Brackley Town and Kidderminster Harriers kept pace with National League North leaders Gateshead, in a weekend that followed the form the form book.
By Amos Murphy
Credit: Glenn Alcock
Brackley Town cemented their position as title contenders with a standout 1-0 triumph at home to AFC Fylde, maintaining their second-placed position in the National League North table
After a goalless first half, Shepherd Murombedzi popped up with the winning goal 16 minutes from time, securing the Saints a precious three points.
Without any answer to the Brackley opener, Fylde were forced to succumb to their hosts, ending what had been a promising run of five games out of the last six unbeaten for the Coasters.
National League North leaders Gateshead were deserved winners during their 4-0 thrashing of Alfreton Town, with a result that keeps the Tynesiders top of the division.
Opening the scoring through Cedwyn Scott after 21 minutes, the 23-year-old netted his and Gateshead’s second of the game moments later.
Never really under threat by a Alfreton comeback, Macaulay Langstaff popped up with a quickfire brace of his own midway through the second half, capping off a memorable victory.
In their first league outing after their FA Cup heartbreak against West Ham United, Kidderminster Harriers edged a tight affair against AFC Telford, to keep their title hopes alive.
Looking as if it would be level at the break, Nathan Cameron was on hand to net the opener just before the interval.
A Telford side in need of points were unable to mount a second-half comeback, meaning Kidderminster make the leap into third.
A delightful Leamington side stunned promotion hopefuls Chorley, squeezing past the Lancashire outfit with a 2-1 triumph.
Netting twice early on through Kelsey Mooney, the 23-year-old’s brace gave Leamington a deserved half-time advantage.
Bradley Holmes’ strike just after the break looked as if it would provide Chorley with the platform to mount a comeback, but the Brakes were abele to hold on for all three points.
Gloucester City all but confirmed their place in next season’s National League with a crucial three points against fellow strugglers Farsley Celtic.
Jimmy Spencer had given Celtic the lead, only for Michael Green to net the equaliser three minutes from time, before Ollie Hulbert popped up with the winner in added time.
The defeat leaves Farsley bottom of the National League North, with Telford the only side they have any real chance of catching before the season concludes.
Chester missed out on three points against Darlington, having lead the way early on, before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.
Marcus Dackers was the man who originally put the Seals in front, before Junior Mondal netted the leveller only five minutes later.
In the ascendancy, Darlington pushed forward and eventually found the winner midway through the second period – George Smith the man who scored the winning goal for the hosts.
Hereford were comfortable winners at home to Guiseley, with Afghan midfielder Qamaruddin Kouhyar netting an impressive brace for the Bulls.
In the only other game of the weekend, Scott Garner’s own goal for Southport, was cancelled out by Luke Shiels 89th-minute equaliser for Boston United.
Neither York City or Spennymoor Town were involved in National League North action this weekend, due to their involvement in the FA Trophy fifth round.
Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.
