National North Round-Up 23/04/2018

By Ray Simpson

National North Round-Up 23/04/2018

Our last Saturday home game saw us draw 0-0 with Nuneaton to leave us six points off the final playo...

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Our last Saturday home game saw us draw 0-0 with Nuneaton to leave us six points off the final playoff place with two games to go.

Salford City were confirmed as champions on Saturday and guaranteed their place in the National Premier next season. This was despite losing at home to Boston United. Reece Thompson and Jordan Keane scored quick fire first half goals to put the Pilgrims in control. Lois Maynard pulled one back for Salford with 20 minutes to go but they couldn’t grab the equaliser as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.

However, the Ammies promotion was confirmed after second placed Harrogate lost 3-1 at Bradford Park Avenue. Adam Boyes and Euan Mulhern put Bradford in control before Jake Wright pulled one back for Harrogate. However, Boyes grabbed his second just four minutes later to condemn Harrogate to the playoffs. The victory means Harrogate could end up facing Bradford in the playoffs after they moved up to 7th.

At the other end of the table the relegation battle was decided in the most dramatic of fashions. Tamworth’s fate was sealed after coming out on the wrong end of a seven goal thriller with Chorley. Dior Angus, Akwasi Asante and Luke Jones three times put the Lambs ahead, but an own goal and a Josh O’Keefe double brought Chorley level on each occasion.  A draw would still have seen Tamworth go down today and with them pushing for the winner Marcus Carver won the game for Chorley 4-3 to seal the Lambs fate. It was equally a huge win for Chorley who are now sixth knowing a win on the final day will guarantee them a playoff spot.

Gainsborough Trinity were also relegated after they lost 3-2 at Telford. Ashley Worsfold scored twice to put Trinity in control and they looked set to take their battle to the final day, However, three goals in 14 minutes turned the game and ensured Telford’s place in the division next year. Shane Sutton scored the first before two from Marcus Dinanga gave Telford the win.

Curzon Ashton beat Spennymoor 1-0 to secure their place in the National North for next season. Joe Guest scored the only goal of the Nash. Spennymoor dropped out of the playoff places however, they still have two games in hand on Bradford one place above them.

York City suffered another set back in their top seven hopes after Leamington scored a last minute equaliser. Alexander Kempster put the Brakes into a shock lead before half time before a Sean Newton double appeared to have won the game for York. However, Matthew Dodd gave Leamington a 2-2 draw in the final minute

Brackley Town won at Southport to confirm they will finish in the top three and mean they will not have to play in the first round of playoff games. Aaron Williams scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes from time for Brackley.

Kidderminster will definitely finish fourth after a 3-1 win at relegated North Ferriby. George Waring, Joe Ironside and Lee Vaughan scored the goals for Harriers with Jack Mail netting North Ferriby’s consolation.

Stockport are all but guaranteed to finish fifth meaning they will be at home in the first round of playoff games after a 1-0 win at Blyth Spartans. James Ball scored the only goal two minutes into the second half.

Alfreton went into their game at home to FC United of Manchester still with relegation worries, but they made certain of their safety themselves, winning the game 1-0 thanks to Thomas Platt.