ASTLEY Miners moved a step nearer the Pioneer Football League's Premier Division Championship with a 2-1 away victory over Gatehouse.

Parkinson put Miners in front in the first half, Wayne Glynn increased the lead in the second half before Gary Wall pulled one back for Gatehouse from the penalty spot but Miners held out for their victory.

Bulls head went down to a 3-1 defeat against Cheetham Arms. Wes Gallagher was the hero with a hat-trick for Cheethams.

Masons Arms had a tremendous 6-5 away win at Unity Brook.

Cattlemarket and Farnworth Vets had to settle for a point each in a 2-2 draw. Whittaker and Marshall were on target for Cattlemarket.

Equalised

In Division One the top two teams met, AGD Shutters and Ellesmere. Ellesmere went in front through Halliwell, before Lomax equalised for Shutters. Farrington put Shutters in front, then Ryan equalised for Ellesmere before Tim Barrow hit Ellesmere with a four goal blitz.

Hulton Lane closed the gap on the two teams above them with a 3-1 victory at Royal. Wayne Preston and Vinny Moss on target for Hulton Lane.

In Division Two Rigby Taylor move a step nearer the title with their 4-0 victory over GH Maughan.

Sharples had an excellent 4-0 victory against Great Lever. Vaughan, Ellison and Fairclough on target for Sharples.

Faux Forest moved into second spot with a 5-2 victory over Breightmet Rovers, Faux's goals coming from Higgins, Cockran, Barlow and Murphy.

Ridgeway Rovers had a 4-2 victory against Bolton MV. Fairclough, Buckley and Davies were on target for Ridgeway.