Two goals from Anthony Lee earned Bishop Auckland their fifth away win of the season at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.
Lee scored with a free kick in each half to put them only five points behind leaders Burton with a game in hand.
His first came after nine minutes with a low effort, and after that, Bishops should really have scored more goals. David Bayles hit the bar, while Carl Chillingsworth and Danny Brunskill both missed when they had just the keeper to beat.
The Welshmen hit back in the second half, but Lee put Bishops in control with another 25 yard free kick into the top corner. Deniol Graham pulled a goal back for Colwyn late in the game
Bishops are at home to Worksop on Wednesday night.
Gateshead almost went top of the table in their own right, but had to settle for a point against leaders Burton Albion. Steve Agnew fired Gateshead into the lead, but after Darren Wassall was red-carded, Aaron Webster grabbed a late equaliser.
Whitby lost 2-0 at Worksop, both goals coming in the first half.
Blyth won 2-1 at Runcorn, Craig Skelton scoring the winner late in the game, after Glen Robson equalised earlier.
l Stokesley SC strengthened their position at the top of the Wearside League table when they achieved their best result so far by defeating last season's runners up, North Shields, at Ralph Gardner Park, writes MALCOLM PRATT.
Twice behind, the Teessiders finished 3-2 ahead when Craig Johnston bagged a brace and Scott Batey hit the winner. Andy Bowman was twice on target for the Robins.
New Marske left it late before seeing off the challenge of Harton & Westoe by an only goal scored on 88 minutes by David Brown.
Ferryhill Athletic produced a good display holding third top Windscale, the only unbeaten side, to a 3-3 draw. Wayne Richards, Stephen Lynch and Jay Evans struck for Ferryhill with Joe Shepherd (2) and Peter O'Donnell replying.
A couple of goals from Stephen Johnson after Michael McKay had given Stanley United the lead earned Darlington RA the points.
Boldon CA went nap defeating Annfield Plain 5-1 with goals by Paul Jary (2), Paul Bond (2) and David Wright. Redcar Town also found their scoring form at Whitehaven. Steve Wilkin, Mark Donnelly and Adam Henry put them three goals ahead before Gareth Holmes notched.
The woes of Wolviston continue and they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to rival strugglers Ryhope CW. Paul Lamb scored the only goal after 25 minutes following a misunderstanding between goalkeeper Simon Clark and David Morgan.
When Christopher Lax was brought down, Wolviston had an opportunity to level but Shane Hudson's spot kick was saved by Scott Wiseman, who also saved from Lax in the last minute.
Jarrow progressed in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup with a late goal from Paul Smith at Cleadon SC.
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