BOLTON County moved to within three points of hoisting themselves out of the relegation zone after causing the upset of the day with a 4-0 victory over rivals and Division One leaders Turton.

The top versus bottom clash lived up to its billing as a derby thriller with Turton duo Matt Eckersley and Jordan Lomax getting their marching orders in the second half.

Ally Dixon put County ahead after the Turton defence failed to clear a corner.

Eckersley was first to see red and County made the most of the one-man advantage when Tom Aspen doubled their lead.

Lomax then followed his team-mate down the tunnel for an early bath and things went from bad to worse for the leaders when Linford Stewart struck twice to wrap up a convincing win.

A delighted Bolton County boss Mark Omerod said: “It was a really good competitive game and we deserved to get the win.

“All of our players were up for it and I think some of their players were not.

“I have said before that I am not worried about our position and we just needed things to turn our way.

“I think a few people would have looked at the result and been surprised.”

Turton manager Neil Johnson conceded: “We warned the lads about being complacent but it fell on deaf ears.

“We will look to put it behind us and prepare for next Saturday.”

Elsewhere in Division One, Tempest United lost 5-0 to Burscough Richmond.

Eagley did their prospects of avoiding relegation from the Premier Division a power of good with a 5-4 win at Thornton Cleveleys.

Central defender Simon Neary completed a hat-trick while player-manager Simon Whaley led by example with a couple to help the Eagles to three points.

Whaley said: “I think we have turned the corner.

“We were a bit lucky to get a result in the end but we deserved it.

“I made a few changes and put myself on for the final five minutes.

“The lads are starting to believe we can get out of this.”

In Division Two, Stoneclough's problems continued with a 5-0 defeat at the hands of CMB.

Goals by Charlie Scholes, Will Archer, Michael McGinlay, Tom Coan and Liam Carr scored for the Chew Moor side in a convincing derby win.

CMB boss Phil Roberts said: “It was a slow start to the game from us with lots of wasteful passing.

“The second half was much better and we possibly could have scored more.”

Meanwhile, Ladybridge continue to fly the flag in Division Two with a 2-1 win against Furness Cavaliers.

Harry Brazel scored in the 41st and 48th minutes but Briudge had to survive a late rally when Furness pulled one back 15 minutes from time.

Manager Dave Walker said: “It was a great result at a tough place to go. The work rate was excellent and another good performance from the lads.”