CHAMPIONS Colne got back to winning ways after Monday night's draw at Harwood with a 3-0 win at Norton.

Young goalkeeper Chris Brennan made a save in the first minute to keep the home side out but had little else to do in a poor first half at the Staffordshire-based club last night.

The Reds stepped up a gear in the second half and went ahead on 57 minutes. The home keeper lost the ball and Lee Barrett pounced to release Ian Simpson, who rolled the ball into the empty net.

It was 2-0 five minutes later when persistence from Chris Ingham paid off inside the 18-yard box.

The Reds were dominating and when a penalty was awarded soon afterwards, up stepped leading scorer Carl Haworth to make his mark. But the club's hitman fired the spot-kick wide.

Fortunately, the miss made little difference as Colne pushed forward with player-manager Nigel Coates, James Webster and Barrett going close.

A third goal came in the final minutes when Simpson again rounded the keeper to roll the ball home.

The Reds are at home to Great Harwood on Saturday when the Championship Trophy will be presented at the end of the game.

Admission for all spectators will be £1.

NORTON ...0

COLNE ...3