Merthyr Town produced a spirited finish in their clash with Kettering Town at home, but could not stop the Poppies going top of the table.
King’s Lynn, who were Southern League leaders, drew 1-1 against Weymouth, while Kettering defeated Merthyr 4-2 at the Loadlok Community Stadium.
Goals from Aaron O’Connor (8 mins), Rene Howe (28), Mathew Stevens (33) and Brett Solkhon (56) swept the Poppies into a 4-0 lead inside an hour before the Martyrs showed character and heart in a big finish to the 90 minutes.
The Martyrs’ goals were scored by Kerry Morgan, after 61 minutes, and Ian Traylor (85).
Merthyr played good, passing football through midfield and player-manager Gavin Williams added to the quality when he went on for Jaye Bowen after 73 minutes.
Centre-forward Ryan Prosser was sent on at half-time and made a difference in the Merthyr attack, while quick-thinking led to Traylor’s goal. Kettering were trying to make two substitutions when Merthyr took a quick free-kick and Traylor broke away to score.
Corey Jenkins almost added a third during injury time, but goalkeeper Paul White saved the effort.
Premier Division title favourites Hereford won 1-0 at Dorchester Town to stay two points behind the Poppies with four games in hand and will take over at the top if they win at Biggleswade Town on Tuesday.
Merthyr are in the bottom half of the table, but have stabilised the club after facing financial problems and manager Gavin Williams has a squad who are competitive at this level.
Only one team will be relegated from the Premier Division this season and the Martyrs look capable of staying clear of trouble.
They travel to Slough Town next Saturday and then play Weymouth at home a week later (Saturday, February 3) before making the trip to bottom club Gosport Borough.
Merthyr Town: Oliver Davies, Adam Davies, Miles John (Ryan Prosser 46), Ashley Evans (Capt), Matthew Harris, Scott Tancock, Kerry Morgan, Harry Franklin (Connor Hanford 73), Corey Jenkins, Jaye Bowen (Gavin Williams 73), Ian Traylor. Subs not used: Adam Mahagan, Lee Price.
Kettering Town: Paul White, Kalern Thomas, Ben Toseland, Brett Solkhon (Capt), Gary Mulligan, Tom Marshall, Orrin Pendley, Aaron O’Connor (Kyle Barker 86), Rene Howe (Rhys Hoenes 75), Ben Milnes (Lindon Meikle 86), Matthew Stevens. Subs not used: None.
Attendance: 556 (Away 100)