A hat-trick from John Akinde has earned Barnet a 3-1 victory over Aldershot Town to extend their lead at the top of the Conference Premier table to nine points.

The 25-year-old's treble - his third of the season - took his tally to 21 goals and strengthened the Bees' position at the top as they remain on course for a return to the Football League.

Bristol Rovers have moved into second place after recording a 2-1 win away at Torquay United, with Macclesfield Town dropping down to third after losing 1-0 at home to Grimsby Town.

Halifax Town complete the top five after they secured a 2-2 draw at Gateshead, while Woking remain on their tail after they earned a point with the same scoreline at Eastleigh.

Kidderminster Harriers have overtaken Forest Green Rovers in the standings after two goals from Aman Verma earned them a 3-2 win away at The New Lawn.

At the bottom of the table, AFC Telford United scored twice in injury time to draw 4-4 with Nuneaton Town, with the result benefiting neither side in the final two places in the division.

Alfreton Town and Dartford remain third and fourth bottom respectively after defeats to Lincoln City and Braintree Town, but they remain five points clear above the relegation zone after Southport lost at home to Wrexham.

Altrincham look clear of danger after winning 2-0 at Chester FC, with Dover Athletic beating Welling United 4-0 to complete the afternoon's results.

Results in full: Aldershot Town 1-3 Barnet, Forest Green Rovers 2-3 Kidderminster Harriers, Chester FC 0-2 Altrincham, Dartford 0-2 Braintree Town, Dover Athletic 4-0 Welling United, Eastleigh 2-2 Woking, Gateshead 2-2 Halifax Town, Lincoln City 3-2 Alfreton Town, Macclesfield Town 0-1 Grimsby Town, Nuneaton Town 4-4 AFC Telford United, Southport 0-1 Wrexham, Torquay United 1-2 Bristol Rovers