Crawley extended their lead in the premier division to five points with a 0-0 draw at Ilkeston in farcical conditions caused by torrential rain at the New Manor ground.

Reds will be content with a point, especially as title rivals Kettering lost 3-1 at Weymouth.

Manager Billy Smith said: "We had a couple of good chances in the first half but without a doubt it was a point gained for us.

"I can't see how the referee did not award us a penalty in the second half when Warren Bagnall was brought down because it seemed clear enough to me."

The 73rd-minute foul on substitute Bagnall failed to produce a penalty but there had been other opportunities for Crawley to take the lead.

After just two minutes, Dave Harlow headed on for Jimmy Dack, but his volley was superbly palmed over by Ilkeston keeper Andy Love.

Danny Carroll had a shot blocked by defender Chris Timons while Dack was once again denied by Love following Harlow's break into the box.

Ian Payne's 21st-minute through pass almost set up Steve Restarick, but he slid in and just missed connecting with the ball.

Ilkeston had chances of their own before the break as Matt McKenzie volleyed over from close range, then Chris Bettney rounded Andy Little only to see the hard working Payne clear off the line.

Reds substitutes Bagnall and Rob Collins looked the most likely source of goals during the second half Collins twice went close for Crawley before the end while a last ditch Payne tackle prevented David Holmes from handing the home side an undeserved winner.

Eastbourne Borough boss Garry Wilson praised striker Matt Allen after his brace helped sink Chatham Town 3-0 in the eastern division.

Wilson said: "That was Allen's best performance of the season and he deserved it. He has worked very hard all season and today he got the rewards with two very well taken goals."

Andrew Ducille was in the starting line-up, replacing Dave Adams, and helped set up a lucky first goal in the 42nd minute when a hopeful through ball was met by home defender Phil Miles.

But his clearance hit Ducille square in the face and the ball landed for Allen, who finished superbly from 20 yards.

Borough extended their lead on 55 minutes when Allen thumped home from 12 yards.

Wilson brought on youngster Mark Goodwin for his first league appearance and he scored in injury time.