OLD Boltonians knocked Tottington United out of the LFA Cup and sent out a message of intent in the title race.

The cup clash between the top two teams in the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division was hard-fought despite the 4-1 scoreline in favour of the visitors.

Two late goals eventually killed off the Bury side who trail Old Bolts by two points in the league.

Old Bolts have shown in the last three games they are certainly the team to beat having overcome high-flying rivals North Walkden, reigning champions Prestwich and now the second-placed team.

The Chapeltown men took at 20th-minute lead when Darren Dalton converted from the penalty spot after Paul Wheatcroft had been fouled.

Lee Worswick doubled the lead on the hour when he rifled an 18-yard shot through a packed goalmouth.

Tottington pulled one back almost instantly and the outcome was in the balance until Sean Rushton created the chance for Dave Warburton to fire in from the edge of the box four minutes from time.

Rob Taylor put the gloss on the scoreline with a one-on-one with the home keeper in the last minute.

The one game involving local clubs in the Premier Division saw Horwich Victoria suffer another narrow defeat, 2-1 at Mostonians.

The result leaves Danny Holmes’s men bottom without a point, but the manager remains confident they are due a change in fortunes.

“We are having lots of possession in every game but we are not creating chances and that’s costing us,” he said.

“I am happy with the squad and the way we are playing.

“There have been a lot of changes and it is just taking a little longer than I thought it would for us to get it right.”

After going a goal behind on 30 minutes to the fifth-placed side, Austin Brobbey headed Vics level from a corner before conceding the deciding goal 10 minutes into the second half.