FC United of Manchester moved ever closer to winning the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Premier Division title after a 3-1 win against relegation-threatened Stamford AFC at Bower Fold on Saturday, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.

In front of a tremendous crowd of 2,899, it was the visitors who took an early sixth minute lead through top scorer Ryan Robbins. But goals from Tom Greaves after 18 minutes, Craig Lindfield on 31 minutes and substitute Shelton Payne on 63 minutes made sure of a comfortable victory for the home side.

The Reds, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference, now need just one point to all but seal the title.

They entertain Stourbridge at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night and travel to second-placed Workington AFC next Saturday, which they hope will only be to celebrate – not to decide the title!

Workington maintained their challenge with a good 3-0 win at the New Manor Ground against play-off chasing Ilkeston FC.

With Blyth Spartans hot on their trail, it was a disappointing afternoon for Kevin Wilson's side, who trailed to a 23rd minute Scott Allison effort. Alex Salmon doubled the Reds` lead after 65 minutes and 12 minutes later it was game over when Anthony Wright added a third.

Curzon Ashton virtually made sure of a top five finish, although mathematically it isn't definite yet, after beating Halesowen Town 4-1 at the Tameside Stadium.

Sam Walker gave the home side a 15th minute lead from the penalty spot. David Meese equalised on the hour-mark, only for Ashley Stott to restore Curzon`s lead four minutes later. Ryan Brooke on 70 minutes and Alex Brown in stoppage time added to the tally.

Their close neighbours Ashton United`s top five hopes took a knock when they were beaten 2-0 at Whitby Town.

The Seasiders needed a point or two to make absolutely sure of staying up, although results elsewhere did that for them anyway.

Steve Snaith gave them a 79th minute breakthrough and they sealed victory five minutes later through Dale Hopson.

Blyth Spartans' marvellous marathon run of games stretched to fourteen unbeaten after hammering a still-not-safe Witton Albion 5-1 at Wincham Park.

It was a dreadful performance from the home side, who gifted most of Blyth`s goals. After taking a 23rd minute lead through Luke Clark, errors at the back handed Dan Maguire a brace on 34 and 38 minutes and, after Dan Hawkins had made it 3-1 in the 42nd minute, an own goal by Albion skipper Jon Shaw gifted Spartans a 4-1 interval lead.

Craig Lynch scored his first goal in Spartans colours to make it a nap hand on 58 minutes in a low key second half.

All that means Blyth trail Ilkeston by four points, Ashton by five and Curzon by six, but they still have two games to go against already-doomed Trafford and another side in deep trouble, Marine AFC.

A crowd of 408 were at the Arriva Stadium, most of whom were hoping to see the Mariners boost their survival hopes against already-relegated Belper Town.

But, despite taking an 18th minute lead through Lloyd Ellams, the home side had to make do with just one point.

Evan Garnett equalised after 57 minutes before Andy Owens restored the Mariners' lead nine minutes later and Jon Williams found a leveller four minutes after that.

So the final two relegation places is between Marine, Stamford, Frickley, who were without a game today, and Witton.

Ramsbottom United saved themselves from any late relegation scares with a best-of-seven goal win at Barwell.

Anthony Carney gave the home side an early fifth minute lead from the spot that Jon Robinson quickly cancelled out three minutes later. Carney restored the Canaries' lead four minutes after that but Lee Neville took the sides into half-time on level terms with a 42nd minute penalty.

Robinson scored his second to make it 3-2 to Rammy on 71 minutes, only for Carney to complete his hat-trick three minutes later. Luke Heron then scored what proved to be the Lancastrians' winner six minutes from time.

King's Lynn Town's poor recent run continued with a 3-1 defeat at Causeway Lane by a Matlock Town side who are also safe now.

Julian Banton gave the Gladiators an 11th minute lead that Lee Stevenson levelled 10 minutes later. But Danny Holland after 33 minutes and Jamie McDonagh on 53 minutes, sealed Matlock`s win and took them above Lynn into fifteenth place.

Three goals before the midway point of the first half consigned Stourbridge to another home defeat against Buxton.

The Bucks were two goals to the good by the 5-minute mark, thanks to Neil Stevens and Shaun Tuton, and Mark Hardy added a third with just 22 minutes on the clock to extinguish any hopes of a Stourbridge fightback.

Buxton were content thereafter to soak up pressure with relative comfort as the Glassboys made little impact, despite having most of the play after the interval.

Rushall Olympic won 2-1 at Dales Lane against Nantwich Town.

There were two goals in a minute, with the Pics taking the lead through Carl Palmer in the eighth minute and seeing it instantly cancelled out by Steve Jones. Sam Austin's 15th minute effort eventually proved enough for the home side.

Already-doomed Trafford won 3-1 at home against Grantham Town, with goals from Chris McDonagh after 22 minutes, Chris Palmer after 51 minutes and Mark Derbyshire on 73 – Liam Hurst replying nine minutes from time.