with York and on goal difference, but Kidderminster have scored more.

York City themselves picked up a huge win in their battle for a top seven place at home to Southport. Alex Kempster and Aidan Connolly put York two up at the break as they looked to be heading for a straight forward victory. Southport fought back though when Jason Gilchrist and Elliot Osborne looked to have earnt them a point late on. However, James Gray won the game 3-2 for York in stoppage time who are fifth.

Bradford Park Avenue kept up their slim playoff hopes with a late win against Telford. Marcus Dinanga put Telford ahead just before the interval, but a Euan Mulhern double including his second in the 87^th minute gave Bradford the 2-1 win. Telford remain in the relegation zone, but with games in hand on the majority of sides above them.