Forrest’s fortune halts the slide

There seemed no danger when Forrest tried to lob Danny Alcock in the 37th minute but the ball slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands and proved the only goal of the game after Nuneaton were left to rue early missed chances.

The away victory was more than welcome for Steve Kittrick’s men who had been slipping down the table after a run of disappointing results.

They are now eight points off a top-five spot but with games in hand on most of their rivals and Kittrick said: “The play-off race is on. I’ve told our lads if we average two points a game we’ll finish up there.”

Harrogate Town’s run of excellent form continued with a 3-0 home victory over Gloucester.

Harrogate’s habit of scoring early goals continued when Chib Chilaka blasted home from Wayne Phillips’s cross after only three minutes.

Gloucester struck back with Weir hitting the post and the unmarked Malsom shooting at Mark Cook.

Ten minutes before the break, a fine lob from Chilaka over Kevin Sawyer doubled the lead.

Harrogate continued to press with Craig James hitting the bar and Marshall and Phillips going close.

Chilaka completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes left when he turned in Marshall’s centre.

A late flurry from City saw Cook make two fine saves from Edwards and Mullings to ensure Harrogate kept a clean sheet.

Evo-Stik: Jamie Vardy’s second-half hat-trick helped runaway leaders FC Halifax Town to their 25th league victory of the season with a 4-2 win at Kendal Town.

Neil Aspin’s men reached the 80-point mark and they are 11 points clear of second-placed Colwyn Bay with three games in hand.

Danny Lowe opened the scoring for Halifax, Kieran Walmsley equalising from the penalty spot before half-time. Vardy headed the Shaymen in front again in the 51st minute and although substitute Carl Osman hit back for the home side, Vardy struck in the 81st and 86th minutes to complete his hat-trick.

The result was a fitting tribute to Halifax assistant manager Trevor Storton, who died on Wednesday, aged 61.

Bradford Park Avenue, where Storton was in charge from 1997 to 2004, put up a commendable struggle but were beaten away from home by sixth-placed Marine, for whom Andy Rey slotted in the game’s only goal in the 56th minute.

Stocksbridge Park Steels scored a magnificent seven in a 10-goal thriller against close rivals and visitors Mickleover Sports, who had beaten them just four days earlier.

Steels led 3-0 after only 19 minutes with goals from Alex Callery, Andy Ring and Richard Stirrup. David Middleditch and Alex Steadman made it 3-2 before Colin Marrison and Chris Hall increased Steels’ advantage. Colin Hoyle grabbed Sports’ third goal with a penalty but a brace by Jack Muldoon, including a penalty, took the home side well clear.

Ossett Town maintained their fine away form with a 1-0 win at Northwich Victoria, substitute David Boardman scoring the 84th minute decider.

Whitby Town hit back from a two-goal deficit to draw at Matlock with goals from David McTiernan and Jimmy Beadle.

Frickley Athletic and North Ferriby United suffered 2-0 defeats at Chasetown and FC United of Manchester, respectively.

Northern Counties East: The chase for the title looks like going to the wire after the top two, Farsley and Bridlington, played out a 1-1 draw, allowing Parkgate to climb into second place after beating Brighouse Town 3-1.

Danny Krief fired Farsley in front after six minutes but when Gareth Owen equalised with 11 minutes to go, both sides had to settle for a point, leaving Farsley six points ahead of their rivals but having played three games more.

Parkgate took full advantage, moving within four points of Farsley with one game in hand. Ashley Worsfold’s 26th goal of the season put them on their way and Grant Allott doubled their advantage. Matthew Sparkes pulled one back for Brighouse but Luke Fletcher eased any pressure on the home side midway through the second half.

Goals from Aaron Moxon and Gary Hunter gave Hallam a 2-1 derby win over Maltby Main, whose late consolation came from a Greg Mason penalty.

It was Hallam’s fourth win of the season and was enough to lift them off the bottom above Dinnington, who went down 4-1 at home to Pickering.

Marcus Dalton (2), Michal MacNaughton and Billy Logan were on target for Pickering with Tom Hall replying.