National North Round Up 31/12/2018

By Simon Hahn

National North Round Up 31/12/2018

The latest from our division

We ended 2018 with back-to-back victories following Saturday’s 2-1 success at home to Ashton United. Victory moved us up to 15thplace in the table six points ahead of the bottom three.

Bradford Park Avenue go into the new year top of the table following a stoppage time equaliser at Boston United. Lewis Knight had given them an early lead, but two quick fire goals early in the second half from Ben Davies and Max Wright appeared to have given the Pilgrims victory. However, Ben McKenna scored in stoppage time to keep Park Avenue top of the pile.

Chorley remain hot on their heels after a 1-0 win at Curzon Ashton. Marcus Carver scored the only goal of the game after 13 minutes for Chorley.

Stockport County are up to third after a late win against Kidderminster Harriers. The game appeared to be heading for a goalless draw but Samuel Miniham won the game for County three minutes from time.

Spennymoor are back up to fourth after coming from behind to win at FC United of Manchester. The hosts took the lead on 23 minutes through Michael Potts, but they were reduced to ten men mid-way through the second half which changed the game. Alex Kempster. Robert Atkinson and Mark Anderson all scored in the final quarter of an hour as Spennymoor came away 3-1 winners.

Chester dropped to fifth after a surprise defeat at Hereford who moved themselves away from immediate danger. Daniel Greenslade and Michael Symons grabbed the goals either side of half-time for the Bulls who won 2-0.

Telford are sixth following a comfortable 4-1 win at home to Leamington. The visitors took the lead through Colby Bishop, but a double from Amari Morgan Smith along with strikes from Brendon Daniels and Dominic Udoh gave Telford the points.

Altrincham are in the final playoff place, but were held to a 2-2 draw at Guiseley. Ashley Hemmings put Alty ahead, but Niall Heaton and William Hatfield turned the game in Guiseley’s favour. However, Connor Hampson scored in the final minute to rescue a point for Altrincham.

Blyth’s surge up the table continued with a 2-1 victory over York. Sean Reid’s opener for Spartans was cancelled out by Jake Wright’s goal. However, Bradley Fewster won the game for Blyth six minutes from time to leave them only outside the top seven only on goal difference.

Bottom of the table Nuneaton suffered defeat at Brackley Town. Ryan Edmunds put Nuneaton ahead, but two quick goals from Matthew Lowe and Liam Mcalinden put Brackley ahead at the break before James Armson sealed the 3-1 win with 20 minutes to go.

The final game of the weekend saw Southport overcome Alfreton 2-1. Jason Gilchrist and Jack Sampson put Port in control at half time meaning Reece Styche’s goal shortly after the break for Alfreton was just a consolation.