Boxing Day Round-up

By Simon Hahn

Boxing Day Round-up

The latest from our division

Bradford Park Avenue remain three points clear at the top of the table after a convincing 5-1 victory at Guiseley. Lewis Johnson put Bradford ahead after just two minutes, before Jake Beesley scored a hat-trick for the visitors. Conor Branson scored Bradford’s fifth before Alex Purver scored a consolation for Guiseley.

Chorley also picked up an impressive win on the road to keep pace with the leaders as they won 4-1 at FC United of Manchester. Marcus Carver and Josh Wilson both scored doubles for Chorley with Christopher Lynch having levelled at one stage for FC United.

Chester are still third despite a shock 3-0 defeat at Southport. David Morgan and Bradley Bauress both scored in the last five minutes before the break with Morgan grabbing his second late in the match for Port.

Stockport County have jumped up to fourth after a 2-0 win over Altrincham who slipped to fifth. Jamie Stott put County ahead after 24 minutes with Euan Mulhern doubling the lead shortly after the break.

Spennymoor are sixth after twice coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Blyth. Daniel Maguire and Sean Reid both put Blyth ahead. However, Mark Anderson and Andrew Johnson levelled on each occasion for the Brewers, who have games in hand on all the sides above them.

Kidderminster are level on points with Spennymoor and are in the final playoff spot despite a 1-0 defeat at Hereford who pulled themselves out of the bottom three.  James Roberts scored the only goal of the game for Hereford ten minutes from time.

Telford are only outside the top seven on goal difference after a 3-1 victory over bottom of the table Nuneaton. Brendon Daniels , Dominic Udoh and Darryl Knights scored the goals in a 15 minute spell either side of half time, with Michael Calveley getting the consolation for Nuneaton in stoppage time.

Brackley are tenth after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Leamington. Colby Bishop put the Brakes ahead, before James Armson and Gareth Dean put Brackley in control. However, Kieran Dunbar earned a point for Leamington with 16 minutes remaining.

At the other end of the table our next opponents Ashton United picked up a huge victory at rivals Curzon Ashton 4-2.  Sam Sheridan put Ashton ahead after 13 minutes before Mason Fawns levelled for the hosts. Matthew Chadwick again put the visitors ahead shortly after the break, but for the second time the Nash pulled level, this time through Danny Shaw. Mid-way through the second half Ashton took the lead for the third time through Joshua Askew and this time they were able to hold on with Chadwick adding his second to seal the victory.

In the final game on Wednesday our former striker Reece Styche scored the only goal for Alfreton away to Boston United after just six minutes. The result leaves Alfreton in 13thwhile Boston are just a point better off in 11th.