LITTLE Lever’s survival hopes were dealt a bitter blow at rivals Prestwich last weekend as they were beaten 4-3 in a tense relegation battle, writes Jon Mitchell Prestwich were only able to name 11-men in their matchday squad, forcing their manager Paul Driver to play at centre-back.

But it was Prestwich who grabbed the second-half winner and survived a late surge from Lee Buckley’s men to leapfrog them in the Premier Division table.

Manager Lee Buckley said: “We tried to throw the kitchen sink at them but unfortunately we just ran out of time.

“It’s all just up in the air at the moment but we’re hopeful.

“We’ve got a big match against Old Blackburnians next Wednesday and we know if we win we stay in the division, so now we have to concentrate on winning that game.”

Little Lever got off to a dream start when Stephen Barlow gave them the lead in the opening minute.

Rob Beatty worked the ball well down the right-hand side and crossed for Barlow to tap home from close range.

Prestwich responded brilliantly with Darren Buckley equalising on 10 minutes.

Moments later, James Conroy then latched on to Tom Walsh’s 35-yard ball to superbly lob over the stranded Little Lever keeper and then Buckley popped up again to add a third.

There was hope for Lever though as they went in for half time.

Beatty smashed home from 18 yards just before the whistle to make the score 3-2 and revitalise Lever for the second period. In the second-half, Lever took control against a tiring Prestwich and equalised through Barlow in the opening minutes to make for tense 45 minutes.

However, it was Prestwich who landed the killer blow when Shaun Haslam pounced to restore Prestwich’s lead with only 10 minutes to spare.

Knowing a point could prove vital in the battle to avoid the drop and looking to capitalise on Prestwich’s fatigue, Little Lever threw men forward in search of a second equaliser, but Prestwich held firm to the final whistle and secured all three points.

Little Lever must win their final match against Old Blackburnians next Wednesday to be certain of securing their place in next year’s Premier Division.

Elsewhere, Old Boltonians continued their march towards the title with a 3-0 win at home to Howe Bridge Mills.

Talisman Dave Warburton got the hosts off to a flyer in the first minute when he latched on to Tom Whittaker’s through ball, and slotted past the Bridge Mills keeper.

As the half-time whistle approached Warburton smashed home his second of the game to give Old Boltonians a two-goal cushion.

Sean Rushton wrapped up the points early in the second half making Steve Eccleshare’s side almost certain for the Premier Division title as they are top with with three games in hand.

Bottom-placed Castle Hill were offered some hope of survival after an impressive 3-1 win over Rochdale St Clements.

Rob Rostron’s side are now four points away from safety with two games remaining and they must rely on results elsewhere to avoid the drop.