Saturday’s Round-Up: Vanarama National League North

It was the home side who drew first blood just past the half-hour mark with Jason Oswell's 22nd goal of the season, courtesy of a header from a Scott Duxbury cross.

The Hatters held that lead at the break, but just 3 minutes into the second half, the packed away end were celebrating as Ibou Touray's looping cross did not appear to present any danger and looked to be going out of play, until Jack Redshaw picked it up and fired home to get the visitors back on terms. .

Both sides had chances to score after that, but on 82 minutes it was Stockport who looked to have won in when sub Bohan Dixon latched on to a through-pass before unleashing a low drive home against his former club.

But the Ammies showed great fighting spirit and 2 minutes into stoppage time they were awarded a corner, and with the keeper up as well, it was Michael Nottingham who headed home the leveller and there was barely time for County to kick-off again.

Salford`s lead is now just two points though as second-placed Harrogate Town, another side to have turned full-time this season, won the other top game of Saturday, 1-0 at another of the play-off contenders, Chorley.

Jordan Thewlis’ 81st minute goal saw Harrogate collect all three points when the winger beat his marker and hit a shot over the head of impressive Chorley `keeper Matt Unwin into the far corner.

Joe Leesley had the chance to make it two in the closing stages after being brought down from behind inside the area after a mazy run only to see his spot-kick saved by Unwin.

Brackley Town are two points further back in third, but have played a game more.

They inflicted a second defeat in a week on second-bottom Nuneaton Town at
the LDJ Solicitors Stadium.

Brackley took the lead after just 8 minutes when a free-kick from the edge of the area caused problems and Glenn Walker tucked the ball home from close range.

And the points were virtually assured on the hour-mark when Boro `keeper Dean Lyness was penalised inside the box when challenging for the loose ball.

James Armson stepped up to convert the penalty and double the visitors advantage.

Spennymoor Town are four points behind Brackley in fourth after winning 2-1 at fellow top seven contenders Bradford Park Avenue at the Horsfall Stadium.

David Foley gave the Moors a 14th minute lead that Chris Mason eventually doubled in the 74th minute.

Avenue got themselves back into the game 5 minutes later through Nicky Clee, but weren`t able to find a leveller.

Spennymoor`s north-east rivals Blyth Spartans are fifth after a comfortable 4-0 Croft Park victory over third-bottom Gainsborough Trinity.

Despite making several new signings this week, Trinity fell behind to a 32nd minute Greg Rutherford effort.

Then just shy of the hour-mark, Sean Reid doubled the home side`s lead and the same player made it virtually game over with a third just 4 minutes later.

Rutherford wrapped up the day`s entertainment with a fourth goal with 8 minutes remaining.

No such joy for the north-east`s other club in the division, Darlington FC, who were beaten 2-1 at Blackwell Meadows by eighth-placed York City.

Former Quakers boss Martin Gray made a winning return, although his team were behind at the break when Reece Styche scored in the 43rd minute.

Sean Newton equalised right at the start of the second half and top scorer Jon Parkin decisively smashed in from the penalty spot 7 minutes later.

Kidderminster Harriers were held to a 1-1 draw at the New Windmill Ground by fiftheenth-placed Leamington.

Andre Brown’s goal put the Harriers into the ascendancy after 27 minutes.

Leamington equalised through Ahmed Obeng on 56 minutes, with neither side able to force a winn.

Boston United continued their revival with a 3-1 victory over Tamworth, who have dropped to eleventh.

Loan signing Reece Thompson scored for the second game in succession to give the Pilgrims a 23rd minute lead they held until half-time.

Ashley Hemmings then bagged a brace after 52 and 62 minutes – the second from the penalty spot.

Bradley Reid pulled a goal back for Tamworth on 74 minutes.

It was the Pilgrims’ fifth win in six games under manager Craig Elliott, and they are now just a place and a point behind the Lambs.

It`s already looking like an almost impossible task for North Ferriby United as their 3-0 home defeat to fellow strugglers Alfreton Town leaves them eighteen points adrift of the safety mark.

It was an important win for the Reds though as they pulled a point clear of the bottom three.

David Shiels gave Alfreton a 17th minute lead and Ferriby`s task was made even harder just after the half-hour mark when they had Bobby Johnson sent-off for a `last man` foul.

Chris Sharp added the Reds` second on 20 minutes and new signing Pierce Bird made it 3-0 right on the stroke of half-time.