FC Halifax Town extended their winless league-run to eight games, as Ebbsfleet United came from behind at the MBi Shay Stadium to secure a 2-1 victory in West Yorkshire.
Town went ahead late on in the first half after Matty Kosylo won his side a penalty in front of the south stand. The winger then calmly stepped up to slot his spot-kick home, as the Shaymen were comfortable going into half time.
However, Neil Young’s men saw themselves concede two goals in the space of five minutes early on after the restart. Corey Whitely and Luke Coulson were on hand for the Fleet to secure their second victory in a row, whilst the Shaymen fell to within two points of the relegation zone.
At the other end of the table, top of the table Macclesfield visited fellow promotion hopefuls Aldershot Town and scored within five minutes of both halves following Danny Whitaker’s penalty and Nathan Blissett’s second half strike. The Shots pulled one back through Scott Rendell later, but it was not enough to sustain a fightback.
Another top ten clash saw Tranmere Rovers host Bromley FC, as Rovers made it eleven games unbeaten at home with a 1-0 victory. Connor Jennings’ first half goal was enough to move Rovers up to second, as Bromley sit one point outside the play-off spots.
There was even a third meeting between sides in the top ten, with Town’s last opponents Wrexham visiting Sutton United. There was just one point between the two going into the game, and Simon Walton’s second half finish cancelled out Scott Quigley’s opener for the visitors to ensure that stayed the same.
Boreham Wood’s Bruno Andrade had a very enjoyable afternoon as the London side defeated Gateshead 2-1. Andrade’s brace, with one goal coming in each half, was enough to keep his side within the play-off spots, despite Wes York’s goal almost mounting a comeback from the Heed.
Occupying the final play-off spot are AFC Fylde despite their 1-0 home defeat to Leyton Orient. Macauley Bonne’s penalty, his sixteenth goal of the season, helped Orient to ease their relegation worries as they picked up their seventh point from their last three outings.
At the other end, Solihull Moors made it three wins from their last five after a thrilling home encounter with Dover Athletic. Dover’s Ryan Bird scored from the spot before the hosts brought the game level through Kyle Storer just a few minutes later.
After going in level at half-time, the visitors made it 2-1 thanks to Mitch Pinnock, although Solihull found themselves level again late on after Kwame Thomas scored from the spot. With five minutes left on the clock, Alex Reid found a winner for the home side, who move to within two points of safety.
Below them are Chester FC who also produced an impressive victory to boost their hopes of survival. Two goals from former Shayman Ross Hannah and James Akintunde’s 90th minute strike meant that Mark Yeates’ goal for visitors Eastleigh was nothing more than a consolation.
Torquay United saw themselves convincingly beaten by mid-table Dagenham and Redbridge, as their relegation fears worsen. Fejiri Okenabirhi’s second half double along with Craig Robson’s flick on saw the Daggers end their torrid losing run with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Plainmoor.
Propping up the table are Guiseley AFC, who have now lost seven games in a row after Maidenhead United’s visit to West Yorkshire. Despite Daye Southwell’s first half opener, goals from Jake Hyde and a Harry Pritchard brace extended the Lions’ poor start to 2018.
Elsewhere, Victoria Park provided another thrilling game in the National League, as Hartlepool United defeated mid-table Woking 3-2. Three first half goals from Devante Rodney, Jake Cassidy and Rhys Oates put the hosts in the driving seat by half time.
The second period saw Woking look to fight back. Reece Grego-Cox scored two very late goals for the visitors to make it 3-2, although they proved to be too late as Hartlepool held on for the three points.
Finally, Maidstone United extended their poor run of form to four defeats in their last five after Barrow’s 1-0 victory at the Gallagher Stadium. Luke James’ first half strike proved enough to help the visitors stay two points ahead of the bottom four.
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