ATHERTON Town moved three points clear with a game in hand at the top of the Air Miles Manchester League

Premier Division with a stunning 1-0 victory at Wythenshawe Amateurs.

With the Reserves beating Prestwich Heys 2-0 at home it leaves Town with the proud record of having reached November with both teams unbeaten in any competition, including the Lancashire Amateur Shield and the Goldline Trophy.

The first team win came despite the absence of eight regulars so manager Shaun Lynch had just one substitute at his disposal - himself.

The Leighton Packaging man of the match went to Tony Walker who crowned a magnificent performance in midfield by getting the vital only goal of the game. It came on the hour mark when the former Little Hulton United and Curzon Ashton player converted with a near post header from Gary Fitzmartin's cross.

Adding to the weekend celebrations at the Howe Bridge club, was the second team's tenth victory in 13 outings by virtue of two goals from Andy Morris.

Elton Fold went down 5-3 at home to Irlam Mitchell Shackleton but manager Guy Mallinson was far from unhappy.

"It was an absolute cracker of a game," he enthused. "When you see a game of that quality you just have to be happy you were involved in it. It was fantastic! It was certainly the best we've played this season."

Fold led at the interval after Keith Ingham finished off a sweeping ten pass move but ten minutes into the second half were 3-1 down. Substitute Damion Keegan entered the action and scored two goals but the visitors held the upper hand. Elton's man of the match award went to midfielder Stefan Shaw.

The Reserves lost 6-1 at Breightmet United, Anthony Healey scoring the consolation goal. Elsewhere in the Premier Division Pennington now trail by six points at the bottom of the table after a 3-1 defeat at Failsworth Town but manager Mike Hardman saw plenty in the performance to take heart from.

"It's the best we've played all season but we're getting punished for any little thing we do wrong," he said.

Carl Caffrey got the goal with left back Danny Dyson voted man of the match.

Leigh Athletic were 1-1 at the break at home to Rochdale Sacred Heart but had a bad second half eventually going down 5-2. Glen Littlewood and Craig Little were Latics' scorers.

In Division One Hindsford's tremendous 6-1 away victory at Warth Fold sees Peter Barry's highly rated young outfit fourth in the table, five points adrift of leaders Wilmslow Albion with a game in hand. Darren Briggs gave Hindsford an interval lead but the second half saw true title credentials with Matt Toone bagging four and Craig Briggs completing the scoring.

Four goal Toone was denied the man of the match award by a masterful performance in defence from Simon Hampson.

The Reserves won 9-0 at home to Milton.