Stalybridge Celtic 0, Bradford Park Avenue 1
BRADFORD Park Avenue returned to winning ways in their penultimate Vanarama Conference North game of the season thanks to a penalty from former Bantams winger Joe Colbeck.
Craig King forced the first corner of the game and Avenue soon had another as Colbeck sent in a shot that was deflected over. Chib Chilaka was also in the action early on with a shot from outside the area.
But the first half was not all Avenue and John Danby made a very good save to prevent Stalybridge taking the lead.
Soon after that the visitors did break the deadlock from the spot after Chilaka beat the home keeper to Lamin Colley's through-ball and was brought down. Colbeck's low strike sent the keeper the wrong way.
The home side had two very good chances late in the first half but they sandwiched a run and shot from Colbeck that cannoned back off the crossbar.
Avenue began the second half in the same vein but spurned some glorious opportunities to double their advantage.
Their profligacy led to Stalybridge scenting a late leveller but, despite having to hang on at times, John Deacey's men got their deserved victory.
Things did not go as well for GUISELEY as they slipped to a 3-2 home defeat to mid-table North Ferriby United, despite twice taking the lead.
The Lions had already confirmed their play-off finish but they were keen to win their last two league games to maintain the momentum.
They seemed to be on track as they got off to a blistering start, with Adam Boyes giving them a third-minute lead.
Tom Denton levelled for Ferriby late in the first period and Guiseley made a change at half-time, with Oli Johnson replacing Jake Lawlor.
Boyes restored the Lions' lead after home keeper Steve Drench had saved a penalty – but Denton equalised again before claiming his hat-trick.
ALBION SPORTS were narrowly beaten by a late goal as Shaw Lane Aquaforce consolidated their place at the summit of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
Albion's Danny Facey struck to cancel out Andrew Fox's first-half opener but Shane Kelsey's 85th-minute goal won it 2-1 for the home side.
SILSDEN earned a point on the road in the North West Counties League Premier Division as Kev Ryan's last-gasp equaliser made it 1-1 at St Helens Town.
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