Shildon manager Gary Forrest said that his side’s finishing was much better in their 4-1 away win at Newcastle Benfield last night.

Forrest has been critical of his strikers since the end of the enforced break, but they responded in emphatic fashion as they led 4-1 at half time to put them third in the table.

“It was a great result, but it wasn’t our best performance of the season,” he said.

“I thought we played better last Saturday against Bedlington, but the difference was that we didn’t take our chances.

“We might be above Newcastle Benfield now in the league, but you can’t rule them out.”

Northallerton hadn’t played for nearly two months until they went to Thornaby last night, and they came away with their first away win of the season in the second division.

Just like all the other managers affected by the enforced break, Northallerton boss Mark Fanning was worried about rustiness and lack of match practice, but he said: “At times, we played some good football, but at other times, we were a bit rusty.

“But we kept our shape well, we defended well, and everyone worked hard.”

Northallerton are now six points above the bottom two, with games in hand. Hebburn came from behind to beat Washington 4-1 in the EA Trophy, and manager Paul Bennett said: "We have won our last three games, two in the league and one in the cup. We have played some excellent football and credit goes to all the lads for their workrate and dedication. "We have used everyone in our small 18 man squad and everyone has played their part in the last three games and will continue to do so over the busy schedule we have over the rest of the season."