Darlington suffered from yet another postponement on Saturday, meaning they now have four matches in hand on the teams immediately above and below them.

Their game at Padiham was postponed at 9am due to a waterlogged pitch, one of only two in the division to be called off, becoming Quakers’ third successive away match to be either postponed or abandoned.

Results elsewhere, however, generally went in their favour with the teams that were positioned second, fourth and fifth – Northwich Victoria, Droylsden and Scarborough Athletic - all losing.

Salford City, in their first match since former Ramsbottom United managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley took charge, won 2-1 at Bamber Bridge to move from third place and claim sole ownership of first position.

Despite bringing in a raft of players from Ramsbottom last week, Salford’s starting XI only included two new signings in goalkeeper Craig Dootson and Jordan Hulme.

Their away victory leaves Darlington in second, but with a much greater goal difference.

Martin Gray’s men are three points off the top, though only Warrington, who enjoyed an FA Cup run earlier this season, have played fewer games with both Quakers and Spennymoor Town on 22 matches.

Darlington are awaiting league officials to notify them when their five rearranged matches are to be played, four of them away from Heritage Park: Farsley, New Mills, Northwich and Padiham. They also have to fit in a home game with Lancaster City.

Saturday, March 21 is currently free, but the other four dates will be in midweek, meaning Quakers facing the prospect of some lengthy trips for evening fixtures.

Darlington are next due in action at Heritage Park this weekend, weather permitting, when third-bottom Prescot Cables visit the North-East.