Boro blow: Radcliffe Boro 2 Ashton Utd 3

BORO'S promotion hopes took a battering in a wind dominated home defeat despite taking the lead when Lee Potter chested down Scott Wilson's cross and turned to hit a beauty beyond former Radcliffe keeper Andy Johnston.

In the second half Ashton used the elements to their advantage far better than Boro and stormed into a 3-1 lead. On 88 minutes former Bolton Wanderers trainee Lee Potter volleyed his second but Ashton held on to leave Boro looking at the play-offs rather than automatic promotion.

Ramsbottom 2 Atherton LR 1

Derby honours finished well and truly with the Rams although there was a bit of a late scare with an LR rally. Brad Franks put United in front after only four minutes and it was 50 later before David Yorke-Robinson hit a screamer.

On the hour mark LR's Paul Dean was sent off and only six minutes more had passed when Mark Jones capitalised on a poor back pass by Gary Lewis to reduce the arrears.

The closing stages saw ten man Rovers have their best spell of the game but United held firm superbly marshalled at the back by man of the match Simon Woodford.

Atherton Colls 3 Prescot Cables 2

A last minute winner saw Colls strike an important psychological blow against the Prescot side they meet in the Worthington Challenge Cup final and boosted confidence for tonight's Goldline Trophy outing at the Reebok against Charnock Richard.

Early in the second half Martin Sloan put Colls in front with a 20 yard thunderous shot but the title-chasing visitors hit back with two goals in as many minutes. With eight minutes left Phil Hill headed home a free kick to level and with virtually the last kick of the game Paul Vandenberg gave Colls a deserved victory.

Daisy Hill 0 Alsager Town 3

Daisy never recovered from conceding two wind-assisted goals in the first 13 minutes. The second half saw the visitors defending against the strong wind and thankful to keeper Rob Towner who pulled off superb saves to deny Jimmy Dickson, Steve Brockley and David Duval. Alsager got their third with virtually the last kick of the game.

BEN STAR TURN

Simon Woodford - Ramsbottom United

FIXTURES

Tomorrow: Ramsbottom Utd v Flixton, Bacup Boro v Daisy Hill. Thursday: Atherton LR v Atherton Colls.

Bolton Hospital Cup results: round One - Atherton Town 2 Blackrod Town 0, Bolton County 3 Atherton Colls 1, Elton Fold 0 Atherton LR 1.