Oxford United might not have had a game today, thanks to their match at Chester City being called off as a result of Chester's expulsion from the Conference, but they still managed to improve their prospects of automatic promotion, thanks to slip ups from some of their nearest rivals. Second-placed Stevenage Borough were also without a game, due to the vagaries of the Conference's fixture scheduling that also leaves Oxford without a match next weekend. However, third-placed York City slipped up, beaten 1-0 at home by 19th-placed Eastbourne Borough (all positions are as though Chester haven't been kicked out yet, because until the deadline for their appeal has been heard – yeah, right – we apparently have to assume that they're still around).

Rushden & Diamonds remain in fourth place, despite being held to a goalless draw at home by sixth-placed Kettering Town, but Luton Town failed to take advantage by going down 2-1 at Crawley Town to stay fifth. Mansfield Town remain in seventh place after drawing 1-1 at Hayes & Yeading United, thanks to a last-minute equaliser. Kidderminster Harriers are ninth after their 3-0 win over Histon.

Second-bottom Grays Athletic (who are bottom really) achieved an unlikely 1-1 draw at Altrincham, and Barrow did themselves a power of good by winning 4-1 at Ebbsfleet United to lift themselves out of the relegation zone to 19th (at least until the tables are adjusted). Salisbury City and Wrexham drew 1-1.

The game between Gateshead and Forest Green Rovers was called off because of a waterlogged pitch, as was the match at the Abbey between Cambridge United and Tamworth. Cambridge are due to be Oxford's next opponents, on Tuesday night, but if today's game couldn't go ahead because of a wet pitch, and with heavy rain forecast tomorrow and Monday in Cambridge, then Tuesday's game has to be in doubt.