Horwich RMI 2 Walshaw 0: SOLID defending proved to be the foundation for a victory which moved Horwich RMI up to third in Division One.

RMI were relieved to get to half-time without conceding after playing into a stiff breeze for the first 45 minutes.

They took the lead early in the second half when Darren Smethurst headed past the keeper.

Man of the match Rob Sharratt sealed the win midway through the second half when he scored in a goalmouth scramble.

RMI's other two teams also won; the reserves beat Little Lever 1-0, while Ben Monks scored a hat-trick as the thirds thumped Thornleigh 6-1.