DROYLSDEN'S persistence finally paid dividends as they survived a major scare in a thrilling Tameside derby at Stalybridge to stay top of Blue Square North with a battling 2-2 draw against their Bower Fold neighbours.

The buoyant Bloods somehow found the strength to pick themselves up after set-piece strikes by Warren Peyton and John Hardiker had given the slick Celts a two-goal lead inside the first ten minutes.

Shaun Whalley pulled one back before the break but Droylsden's second-half dominance looked set to go unrewarded until sub Paul Brown snatched a dramatic 90th minute equaliser to rescue a point for the free-scoring Butcher's Arms side which keeps them in pole position on goal difference.

Droylsden boss Dave Pace saluted his players for their stirring comeback, saying: "All credit to the lads for the way they responded when lesser teams would have folded.

"Bridge certainly had us rattled early on, but I thought we finished much the stronger and were well worth the draw." Meanwhile, Northwich Victoria moved out of the bottom-three for the first time this term with Jonny Allan, Matt Bailey and Mark Danks on target in a comfortable 3-1 win over visiting Hyde, who had waved the white flag long before sub Lee Rick replied in the dying seconds of a one-sided contest.

Defeat for the Tigers means they have now taken just two points from their last six games in slipping from first place to 12th, while Vics are clearly upwardly mobile after posting their second win in five days.

Altrincham were content to settle for their second successive goalless draw in Blue Square Premier after keeper Stuart Coburn had saved Thomas Pinault's late penalty to deny fellow mid-table outfit Crawley victory at Moss Lane.

But the main talking point was the controversial late dismissal of Robins' midfielder Robbie Lawton, who was shown a straight red for a high tackle on Stan Rents shortly after making his first appearance of the season as a 77th minute substitute.

Curzon Ashton moved level on points with UniBond North leaders FC Halifax with Mike Norton striking to secure them a 1-0 victory at Prescot Cables.

Stuart Barlow's stunning hat-trick helped Trafford thrash visiting Ossett Albion 5-2, while struggling Mossley could count themselves unfortunate not to beat Gary Flitcroft's high-flying Leigh, who were relieved to escape Seel Park with a 1-1 draw. Matty Kay fired Lilywhites in front with a 35th minute penalty after he'd been fouled by former Mossley defender John Smith.

Andy Heald headed Leigh level early in the second-half but they then had to survive a Mossley onslaught which saw Kay rattle the woodwork late on.