Retford are now 11 points clear of Cammell Laird, who have two games in hand on the league leaders.

In blustery conditions with the strong wind at their backs, United started the stronger, Ryan Ford unleashing a shot that cannoned off the crossbar in the opening minutes.

Ford almost turned provider as his cross looking for the run of Mick Godber was cut out by the goalkeeper, and then a flick-on from Godber to Neil Harvey was intercepted by Lee Jones in the Nantwich net.

Nantwich had a chance when Nick Linford headed wide.

Andy Kinsey missed a golden opportunity for Nantwich as he directed his free header well wide.

Matt Fisher forced another save from Jones as he made contact in the crowded box from a corner, but Jones was down low to save.

The difficult conditions had subsided a little for the second half and United made an instant impact.

United face bottom-of-the-league Spalding United at Cannon Park on Saturday (3pm).

Godber fired the ball across goal, Jones got a hand to it as he dived to make the save and Harvey was able to chip the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, Nantwich were on level terms, Linford starting and finishing the move, evading two challenges before laying the ball out to the wing, and collecting the pass back before slotting home.

Ryan Hindley was unlucky as he picked up a cross from Steve Owens in the six yard box, but he couldn't find the final touch as the ball seemed to stick under his feet in the sandy conditions.

He did find the net shortly after however, smashing home from the edge of the six-yard box to give United the lead again.

Nantwich had chances with two free-kicks on the edge of the United area, but the defence stayed strong, and the efforts were poor.

This was a well deserved victory for Retford, despite the windy conditions and the pitch not helping for a passing game of football.

Badgers will face Shepshed Dynamo on Good Friday and then travel to Belper Town on Easter Monday.