IN-FORM Horwich men are second in North West League Division Five North/South after maintaining their 100-per-cent winning start.

A 1-0 victory at South Manchester was sufficient to take all three points which leaves them behind Didsbury Northern’s sixth team only on goal difference.

They also boast clean sheets in their opening three games, although they needed a missed penalty to keep up their record.

The first half saw both sides battling to gain control of the midfield and an outstanding performance from Andy Robertson in which he foiled Manchester’s attacks and was Horwich’s main playmaker.

South Manchester had the best chance to take the lead in an open, end-to-end first half when a breakaway saw them one-on-one with Horwich goalkeeper Ryan Goodman.

The in-form stopper reacted fast and he slid out to block the shot at the feet of the striker, giving away the penalty stroke in the process.

Horwich hit straight back with Will Aiken sliding a long corner to David Whiteside in the corner.

He rounded his marker before pulling the ball back for Tony Sanderson at the near post to fire into the net with a superb first-time strike just before half time to record his 100th goal for the club in all competitions.

In the second half, Horwich kept control of the game, with a number of chances forcing saves but unable to add to their lead.

South Manchester did not give up and were a threat on counter-attack, but the Horwich defence have not conceded no goals so far this season for nothing and repelled all their attacking efforts.