By evo-stik one (south) Chris Harper

Second-placed Athletic suffered a setback by losing at home to leaders Barwell in midweek.

But while they were romping to victory at Spalding, Barwell were being beaten 4-0 at home by Lincoln United.

Kidsgrove are back to being six points behind Barwell, who have a game in hand, but manager Peter Ward and his men have all to play for again.

Ward, pictured below, said: "You cannot go anywhere in this league expecting to win and I thought we would be in for a difficult game at Spalding.

"The pitch was awful and did not allow you to play. I don't think the grass had been cut since the start of the season, so we had to be prepared for a battle.

"They had four big lads at the back who were dour and, although we won comfortably in the end, Spalding didn't give up."

Wayne Johnson gave Grove the ideal start from a set-piece after four minutes, but they failed to add to the score until the second half.

Matt Haddrell set up Dave Walker on 56 minutes and Ward said: "Once we got the second goal it became a bit of a rout."

Haddrell was again the provider as Walker made it 3-0 after 63 minutes and the rest of the action was reserved for the closing stages.

Spalding pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go, only for Liam Shotton (81), Aiden Matranga (87) and Haddrell (90) to get in on the act.

Ward said: "We had to be disciplined and professional and it was a job well done."