FA Trophy weekend thins the Northern Premier League field

Several of Step 4's higher-profile sides bowed out of the FA Trophy this week. Shepshed Dynamo went out 3-0 at Shifnal Town, Chay Tilt scoring twice, including a deflected opener, before Andre Landell added the third. Manager Gary Drake's side had chances through Kyle Dixon and Kelly Fombad but could not find a way back. Nuneaton Town also exited, beaten by Matlock Town, who finished the tie with a long-range strike from Conor Washington after the sides had not met competitively for 33 years. Sutton Coldfield Town lost 2-1 away at Mickleover, while Silsden suffered a heavy defeat after being reduced to ten men against Bootle, who progressed 5-1 with Hamza Hamdosh scoring a late consolation. Bootle manager Alan Morgan said he was "really pleased" as his side reached the third qualifying round.

Stafford Rangers avoided any such upset, Stafford Rangers made it nine wins from ten games this season with a 3-0 victory at Kidsgrove Athletic, goals from Mitch Clarke, Joe Thompson and Kyle Sambor sending them into Monday's third qualifying round draw. Blyth Spartans were similarly ruthless, beating Wythenshawe 4-0 to continue their run, while Prescot Cables needed penalties to see off Pontefract Collieries, John Murphy, Olly Molloy, James Foley, Sharif Deans and Adam Thomas all converting in a 5-4 shootout. Guisborough Town also won on spot-kicks, beating Ashington 4-3, with Nathan Haslam saying afterwards that reaching the next round was "all that matters". Dunston won 1-0 at Morpeth Town, a result manager Jon McDonald described as one where his side "managed the game well".

Bedworth United head into their tie at Boldmere St Michaels on the back of a 2-1 league defeat at Corby Town, where Matthew Shipman scored. Chasetown lost 4-3 at Loughborough Students despite fielding new signings Nathan Blissett and loan goalkeeper Anthony Núñez. Congleton Town bowed out 3-2 at Bridlington Town, where Ahmed Salam's hat-trick for the hosts proved decisive, while Bourne Town progressed past Hanley Town thanks to a debut brace from Dan Forbes.

Away from the cup, the league programme brought a notable result for Bradford (Park Avenue), who thrashed Grimsby Borough 7-1 to move top, Louie Chorlton scoring twice off the bench. Coventry United climbed to fifth with a 2-1 win over Corby Town, and Belper Town eased any recent concern with a 3-0 win at Boston Town, manager Lee Attenborough calling it "the Belper Town we want to see more of" and praising Lewis Austin's performance.

Mossley, Ossett United and Runcorn Linnets were among the clubs paying tribute to their former manager Dave Wild following his death this week.