Northwich Victoria remains top of the league after a victory away to Radcliffe Borough. Richard Bennett gave the league leaders an early lead, before Gary Burnett scored the second just after half time. The 2-0 victory keeps them one point ahead of the Quakers despite having played two games more.

Salford City stay third after thrashing bottom of the table Padiham, 5-1. Andrews, Madelet, Chadwick and Seddon all scored in the first half for Salford with a Brett Ormerod goal making the score 4-1 at half time. James Kirby completed the scoring with 13 minutes left, as Salford remain just a point off top spot.

Droylsden also won despite a hat-trick from Ossett Albion’s Connor Bower. Droylsden had been 1-3 down at one stage after Bower’s treble. However, Adam Morning scored a hat-trick of his own for the Bloods along with two strikes from Ben Hampson to give them the victory 5-3.

Scarborough Athletic ensured all the top five won at the weekend, as they snatched a late 2-1 victory at Lancaster City. Alex Peterson gave Scarborough the lead in the second minute, before Samuel Bailey levelled for Lancaster. However, Ryan Williams scored three minutes from time to win the game for the Seadogs and move them into a playoff place.

Harrogate RA also picked up a victory at home to struggling New Mills. Nathan Cartman, Mal Farquharson and Stephen Bromley all scored in the second half as Harrogate won the game 3-0.

Spennymoor Town were knocked out of the FA Trophy after a 4-2 defeat away to Conference side Hyde. Doubles from Ted Cribley and Tom Bentham gave Hyde a 4-0 lead, before late consolations from Ian Ward and Michael Roberts for the Brewers.

Despite this defeat, Spennymoor were able to get back to winning ways in the league on Tuesday night at home to Kendal Town. Shane Henry gave the hosts the lead before Jamie Colebourn levelled for Kendal. With the game heading for a draw, defender Joe Tait scored deep in stoppage time to give Spennymoor the victory, 2-1.

Mossley were the only side in the top ten to lose this week, after they were defeated by Warrington Town. Michael Fish gave Mossley the lead, before two quick fire goals from David Mannix and Scott Metcalfe turned the game in Warrington’s favour, as they ran out 2-1 winners.

The only other game to survive the weather saw Brighouse Town lose away at Burscough. Brighouse took the lead through Leon Henry, but a double from Phil Quirk turned the game around as Burscough won 2-1.

We face a busy Christmas period, weather permitting, with two home games this week. On Saturday Radcliffe Borough come to Heritage Park, with Scarborough visiting on Boxing Day.