E-mail Article Print this story

Related Links

Saturday's Blue Square North Wrap

Fleetwood Town edged past Ilkeston Town to move on equal points with league leaders Southport, while Northwich edged out Eastwood Town in a seven-goal thriller.

Blyth Spartans remain in their mid-table berth despite seeing off the challenge of Vauxhall Motors at Croft Park.

The Spartans drew first blood through Paul Brayson's 18th minute strike but Lee Furlong put Vauxhall back on even terms when he found the back of the net in the 20th minute.

With match delicately poised at 1-1, Blyth midfielder Robert Dale put his side ahead in the 86 minute to setup a tense finish.

Karl Noon put the visitors back on even terms in injury time but Furlong popped up moments later to secure the win for the hosts.

Fleetwood Town kept up the pressure on Southport with a narrow win against Ilkeston Town at Highbury Stadium. Forward Tom Cahill found the back of the net in the 56th minute and Fleetwood held firm to claim the spoils.

Stafford Rangers further distanced themselves from the dreaded drop zone with a fairly comfortable victory over Gainsborough Trinity at the Northolme.

Midfielder Levi Reid put the Rangers ahead with a 40th minute effort and a brace from Warwick Alexander (70, 72) put them in a commanding position.

Luke Beckett pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot but it was too little, too late, as Stafford claimed all three points.

Northwich Victoria boosted their chances of survival after edging out Eastwood Town at Victoria Stadium.

Eastwood struck first when David Brown found the net with a 20th minute strike but Northwich midfielder Wayne Riley restored parity four minutes later.

Brian Dutton scored on his debut to put Northwich ahead in the 38th minute and Riley popped up again the 52nd minute to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

Mat Bailey further extended the Vics' lead in the 56th minute before Lindon Meikle pulled one back for Eastwood in the 62nd minute.

Danny Holland pulled another one back for the Badgers in the 84th minute but Northwich held firm to claim all three points in a thrilling encounter.

Saturday's Blue Square North Results:

Blyth Spartans 3-2 Vauxhall Motors

Fleetwood Town 1-0 Ilkeston Town

Gainsborough 1-3 Stafford Rangers

Northwich 4-3 Eastwood Town