Chorley took a crucial three points away to AFC Fylde, whilst Chester experienced a welcome new manager bounce against AFC Telford.
By Amos Murphy
AFC Fylde and Chorley battle it out in the National League North - Credit: @SteveMacPix
Chorley held off a second-half AFC Fylde fightback during their 2-1 victory over the Coasters, ensuring the Magpies keep touch with the National League North pace-setters.
Fylde knew a win would take them top of the division, but goals from Scott Leather and Oliver Shenton saw Jamie Vermiglio's side lead 2-0 at the break.
Ben Tollitt netted midway through the second period to reduce the deficit, but it was not enough to spark a Fylde comeback, as they slumped to their first league defeat since early November.
Steve Watson enjoyed his first match in charge of Chester, as they ran out 3-1 winners over a relegation threatened AFC Telford.
James Hardy opened the scoring after 13 minutes for Chester, before Anthony Dudley and Darren Stephenson secured the three points late in the second half.
A Carl Baker consolation in added time did little to amend the damage for Telford, as relegation to the seventh tier beckons for the Bucks.
The referee was in keeping with the festive season during Spennymoor Town and Darlington’s 1-1 draw, with two red cards handed out during the stalemate.
Luke Charman kicked things off perfectly for Darlington, netting after only 14 minutes, yet Glenn Taylor would equalise for the hosts on the stroke of half-time.
Whilst they may have been back on level terms, Stephen Thompson’s red card meant Spennymoor entered the break down to 10-men, with Charman himself also given his marching orders during the second period.
Elsewhere in the National League North, four sides played out two goalless draws, with neither able to steal all three points.
Playoff chasing Leamington were left disappointed, as they couldn’t break down a struggling Gloucester City side.
Meanwhile, Southport failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage over Curzon Ashton, with Jack Dunn’s second half sending off not proving costly for the Nash.
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