Vanarama National North Round-up 08/08/2016

Vanarama National North Round-up 08/08/2016

Darlington started life in the Vanarama National North with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Altrincha...

Darlington started life in the Vanarama National North with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Altrincham. In a dramatic game the Quakers twice came from behind to earn a draw thanks to defenders Kevin Burgess and Terry Galbraith.

A hat-trick from Tom Denton gave league favourites Halifax Town a 3-2 win at Nuneaton Town. Denton scored after just two minutes only for Aaron Williams to level for the hosts two minutes later. However, two further goals from Denton early in the second half earned Halifax the points and they were able to hold on despite a goal from Kelvin Langmead for Nuneaton.

AFC Fylde also won on the opening day away to AFC Telford United, 1-0, thanks to a Danny Rowe goal just after half time.

Kidderminster Harriers ran riot at Curzon Ashton, as they won 6-1. Mani Dieseruvwe, Ashley Carter, Ngwatala, Liam Truslove and two from Arthur Gnahoua saw Kidderminster cruise to victory with Joe Guest scoring for Curzon.

Stockport County dramatically won a seven goal thriller at home to Alfreton Town. Goals from Danny Lloyd and John Marsden put Stockport 2-0 ahead and despite a goal from Paul Clayton for Alfreton they were 3-1 ahead at half time thanks to Kayode Odejayl. Thomas Allen and Dan Bradley brought the visitors level before Gary Stopforth won the game for County in stoppage time.

A see saw game in front of nearly 2000 fans saw Chorley and FC United of Manchester draw three all. Sefton Gonazles had given Chorley the lead before goals from George Thomson and  Jerome Wright turned the game in FC United’s favour. Andrew Teague levelled for the hosts just before the interval, but  Thomson once again gave FC United the lead. Despite this Chorley were able to earn a share of the spoils in the 85th minute through Scott Leather.

Newly-promoted Salford City were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Gloucester City. Former Hartlepool player James Poole gave the Ammies the lead, but Gloucester returned home with a point thanks to Joe Parker’s strike.

One of the promotion favourites Harrogate Town were held to a 2-2 draw at Worcester City. Veteran striker Lee Hughes put hosts Worcester in front from the spot after 15 minutes, before Luke Shiels levelled from close range. Hughes scored his second for the hosts three minutes into the second half, but Jon-Paul Pittman scored a minute into time added on at the end of the game to earn a point for Worcester City.

Boston United suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Stalybridge Celtic, Andy Owens scored the only goal of the game in the first half for the visitors.

Gainsborough Trinity and Bradford Park Avenue shared the spoilt in a 1-1 draw. Gavin Rothery gave Gainsborough the lead, until Liam Dickinson earned Bradford a draw just before full time.

The final game of the weekend saw Brackley Town and Tamworth draw 0-0.

This week Darlington do not have a game until next Saturday, but there are eight games in the division either on Tuesday or Wednesday night.