HORWICH St Marys Victoria boss Danny Holmes was delighted with another solid display from his early pacesetters in the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division on Saturday.

In a local derby at Blackrod Town, Homes's side won 2-0 thanks to first-half goals from Jonny Shacklady and Sulay Breaux.

That followed up their opening day 5-0 home victory against Bury GSOB and sees then top of the league.

But as much as the seven goals has pleased Holmes, he has also praised the defensive solidity that has secured two clean sheets inside a week.

Holmes said: "It has been a great start for us all round with two clean sheets and we are looking strong at the back this season.

"It was a derby game on Saturday but were pretty dominant from the start.

"Jonny scored the first on 15 minutes when he rounded the keeper after a good ball in to him and then another good move ended with Sulay doubling the lead 10 minutes later.

"We limited Blackrod's chances after that and while they hit the post in the second half, we were fairly comfortable."

Little Lever are third after sharing eight goals with hosts Whitworth Valley.

But it could have been maximum points after they led 4-2 but having to play much of the game with 10 men saw them tire late on to let the hosts back in it.

Young striker Jack Coop, fresh from five goals in a 6-3 win against Howe Bridge Mills, netted a hat-trick after following new boss Matt Barnes from Walshaw.

But Barnes admits his side felt the loss of Lee Valentine on seven minutes as the game wore on, Valentine sent off as the last man attempting to stop the home forward outside the box.

Barnes said: "We went a goal down and then Lee was sent off. It was harsh but by the rules it was probably a red card.

But we fought back and Jack scored twice to make it 2-1 before they equalised again.

"Connor Gaitely marked his debut with a goal before Jack made it 4-2 but they got back in it with a penalty and then an own goal inside the final eight minutes levelled it up.

"Playing for so long with 10 men was hard and with 11 I think we would have seen out the win.

"We were disappointed not to get all three points but since I arrived we have been unbeaten, winning six and drawing two if you include pre-season."

Little Lever are level on points with second-placed Mostonians who beat Old Boltonians 5-1 on Saturday.

In the Manchester League Division One, Bolton County went close to double figures on home soil, beating Chadderton Reserves 9-2.

Breightmet United were also on home turf but went down 6-1 to Heyside.