RADCLIFFE Amateurs' Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division clash with local rivals Little Lever lived up to expectations.

The meeting of the two clubs is usually a fiery affair but this time it had the added spice of being a top of the table battle, with Lever lyingin second place behind Radcliffe at the start of the day.

Radcliffe scored first in the opening half through Mark Isherwood and went two up in the second period from a 40-yard drive by Danny Mossop.

Goalkeeper Gary Carter produced a magnificent save keep his side in the game after the break and Lever finally replied with a goal from Mick Jones.

But, even though they piled forward in search of an equaliser, it was not enough stop Radcliffe from increasing their lead at the top to nine points.