ELTON Vale fought back from the brink to secure a valuable point in their chase for the Division One title.
They found themselves 2-0 down at half time at Garswood to goals from Ray Bradshaw and Brian Hately, but goals from Maurice Thompson and Steff Shaw soon had them level and they now need only three more points from their last four games to take the title.
Turton's title challenge ended with a 5-2 defeat at home to Dobbies A, despite two goals from Phil Hutchinson. Goals from Brian Howarth, Darren Whittaker and two from Tony Philbin, and from a sprightly 55 years young John Wardle secured the points for Dobbies A.
Cross Keys closed up in third place with a great 3-0 away win at Dobbies B, thanks to a brace of goals from Steve Brown. They are now the only threat to Elton Vale for the title, but realistically are playing for second place.
The Fox & Stork moved into fifth spot after a great game at home to Littleborough, when a Taz Tobbin hat-trick secured the points in a 6-3 victory.
Colliers Rest may have held on to their Division One status after a great 5-2 win at Hare Athletic. Two own goals, added to ones from Whittle, Parry and Keegan, secured the points despite a pair of goals from Clifford for Hare.
The result means Hare Athletic and Dobbies B look destined for Second Division football next year.
In Division Two, goals from Andy Turner, Mark Davies and Paul Moore ensured a 3-2 home win for Daten AFC playing against Old Smithillians, a result which should guarantee their survival.
The League lost one of its founding members when Hayward Old Boys were unanimously voted out for failing to complete any fixtures since November.
Their results will now be deleted, which means that Lord Raglan are now three points clear at the top and two wins from their last three game will see them take the title with Dobbies C and the Bay Mare Strollers playing for second position.
The lead changed hands again in Division Three as Horwich Town beat the Bowling Green 4-1 away to move a point clear at the top.
Previous leaders the Plough were 2-1 up at half time, but lost out to a great second half performance from the Fir Tree as John McNally scored a brace of goals to secure a 5-2 win .
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