EvoStik League Round Up - Week 23
Simon Hahn brings us his weekly round up. Darlington returned to action with a 2-0 victory away at Ossett Albion. Goals from Graeme Armstrong and Stephen Thompson gave the Quakers victory, as we increased the pressure on our title rivals.
Salford City lost top spot in the league after a shock defeat away to Brighouse Town. Leon Henry gave Brighouse the lead mid-way through the first half before Gareth Seddon levelled just prior to half time. Lee Neville was then shown a straight red card for Salford and Brighouse took full advantage. A penalty from Ernest Boafo along with a goal from Ryan Hall sealed a 3-1 victory for Brighouse. Salford’s day was then made worse late on as Jason Jarrett was given his second yellow card, as the Ammies finished the game with nine men.
Northwich Victoria replaced them at the top of the table after a late winner at Prescot Cables. Prescot took the lead early on thanks to Jack Phillips, however Gary Burnett levelled early in the second half for Northwich. James Edgar then regained the lead for Prescot with twenty minutes to go, before two late goals saw Northwich claim all the points. Godwin Abadaki levelled the game with seven minutes left before Rich Bennett secured a 3-2 victory for Northwich in stoppage time. They have gone ahead of Salford City at the top of the table on goal difference, both sides are three points ahead of Darlington, but have played five games more.
Harrogate RA moved up to fourth place after victory away to Bamber Bridge, 2-1. Farlum Ibrahimi gave Harrogate the lead, before Alisatair Waddecar levelled for Bamber Bridge. Stephen Bromley scored the winner for Harrogate, as they improved their playoff chances.
Spennymoor Town also moved into the playoff places after a 1-0 victory at home to New Mills. Andrew Stephenson scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute.
Droylsden suffered their third straight defeat away to Kendal to slip into sixth place. Kendal won the game 1-0 thanks to a Greg Johnstone strike with twenty minutes remaining.
Farsley and Scarborough both dropped places after the sides meeting was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Mossley are up to ninth place after a comfortable victory at home to Ossett Town. Thomas Pratt scored twice along with a goal from Kyle McGonigle inside the first forty minutes as Mossley won the game 3-0.
Ossett Town returned to winning ways on Monday night as they came from behind against New Mills. Matthew Landregan gave Mills the lead with Richard Patterson levelling just after half time. Ossett claimed all the points with a 2-1 victory as Chris Wood scored the winner 17 minutes from full-time.
Clitheroe had to be content with a late equaliser to earn a point at home to Burscough. Burscough were ahead at the break thanks to Edward Toner scoring. However, Clitheroe snatched a point with just three minutes to go thanks to Jason Hart.
Warrington Town moved ahead of Lancaster City after beating them 2-1. Chris Gahgan opened the scoring for Warrington, before Scott Metcalfe doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Lancaster pulled a goal back thanks to Aaron Taylor, however they could not get the equaliser.
Bottom of the table Padiham picked up a victory against fourth bottom Radcliffe Borough, 2-1. Bobby Langford gave Padiham the lead in just the second minute and Mark Sharples doubled the lead not long after half-time. Sam Cook pulled one back for Radcliffe, however they were unable to earn a point.
This weekend the Quakers travel to Salford for the huge top of the table clash. League leaders Northwich are away to Ossett Town.
Fixtures 31st of January
Burscough v Scarborough Athletic
Baber Bridge v Padiham
Clitheroe v Ossett Albion
Droylsden v Brighouse Town
Harrogate RA v Prescot Cables
Lancaster City v New Mills
Mossley v Farsley
Ossett Town v Northwich Victoria
Radcliffe Borough v Kendal Town
Salford City v Darlington
Spennymoor Town v Warrington Town