A second-half goal from Ellis Harrison earned Conference Premier leaders Bristol Rovers a 1-0 victory away at Gateshead this afternoon.

It took Rovers 71 minutes to break the deadlock in the North East, but the result ensures that they remain two points clear of Barnet.

The Bees, who until Tuesday had headed the standings since September, eased to a 3-1 win at Altrincham, who had Tom Marshall sent off in the sixth minute.

Macclesfield Town's title hopes suffered a blow after they were thrashed 4-0 by Eastleigh in the lunchtime kickoff on the South Coast.

That defeat has left the club in fifth place after Grimsby Town beat Braintree Town by a 1-0 scoreline, while Forest Green Rovers hit five to overcome Southport 5-3 at The New Lawn.

Halifax Town and Kidderminster Harriers' hopes of a playoff place were dented after the two teams played out a goalless draw at Aggborough.

That result allowed Woking to move up to eighth place as goals from Scott Rendell and Josh Payne earned their side a 2-0 win away at Lincoln City.

At the bottom of the table, Alfreton Town moved out of the relegation zone for the first time in months with a 1-0 win away at bottom-placed side AFC Telford United.

Nuneaton Town strengthened their bid to avoid relegation with a 1-0 triumph over Welling United, but Dartford slipped to 23rd place despite securing a point away at Aldershot Town.

Results in full: AFC Telford United 0-1 Alfreton Town, Aldershot Town 1-1 Dartford, Altrincham 1-3 Barnet, Eastleigh 4-0 Macclesfield Town, Forest Green Rovers 5-3 Southport, Gateshead 0-1 Bristol Rovers, Grimsby Town 1-0 Braintree Town, Kidderminster Harriers 0-0 Halifax Town, Lincoln City 0-2 Woking, Nuneaton Town 1-0 Welling United