NPL round-up | Saturday 28 September

Mark Beesley’s first game in charge of FC United of Manchester ended in success, with his side running out 3-2 winners away at play-off chasing Hyde United.

A first-half hat-trick from Jordan Buckley - who played under Beesley at Warrington Town before making the move to Broadhurst Park last November - was enough to secure the three points. 

It was also FC United’s first win since their 1-0 opening day victory at Morpeth Town.

Beesley’s side climbed out of the bottom four as a result, while Hyde failed to move back into a play-off place after their winless run in the league stretched to five matches.

A fiery encounter that saw red cards for both sides ended in a stalemate as Ilkeston Town and Ashton United played out a 2-2 draw.

Tom Cursons became the first player to score double digits in the league this season when he netted his 10th of the campaign to give Ilkeston the lead, before the hosts doubled things on 26 minutes through Tom Marshall.

Ashton were able to halve the deficit before the break, and the second half dismissal of Connor Dixon was capitalised on a minute later when Darius Osei equalised.

Sam Baird was shown a second yellow three minutes from time, but neither side could find a winner and subsequently shared the points, moving Steve Cunningham’s Robins up to third.

Another 2-2 draw was played out at the SFC Stadium, as Lucas Weaver scored twice at the death for Bamber Bridge to salvage a point against Mickleover.

Elsewhere, Prescot Cables extended their impressive run of form with a 2-0 win over struggling Leek Town, who have now won only one of their last eight league games.

Goals from Francis Smith and John Murphy either side of half-time were enough to send Cables into the top half.

Ashley Chambers was at the double for Basford United, who ran out 2-0 winners away at Blyth Spartans.

The other game in the division on Saturday ended goalless between Whitby Town and Matlock Town.

The Gladiators are still searching for their first win under new boss Ryan Cresswell, but a point was enough to lift them off of the foot of the table and above Warrington Rylands, who didn’t play this weekend due to FA Cup commitments.

Results - Saturday 28 September

• Bamber Bridge 2-2 Mickleover
• Blyth Spartans 0-2 Basford United
• Hyde United 2-3 FC United of Manchester
• Ilkeston Town 2-2 Ashton United
• Prescot Cables 2-0 Leek Town
• Whitby Town 0-0 Matlock Town

Check out the latest fixtures and results from across the NPL East Division, NPL Midlands Division and NPL West Division.

Photo credit:  Basford United