Barnet have recorded a 2-0 triumph away at Gateshead to extend their lead at the top of the Conference Premier table to five points.

Goals in the opening seven minutes from Curtis Weston and Luisma Villa were enough for the Bees to get the better of their promotion rivals in the North East.

Halifax Town have moved into second position after they dug deep to earn a 2-0 win at home to Kidderminster Harriers, who had the better of the play in the final 30 minutes.

The Shaymen's progress into second came as a result of Woking slipping to a shock 3-1 defeat at home to struggling AFC Telford United, with a double from Michael Phenix contributing to just their second win of the campaign.

Forest Green Rovers have moved into the top five after a Daniel Coles strike was enough to give them a 1-0 victory away at Bristol Rovers.

Macclesfield Town remain in touching distance of the playoffs following a 1-0 win against Dover Athletic, but Torquay United have dropped as low as ninth after losing a five-goal thriller to Grimsby Town.

Wrexham's poor run of form continued as they could only draw at Lincoln City, while nearest rivals Chester FC moved to the brink of the top half with a narrow success over Alfreton Town.

Nuneaton Town, who sit above Alfreton, also suffered defeat at the hands of Eastleigh, with Dartford completing the relegation zone after their 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town.

However, there was better news for Altrincham and Southport, who registered 1-0 wins over Braintree Town and Welling United respectively.

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