Blyth Spartans lead at the top of the table was cut after they suffered a surprise defeat at Sutton Coldfield Town on Saturday. Aaron Forde scored the only goal of the game for Sutton Coldfield in the 21^st minute.

Salford City are up to second after overcoming two tricky looking fixtures. First at home to Ashton United, where James Poole and an own goal from Cavell Coo put the Ammies in control, before a Stephen O’Halloran own goal brought Ashton back into the game. However, Richard Allen scored a stoppage time penalty for Salford to seal a 3-1 win.

On Tuesday Salford won an eight goal thriller with Workington, 5-3. Chris Lynch scored an early double to put Salford in control, before Sam Smith and Joseph McGee levelled for the visitors. However, Lynch completed his hat-trick and further goals from Richard Allen and Daniel Webber sealed the victory. Kyle May scored a late consolation for Workington.

Workington had also dropped points at home to Grantham Town, in a 1-1 draw. Scott Allison appeared to have won the game for Workington, but Daniel Meadows scored a stoppage penalty to earn a point for Grantham.

Barwell helped their play-off chances with two victories this week. On Saturday they had to come from behind at home to Whitby Town. Jamie Poole had given the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time, but second half goals from Alex Tomkinson and Liam Kay saw Barwell win 2-1.

On Tuesday a double from Richard Lavery and a goal from Anthony Carney helped Barwell to a 3-1 victory at home to Skelmersdale. Shaun Tuck scored the goal for the visitors.

Stourbridge are also still in the promotion mix after a comfortable 4-1 win on Monday night at home to Matlock Town. Chris Lait, Kristian Green, Matthew Dodd and Leon Broadhurst scored the goals for Stourbridge, before Liam Needham scored a late consolation for Matlock.

Ashton United are seventh after a 2-0 win over Ramsbottom United. Martin Pilkington and Craig Lindfield scored the goals for Ashton in the first 21 minutes.

Stamford continued to move away from the relegation zone after a 5-2 win over Skelmersdale United. Gregory Smith scored twice, along with goals from Jake Newman, Jake Duffy and Jordan Smith for Stamford, with Max Hazeldine and Shaun Tuck scoring the consolations for Skelmersdale.

Rushall Olympic have kept their faint hopes of a top five place alive with a 2-0 victory over Hyde United. Jack Duggan scored both the goals for Rushall early in the second half.

In a clash of two mid-table sides Halesowen Town overcame Ilkeston FC 2-0. Tyree Clarke opened the scoring for Halesowen with Malcolm Melvin sealing the victory.

Grantham Town came from behind on Tuesday to win at home to Sutton Coldfield Town. Former Shrewsbury player Luke Rodgers had given Sutton the lead, before goals from Lee Shaw and Grant Ryan sealed a 2-1 win for Grantham.

This coming week Darlington have two away trips, first on Saturday at Matlock Town, before going to Stamford on Tuesday night. Elsewhere league leaders Blyth Spartans host Halesowen Town.

Fixtures Saturday 12^th March

Ashton United v Barwell

Blyth Spartans v Halesowen Town

Buxton v Stamford

Hyde United v Sutton Coldfield Town

Ilkeston FC v Workington

Matlock Town v Darlington

Mickleover Sports v Marine

Ramsbottom United v Grantham Town

Skelmersdale United v Salford City

Stourbridge v Frickley Athletic

Whitby Town v Colwyn Bay