Aaron Forde scored the all-important goal on the 3G at Coles Lane to secure the points for the mid-table Royals and dent the title hopes of Spartans.
Workington AFC dropped a place to third after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Borough Park by lowly Grantham Town, allowing Salford City to move into second spot after a 3-1 Moor Lane win over play-off hopefuls Ashton United.
A crowd of 476 who braved the cold in Cumbria saw Scott Allison`s 64th minute goal lead for the Reds going into time added on at the end of the game when Danny Meadows popped up with the Gingerbreads` leveller.
At Moor Lane, a crowd of 734 saw James Poole give the Ammies an 18th minute lead that Cavell Coo inadvertedly doubled with a 51st minute own goal. Stephen O`Halloran reduced the arrears with a 68th minute own goal and Ritchie Allen made sure with Salford`s third from the penalty spot in the dying seconds.
Barwell took advantage of inactive teams to move into the top five after beating a Whitby Town side who are now back in the drop zone.
But the Seasiders were ahead at Kirkby Road through Jamie Poole a minute before half-time. Alex Tomkinson equalised on 66 minutes and then Liam Kay won it for the Canaries in injury-time.
Rushall Olympic are now eighth, six points behind Barwell, after winning 2-0 at Dales Lane against Hyde United.
Richard Sneekes` side had to wait until the hour-mark for the opener from Jack Duggan – who promptly doubled that less than two minutes later.
Stamford AFC moved four points clear of the drop zone after an important 5-2 win against inconsistent Skelmersdale United at the Zeeco Arena.
Jake Newman gave the Daniels a dream start with a goal inside the opening minute. Max Hazeldine levelled 12 minutes later, but by the time sub Shaun Tuck netted Skem`s second, they were 5-1 down after goals from Gregg Smith with two penalties on 23 and 54 minutes, Jake Duffy on 27 minutes and Jordan Smith on 66 minutes.
Halesowen Town moved to within a point of Ilkeston FC in mid-table after a 2-0 win at The Grove in the day`s only other game.
Tyree Clarke broke the deadlock to give the Yeltz a 69th minute lead that Malc Melvin added to from the spot with 15 minutes to go.
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