Chorley are still top of the table but missed the chance to open up a gap after they suffered a shock defeat at home to struggling Ashton United. Matthew Regan scored the only goal of the game for Ashton early in the second half. It leaves Chorley top only on goal difference ahead of Stockport. It was also a huge win for third bottom Ashton to bring them back within three points of fourth bottom Guiseley with 11 games to go.

Spennymoor are right on the heels of the top two after their seventh straight league win. They took full advantage of Chorley’s defeat along with Stockport being in FA Trophy action, as they beat Leamington 1-0. Mark Anderson scored the only goal of the game for the Brewers in the first half. Leamington were left to rue a missed penalty in the second period which could have rescued them a point. Spennymoor are now a point behind the top two with a game in hand, their next fixture is away to Stockport on Saturday.

Bradford PA moved back up to fifth with a win over playoff hopefuls Chester. Lewis Knight scored inside the opening minute for Bradford, with Nicholas Cree completing the 2-0 win in the first half. Chester are now four points off the final playoff place.

Altrincham are the team Chester are hoping to catch in seventh, but they picked up a comfortable win at Curzon Ashton. Joe Piggott scored a hat-trick for Alty, with John Johnston, Sean Williams and Yusifu Ceesay also scoring in a 6-0 victory.

Bottom of the table Nuneaton Borough were pushed further towards relegation after a 2-0 defeat at York City. Wesley York and Hamza Bencherif scored second half goals for the hosts who are now up to 12^th.

FC United of Manchester picked up a point away to Southport with a 0-0 draw, but they are still seven points off safety.

Fourth bottom Guiseley fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Alfreton. Jordan Sinnott scored the only goal of the game in the 35^th minute.

Blyth Spartans and Kidderminster Harriers dramatically drew 3-3 which helped neither sides play-off hopes, but the hosts will definitely be happy with a point having played the majority of the game with ten men. Dan Maguire had given Blyth the lead in just the second minute, but Nicholas Clayton-Phillips levelled just five minutes later. The game turned on 21 minutes when our former goalkeeper Peter Jameson was sent off conceding a penalty in the process. Joe Ironside put Harriers ahead from the spot and victory looked certain when Edward Williams made it 3-1 with less than 20 minutes to go. However, two goals in the final two minutes from Maguire and then from Nathan Buddle earned Spartans a point.

Three of the sides from our division were in the last eight of the FA Trophy. Telford produced the big shock as they won 2-1 at National Premier high fliers Solihull Moors. Stockport County drew with Maidstone 1-1 and are now set for a replay. However, Brackley Town and out of the competition after they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Leyton Orient.