Jonny Beecham scored inside 30 seconds with a rising drive after James Hurtley had made inroads, and Beecham then won a vital header before Danny Meleschko's perfectly executed volley made it 2-0.

Tyson Illingworth reduced the arrears for the home side a minute later with a low shot that crept in at the far post and Ben Huson made it 2-2 with a snap shot that whistled past stand-in keeper Danny King.

The Rams had several opportunities before Danny Rushworth restored their lead after 35 minutes from Chris Marsh's cross.

Salem looked increasingly vulnerable and the Rams, who had Matt Rushworth in commanding form, completed victory with second half goals from Chris Keen and an own goal after a shocking mix-up between fullback and keeper.

The unpredictability of the division was further emphasised when Stump Cross floored leaders Holmfield 6-3 away.

Stump have struggled to raise a team in recent weeks but fought back from 2-0 down on Saturday.

They were foiled by the home keeper for much of the first half but Garry Boyd boosted them with a goal before the break and they ran away with it in the second half.

Holmfield were unable to cope with the pace of Michael Priestley, who scored twice. There was also a brace for Rick Rancatore, including one superb effort after beating several rivals, and Ben Hiley got the visitors' other goal.

A Neil Roberts hat-trick helped Denholme United get back to winning ways, their 7-3 home success over Martins Nest leaving them fifth in the table.

Volunteer Arms are the new leaders of Division Three after getting the better of hosts Wadsworth United 5-4. Previous table toppers AFC Crossleys slipped to fourth after back-to-back defeats, Luddenden Foot Reserves being their latest conquerors by 5-2.

Halifax Athletic thrashed Salem Reserves 7-0, taking a 2-0 interval lead through Fraser Hallam's goals.

Man of the match Nicholas Burgess got on the end of a pass from Jonny Stewart to make it 3-0 and substitute Andy Huyton rose to head home a corner.

Chris Marsden made it 5-0 with another header and a good run from Jordan Trowell set up Jonny Stenson to slide the ball home.

Stewart broke the defensive line to slot the final goal as Halifax kept alive their hopes of promotion.