LITTLE Lever’s defeat at Failsworth Dynamos just about put paid to their Premier Division title hopes, though manager Craig Bingham says they can still have a say in where the trophy ends up.

Though they remain second, their 3-2 loss leaves them a point behind Old Boltonians, having played four more games.

And Bingham concedes that fourth-placed Mostonians now appear to be Old Bolts’ main rivals as they are three points in arrears but have a game in hand to make that up.

“It was disappointing to lose on Saturday but we didn’t switch on at all in the first half,” he said. “Failsworth’s pitch is massive and they know how to use it. They got the first goal from a really good ball in but the second goal, just before half time, was the one that made it a mountain to climb.

“It was a punt from their goalkeeper that was flicked on, by one of our defenders mis-heading it, that went to their forward who was tying his laces. He must have been 30 yards offside and he picked it up and put it in.

“There were a few words said at half time and, to be fair to the players, they turned up in the second half.

“Mike Jones scored two really good goals, a diving header and one when he picked the ball up at the halfway line, beat two midfielders and both centre-backs before scoring.

“We looked like the only team that would go on and win it then, we hit the bar twice and their goalkeeper made two unbelievable saves. Then with about 10 minutes left a free kick sent into the box cleared everyone and crept in.”

While his own side’s chances look slim Bingham says Little Lever are still heavily involved in the title picture, with games against the high-flying sides to come, starting this Saturday with fifth-placed Rossendale, who are only halfway through their 26-game programme.

“I’d say we’re out of it but the race is still pretty wide open,” he said. “We’ll still have a say in it though, we’ve got Mostonians twice so we’ll keep an eye on what’s happening.”

n IN the West Lancashire League Challenge Cup Ladybridge lost 6-1 to their main rivals for the Division Two title, Leyland United.

Mark Truffas scored Ladybridge’s goal against the side topping the table, just a point ahead of the Bolton side but having played four games fewer.

The Richardson Cup match between Turton and Tempest United fell foul of the weather, as did league games involving Eagley and Stoneclough, who were due to play Lostock St Gerards and Wyre Villa respectively.