THE Crofters moved two points clear at the top of Division Three with a hard fought but convincing 4-0 win over Breightmet United.

A brace from Phil Lee and one each for Chris Hart and Terry Cornfirth secured the points for The Crofters and killed off any lingering hopes Breightmet had of being involved in the title race.

Ainsworth A moved into second place after shading a tight game 2-1 against fellow title challengers the Pineapple Inn.

Goals from Eddy Fairhurst and a great chip from Alan Hilton gave Ainsworth A a two goal lead, but it would have been more if they had taken all their chances.

A late goal for The Pineapple meant it was a nervous last 10 minutes for Ainsworth, but they held on for the win.

The Pineapple drop to third place, four points off the lead, and the title chase has been reduced to a four horse race with Breightmet's defeat, but it still remains the closest division of the three.

Ainsworth B gained some valuable points after a 4-2 win away at Real Victoria. Three months of not playing showed in the first half, but a Cliff Bannister hat-trick, and a fourth from man-of-the-match Paul Roscoe, steered them to victory.

In Division Two Walkden Fives remain at the top after crushing ICO Pal 7-2, but they suffered an early scare by going two down early on before stamina came into play.

Two each from Des and Mark Morris, another two from Barry Edge and one from John Morrison gave Walkden a comfortable-looking scoreline that kept them a point clear at the top.

A close second are Dobbies B after beating Ram United 3-1, but it could have been different if Ram had notmissed a penalty with the score at 0-0.

A brace from Eric Greenhalgh and a third from Gary Davenport secured the points for Dobbies. With ample games in hand, Dobbies remain firm favourites for the title and third place Walkden Wrecks may give them most to worry about after a 4-3 win against The Plough kept the pressure on.

The Bay Mare Strollers got back to winning ways with a comfortable 4-1 win over Pennington FC.