Evo-Stik Round-Up Week 34

Evo-Stik Round-Up Week 34

Darlington went top of the league for the first time since October after back-to-back wins this week...

Darlington went top of the league for the first time since October after back-to-back wins this week.

At the weekend the side won 2-0 at Grantham Town, thanks to second half goals from Stephen Thompson and Liam Hardy.

The Quakers then went on to beat Skelmersdale United at Spennymoor’s Brewery Field after the venue was changed due to a waterlogged pitch at Heritage Park. Goals from Kevin Burgess, Nathan Cartman and Stephen Thompson sealed a 3-0 win.

Blyth Spartans suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Skelmersdale United on Saturday. Max Hazeldine and Scott Bakkor put Skelmersdale in control and they were able to hold on for the win despite a goal for Blyth from Wilson Kneeshaw. Blyth now trail Darlington by two points having played a game more.

Salford City are closing in on securing third place after snatching a late point at struggling Stamford. Thomas Batchelor had given Stamford the lead, but Luke Clark earned a point for the Ammies in stoppage time.

Ashton United had to settle for a point at Nantwich Town after a 2-2 draw. Martin Pilkington gave Ashton the lead, but two quick goals from Sean Cooke turned the game in Nantwich’s favour. However, Pilkington earned a point twelve minutes from time for Ashton.

Ashton then picked up an important 2-0 win at Rushall Olympic on Tuesday night. James Dean and Pilkington scored the goals which moved Ashton up into fourth place in the league.

Stourbridge are fifth after a 3-1 victory at Mickleover Sports. Justin Richards scored two in two minutes for the visitors and they were 3-0 ahead at half-time thanks to Kristian Green. Zepaniah Thomas pulled one back for Mickleover, but it was only a consolation.

Stourbride suffered late heartache on Tuesday night as they could only take a point from their trip to Matlock Town. Karl Hawley gave Stourbridge the lead, but Jack Siddall earned a stoppage time point for Matlock.

Workington’s playoff hopes suffered a blow after defeat at home to Frickley Athletic. John Cyrus scored twice early on for Frickley, before a Kyle May goal gave Workington hope. However, Jacob Hazel sealed the victory for Frickley.

Workington are now four points off the top five after another defeat on Tuesday night at Nantwich Town. Liam Shotton and Joshua Hancock secured a 2-0 win for Nantwich with goals either side of half-time.

At the other end of the table Whitby Town picked up a huge victory over Marine. Former Quaker Dale Hopson scored the only goal of the game for Whitby.

Whitby then picked up another three points as they sent Colwyn Bay down on Tuesday. Two goals from Michael Roberts, as well as strikes from Richard Pell and Anthony Hume sealed a 4-1 win for Whitby in Wales. Carl Lamb scored Colwyn Bay’s goal, but the defeat confirmed their relegation.

Colwyn Bay had previously lost 3-0 to Barwell on Saturday, Alex Tomkinson, Richard Lavery and Jamie Towers scoring the goals.

Hyde United’s have fallen down the table in recent months and they suffered another defeat at home to Ilkeston 3-1. Max Thornberry and Danny Gordon put Ilkeston in control in the first twenty minutes. Ayrton Bevins pulled one back for Hyde, but Curtis Burrows sealed the victory in stoppage time for Ilkeston.

Already relegated Ramsbottom United lost 2-0 at home to Halesowen Town on Saturday. Luke Male and Kaiman Anderson scored the goals for Halesowen in the first-half.

Marine picked up a point at home to Frickley Athletic. Charlie Barnett gave Marine an early lead, before Jacob Hazel levelled for the visitors.

Buxton won 1-0 away to Rushall Olympic on Saturday, thanks to a Bradley Barraclough goal early in the second half.

Buxton picked up another victory at home to Ilkeston on Tuesday night. Ashley Worsfold scored a hat-trick as Buxton ran out 3-1 winners, Dexter Atkinson scoring Ilkeston’s consolation.

Sutton Coldfield Town twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Matlock Town. Charlie Dawes and Jordan Ball had both put Matlock in front. However, goals from Luke Rodgers and Cameron Gayle saw Sutton Coldfield take a point from the game.

Darlington have three crucial games before the final day of the season a week on Saturday. The Quakers have home games with Stamford and Grantham Town, before a trip to local side Whitby Town on Thursday.

Meanwhile second place Blyth Spartans, travel to Matlock Town before hosting Rushall Olympic on Tuesday.

Fixtures Saturday 16th April

Ashton United v Workington

Buxton v Hyde United

Colwyn Bay v Sutton Coldfield Town

Darlington v Stamford

Frickley Athletic v Stamford

Halesowen Town v Grantham Town

Ilkeston FC v Rushall Olympic

Marine v Ramsbottom United

Matlock Town v Blyth Spartans

Salford City v Nantwich Town

Skelmersdale United v Mickleover Sports

Stourbridge v Whitby Town