Bishop Auckland edged further away from relegation thanks to a battling goalless draw against league leaders Alfreton on Saturday.

And manager Brian Honour was delighted with the performance of his team in keeping only their third clean sheet of the season.

"That was the best we've played since I came to the club," he said. "I thought we matched Alfreton in all departments, and you couldn't tell that there are 19 places between the two teams. We're slowly getting there. Keeping a settled side is a big plus, and that's showing in our play. But there's still a lot of hard work to do."

Bishops had the better of the chances, and nearly took the lead when Lee Maddison's shot was tipped over by the visiting keeper, then Phil Ross was just off target.

Martin O'Riordan also went close before Alfreton nearly won the game through Danny bent late in the game.

Bishops are now three points off the danger zone, because Eastwood lost at Belper, and Trafford were beaten at Matlock.

Spennymoor, however, lost 2-0 at Chorley after playing for all but 20 minutes of the game without striker Steve Preen, who was sent off for dangerous play.

And Moors' mood wasn't helped near the end when they claimed that midfielder Jason Ainsley was pulled down in the area by the last man, but they were only awarded a free kick outside the box and a yellow card against the defender.

Manager Jamie Pollock, who has now registered as a player, said: "It was a frustrating day. We had to play a long time with just ten men, and a draw would have been a fair reward for all their hard work.

"I don't think anybody saw anything wrong, except for the linesman, for Steve 's sending off, and we were adamant that we should have had a penalty."

Moors went behind just on half time when Lee Southwood scored from a rebound, then sub Andy Mason added the second with a lob in the last minute.

In the premier division, Whitby lost 1-0 at home to Altrincham, as did Gateshead at home to Stalybridge.

Blyth drew 1-1 with Colwyn Bay at Croft Park, to leave them six points above the play off zone. Scott Emerson equalising for Blyth late in the game.

* Real Madrid returned to the top of La Liga after a 3-1 home win over over Real Valladolid, while Raddy Antic's Barcelona revival continued with a 4-0 hammering of Real Betis.

Real Sociedad could return to the summit if they beat Osasuna in today's Basque derby.

Elsewhere, Javier Saviola netted a hat-trick to inspire Barca to victory against Betis.

Saviola and Philip Cocu each found the back of the net in the first six minutes before the Argentine international netted his second five minutes before half-time and completed his treble in the 53rd minute.