Saturday's Round-Up: Vanarama National League North

Darlington have north-east bragging rights for a while at least after earning a crucial 3-0 win at Blackwell Meadows against seventh-placed Blyth Spartans to move three points clear of the drop zone.

The Quakers had the boost of a goal right on the stroke of half-time when Reece Styche was brought down in the box and Stephen Thompson converted the resulting penalty.

Shortly after the break, Darlington should have doubled their lead but Styche headed a glorious chance over the bar.

But just shy of the hour-mark they did make it 2-0 when James Caton picked up the loose ball, beat his man, then cut it back for Styche to slot home.

And they confirmed victory in the 73rd minute when Thompson`s cross was converted by David Syers.

Another important game involving a team in the bottom half saw Nuneaton Town edge out FC United of Manchester 1-0 at Liberty Way.

The victory saw Boro return to winning ways following last weekend`s goalless home draw with Bradford Park Avenue.

The only goal came in the 29th minute, courtesy of an Ashley Chambers strike, as Boro claimed victory in the reverse of the fixture that was manager Dino Maamria's first game in charge in late October.

The win lifted Maamria`s side up to sixteenth in the table, level on points with Darlington, while FC United are three places higher, and three points better off.

A point and a place behind Boro are Leamington, who could only manage a 1-1 draw at basement side North Ferriby United who, despite the parlous position – still twenty-two points adrift of the safety mark after this draw - produced a battling performance in which, had it not been for some fine saves by Leamington `keeper Tony Breeden, could have earned them all three points.

And they had a great start too as Brett Agnew put them in front inside the opening 2 minutes, getting on the end of a fine run and through ball from Jordan Harrison.

Leamington equalised in the 13th minute with pretty much their first effort on goal from Daniel Udoh.

But in the end, the Brakes did well to hang on after having Jack Edwards dismissed for a straight red card offence just before half-time.

The day`s other game at The Lamb between Tamworth and York City also finished 1-1.

The Minstermen broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Aidan Connolly found himself with time and space to look up and pick his spot from 25 yards past Jack Stevens.

But the hosts grabbed an equaliser in the 89th minute when Darryl Knights hit a volley from 18 yards past Adam Bartlett.

The point sees York cement sixth spot, while the Lambs are twelfth, level on points with FC United.