Darlington picked up their first win of 2016 at the weekend with a comfortable victory over Colwyn Bay. A double from captain Kevin Burgess and a penalty from Terry Galbraith helped the side to a 3-0 win. Despite the victory, other results in the division saw the Quakers slip to seventh place in the league, however, they do have at least three games in hand on all the sides above them.

Blyth Spartans moved clear at the top of the table after two impressive wins over two title rivals. On Saturday, they came from behind to win at Nantwich Town. Nantwich took the lead through Andrew White in just the sixth minute, but Nathan Buddle levelled for Blyth. The league leaders looked to be heading for a draw, but snatched a 2-1 victory late on thanks to Ryan Hutchinson.

On Tuesday night they beat Salford City 2-1 at Croft Park. An early penalty from Damon Mullen gave Blyth the lead and former Darlington player Wilson Kneeshaw doubled the lead inside the final ten minutes. Joshua Hine pulled one back for Salford, but they were unable to score an equaliser.

Salford had earlier in the week won 2-0 at home to Buxton, Joshua Hine and John Johnston scoring the goals in the first half for the Ammies.

Workington moved up to second after two comfortable wins this week. First they won 3-0 at home to Halesowen on Saturday. Jacob Simpson and Gareth Arnison put Workington in control before the break, with Conor Tinnion sealing the victory in the final minutes.  They then picked up another three points away to Hyde United. Kyle May, James Earl, Arnison and Philp McLuckie scored the goals for Workington in a 4-0 win.

Ashton United also helped their own promotion chances, as they won 2-0 at home to Grantham Town, Chris Baguley and Martin Pilkington both getting on the scoresheet.

Barwell are in the final playoff place after victories away to Marine and at home to Stourbridge. Owen Story gave Barwell the lead after ten minutes against Marine, before Daniel Mitchley levelled for the hosts. However, Jamie Towers would score the winner early in the second half for Barwell, as they came out on top 2-1.

Barwell fell behind to Stourbridge on Tuesday night, when the visitors took the lead through Seam Geddes. However, goals from Alex Tomkinson, Luke Barlone and Brady Hickey gave Barwell the 3-1 win.

Despite the defeat at Barwell, Stourbridge are still in the playoff race with games in hand on most of the sides above them. They had to come from behind to win at home to Skelmersdale United on Saturday after the visitors had taken the lead through Max Hazeldine. However, goals form Karl Hawley, Matthew Dodd and Daniel Scarr saw Stourbridge win 3-1.

Ramsbottom United’s recent good run came to an end at Frickley Athletic, Jacob Hazel opened the scoring for Frickley after 17 minutes. Former Darlington player James Walshaw doubled the advantage early in the second, with Tyler Williams sealing a 3-0 win for Frickley.

However, Ramsbottom were able to pick up a point at Skelmersdale United in mid-week. Nia Bayunu gave Ramsbottom the lead, before Max Hazeldine earned a 1-1 draw for Skelmersdale just after half-time.

A huge game at the bottom of the table saw Whitby Town throw away a 2-0 lead at Stamford. Michael Roberts and Matthew Waters had put them in control, but Jake Newman and Chris Bacon earned a point for the hosts. Both sides remain in the relegation places.

Rushall Olympic remain in the hunt for a top five place despite being held at Mickleover Sports. Andrew Dales put Mickleover ahead in the 53^rd minute, with Alex Reid earning a point for Rushall ten minutes later.

On Tuesday Rushall were able to grab all three points at home to Marine. Jamie Spencer, Jake Heath and Kieran Morries scoring in a 3-0 win.

Ilkeston are in the top ten after victory at Sutton Coldfield Town. Jack Blake opened the scoring in the first half, before Dexter Atlkinson sealed the 2-0 win in injury time. However, Ilkeston fell to a 2-0 defeat on Monday night at home to Frickley Athletic, Jacob Hazel and James Walshaw scoring the goals.

Hyde United’s recent slip down the table continued after their latest defeat at Matlock Town. Ayrton Bevins gave Hyde the lead, but goals from Laurie Wilson and Niall McManus gave Matlock a 2-1 win.

Away from the league, Nantwich Town moved into the third round of the FA Trophy after an impressive win over Bradford Park Avenue, 5-0. Elliot Osborne scored twice, along with goals from Matthew Bell, Samuel Hall and Matthew Kosylo. In the third round they host fellow Premier Division side Stourbridge, meaning one side from the division will reach the quarter-finals.

This week Darlington have two league games, away to Marine, before hosting Buxton on Tuesday night.

Saturday 30^th January Fixtures

Ashton United v Matlock Town

Barwell v Ramsbottom United

Blyth Spartans v Grantham Town

Buxton v Sutton Coldfield

Marine v Darlington

Mickleover Sports v Workington

Nantwich Town v Ilkeston

Salford City v Frickley Athletic

Skelmersdale United v Rushall Olympic

Stamford v Colwyn Bay

Stourbridge v Hyde United

Whitby Town v Halesowen Town