Ammies go step closer to promotion after victory over rivals

SALFORD CITY look certain to earn promotion from the National League North this season after moving 11 points clear at the top thanks to a 2-1 victory against second-placed Harrogate Town.

The Ammies went ahead after just 14 minutes when Michael Phenix found the net, before Thomas Walker doubled his side’s lead just before the half-hour mark.

Harrogate pulled one back on 63 minutes through Dominic Knowles, but Salford held on to earn the win and extend their lead at the top.

FC UNITED picked up a hard-fought point as they drew 1-1 at play-off hopefuls Blyth Spartans.

Blyth took the lead on 56 minutes through Sean Reid, but player-manager Tom Greaves equalised for FC United with 20 minutes to go to ensure his side took a share of the spoils, with the point leaving the Rebels 13th in the table.

STOCKPORT COUNTY suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Southport.

The Hatters made a good start when Rhys Turner scored the opener on nine minutes, and they carried that lead into half-time.

They couldn’t hold on though, as two second-half goals from Jack Sampson and a strike from Jason Gilchrist condemned 10th-placed County to defeat.

In the National League, there was a huge upset as top of the table MACCLESFIELD TOWN were emphatically beaten 6-0 at AFC Fylde. The Silkmen’s lead at the top has now been cut to three points.