Whilst the Coasters were in FA Cup action at the weekend, the Vanarama Conference North still saw six games take place and there were some interesting results.
Tuesday night saw Gloucester City pick up a valuable point against in-form Solihull Moors. Darryl Knights’ opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Adam Mann’s superb solo goal on 34 minutes. Gloucester remain second bottom whilst Solihull move up to third.
Solihull also played on Saturday as they beat Fylde’s next opponents Boston United at York Street. Goals from Omar Bogle and Rob Elvins did the damage for Solihull whilst Boston slip to ninth place but only three points off the top three.
Barrow kept up the pressure on Fylde at the top with a narrow win at Colwyn Bay. The Welsh side matched their Cumbrian opponents but couldn’t prevent Andy Cook’s goal just after half time. Barrow now sit 2 points behind the Coasters with both sides having played 13 games.
Harrogate Town distanced themselves from the relegation zone after hammering Brackley Town 5-0 at Wetherby Road. A brace from Craig Nelthorpe and a superb hat-trick from James Welshaw putting the gloss on what was a very impressive win for the Yorkshire side.
Bottom side Hyde twice let the lead slip as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leamington at Ewen Fields. Connor Hughes’ fantastic half volley left keeper Mats Morch no chance, however Leamington equalised after a minute of the second half when Dodd equalised. Tank’s own goal two minutes later restored the Tigers’ lead however with 15 minutes to go Leamington equalised again when Jordan Goddard struck. The result leaves Hyde four points from safety whilst Leamington are comfortable in mid table, occupying 13th place.
Finally, Oxford City missed the chance to go second in the table after a comprehensive 3-0 home defeat to Hednesford Town. A brace from Richard Batchelor inspired the Pitmen to victory, Batchelor’s goals coming either side of Tom Thorley’s goal just after half time. Hednesford move up to eighth with the three points.