Lawson double sees Thornton notch top-spot

Eleven games beat the weather as THEO HEWSON-BETTS looks at the weekend's action, with pictures from Charnock Richard v Storeys provided by Steve Taylor photography.

With only one game played amidst many postponements, the Premier Division was not a hub of activity this weekend.

Despite the lack of action around the grounds, there was enough that took place between Thornton Cleveleys and Southport Hesketh to satisfy the needs of even the most avid football viewer.

TC have had a game in hand on title rivals Euxton for a decent stretch of time and took the opportunity against the league’s bottom team to finally move up to the summit.

Five goals for Thornton, one for Southport courtesy of Cameron Hague, with Dom Lawson’s brace adding to Adam Heaney, Oliver Wilkinson and Billy Dollin’s goalscoring exploits.

Division 1 - Hesketh Bank take advantage of empty game week

With only one game played in Division 1 also this week, Hesketh Bank took their chance to increase the pressure on the dominant Milnthorpe Corinthians by moving level on points with Lostock St Gerards and Eagley.

That pack of three teams are chasing to close the six-point gap that has been maintained by Milnthorpe and advance on top spot as Christmas approaches.

Hesketh Bank’s 1-0 victory over Askam United took them up into second place, with Kevin Edgar’s goal the decider.

Division 2 - Last gasp Bradshaw bags Charnock three points

Division 2 was slightly busier than the first two leagues that we’ve covered this weekend, with two games taking place. The first was an absolute thriller.

A mid-table clash for the ages between Charnock Richard Reserves and Storeys saw five goals scored and one late winner as Charnock emerged victoriously.

Ross Ellison had put the home side 1-0 within 30 minutes, only for Storeys to hit back within five minutes through Lee Dodgson. Half an hour had passed again before Ross Ellison got his second of the game, this time it was Timothy Last to equalise immediately.

It looked as though Last’s would be the final goal of the game, it wasn’t to be though as Harvey Bradshaw’s 90th-minute winner secured Charnock Richard Reserves the three points.

The other game in the second division was a 3-1 win for Burnley United over Furness Rovers.

Dave McVay, Michael White and Niall Edmondson had put Burnley 3-0 up before Kieth Holmes’ 65th-minute consolation.

Division 1 Reserve - Fulwood rescue point

Fulwood Amateurs Reserves pulled a point out of nowhere with two late goals against Turton Reserves.

Turton had led late into the game but Layton Kirnon got one back for Fulwood in the 89th-minute, and Danny Cooper completed the spectacular late turnaround only one minute later.

Thornton Cleveleys Reserves smashed Burscough Richmond Reserves 8-0.

Alwyn Flynn scored a hat-trick, Jordan Gregory got two and Harry Fryer, Rob McKitchen and Owen Bridge also netted.

Croston Sports Reserves drew 2-2 with Eagley Reserves, despite the latter being two goals up within 12 minutes thanks to an early Calvin Ashcroft double.

Harry Hardacre scored from the spot to get Croston back into the game before Declan Booth restored parity with just over 10 minutes left to play.

Hurst Green Reserves and CMB Reserves played out a 1-1 draw thanks to goals from John Stead and Thomas Healey respectively, with Tempest United Reserves beating Horwich St Mary's Victoria Reserves 1-0 following Joe Capstick’s opener.

Division 2 Reserves: Chipping’s whipping of Storeys

Chipping Reserves recorded a huge 10-1 win over Storeys reserves in one of two games played in this division over the weekend.

Kristian Bibby scored three for the home side, Anthony Slater scored twice with Jack Rhodes, Matin Cookson, Oscar Middlebrough, Jason Lamb and Will Hearne making up the numbers.

Haslingden St Marys Reserves also beat Hesketh Bank Reserves 2-0 thanks to goals from Jack Cain and Henry Hindle.

Where next?

Whitehaven left counting cost of heavy floods Whitehaven AFC have announced a temporary club closure after damage sustained to their 3G pitch due to flooding last week.
Walmsley winner keeps Thornton Cleveleys in hunt THEO HEWSON-BETTS takes a look at the weekend's fixtures as the battles for promotion continue to hot up across each division.

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