Biggins brace in Stocksbridge win; Sheffield FC make it 15 unbeaten

The visitors entered administration at the beginning of December then saw manager Adam Lakeland resign last week and can now expected a 12-point deduction.

But Northwich gave an whole hearted performance particularly in the second half having Steels on the back foot for long periods after the hosts had looked in full control when going in 2-0 up at the interval

Manager Chris Hilton said. “A wins a win, but we didn’t manage the game well in the second half. We gave the ball away far too often but we really should have had two or three more in the last 10 minutes.”

Steels were in front on six minutes following an excellent flowing move that finished with Joe Lumsden setting up Harrison Biggins to score with a well placed shot into the keeper’s bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

Steels doubled their lead on 23 minutes when Biggins sent the keeper the wrong from the penalty spot way awarded for a soft handball.

Northwich were also awarded a spot kick after the ball had struck MacFadyen on the elbow three minutes later but Alex Johnson blazed it over.

Steels could have increased their advantage with Matt Reay having a header well saved then Adam Hinchliffe inches away with a stooping header.

Steels could have to put the game to bed on 54 minutes when McFadyen nodded down a corner towards Matt Reay who could only stab the ball over.

Northwich started to push Steels back and in one almighty goalmouth scramble the hosts were fortunate to scramble the ball away. Then keeper Reay made a brilliant save to deny Yaw Gyimah before the post came to the home sides rescue.

Northwich did score in the 83rd minute with a fine effort from Gyimah.

Steels threatened in the closing stages with Lumsden (twice) and Brodie Litchfield getting in on goal

Sheffield FC took their unbeaten run to 13 games with a battling 1-1 draw at Stamford after coming from behind to grab a point with a late equaliser.

Pat Lindley and Matt Roney set up Adam Johnson but his finish let him down. Johnson then hit the bar early in the second half while Alec Denton got in on goal only to fire wide.

Stamford edged in front on 57 minutes when Grant Ryan in space tucked away a ball into the box but Ross Godwin equaliseddeflected shot 16 minutes from time.

Shaw Lane AFC remain top on goal-difference despite being held 1-1 at home by AFC Rushden & Diamonds. Gary Burnett fired the Ducks in front with 11 minutes remaining only for the visitors to hit back five minutes later.

Matlock Town came from one down to beat Whitby Town 2-1.