NPL round-up | Saturday 7 September

Macclesfield maintained their unbeaten start under Robbie Savage as Justin Johnson's first-half stunner saw them collect all three points away at Stockton Town.

The Anchors, who were looking to climb above their opponents in the table, saw their task become immeasurably harder when captain Adam Nicholson was sent off midway through the second half.

Savage's Silkmen started the weekend behind Hyde United, but the early NPL leaders were dealt a heavy 4-0 defeat at Guiseley.

Leo Farrell was on target twice for the Lions as they ended Hyde's unbeaten start in impressive fashion.

Elsewhere, free-scoring Worksop Town climbed up to second, thanks to a 4-0 win on the road at Leek Town.

Regan Hutchinson, Jacob Gratton, Jordan Burrow and Vaughan Redford were all on target for the Tigers, who have already amassed 20 goals during their opening seven league outings and also boast the tightest defence in the division, having conceded just three.

NPL newcomers Hebburn Town were also on the right end of a statement scoreline, triumphing 5-1 at home to Bamber Bridge.

Amar Purewal bagged a double for the Hornets as they climbed to third in the table.

There was another 5-1 scoreline at the New Manor Ground, where Ilkeston Town put Whitby Town to the sword.

The Seasiders had no answer to an impressive Ilkeston display, with Jamie Walker and Tom Cursons both scoring twice for the home side.

Ashton United keep their place in the top five, despite suffering a late defeat at home to Morpeth Town.

Jack Foalle struck in the 96th minute for the Highwaymen, who picked up their fourth win in five in all competitions.

Similarly, there was late drama at Broadhurst Park as FC United of Manchester were beaten 1-0 by Basford United.

Ashley Chambers struck the decisive blow for Basford as they ensured FC United's search for a first home win of the league season continued.

In the day's other games, Lancaster City climbed to ninth in the division after coming from behind to defeat Gainsborough Trinity 2-1.

Prescot Cables also collected just their second league win of the campaign as Francis Smith's 94th minute winner inflicted further misery on managerless Blyth Spartans.

Spartans remain second-bottom, above only Matlock Town. It was yet another difficult afternoon for the Gladiators, who conceded twice in the final quarter away at Mickleover.

The only other game of the afternoon saw the points shared as Workington and Warrington Rylands played out a 1-1 draw.

Both goals came in the second half, Steven Swinglehurst's 47th minute opener cancelled out by Ntumba Massanka shortly after the hour mark.

Results - Saturday 7 September

• Ashton United 0-1 Morpeth Town
• FC United of Manchester 0-1 Basford United
• Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Lancaster City
• Guiseley 4-0 Hyde United
• Hebburn Town 5-1 Bamber Bridge
• Ilkeston Town 5-1 Whitby Town
• Leek Town 0-4 Worksop Town
• Mickleover 2-0 Matlock Town
• Prescot Cables 1-0 Blyth Spartans
• Stockton Town 0-1 Macclesfield
• Workington 1-1 Warrington Rylands

Photo credit: Chelsie Wilson