FC United strengthened their grip on the Division One title with a resounding 5-1 victory at Abbey Hey.

The breakaway club, who lead the table by three points with four games in hand on their closest rivals, Salford City, were two up inside 17 minutes thanks to goals from Simon Carden and Josh Howard.

The home side pulled one back eight minutes later but Stuart Rudd put pay to Abbey Hey's hopes of a fightback when he grabbed a third a minute after the restart.

The Rebel Reds' top-scorer added his second just before the hour mark and Howard also completed his double with 19 minutes left as the visitors picked up three more points.

Atherton LR gained their first win under new manager Roy Sweeney when they defeated Silsden 2-0 - easing their relegation fears in the process.

Ian Berry open the scoring three minutes into the second half on his home debut, and Stuart Wellstead added a second - the winger's first since rejoining Rovers from Winsford this month - to complete a vital victory.

Daisy Hill continue to save their best form for the top teams - but that crucial win still eludes them as they conceded an injury-time equaliser against high-flying Chadderton in Division Two.

Tommy Moore's young side led 2-1 deep into stoppage time before the home side grabbed a late leveller to rob the New Sirs outfit of a deserved victory.

Craig Naylor had given the visitors' a dream start when he scored from the penalty spot in the first minute after Simon Farrell had been pulled back.

Chadderton equalised on 69 minutes but Danny Williams looked to have sealed the points for Daisy Hill when he struck with just eight minutes remaining.

But their hopes of climbing out of the bottom two were dealt a cruel blow when the hosts hit back again at the death, though there was still time for Williams to twice go close for Hill before the final whistle.

The club, meanwhile, will be holding a coaching school on Tuesday, April 10 to Thursday, April 12: Six to 12-year-olds from 9.30am-12.30pm, 12 to 16-year-olds from 1-4pm. All coaches are either UEFA B Level 3 or Level 2. The price is £5 per day at Daisy Hill's New Sirs' ground. Contact Steve Fisher on 01257 413920.

l Atherton Collieries entertain FA Vase Holders Nantwich Town tonight at Alder House, kick-off 7.45pm.