VERDICT '“ Miserable day as Steelmen, Poppies and Diamonds are all beaten

The Steelmen now find themselves four points adrift of safety in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division after the two teams immediately above them – Marine and Frickley Athletic – drew 3-3.

Corby fell behind to a Daniel Maguire goal on 14 minutes but drew level thanks to a long-range effort from Stefan Moore before the break.

But the Sean Reid restored the Blyth lead before further goals from Maguire and Luke Armstrong made it 4-1.

Joe Iaciofano pulled another goal back for Corby just before the end.

Kettering Town’s slim hopes of claiming a play-off place in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division were left in tatters after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Chesham United at Latimer Park.

Two goals in the space of two minutes ultimately decided the contest with Phil Roberts and Sam Youngs both scoring with near-post efforts to give Chesham a 2-0 lead.

They could have added a third when they were awarded a penalty when Liam Canavan fouled Ryan Blake but Paul White saved Toby Little’s spot-kick.

The Poppies hit back with a goal from Rene Howe in the second half but the visitors saw things out and White was dismissed late on when he hacked down Blake in stoppage-time.

And the end of the game was marred by some ugly scenes as Poppies fans and Chesham players squared up to each other following the final whistle.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds slipped to a second defeat in a row as they went down 3-0 at fellow play-off contenders Basford United in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South.

Kieran Wells headed the hosts in front after nine minutes and another header from Reece Bertram made it 2-0 soon after.

In fact, all three goals were headers with Wells adding another soon after half-time.

Basford had Courey Grantham sent-off late on but their win moved them level on points with Diamonds, although they have played three games more.