By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Ian Moore Squires Gate vs Maine Road
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AFC Blackpool take first win
AFC Blackpool ended a run of three straight defeats to beat Darwen 2-0 – despite playing most of the game a man short.
James Stanley’s red card after just 17 minutes left The Mechanics seemingly facing an uphill struggle – yet they struck twice before Darwen were also reduced to ten men.
The game was goalless at the break, before James Hughes and Corey Adams scored within a six minute period to give AFC Blackpool an unlikely lead. Bruno Severino was then sent off for a second booking to level the playing field.
READ MORE: Irlam leap into top 2 with away win
Manager Leighton Mills reacts to an out of character defeat at home to @AFCBlackpool. pic.twitter.com/An34Y291Vq
— Darwen FC (@DarwenFC) August 30, 2025
A first win for John Salanki’s side sees Darwen fall to defeat to a Blackpool side for the second time this season – following a 2-1 loss at Squires Gate earlier in August.
Late Droylsden show sees Bloods rise to second
Goals were like buses between Ashton Athletic and Droylsden – after waiting ages for one, you get five in the last 20 minutes.
The Bloods run out comprehensive 4-1 winners – but there was nothing between the sides until Sam Oliver opened the scoring on 70 minutes – with Jamie Robinson doubling the lead four minutes later.
A late brace from substitute Cody Artwell ensured Emmanuel Ujahchuku’s injury time effort for Athletic was a mere consolation. Droylsden leap into second place, while Athletic sit second bottom with one win on the board.
Table-toppers Maghull see off rivals
Droylsden remain one point off the top after unbeaten Maghull won an early-table topping clash by beating Steeton 3-1.
Sam Smith’s brace had put Maghull in firm control by the end of the first half, but Jack Lynn pulled one back with 20 left to play. Nathan Moffitt made sure of it deep into injury time with his third of the campaign.
Maghull have 13 points on the board after handing the Yorkshire side their first defeat.
Good start for Nelson under new-ish management
Nelson picked up a 2-1 win over Thornton Cleveleys in returning manager Arron Ripley’s first game back in charge.
Dominic Ritchied had put Thornton ahead on 34 minutes, but his goal was almost instantly cancelled out by Jack Doherty.
The game looked like it was heading to a score draw until a late intervention from Luke Hepple – with his goal three minutes from time securing a second win of the season.
📷Post match with Arron following our win over Thornton Cleveleys. pic.twitter.com/7gsM2EAvUq
— Nelson FC (@Nelsonfc1) August 31, 2025
Late starters Bacup notch up first win
Bacup Borough may have started the season much later than everyone else – but already have three points on the board after beating Ashton Town 1-0.
Ben Thompson won it for Bacup with 20 minutes to play in their first league match of the season.
Coupled with their FA Vase progress last week it’s been a decent start for the Lancashire side. Ashton have four points from four games.
Colne win all-Lancashire clash
A goal in each half saw Colne move into the top seven after beating Garstang 2-0.
Miles Storey opened the scoring for Andy Harrison’s side on 33 minutes, with Nathan Cliffe sealing it five minutes after half time.
The attendance of 228 was higher than all bar one of this weekend’s Premier Division fixtures.
Ing wins it for Squires Gate
Squires Gate recorded both a second win of the campaign and a first clean sheet after a 1-0 home win over Maine Road.
Dean Ing won it for the hosts on 68 minutes as the visitors drew a blank for the second successive weekend. He’s netted half of his side’s six goals so far his season.
Despite defeat here, strong earlier form sees Maine Road still in the top five.
2nd win of the season!
— Squires Gate FC (@squiresgatefc) August 30, 2025
Manager Luke Evans gives his reaction to an impressive 1-0 victory over a high-flying @MaineRoadFC at home.
Dean Ing was the match-winner after a stunning acrobatic effort.
Onto @ashtontownfc for a tough away trip next Saturday.#WeAreGate #OneClub pic.twitter.com/iE0D8YE3w6
Gutsy Fulwood rescue a point
Fulwood Amateurs will be the happier of the two sides after a 2-2 draw with Daisy Hill.
The Cutters looked home and dry after a Liam Sheppard brace covering both halves – especially with the home side’s Owen Watkinson dismissed for a second yellow before Shepherd scored the second from the penalty.
Fulwood gained a foothold with an own goal with five minutes to play – and secured a point three minutes into added time through substitute Glenn Steele. It’s been an impressive start for the promoted side, who sit fifth after five games, while Daisy Hill remain without a win.
Finally, now-bottom MSB Woolton and Holker Old Boys played out a goalless draw in front of just 40 – a new low for the Division this season.
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