A HEAVY pitch took its toll on the players of Thornleigh and Little Lever as they fought out a 1-1 Division One draw.

Andy Swindells had put the home side in front before Andy Fane responded for the visitors.

The man of the match awards went to Steve Firth for Thornleigh and Phil Regan for Little Lever.

Unbeaten Radcliffe Amateurs are still setting a heady pace at the top after a 4-0 home win over Heywood St James, goals coming from man of the match Simon Gugniewicz, Gary Andrew, Shaun Scully and Kevin Holbrook.

Horwich RMI romped to an impressive 5-1 away victory at Old Mancunians, star man Peter Litherland and Neil Horrocks scoring twice and Scott Heapey once. Sladians were also able to celebrate a big away win by a 8-1 margin at Roch Valley, man of the match Paul Johnson scoring four, Mark Sloan and Pete Merritt two.

Team management at amateur level can be a soul-destroying occupation - just ask Old Boltonians' manager Peter Cooper after seeing his side well beaten 5-2 at Highfield United.

"We were awful," he admitted. "Playing the defending champions and we only get five or six at training in midweek then expect to go out and match them. It just can't be done at this level."

Only an outstanding display from keeper Andy Lees prevented more damage with Bolts' goals coming from Dean Bancks and Mark Grundy.

Bury GSOB clocked up a much needed Premier Division win 3-0 at home to Lymm. Ian Riggs scored twice early on then crossed for Paul Wilde to get the third. Centre back Andy Jackson got the star performer vote.

A rock solid defensive display saw Ambassadors to a 1-0 away win at Ashtonians.

Chris Peszel went close in the first half gliding past three defenders but shooting wide. The decisive goal came on 59 minutes when giant striker David Oakley headed home Adi Wolstenholme's corner. The 6' 5" scorer was named as man of the match.

Bury Amateurs conceded a goal after only two minutes at home to Hindley but levelled when man of the match midfielder Will Green fired in a 35 yard Beckham style free kick. Amateurs hit the post and the bar before conceding a second goal to Hindley in the last minute.

Sweeper Mark Toker was named as Wyresdale's man of the match in a 2-0 defeat at Walkden.

Bolton Lads Club mastered very heavy playing conditions at Ainsworth for a 4-2 derby win with Wes Gallagher and Alan Mitchell both scoring twice.

THE RESERVES On the reserves scene Ambassadors 2nds lost 10-2 to Walkden while Bury Ams 2nds lost 4-0 at Hesketh.

Bury GSOB lost 3-1 at Blacks (John Amer), and the club's third team beat 4ths 7-2

Horwich RMI beat Wyresdale 2-0 (Gary Mather 2), but the thirds lost 4-2 at Burnley having been 2-0 up.

Little Lever won 3-0 against Roch Valley 3-0 while the thirds went down 3-1 at home to Lymm.

Radcliffe Ams 3rds lost 4-3 to Accrington Ams (Chris Russell 2, Darren McGlynn. MoM Mark Crowther).

Thornleigh 3rds won 4-1 at Rossendale Ams (Paul Davies 3, Mark Ashton) but the 4ths lost 4-1 at home to Sladians (Paul Burke).

Wyresdale lost 2-0 at home to Horwich RMI and the thirds lost 7-1 to Hesketh (Simon Griffiths).