Blyth Spartans remain top of the table, but have seen their lead cut to five points. At the weekend they won 1-0 at Croft Park against Grantham Town, Robbie Dale scored the only goal of the game in the 22^nd minute. However, they fell to a 2-0 defeat at second placed Workington on Tuesday. Jacob Simpson gave Workington the lead with 15 minutes left, before Scott Allison sealed the victory nine minutes later.

Salford City were held at home, 2-2, by Frickley Athletic on Saturday. Richard Allen and Jordan Hulme twice put the Ammies ahead, but Thomas Davie levelled at the end of both halves to snatch a point for the visitors.

Salford were able to pick up a comfortable home win on Tuesday night, 4-0, against Ramsbottom United. Allen scored twice, before Gareth Seddon and Joshua Hine sealed the win.

Ashton United and Matlock Town played out an eight goal draw on Saturday. Niall McManus and Laurie Wilson put the visitors into a surprise lead at half-time, but four goals in 21 minutes turned the game in Ashton’s favour. Adam Morning and Martin Pilkington both scored two each. However, Joel Purkiss scored two of his own for Matlock to earn a 4-4 draw.

Barwell kept themselves in the race for the playoffs, after snatching a late 2-1 victory over bottom of the table Ramsbottom United. Owen Story gave Barwell the lead, only for Joel Melia to level for the visitors. However, Declan Towers scored the winner for Barwell in the 89^th minute.

Nantwich Town’s recent fall down the table continued, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ilkeston FC. Lindokuhle Ndlovu gave the visitors the lead just before half-time, but Stephen Jones earned a point for Nantwich with eighteen minutes left.

Stourbridge are just outside the playoff after two wins this week. On Saturday they cruised past Hyde United 5-1. Karl Hawley, Christopher Lait, Matthew Dodd, Justin Richards and Ashley Vincent all scored for Stourbridge in a 5-1 win. Ben Holmes score Hyde’s consolation in the 88^th minute.

Stourbridge won again on Tuesday night, this time at home to Marine. Hawley and Lair scored the goals as Stourbridge won the game 2-0.

Hyde United’s poor run continued on Tuesday, as they fell to another defeat, this time at Skelmersdale United. Max Hazeldine scored two in two minutes for Skelmersdale and they were able to hold on for a 2-1 win despite a consolation goal from James Burke.

Colwyn Bay picked up a huge victory against relegation rivals Stamford. Jack Kelleher scored twice along with a goal from Liam Gibson as Colwyn raced into a 3-0 lead. Paul Malone and Thomas McGowan pulled goals back for Stamford, but the Welsh side held on for a 3-2 win.

Whitby Town moved out of the bottom three after a victory at home to Halesowen Town, 2-1. Michael Roberts scored twice to earn the points for Whitby, Kaiman Anderson had levelled at one stage for Halesowen.

Buxton threw away two points at home to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday. Alastair Taylor and Bradley Barraclough had put Buxton in control. However, Mal Farquharson and Joel Kettle both scored in the final three minutes to earn Sutton a 2-2 draw.

Matlock Town are 13^th after a 3-1 win over Grantham Town. Laurie Wilson gave Matlock the lead only for Jamie McGee to level for the visitors just a minute later. However, second half goals from Joel Purkiss and Nicolas Travis saw Matlock gain all the points.

This coming week Darlington have two further games, first on Saturday against Skelmersdale United, then the side host Matlock Town on Tuesday night.

Fixtures Saturday 6^th February

Colwyn Bay v Buxton

Darlington v Skelmersdale United

Frickley Athletic v Ashton United

Halesowen Town v Salford City

Hyde United v Blyth Spartans

Ilkeston v Whitby Town

Matlock Town v Mickleover Sports

Ramsbottom United v Grantham Town

Rushall Olympic v Barwell

Sutton Coldfield v Stamford

Workington v Marine