PREMIER Division leaders Royton Town withstood a determined fightback from Dukinfield Town to run out 2-1 winners, though the home side saw a goal controversially disallowed late on.

Phil Edgehill set up a top quality opener for Gareth Morris to put Royton in front and the Crompton side were good value until Simon Towey levelled for Dukinfield. Minutes later though, Danny Taylor rifled home a second for Royton, and despite the late scare the Oldham side won out.

Second placed Prestwich Heys stay in touch with a battling 2-1 over Atherton Town at Sandgate although it was a close run affair in blustery conditions. 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.

Irlam MS recovered from last week's heavy defeat to Highfield to win 2-1 at Wilmslow Albion, Craig Mills and Simon Myerscough securing victory after Dean Martin put Albion ahead.

Joey Jarratt put Highfield United seemingly on their way to a fifth successive victory at home to an on-song Stockport Georgians, but their hopes were thwarted when Scott Walsh levelled after the break.

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

Another side with half an eye on the sides below them is New Mills, and their cause was not helped by a 2-0 home loss to Wythenshawe Amateurs, Steve Preston and Rick Tomlinson nailing a vital three points. Springhead leap-frogged hosts Elton Vale with a crucial 3-0 win at Bury, John McAllister bagging two strikes for the Lees side, but it was Bobby Fulham's third which helped head off the basement.

Old Altrinchamians closed the gap on First Division leaders Avro with a thumping 4-0 win over Tintwistle Villa, Ray Nevins helping himself to two goals with John Mahoney and Joel Johnson also getting in on the scoring.

Ashton Athletic have harboured hopes of dragging themselves into the promotion race, but a 3-0 loss to AFC Blackley has seriously dented their hopes, James Hampson, Marco Rae and John Coogan all bagging.

Another side with lingering hopes are Hollinwood, but an unpredictable Wythenshawe Town put the skids under 'Wood with a 2-0 win, Sean May and Dave Armstrong-Neil both on target.

Old Slandians, whose recent surge brings them into the fringes of the promotion race, won again, putting four unanswered goals past local rivals Stand Athletic at Ringley Road.

Last season's two relegated sides, Swinton Town and Rochdale Sacred Heart, had differing fortunes, Town losing 4-1 at home to Hindsford AFC, Neil Critchley scoring a hat-trick for the Tonics, while Hearts won 2-1 over Unsworth, player boss Tony Kershaw getting the vital goal.

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