Vanarama National North Round-Up 11/04/2017
We moved back into the play-off places on Saturday after a great performance saw us overcome Tamwort...
Chorley were held at mid-table Nuneaton Town despite taking the lead through Dale Whitham, as Ashley Chambers scored in the final 20 minutes to earn a 1-1 draw for Nuneaton.
Stockport kept up their top five hopes with a 1-0 victory at Gainsborough Trinity who are now three points adrift of safety. Danny Lloyd scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after 56 minutes to move them level on points with Chorley.
Salford City are fourth, one point ahead of ourselves, Chorley and Stockport after a dramatic 3-3 draw at Harrogate. Salford took the lead with the first of four penalties, with it being converted by Sam Walker. John Johnston doubled the lead after 73 minutes and the game appeared to be won. Simon Ainge pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, but just a minute later Nick Haughton extended Salford’s two goal lead. Harrogate were awarded another penalty in the 87th minute, Ainge saw his effort saved, but he was able to convert the rebound. In the third minute of stoppage time the comeback was complete as Ainge again stepped up to the penalty spot, which he scored to complete his hat-trick.
AFC Fylde’s lead at the top of the table was cut to six points after they suffered a shock defeat at second bottom Stalybridge. Danny Wisdom gave Celtic the lead, only for Danny Rowe to level five minutes later. Most would have expected Fylde to push on, but it was Stalybridge who won the game 2-1 after Danny Pilkington scored in the 53rd minute. The win moves Stalybridge within eight points of safety with two games in hand.
Kidderminster Harriers are hot on the heels of Fylde with a game in hand on the league leaders that could potentially cut the gap at the top of the table to three points. On Saturday they won 2-1 at Gloucester City. Joe Ironside gave them an early lead only for Ed Williams to level for the hosts. However, Daniel Nti won the game for Harriers on the hour mark.
Halifax sit in a strong position in third after a 1-0 win at home to Alfreton. Tom Denton scored the only goal of the game for the Shayman after 61 minutes leaving them a point behind Kidderminster,
Brackley kept up their outside hopes of a play-off place with a 3-1 win at relegated Altrincham. Steve Diggin, Jordan Hempenstall and Lee Ndlovu put Brackley in control before a late consolation from Micah Evans. The victory leaves them four points off the final play-off place.
In the scrap for survival, Worcester earned what could be a crucial point at home to Curzon Ashton. Jordan Murphy gave Worcester an early lead before Niall Cummins earned a point for the visitors.
Bradford Park Avenue are nearly mathematically safe after a 0-0 draw at home to FC United of Manchester. They are now ten points ahead of the bottom three with four games remaining.
Like Bradford, Telford, are all but safe, however, they lost 3-0 on Saturday at Boston United. Jay Rollins scored twice along with a Mani Dieseruvwe goal to seal the win for the Pilgrims.