THEY were far from at their best, but Tempest United kept their top-three hopes alive with a late winner against Thornton Cleveleys.

Tempest trailed 2-1 at half time but with Nathan Monson converting two penalties in the second half they stayed in touch with the sides fighting it out for the Premier Division title.

“It was a poor game, we didn’t play well and we were 2-1 down at half time,” said assistant manager Gary Westhead.

“It went flat early on and we just weren’t at it.

“Thornton are not a bad team, they set about us and made it difficult. We went a goal down and did well to make it 1-1 with a goal from Shaun Rothwell but we let another in before half time.

“We improved after going to 4-4-2 but things weren’t falling for us, we thought it would be one of those days.”

Then, with 15 minutes to go, a handball in the area was spotted by the referee and Monson scored from the penalty spot to set up an exciting finish to the match.

Monson’s nerve was tested again with two minutes remaining, as Sam Parkinson was sent tumbling in the box for Tempest’s second penalty of the game.

And he once again kept his cool to slot home and secure the three points for his team, who sit fifth in the table.

Tempest now have seven league games with which to make up a five-point gap to Longridge Town, who have six to go.

And the Chew Moor club should head into the run-in somewhat refreshed as they now have an enforced – but much welcome – break from action before they next take to the field to face the division’s bottom team, Haslingden.

“We’re happy to have a bit of a lay-off,” added Westhead.

“There are still a lot of games to fit in so we hope we’ll have a few lads back who have little knocks.

“Tom Daly has a thigh pull and he might have to sit out the rest of the season, but Aaron Thorpe, who has damaged a ligament might be able to play after time to rest.

“We’re out of the cups, so all we have left to go for is third in the league.

“We were disappointed to lose in the Hospital Cup to Bolton County, especially after winning it last year but they deserved to beat us.

“Our home form has let us down a bit this season but we’re still hoping we can catch Longridge to finish third, and that would make it a fantastic season for us.”

In Division One Eagley reached 16 goals in their last three wins, beating Crooklands Casuals 4-2, Bailey Wallace, Simon Whaley, Jack Cowen and Oliver Clark scoring.

Stoneclough lost 2-1 at home to title-chasing Milnthorpe.

CMB missed out on a place in the President’s Cup final, losing a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in their semi-final at Poulton.