A Stuart Rudd brace handed leaders FC United the derby honours against 10-man Maine Road.

The prolific striker scrambled home an 83rd-minute winner - his 23rd goal of the season - to seal a 2-1 victory for the breakaway club in front of 3,181 supporters at Stalybridge's Bower Fields.

Rudd had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time but Gareth Richards equalised on the hour mark for Road, the club set up by Manchester City fans, before Rudd struck again with seven minutes left.

Atherton LR's alarming slump continued as they threw away a two-goal lead at home to Bacup Borough.

Ged McAllister and Duncan Richards had put Rovers, without a win in 12 games, in an excellent position before half-time but the visitors hit back with four second-half goals as Mark Cox's team dropped down to 18th.

David Rhodes scored on his debut as Atherton Collieries beat lowly St Helens Town 2-0.

The former Padiham man headed home at the far post after Andy Harvey's chip had put Colls in front on Merseyside.

Daisy Hill continue to struggle in Division Two as they went down 3-0 against leaders Winsford United.

Tommy Moore's side trailed by a single goal after 90 minutes but two injury-time strikes, one from the penalty spot, kept Daisy Hill in the bottom two.