LEIGH Athletic eased into second place in the Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division thanks to a 2-0 home win over Rochdale Sacred Heart.

Gordon Walker and Neil Sumner scored either side of half-time to secure the points.

Atherton Town were also on the up following a spectacular 4-1 win at Irlam MS.

Nick Robinson scored the only goal of the first 70 minutes for the home side before goals from Steve Dixon, Neil Lewis, Clint McLoughlin and Andy Morris secured an unlikely 4-1 victory for the visitors.

And Willows' hopes of escaping the relegation scene suffered at the hands of Elton Vale, who won 3-1 at Agecroft.

Derek Watson, Dave Malius and Paul Owen replied for Vale after Tommy Turner had put the home side ahead in the first half.

In the First Division, Highfield United lost 3-0 at home to Unsworth, Paul Thompson netting twice and Chris Lyons once for the visitors.

While Breightmet United's hopes received a boost with a 2-1 home win over Belden.