National North Round-Up 01/05/2018

National North Round-Up 01/05/2018

Our season came to an end with a 1-1 draw at playoff bound Stockport County. Stephen Thompson gave u...

Our season came to an end with a 1-1 draw at playoff bound Stockport County. Stephen Thompson gave us the lead, but a young Quakers side were made to settle for a point. It meant that after a rollercoaster of a season we finished in 12th place on 55 points.

With the automatic promotion and relegation places already decided it was up to the final playoff spot to provide the drama, but boy did it.

The day started with Bradford Park Avenue, Spennymoor, Blyth Spartans, York City and Boston United all having hopes of finishing seventh.

A Bradford win would seal the spot for them and they just did enough away to Kidderminster. Harriers had already sealed fourth place so rested players, but they took the lead through Daniel Bradley. Bradford levelled with just nine minutes to go through Euan Mulhern. That would still have not been enough but Adam Boyes won the game for Park Avenue 2-1 in the 94th minute.

That meant heartbreak for neighbours Spennymoor who have been in the playoff places for the majority of the season before falling away in the last couple of weeks. They also fell behind at home to Southport thanks to Ross Hannah. However, two quick fire goals through Mark Anderson and Rob Ramshaw earned the Brewers the victory. Despite this, Bradford’s very late winner meant Spennymoor missed out on goal difference.

Bradford’s win meant the other sides hopes for a top seven finish were over, but only Boston were able to win anyway. Ashley Hemmings scored the only goal of the game for the Pilgrims at home to Telford United.

York’s miserable season came to an end at Brackley with a 2-0 defeat. James Armson scored both goals for the hosts who will go into the playoffs in a confident mood.

Blyth came from behind twice to grab a 2-2 draw at Nuneaton, but even if they had won the game it would not have been enough. George Green and Ashley Chambers scored Nuneaton’s goals. Robbie Dale and Sean Reid netting Blyth’s.

Champions Salford City celebrated in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Leamington. Anthony Dudley and Michael Phenix both scored in each half for the Ammies as they look forward to their first season in the National Premier.

Harrogate warmed up for the playoffs with a one man demolition of Curzon Ashton. Dominic Knowles scored all five goals in a 5-0 victory for Harrogate who alongside Brackley move straight into the playoff semi finals.

Chorley also got ready for their playoff games with a victory on Saturday. Jason Walker netting the only goal of the game against Alfreton shortly after half time.

Despite relegation being long confirmed for North Ferriby they won 2-0 on the final day at FC United of Manchester. Luke Lofts scored both goals for North Ferriby in the second half.

Relegated sides Gainsborough and Tamworth met on Saturday with Trinity coming out on top as they finished one place higher in the table. Nicky Walker scored after four minutes with Nathan Jarman adding two more for Gainsborough who won 3-0.