TEMPEST United kept the pressure on West Lancashire League Premier Division leaders Fulwood Amateurs with a much-needed 4-1 win at home to Hurst Green on Saturday.

They stormed into a two-goal lead in the first 20 minutes through Matty Westwell and Alex McClurg.

But they failed to make the most of the other chances they created until 15 minutes from time, when Tom Booth made the game safe with a third goal. A goal from the penalty spot gave Hurst Green a semblance of hope eight minutes from time but Elliott Hailwood killed off those hopes when he completed the scoring for Tempest on 88 minutes.

And with the Greens two points adrift of Fulwood but with an extra game to play, assistant manager Gary Westhead says it was a victory they were extra glad of, given recent disappointments on the field.

“We beat Vickerstown just after Christmas then lost to Coppull United,” he said. “We just didn’t play well in that game, it was a complete off-day, which you do get now and again.

“We feel we should have beaten CMB but it just didn’t happen for us but we defended very well on Saturday, we knew Hurst Green would be difficult, they’re a decent team who bombard you with long balls.

“We dominated the game though, and got two good goals from Matty and Clurgy. Matty played his first game in about six weeks, he was injured in a game against Fulwood. He’s been a big miss for us, he’s a quality young player – I think he’s still only 18 – and he’s one we know will be playing at a higher level in a year or two.

“Alex’s goal calmed us down a bit but we had chances to get a third and didn’t take them, that’s when you start to wonder if it’ll cost you but Tom scored our third, he slotted in after their keeper totally missed his clearance.

“They got a penalty that was probably a bit harsh but Jordan Coop did have his arm up.And Elliott sealed it with our fourth, he cut in from the right and with his left foot he did the keeper at his near post.”

The victory keeps Tempest hot on the heels of Fulwood, and Westhead is remaining cautiously optimistic about their chances, but says with the number of games remaining it is too difficult to predict who’ll take the title.

As for their own prospects he feels the forthcoming fixtures will go a long way to shaping their season. But it will not be an easy ride by any stretch of the imagination.

“We’ve got a run of massive games coming up,” he said. “Turton this Saturday is going to be a tough match, it always is, but they’re on a great run and it’s a big derby. Then we’ve got the Shield semi-final the following Wednesday and then Euxton, Lytham and Coppull.

“Euxton are a real bogey team for us, I don’t think we’ve beaten them in something like 20 years – it’s about time we changed that.

“If we can come out of February still in the running for the title and with a place in the Shield final we’ll take that.”

Tempest’s Lancashire Amateur Shield semi-final tie against Cheshire League Premier Division side FC St Helens will be played at Padiham FC’s Arbories Memorial Ground on Wednesday, February 5 (7.30pm).

The winners will face Euxton Villa or Lostock St Gerards in the final at the Lancashire FA’s Leyland headquarters.

The first Lancashire Amateur Shield final took place more than a century ago, at the end of the 1906/07 season and was won by Hindley Central.

Atherton Collieries are the record winners with six Shield victories.

The current holders are Turton, while Tempest are gunning for their first win in the prestigious trophy.

Round-up

Turton were in Richardson Cup action at the weekend and after a goalless draw at Coppull United, progressed to round three with a 5-4 win on penalties.

There were differing fortunes for local sides Eagley and Horwich St Mary’s Victoria in the President’s Cup.

The Eagles lost 2-1 at home to Askam United but Horwich were 4-2 winners at home to Millom.

In the Premier Division, Dan Crook struck a 90th-minute goal to give CMB the three points at Vickerstown, Tom Healey and Harry Dixon having hit the earlier goals.

After trailing 4-3 at the end of a frantic first half, Stoneclough suffered a 6-3 defeat at Croston Sports Club, with two goals from Mark Truffas and one from Jason Manson.

In the Lancashire Amateur League, Premier Division table-toppers Old Boltonians were beaten 2-0 at Prestwich but remain four points clear at the summit. Bolton Wyresdale also lost, 2-1 at Whitworth Valley.

Blackrod Town beat hosts Radcliffe Town 3-2 in Division One, while Horwich RMI lost 2-1 at home to St Clements reserves.

In the Manchester League Premier Division Bolton County won 3-0 at home to Stockport Georgians.

The day’s big winners were Atherton Town, who strengthened their position at the top of DIvision One with a 9-1 victory over Leigh Athletic.

Three players – Gareth Shaw, Calam Williamson and Jordan Lloyd – scored a hat-trick for the league leaders.

Bolton Lads and Girls Club were beaten 2-0 at Moorside Rangers.

Bolton United remain top of Division Two, despite a 3-1 defeat at Wythenshawe Amateurs reserves.

Breightmet collected a point from a 2-2 draw at Hindley Juniors while Astley and Tyldesley lost 2-1 to visitors AFC Monton.

Daisy Hill sit fifth in the North West Counties League First Division North after a stunning 8-3 win at St Helens Town.

Tyler Rufus hit three goals and Dean Singleton two before Jacob Ridings, Joseph Mullarkey and Jamie Ramwell’s penalty added gloss to a fine victory.

Atherton LR lost 2-0 at home to Lower Breck and sit third-bottom in the table.