Macclesfield Town have secured a narrow 1-0 victory over AFC Telford United to move to within two points of the lead in the Conference Premier table.
An early goal from Thierry Audel proved enough to strengthen his side's bid for promotion to the Football League, as well as condemn bottom-placed AFC Telford to their 23rd defeat of the campaign.
Macclesfield started the evening five points adrift of leaders Bristol Rovers, but it took the Silkmen just 18 minutes to take the lead at Moss Rose when Audel rose above the defence to head home a cross from Paul Turnbull.
The home side continued to control proceedings, but as the first half drew to a close, they couldn't find a second goal with Danny Whitaker twice going close with long-range strikes that narrowly missed the target.
AFC Telford needed a response after the break, but it was Macclesfield who remained in the ascendancy as Alex Grant headed wide from a corner and George Pilkington nodded off target from inside the six-yard box.
As the game entered the closing stages, Whitaker had two more openings to double Macclesfield's advantage. Despite his failing to do so, Town comfortably held on to ensure that the title race remains wide open heading into the final six weeks of the season.
Darren Plant
