Hednesford Town secured their fourth consecutive victory at Keys Park with a hard-fought win over play-off contenders Spalding United. The visitors, despite controlling possession in the first half and seeing Joseph Nyahwema as their most threatening player, failed to create meaningful chances against goalkeeper Will Murdock. The first half was largely uneventful for both teams until the Pitmen broke the deadlock shortly after halftime when Ahkeem Rose scored with a stooping header following a precise cross.
In another National League North fixture, AFC Telford United saw their lead slip away in a late equalizer from Jake Charles for Hebburn Town. Telford had overturned a halftime deficit to go ahead, but a misjudged pass allowed Hebburn to launch a quick counterattack, resulting in a goal by loanee Campbell Darcy. Despite Hebburn sitting back after taking the lead, Telford fought back with a curling strike from Remi Walker and a finish from substitute Jamie Meddows. However, a defensive lapse enabled Charles to net the leveller in the final moments.
Darlington achieved a significant 3-0 home win against local rivals Spennymoor Town, marking their first victory at Blackwell Meadows since March. Dylan Stephenson was the standout player, scoring all three goals. The match, overseen by interim manager Terry Mitchell following Steve Watson’s recent departure, was dominated by the Quakers, who effectively capitalized on key chances. Spennymoor struggled with missed opportunities and defensive errors before Stephenson’s hat-trick sealed the result.
Radcliffe extended their winning streak to three under new manager Grant Shenton by defeating Brackley Town 1-0 at home. Despite Boro creating early chances, Radcliffe took the lead due to an own goal by defender Josh Tomlinson. Brackley intensified their efforts after halftime, narrowly missing several scoring opportunities, but Radcliffe held firm amid deteriorating weather conditions. The victory lifted Radcliffe above Brackley in the league standings.
Buxton emerged victorious in a dramatic 3-2 encounter at Victory Park against Chorley. The visitors took the lead through Sisa Tuntulwana, who capitalized on the slippery surface to score, but Chorley equalized shortly after through a header by Mike Calveley. Buxton regained the advantage via Kieran Burton’s finish and added a third goal before Chorley pulled one back with an own goal by Buxton’s goalkeeper, Logan Stretch. Chorley pressed hard for a late equalizer but were unable to convert despite several late chances.
Harborough Town and Worksop Town played out a 1-1 draw, with Dempsey Arlott-John cancelling out Liam Waldock’s early goal. Harborough missed a penalty in the opening stages when Riley O’Sullivan’s spot-kick struck the post. Both sides created opportunities throughout, including several key saves by Worksop goalkeeper Elliot Taylor, but neither side could secure a winner.
Hereford climbed to the top of the National League North after a 2-1 win at nine-man Macclesfield. Goals from Aaron Skinner, who converted a penalty earned following a red card to Elliot Osborne, and Harrison Iwunze secured the victory despite Luke Duffy’s long-range equalizer for Macclesfield. The home side was later reduced to nine players with Josh Kay’s dismissal. Hereford manager Aaron Downes praised his team’s resilience and the strong support from traveling fans in challenging conditions. The match featured early intensity, with a disallowed goal for Macclesfield and a tense penalty moment that swung the momentum in Hereford’s favor.