Michael Taylor equalised 8 minutes after half time, only for Danny Hattersley to grab what turned out to be Lancaster`s winner less than 3 minutes later.

The result gives hope to Chorley, who won 2-1 at rock bottom Leigh Genesis, coming back from being a 26th minute Dave Dempsey goal behind to win, courtesy of recent signing Steve Foster 2 minutes later and Tom Ince 9 minutes from time.

Skelmersdale United remain hot on their trail, however, as they won 1-0 against Garforth Town, thanks to Ryan Wade 11 minutes from the end, and the promotion race hots up.

AFC Fylde put in a dominant performance to beat play-off rivals Warrington Town 3-0, with goals from Mike Tomlinson through his own net in the first minute, Tom Cahill right on half time, Paul Jarvis immediately after it

At the other end of the table Ossett Albion look in real trouble after losing 5-1 to fellow strugglers Cammell Laird, whose goals were shared around with Mark Stewart, Tom McGill, Aaron Bowen, Jamie Henders and Marc Stephens – Danny Toronczak repyling.

Trafford continued to give themselves breathing space after a 3-2 win at Clitheroe with goals from Danny Shannon after 16 minutes, Tom Bentham after 35 and Mike Hazeldine just before half time – Ashley Parillon from the spot on 50 minutes and Chris Smalley on 68, replying for the hosts.

Harrogate Railway Athletic held the improving Witton Albion to a 1-1 Station View draw in which Colin Hunter`s 26th minute opener for `Rail was cancelled out 9 minutes from time by Josh Hancock.

Prescot Cables jumped above Radcliffe Borough with a 2-0 win over their relegation rivals at Valerie Park, thanks to Liam Pearson on 21 minutes and Paul Williams on 68, but Wakefield still aren’t out of the woods following a 2-1 defeat against Salford City, whose Mark Ayres and Jack Redshaw sandwiched a Danny South reply for the home side.

In the day’s other games, Durham City beat Mossley 2-0 with goals in either half from Steve Thompson and David Dowson, while Woodley Sports saw off Bamber Bridge 2-1 with Matthew Jones outing Brig in front after 6 minutes, Sam Walker levelling within a minute and then Nathan Neequaye maintaining his good form with the winner 14 minutes from time.