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Tuesday's Blue Square Bet Premier wrap

The race for automatic promotion is as tight as ever after Tuesday's round of Blue Square Bet Premier action.

Alfreton Town earned themselves some breathing room in the bottom-half of the table with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Hyde FC at the Impact Arena.

A hat-trick from Ben Tomlinson (5, 15, pen 48) put the Reds in a commanding position before Paul Clayton added to their advantage with a 69th-minute effort.

Daniel Broadbent's 79th-minute strike reduced the deficit, but Alfreton's four-goal advantage was restored when substitute Scott Boden found the back of the net at the death.

Ten-man Wrexham maintained their two-point advantage at the top of the league standings with a 1-0 victory over Barrow at Holker Street, Kevin Thornton netting the all-important goal on 84 minutes after Jay Harris' sending off almost 20 minutes earlier.

Braintree Town dealt a damaging blow to Luton Town's play-off aspirations with a 2-0 win at Amlin Stadium as both sides ended the match with 10 men on the pitch.

The Iron went a man down after just 21 minutes, Matthew Paine seeing red for violent conduct. However, the Hatters' one-man advantage didn't last long as Wayne Thomas was sent off just 13 minutes later.

Braintree eventually broke the deadlock through Sean Marks in the 42nd minute, Kenny Davis doubling their advantage four minutes after the half-time break.

Grimsby Town produced a confident performance against Ebbsfleet United at Blundell Park, recording a 3-1 victory to keep the pressure on leaders Wrexham.

The Mariners made a flying start to the encounter, Marcus Marshall firing them into the lead after just one minute, before Andy Cook added to their advantage in the 38th minute.

Liam Enver-Marum gave Ebbsfleet a glimmer of hope with a 74th minute goal, but the hosts responded well, Craig Disley restoring their two-goal lead on 87 minutes.

Matt Green scored in injury time to fire Mansfield Town to a 1-0 win over Lincoln City at Sincil Bank, Daniel Gray seeing red for the hosts just four minutes later.

A 71st-minute goal from Anthony Malbon helped Kidderminster Harriers to a 0-1 victory against Nuneaton Town at Liberty Way, a result that keeps them in the hunt for automatic promotion.

Martin Foyle's Hereford United came out on top against Stockport County in a five-goal thriller at Edgeley Park.

Adnan Cirak put the hosts ahead on 17 minutes before goals from Luke Graham (29) and Ryan Bowman (54) gave the Bulls the lead.

James Tunnicliffe restored parity with a 63rd-minute goal, only for Josh O'Keefe to reinstate Hereford's slender advantage in the 81st minute.

Richard Money's Cambridge United halted a run of four consecutive defeats with a 2-1 victory over an in-form Tamworth at the Lamb Ground.

Goals from Tom Elliott (9) and Michael Gash (pen 64) gave the U's the lead before Lee Hendrie saw red for the hosts in the 72nd minute.

Despite being a man down, the Lambs pulled one back through Adam Cunnington on 89 minutes, but it was a case of too little, too late as the visitors held on to claim the spoils.

Meanwhile, Goals from Kevin Betsy (51) and Jack Parkinson (78) helped Woking to a 2-0 triumph over play-off hopefuls Forest Green Rovers at the Kingfield Stadium.