End Of The Road For Eastleigh But Cheer For Chesterfield

There was frustration up and down the country after the loss of a number of matches throughout the day as the cold snap really bit.

It will be Newport County who welcome mighty Manchester United in the FA Cup after they ultimately eased through to the fourth round despite a real scare.

Reliable Paul McCallum pulled the Spitfires level in front of a sell out crowd but second half goals from James Clarke and Will Evans set up a tie with the 12-time winners.

It’s going to take a lot to stop Chesterfield as they strolled 12 points clear as they defeated Altrincham 2-1 in the only National League game to survive the big freeze.

It was yet another home win which started when Ollie Banks fired the hosts ahead.

Chris Conn-Clarke didn’t read the script and drew his side level before the break. But Alty were undone when James Berry and Banks exchanged passes and he slid the ball into the net.

Just two more games made it in the end and they both came in the National League North.

Chester blew the chance to jump into the play-off places after going down at home to Buxton. Sam Osborne scored in the second minute and a super rearguard performance sent them home with all three points.

Scarborough are up to third place after a fine 3-1 win against Boston United. Alex Wiles scored before a double from Aidan Rutledge made sure of victory after Deji Sotona gave the Pilgrims hope from the spot. Brad Nicholson grabbed another for them late on but it ended 3-2.