Manchester League: SECOND placed Prestwich Heys kept in touch at the top of the Premier Division after a battling 2-1 win over Atherton Town.

Phil Woodcock put Heys in front, but Clint McLoughlin's 12th goal of the campaign brought Atherton level. Jon Garrick was to prove the Prestwich saviour once again with Heys' second, and conclusive, goal before half-time.

Leigh Athletic cemented their hold on third place with a 3-1 victory at their closest rivals Monton Amateurs.

Colin Bonfield put the Amateurs ahead, but a brace from the League's top marksman Chris Simm, plus a goal from Gordon Walker, helped the Latics to a useful win.

East Manchester were comprehensive 3-1 winners over a Breightmet United side haunted by relegation, as Danny Self, Darren Green and Darren Lyons netted, with Dave Hallam replying for United.

Last season's two relegated sides, Swinton Town and Rochdale Sacred Heart, had differing fortunes.

Town lost 4-1 at home to Hindsford AFC, whose Neil Critchley scored a hat-trick, while Hearts beat Unsworth 2-1, with player-boss Tony Kershaw getting the vital goal.

Manchester Titans and Heywood St James could not be seperated at Redvales Road, drawing 3-3, whilst the local derby at Whitworth saw visitors Milton secure a 3-0 victory.