COLNE moved into fifth place in North West Counties Division One with a comfortable 3-0 derby win and stretched their unbeaten run to seven games.

The visitors, already under constant pressure from the start, did not help their cause by having captain Anthony Green sent off early in the game.

Colne were straight on the offensive with Ian Simpson and Carl Haworth going close.

A James Webster corner created another chance before the breakthrough came on nine minutes when again Webster delivered a dipping corner kick for Craig Whittaker to head home.

More pressure came on Town with Paul Walker having a drive tipped over by goalkeeper Bobby Harris before Chris Ingham left the keeper helpless with a drive into the top corner to put the Reds two up.

More pressure was mounted on Harwood in a half where home keeper Ross Baxter was a spectator, and Colne should have increased the lead before the interval.

Harwood's 10 men dug in to defend doggedly in the second half and the only breakthrough came from the penalty spot when Steve Cunningham was brought down in the box. Although Harris made a fine save from Haworth's spot kick, Simpson followed up to smash the ball home for the third.

Colne were in total control and used the opportunity to give fringe players a run-out.

Substitute David Gray had the best chance to increase the lead but fired over from close range.

The last 20 minutes was a scrappy affair as Colne played the game out without a threat from the visitors.