Thornton Cleveleys regain top spot in tight derby - midweek round-up

Thornton Cleveleys, Milnthorpe Corinthians, Rossendale, Hurst Green and Coppull United lead their respective divisions after a hectic August in the West Lancashire League.

Adam Heaney’s late winner propelled Thornton back to the top of the Premier Division as the curtain was brought down on the first month of the season.

Heaney’s 85th minute strike was enough to see off plucky Poulton Town at Poolfoot Farm as John Beavers’ men went back to the summit, unbeaten after eight games.

Euxton Villa were on course to end August as the pacesetters as they led 2-0 at half time away at Coppull United through a Josh Briggs strike and an own goal.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

But the home side hit back to continue their good recent form with a point thanks to Adam Pickstock and Jonty Mattock.

Burscough Richmond defeated Southport Hesketh 2-1 to secure fourth spot level on points with Blackpool Wren Rovers who came from behind to upset local rivals Lytham Town by the same scoreline, Josh Few grabbing the winner.

Kenny Taylor’s last-gasp effort denied Fulwood Amateurs three points as Hurst Green hit back twice in a 2-2 draw at Lightfoot Lane, on a night where only five games were played in the top division.

In Division One, both Eagley and Lostock St Gerards took advantage of Milnthorpe and Wyre Villa not being in action on Tuesday to keep the pressure on at the top.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Eagley eased to a 6-0 win over bottom side Horwich St Mary’s, Sam Smedley with a brace for the Bolton side.

Lostock St Gerards enjoyed an impressive win at previous leaders Hesketh Bank with early goals from Ben Davies and Scott Hammill doing the damage.

Stoneclough leapfrogged Haslingden St Mary’s with a 3-1 win, all the goals coming in the second half.

Joey Blackshaw’s 85th minute equaliser earned Crooklands Casuals a point in a 2-2 draw with Ulverston Rangers and Theo Dreghorn’s solitary strike was enough for Millom to see off Askam.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

On Wednesday, Kendal County left Milnthorpe with a credible draw, Rob Wilson earning the home side a point in a 2-2 draw, Jack Brench at the double for County.

In Division Two, Charnock Richard went goal crazy at Mossie Park (pictures from Steve Taylor Photography) hitting Freckleton for five in the first half alone.

Will Hopper, Ross Ellison and Sam Milburn all scored twice for Charnock in the 9-2 drubbing, Jamal John bagging both goals for the visitors.

Furness Rovers lost the chance to put pressure on Rossendale at the top as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Walney Island, who had led twice in the game.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Rossendale maintained their 100 per cent record at the top with a 3-0 win over Burnley United on Wednesday, Tom Hulme and two Scott Wylie penalties sealing the win.

Storeys got their first win on the road with a 3-1 defeat of Galgate in the Lancaster derby and Kendal United enjoyed a 3-0 defeat of Cartmel and District, Ollie Cleasby grabbing a pair.

On Monday night, Hurst Green went top of Reserve Division One with a 1-0 win over Fulwood Amateurs, Matthew Bagot’s 51st minute effort enough for the three points.

They lead the way from CMB on goal difference after a Mark Waring inspired CMB to a 3-1 win over Tempest United.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Previous leaders Euxton Villa took an early lead against Croston Sports but had to rely on another Ash Ball strike to earn a point after the visitors scored twice in quick succession in the first half.

Eagley were denied their first win of the season as Ally Dickson’s 89th minute leveller saw Turton snatch a 1-1 draw and Stoneclough got off the mark at home with a 3-0 win over Horwich St Mary’s.

In Reserve Division Two, prolific marksman Rob Norton was at it again for Wyre Villa who are hot on the heels of leaders Coppull after a 2-1 win at Thornton Cleveleys A.

James Parkinson also scored twice for Milnthorpe in a 4-2 defeat of Carnforth Rangers and Anthony Slater helped himself to a treble in a 4-1 win over Fulwood Amateurs A.

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Charnock Richard Res v Freckleton (Pics: Steven Taylor Photography)

Rossendale were held to a 1-1 draw at Haslingden despite taking a half-time lead and two strikes from Rhys Merryfield bookended two efforts from Galgate in a 2-2 draw at Storeys.

Where next?

Euxton back on top on goal-laden weekend THEO HEWSON-BETTS reviews the weekend's action as several sides go goal crazy on the first weekend of September.
Burscough snatch crazy point with comeback of the season Burscough Richmond scored three times in second half injury time to earn the unlikeliest of points at Thornton Cleveleys.

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