Seven games took place in the National North on Saturday with sides from our division still in the FA Trophy. We picked up a good point with a 0-0 draw at Alfreton which lifted us up a place back into 13^th.

Chorley opened up a six point lead at the top of the table after coming from behind to win 4-1 at home to Altrincham. Max Harrop put Alty ahead before the break. However, two second half goals from Alex Newby, along with strikes from Josh Wilson and Courtney Meppen-Walter gave Chorley a vital three points.

At the same time Bradford Park Avenue suffered a shock defeat at home to struggling FC United of Manchester. Oliver Johnson put Bradford ahead on 38 minutes, but Christopher Sharp levelled on the stroke of half time for FC United. They then struck twice in two minutes through Jack Banister and Kurt Willoughby to take control of the game. Lewis night pulled one back for the hosts, but it was not enough as FC United held on for a 3-2 win. They remain in the bottom three, but are now only one point off safety.

Chester missed the chance to go third after being held to a 1-1 draw by Guiseley. Olukayode Odejayi gave Guiseley a surprise lead, with Anthony Dudley levelling for Chester early in the second half.

Kidderminster Harriers fell to a third straight defeat at home to Boston United. Max Wright gave the Pilgrims a very early lead, before Joe Ironside pulled Harriers level after half an hour. However, Benjamin Davies scored again for Boston before the break and with no further goals in the second period they held on for a 2-1 victory.

Southport’s recent good form continued as they comfortably beat Leamington 5-1 at home. Jack Edwards had given Leamington the lead, but both Bradley Bauress and Dion Charles scored twice, alongside a goal from David Morgan for Southport. They are now just four points off the playoffs.

The final game in the league at the weekend saw Curzon Ashton pick up an important 4-2 victory at Nuneaton Borough. Yusifu Ceesay put Nuneaton ahead inside five minutes but goals from Oliver Crankshaw, Lewis Reilly and Jonathan Hunt, turned the game in the visitors favour. Miles Addison gave Nuneaton hope of snatching a point, but Luke Wall scored again in stoppage to seal victory for the Nash.

Several of the sides in the National North competed in the last 32 of the FA Trophy with three pulling off shocks over National League opposition. Telford United are through after a 2-1 win at our rivals Hartlepool United. Blyth Spartans are also through after a 1-0 victory against Boreham Wood, whilst Spennymoor Town were very impressive in a 3-0 win over Sutton United.

Spennymoor and Telford face off in the third round, while Blyth face a trip to Leyton Orient.

Stockport County are also through after a 5-0 win over National South side Truro City and have been rewarded with an away game at Harrogate Town. The final two sides from our division still in the competition faced off as Hereford hosted Brackley, with the visitors coming out on top 3-1. Brackley now travel to Chesterfield to try and earn their place in the quarter finas.