HORWICH Victoria extended their lead at the top of Bolton Sunday League's Premier Division with a 5-2 triumph at Seven Stars Bolton.

The win lifted them some four points clear of second-placed Griffin, who have played five games more.

Tonge Moor Cons have emerged as Victoria's nearest serious challengers after a 6-0 thrashing of Clifton Rangers moved them into third place, five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand.

Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the table but are no worse off after all five bottom clubs failed to pick up points.

Division One pace setters Greenwood also consolidated their lead, moving seven points clear with a 7-3 win at second-placed Jolly Waggoner.

Farnworth Whites lost away to Greenfield 3-2 in a result which sent Smithills, 4-2 losers to Farmers Arms, hurtling into the bottom three.

Cherry Tree Park remain stuck on one point for the season after their 11-1 loss at NW Paper.

The Open Cup semi-finals come to Breightmet Utd on April 6, with Tonge Moor Con Club taking on on Grapes Hotel and then, on April 13, Jolly Waggoner face North West Paper.

Premier Division

CLIFTON RANGERS...0 TONGE MOOR CON...6

BOWLING GREEN...0 DOFFCOCKER...3

SEVEN STARS BOLTON...2 HORWICH VIC...5

CARTERS ARMS...8 HARE/H'NDS (BTN)...0

Division One

NW PAPER...11 CHERRY TREE PK...1

SEVEN STARS (L.L.)...1 LADYBRIDGE...4

JOLLY WAGGONER...3 GREENWOOD...7

SMITHILLS...2 FARMERS ARMS...4

GREENFIELD...3 FARNW'TH WHITES...2