TIM Lewis scored twice as Leigh Athletic claimed the bragging rights with a hard-fought 2-1 derby victory over Division One rivals Pennington on Saturday.

The Latics, whose promotion push had faltered since the turn of the year following successive defeats against leaders Old Alts and Boothstown, went into the game on a high after beating Breightmet United on penalties in the Murray Trophy seven days earlier.

They had also twice beaten their opponents in league and cup games earlier in the season, but this was closer than the previous two meetings.

Pennington secretary Dave Farrington was satisfied that his side, who returned to the league this season, gave a much better account of themselves.

“It was a good, competitive derby,” he said.

“We got hammered 4-0 at home in the league and they beat us 2-0 in the cup, but this was a much better performance.

“We were up for it and we thought we deserved a point, and that shows how far we have come.”

Lewis opened the scoring for the Latics on 25 minutes when he rounded off a good move – a lead the home side held at half time.

But Pennington hit back and Tom Rabbbit equalised in only his second appearance for the Jubilee Park side for whom Richard Jones was outstanding in midfield.

The Latics responded well, though, and Lewis grabbed the winner with a header from a corner to take the Leigh Sports Village side back up to fourth in the table, leapfrogging Beechfield United whose game at Irlam Steel was postponed.

“We always felt comfortable and thought we deserved the win,” said Latics skipper Karl Shepherd.

“It was a good all-round team performance and Tim took his goals well.

“It was good to get back-to-back wins after losing a couple on the bounce, but it still looks like promotion is out of our reach.

"At one point we thought we were in with a chance but Old Alts will probably win the league and we’re not sure whether it will be the top two or three who go up.

“We’re just trying to keep ourselves involved and we’re still in a couple of cup competitions, so we’re having a good season.”

New Hindsford manager Adam Scoular is refusing to write off the Squires Lane men’s chances of securing a fourth consecutive Premier Division title.

Scoular, who took over when Barry Massey stepped down, was pleased with the performance of his weakened side that drew 1-1 at Royton Town on Saturday.

The result left Hindsford in seventh place, seven points behind leaders Walshaw Sports but with games in hand on all the teams above them.

And Scoular sees no reason why they cannot bridge the gap.

“That’s the target,” he said. “We still want to win the league and it’s still in our own hands.

“That was a positive result for us on Saturday and other results went our way. We still have those games in hand. The title is still our main objective and we’re just looking to get a good run of results under our belts.”

Hindsford were without eight first-teamers at Royton, but the reserves stepped up to the plate – teenage debutants Adam McBride and Ryan Rathburn, centre-half and right-back, respectively, having outstanding games in defence.

Midfielder Tom Stacey put Hindsford in front after 20 minutes with his first goal of the season but Royton cashed in on a moment’s confusion in defence to equalise 10 minutes later.

“We were comfortable and never looked like losing,” Scoular added. “But we lacked a bit of composure in front of goal.”

Atherton Town’s home game against Springhead was one of a number of Manchester League fixtures postponed.