BLACKROD TOWN'S move up the Division One table continued with a superb 4-2 away win at reigning champions Springfields.

Arthur Flatters' side served notice to other contenders with a stunning performance earning this latest victory. Goals from Andrew Arrowsmith, David Such and a brace from current leading goalscorer Andy Morris got Town over the upset on 30 minutes of having left back Micky Marshall sent off for deliberate handball. The hapless defender will probably be better off making excuses when it comes to this fixture next season. He was red-carded at the same ground last term!

Club general manager Gordon Richardson commented: "It was a great game and the best team won at the end of the day. Not many will win at Springfields in this or any other season. We seem to be putting a run together and we are far more consistent. It was also great to see David Such on the mark again as he needed that first goal to get his confidence going!" This Saturday's home fixture against Lancs Constabulary has been postponed.

Terry Finney's EAGLEY were extremely unlucky to go down 4-3 at Lancs Constabulary after fighting back well from a 4-1 deficit. The scores were level 1-1 at half time with Neil Mathews converting after Dave Morris' shot has been blocked. Poor defending at the start of the second half opened up a three-goal gap but the Villagers came back well with goals from brothers Dave and Peter Morris but in the end it was just too much to chase and not enough time. Finney is hoping to have Hutchinson, Hart and Hynes back in his squad for Saturday's big local derby with Turton. Eagley Reserves beat Feniscowles 4-1 and remain in second place with this weekend's trip to leading side Lansil looking vital.

Peter Cooper's TURTON crashed to a 4-1 away defeat at Leyland Motors despite having by far the better of possession throughout long periods of the game. An early goal was cancelled out by Stuart Williams' equaliser but bad mistakes at the back were punished and the home side strolled to a flattering victory margin. This Saturday sees Cooper's next-to-bottom side facing a tough trip to big rivals Eagley.

TEMPEST UTD put in a far better performance than recent showings but unfortunately still went down by a 2-1 scoreline at Poulton Town. Yet again for Mick Farnworth and his team it was two defensive mistakes that were punished and cost heavily. The United Reserves side, packed full of exciting young local talent, made it four draws on the trot with a 2-2 scoreline away at home with Thornton International. This Saturday the 1st team travel to Vickers SC and the Reserves are on home turf against BAC Preston. MANCHESTER LEAGUE Tragedy struck Premier Division side ATHERTON TOWN'S Martin Henegan after 30 minutes of last weekend's Premier Division game at BICC. He went down under a heavy tackle from an opponent and was left writhing in agony. Initially a broken leg was suspected and an ambulance was called. X-rays indicated no break but he was detained overnight and exploratory surgery the following morning revealed serious ligament and tendon damage. The former LR player will face an operation in mid-October and a long, hard grind back to full fitness. His replacement on Saturday, substitute Martin Garner, played a big part in Town fighting back from a two-goal deficit for an eventual share of the points, with Steve Crilly getting both goals. This weekend Town travel to Woodleigh.

LITTLE HULTON completed a superb League "double" over big rivals Abbey Hey with a 2-0 away win following on just days after a 3-2 triumph at Hurst Close. A stunning performance from United, recapturing all the top qualities that earned the Premier Division title last season, gave due warning to all rivals that Steve Vychinski's side is on a roll again! "It was a magnificent performance, absolutely first class. Even their manager was full of praise after the game, admitting that his side had got a real roasting! We were never in any danger at all. The back four was superb, as were Alan Wardle, Rob Graham and Scott Derbyshire in midfield, but the real difference yet again was Mattie Swales up front. We also had a very strong following with us and it was great to see them all smiling broadly after the game." This Saturday, United are at home to Monton Amateurs.

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