Macclesfield Town have returned to second place in the Conference Premier table after they registered a 5-1 victory over struggling Alfreton Town.

The home side took an early lead, but two goals from Matthew Barnes-Homer, as well as strikes from Danny Whitaker, Chris Holroyd and Denny Johnstone, helped Macclesfield move past Bristol Rovers in the standings.

However, Barnet have managed to extend their lead to seven points after a comfortable 3-0 win over Chester FC, who had Gareth Roberts sent off during the second half.

Woking failed to make ground in the top five after they fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Southport, but Halifax Town have closed on the playoff places after they beat Nuneaton Town by a 2-0 scoreline.

Kidderminster Harriers have kept in touch with the Shaymen after a late Ahmed Obeng strike earned them a 2-1 triumph over Lincoln City, but Torquay United have dropped down the table after losing to Braintree Town.

At the bottom of the division, AFC Telford United lost by the odd goal in seven to Eastleigh, despite a hat-trick from Tony Gray, but Dartford ensured that they did not get cut adrift in the relegation zone after an excellent 3-1 result at Wrexham.

A late James Lawrie goal earned Altrincham a 2-2 draw against Dover Athletic, while Welling United moved towards the top half of the table with a 3-1 victory over Aldershot Town.

Results in full: AFC Telford United 3-4 Eastleigh, Alfreton Town 1-5 Macclesfield Town, Altrincham 2-2 Dover Athletic, Barnet 3-0 Chester FC, Braintree Town 2-0 Torquay United, Halifax Town 2-0 Nuneaton Town, Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 Lincoln City, Welling United 3-1 Aldershot Town, Woking 1-2 Southport, Wrexham 1-3 Dartford