National North Round-Up 19/04/2018

National North Round-Up 19/04/2018

It was a huge midweek in the National North at both ends of the table as we reach the final week of...

It was a huge midweek in the National North at both ends of the table as we reach the final week of the season.  

Salford City all but sealed the title after they won and Harrogate lost to give them a six point advantage at the top of the table with just two games to go. Tom Walker scored the only goal of the game for the Ammies shortly after half time away to Southport. 

Crucially for Salford, Harrogate slipped up away to Boston United.  The visitors missed an early penalty and were punished through Jake Beesley and Reece Thompson’s goals before half time.  Kabongo Tshimanga sealed a 3-0 win for Boston to leave Harrogate's title hopes in tatters.  

Having not lost previously in the league at home all season, third placed Brackley lost for the second game in a week at St James Park. Ryan Toulson scored the only goal for visitors Bradford PA on Tuesday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

The teams in the other playoff places 4th-7th went head-to-head with neither of the matches finding a winner. 

Seventh placed Spennymoor came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster. Elton Ngwatala put Harriers ahead with Glen Taylor picking up a point for the Brewers. Kidderminster's playoff spot is secure while Spennymoor's destiny remains very much in their own hands still with five games left to play. 

Chorley and Stockport County also held each other to a 1-1 draw. Scott Leather put Chorley in front before Scott Duxbury earned County a point in the second half. Stockport's playoff spot is now sealed, while Chorley have games in hand on those outside the top seven. 

York's playoff hopes suffered a huge blow as they lost their fourth league game in a row at FC United of Manchester. Connor Mccarthy scored the winner for FC United, which means they will stay in the National North next season alongside ourselves. 

At the other end of the table Gainsborough Trinity made it back-to-back wins to keep up their hopes of a great escape. Ashley Worsfold scored the only goal away to already relegated North Ferriby. It moves them up to 20th two points behind fourth bottom Leamington. 

Telford leapt to 16th in the table with a huge 1-0 victory at Blyth. Marcus Dinanga scored the goal in the first half for Telford to move them four points ahead of the bottom three. 

Curzon Ashton missed out on the change to pick up a victory at home to Nuneaton on Monday as they conceded a last minute equaliser.  Oliver Thornley put Curzon ahead before Luther Wildin levelled for Nuneaton. James Baille looked to have won it for the Nash before Kevin Langmead grabbed a 2-2 draw for Nuneaton at the death. Curzon remain in danger three points ahead of Gainsborough, but they have a game in hand on them.