THE importance of Saturday's 1-0 away win at Freckleton for Blackrod Town will only come out in the final analysis but for now it keeps Arthur Flatters side breathing hard down the necks of the leading pack in the Premier Division.

The listing at the moment has a bit of a look of a two horse race about it with unbeaten Kirkham and Wesham and Fulwood Amateurs forging ahead of the field. All Blackrod can do is keep winning and three points away from home especially at daunting opponents like Freckleton is a bonus. The vital goal came on 80 minutes converted by substitute Mark Westworth and set up by man of the match Martin Gwynnett.

Town's Reserves drew 1-1 at home against the same opposition, Jordan scoring the goal and Mark Ashton missing a last minute penalty. Goals from Lee Dean and Chris Coyne gave Eagley Reserves a 2-1 win at Charnock Richard. The game marked the very welcome return to action of goalkeeper Mick Aldridge who suffered a badly broken leg eighteen months ago playing for the Villagers in a Bolton Hospital Cup semi final against Little Hulton United.

A fine Paul Warburton individual goal earned Turton an impressive 1-0 away win at second in the Division One table Carnforth Rangers. A top class professional showing from Ronnie Brookes' side keeps them in touch with leaders with midfielder Rick Warburton the managers choice for the man of the match vote. The Turton Reserves lost 3-2 at home to Kirkham and Wesham, Steward and Walsh scoring.

BEN STAR TURN: Martin Gwynnett - Blackrod Town. This season's Mr Consistency for Town.

West Lancs Leading Goalscorer

Richard Collier Tempest United 13

Justin Hughes Turton 7

David Such Blackrod Town 6

Sean Whorlow Tempest United 5

Matt Holliday Turton 5

Mark Westworth Blackrod Town 5

Lee Whitehead Eagley 3