Our 2-0 victory over FC United of Manchester on Saturday moved us to the brink of securing our place in the National North for next season.  Goals in either half from Omar Holness and Stephen Thompson gave us the victory. It left us 10 points ahead of third bottom Ashton United with four games left and a much superior goal difference. We are now also twelve points ahead of FC United.

The top two both were held to draws which keeps Chorley top, but Stockport in control with a game in hand. Both suffered late heartache. Chorley had led Telford United early on through Andrew Teague and looked to be on course to extend their lead at the top. However, despite only having ten men playoff chases Telford equalised three minutes from time through Brendon Daniels.

Stockport County were also involved in late drama as they threw away a 2-0 lead at Hereford. Adam Thomas and Nyal Bell scored twice in two minutes before the break for County. However, Rowan Liburd scored twice for the Bulls to earn them a 2-2 draw with the second coming in stoppage time. County remain two points behind Chorley.

Brackley Town moved clear in third with a 2-0 win over Guiseley. Shane Byrne put Brackley ahead in the final minute of the first half and Connor Hall sealed the win shortly after the interval.

Guiseley still remain in relegation trouble after third bottom Ashton United shocked fourth place Spennymoor Town. Samuel Sheridan, Kallum Mantack and Craig Hobson all scored in a five minute spell in the first half for Ashton to give them a shock 3-0 win. It moved them above FC United and within four points of Guiseley and safety, the two teams meet next Saturday.

Staying at the bottom end of the table and Nuneaton’s relegation was confirmed after a 3-2 defeat at home to Chester. Akwasi Asante put Chester ahead early on for the playoff chases before Miles Addison brought the hosts level. Daniel Livesey put Chester back in front, but Michael Calveley appeared to rescue a point for Nuneaton four minutes from the end. However, Livesey scored again in stoppage time to win the game for Chester to move them within three points of the top seven.

Like ourselves Leamington are all but mathematically safe after a 1-1 draw at Curzon Ashton. Cameron McJannet gave Curzon an early lead, before Colby Bishop grabbed a point for the Brakes in the final ten minutes.

The stand out result on Saturday though came at Alfreton where the hosts lost 7-0 to Altrincham. The result and goal difference gains could prove crucial in the playoff pack with them currently in fifth. Tusifu Ceesay scored twice, with Jordan Hulme, John Johnston, Joshua  Hancock and Thomas Hannigan and James Jones also finding the net.

Bradford’s are sixth despite a 3-0 defeat away at Kidderminster. Joe Ironside scored two with Ashley Chambers netting in between for Harriers. Victory leaves Kidderminster just three points off the final playoff spot.

Blyth Spartans also kept their faint top seven hopes alive with a 3-0 success at home to Boston United. Michael Liddle, Sean Reid and Dan Maguire all scored for Spartans.

The final game on Saturday saw York overcome Southport 1-0. Michael Langstaff scored the only goal for York in the 32^ndminute.