Fortunately for Darlington, league leaders Salford City slipped up at the weekend at home to Lancaster City. First half goals from Tom Kilifin and Ryan Winder ensured a 2-0 victory for Lancaster, as Salford finished the game with nine men, after Cavell Coo and Sam Madeley had both been shown red cards.

Northwich Victoria closed the gap on the top two after they picked up a victory at home to struggling New Mills.  New Mills took a shock first half lead through Lee O’Brien, but Gary Burnett levelled shortly after. Northwich then secured all the points ten minutes from full time as Godwin Abadaki scored, to leave the Vics just three points off the top of the table.

Two games involving four of the sides hoping to make the end of season playoffs ended goalless on Saturday, as neither games between Bamber Bridge v Scarborough or Droylsden v Spennymoor Town could produce a goal.

Bamber Bridge finished the week in fourth place after a 2-0 win at Ossett Town on Tuesday night, Michael Muscat scored the goals either side of half time.

Spennymoor were also able to win on Tuesday night, 1-0, in a crunch game with Farsley. Former Quaker Nathan Fisher scored the only goal just after half-time. The Brewers are a point outside the playoff places, however, they do have games in hand on all five of the sides above them.

Farsley were able to keep in touch with the playoffs after a 1-0 victory at home to Warrington Town. Adam Priestley scoring the only goal of the game just after the hour mark to seal the victory.

Warrington are now in the top ten in the league table after a 4-2 home win over Clitheroe.  Clitheroe took the lead through David Lynch, however, they were 4-1 down thanks to a Nathan Burke double, along with goals from Steven Tames and James McCarten. Sefton Gonzales pulled a goal back for Clitheroe before half-time, but there were no further goals in the second half.

Mossley remain in the top ten after coming from behind to beat Prescot Cables. Prescot took an early lead through Sam Corlett, but a goal from Thomas Pratt and two from Porya Ahmadi helped Mossley win the game 3-1.

Harrogate RA’s recent struggles continued as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ossett Town. Steven Jeff, Nathan Curtis and Joe Brennan put Ossett three up, before a consolation for Harrogate from Jason Mycoe.

Padiham remain routed to the bottom of the table despite a 1-1 draw with Brighouse Town. Brett Ormerod scored a penalty to give Padiham the lead, but William Tolley levelled for Brighouse just a minute later.

Radcliffe Borough eased any relegation worries as they came from behind to win at home to Burscough. The visitors took the lead through Edward Toner, however, goals from Sam McMahon and a late winner from Steve Foster turned the game in Radcliffe’s favour.

This weekend we face a crunch clash with Northwich Victoria at Heritage Park, while Salford City travel to New Mills.

Fixtures Saturday 14^th February

Brighouse Town v Mossley

Burscough v Droylsden

Darlington v Northwich Victoria

Harrogate RA v Padiham

Lancaster City v Ossett Town

New Mills v Salford City

Ossett Albion v Farsley

Prescot Cables v Bamber Bridge

Scarborough Athletic v Radcliffe Borough

Spennymoor Town v Clitheroe

Warrington Town v Kendal Town