National League Round-Up

Leyton Orient strengthened their lead at the top of the National League table last night with a win at an Aldershot side, who look increasingly cut adrift in the relegation zone. 
A Josh Coulson brace was enough to give the O’s a fifth straight victory, which kept a three point cushion between themselves and Solihull Moors, who edged to a 1-0 win over financially stricken Gateshead.
AFC Fylde also continued their push at the top courtesy of a 4-2 win over Hartlepool United, with a Danny Rowe brace, a Lewis Walters strike and a Fraser Kerr own goal proving the difference.
The shock of the evening came at the Racecourse Ground where Wrexham‘s promotion push was dealt a massive blow as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against mid-table Barrow.
The result, manager Bryan Hughes’ first defeat at home. saw the Dragons fall four points off the summit, with just eight games left to play.
Sutton United’s play off challenge also looks to have badly faltered after Paul Doswell’s side fell to a third straight defeat, losing 3-0 bottom of the table Braintree Town.
Elsewhere, Easteligh’s superb run of form continued as Ben Strevens’ side picked up a seventh win in eight with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Maidstone United to go sixth.
Gozie Ugwu’s impressive debut helped Ebbsfleet United to a 3-0 win over Maidenhead United. Corey Whitely and a brace from Michael Cheek put Fleet back to winning ways.
Late goals from Scott Boden and Joe Rowley gave Chesterfield a dramatic draw at Bromley after Port Vale loanee JJ Hooper had earlier netted a hat trick for the Ravens.
Finally, Havant & Waterlooville gave their survival hopes a massive boost with a 3-0 win over Dagenham & Redbridge through goals from Alfie Rutherford, Edward Harris and Theo Lewis.
The result leaves last season’s National League South winners just two points behind 20th place Dover Athletic, who battled to a 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood.