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The Topsy Turvy nature of the National League continued midweek, with every single away team winning. We take a look at the results and what that means for the playoff and relegation scrap.
Back-to-back losses had plunged AFC Fylde deep in relegation trouble. The Coasters took an early lead through Ethan Mitchell before Gavin Massey missed a crucial penalty just after halftime. Goals from Finley Barbrook (86) and Will Davies (88) saw the away side take the three points. This result leaves Fylde three points off safety and leaves Sutton just six outside the playoffs.
In a game that could have major implications at both ends of the table, Wealdstone ran out 0-1 winners at Altrincham. Alty came into this game after three losses in a row, with their playoff hopes faltering in recent weeks. Phil Parkinson's side have struggled in front of goal without the suspended Regan Linney, and this was evident as they struggled to break down a resilient Stones' side.
Alex Reid scored his 13th goal of the season just after halftime, with Wealdstone holding firm until full time. Neil Gibson's side have moved two points clear of relegation. With four of their next five games at home, Wealdstone will fancy their chances of survival.
Another game that had major implications at both ends of the table saw struggling Dagenham & Redbridge travel to face high-flying FC Halifax. The visitors had gone 13 games without a win and were in serious trouble of relegation. The hosts were six games unbeaten and had won three games in a row, but the Daggers emerged victorious, thanks to a goal on the stroke of half-time from box-to-box midfielder Josh Rees.
The result puts Dagenham and Redbridge two points clear of safety. However, with Boston and Wealdstone's form below them, they will still be checking their shoulders because they have played two extra games. On the other hand, Halifax remains comfortably seven clear of the chasing pack.
Playoff-chasing Gateshead have stumbled yet again, losing four games on the bounce. Before this, they had lost to Rochdale and Aldershot away, before a shock 0-2 home loss to Maidenhead. A game against lowly Braintree was seen as the perfect opportunity to bounce back, but Carl Magnay's side succumbed to yet another defeat.
Dan Jones put Gateshead into a half-time lead after 35 minutes. However, the Iron came fighting back in the second half thanks to goals from Chay Cooper, John Akinde and a first senior goal for Kyreece Lisbie. Under Steve Pitt, Braintree have been strong, ranking fifth in the league in the last 15 games. This run should see them safe as they are now eight points clear of relegation.
Since the departure of manager Rob Elliot to Crawley and top scorer Owen Oseni to Scottish side St.Mirren, Gateshead have struggled to match the early season form. The Head still have a five-point cushion over the chasing pack, but with their poor form and the sides below having games in hand, the pressure is on for the Tyne and Wear side.
A 0-2 win at Gateshead thwarted a five-game winless streak for Maidenhead, giving them hope of survival. However, a drab performance saw them lose 0-1 to Aldershot, with Tyler Frost scoring for the visitors. Maidenhead are two points from safety having played two more games than Wealdstone and Boston United, so are deep in trouble.
Aldershot have now won five of their last six games - a run that has seen them storm up the table. Tommy Widdrington's side are now ten points off the playoffs and nine clear of relegation, so are set for a 13th straight season in the National League.
When Graham Coughlan took the reins at Boston United, the Pilgrims looked dead and buried. The 50-year-old has his fanbase dreaming of an unlikely great escape. His side are now just two points from safety after a six-game unbeaten run and five straight-away wins.
Jacob Hazel and Zachary Mills put the visitors into a half-time lead, with Jimmy Knowles making it three after 69 minutes. Goals in the 80th and 88th minute from Ian Henderson and Jay Bird set up a nervy finale, but Boston held firm.
Rochdale are one point clear of Altrincham in eighth but still have two games in hand.
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