Pioneer League: ELLESMERE'S lead at the top of the Premier Division has been cut to a point after their title charge was checked by Farnworth Social Circle.

Green scored Ellesmere's goal in a 1-1 draw.

Party People closed in on top spot with a 2-1 victory at Church, and Hulton Lane A are also in contention following a 6-1 home win over Spread Eagle. Astley Miners also enjoyed a goal bonanza as they beat Daisy Hill 7-2.

Foster scored a hat-trick, Mountford added two, and Powell and Dandy were also on target for the Miners.

Masons Arms won 3-1 at the Farmers Arms, for whom Smiith scored a consolation goal. The weekend's biggest victories were in Division One, where three teams reached double figures.

Eight players scored for Queen Anne as they thrashed Hall i'th' Wood 15-1, with Ross hitting six, Nightingale and Battle two each, and Wakes, Hatton, Whittle, Davies and Sutcliff also scoring.

Schooner beat Astley Bridge 13-2, with Hughes getting a hat-trick, and Lock, Peszel, Clare, Smith, Alberry and Taylor among the scorers too.

But those wins were bettered by Sharples, who beat Bolton City 19-0.

Ellison and Walker scored five each and Banks grabbed a hat-trick. Hampson, Cocker, Hibbert and Swanhall were also among the goals.

Elsewhere, North Bolton came from behind twice to beat Little Lever 3-2, with goals from Harris, Walsh and Shields.

A last-minute winner from Pendon saw Greyhound notch up a 2-1 victory over Hulton Lane B.

Vasaya had scored earlier for Greyhound, with Hulton Lane's reply coming from Sayles.