SAM Hayes' brace gave Colne the win they needed to lift the North West Counties Division Two title with five games still to play.

In a tentative first half, the Reds were never troubled and came close to taking the lead when Hayes brought a fine save from the goalkeeper and James Webster was just off target with his effort from outside the area.

Hayes was later brought down in the area but to the amazement of everyone in the ground the referee ignored the penalty appeals.

The second half was a different affair as Colne stepped up a gear, backed by the travelling fans who were again magnificent.

Ian Simpson and Carl Haworth were both denied by fine saves before Chris Ingham nearly broke through on the edge of the box and Webster was again close with a dipping 20-yard shot.

Looking solid at the back with Gary Rishton and Danny Potts outstanding the Reds' tide finally turned and they were rewarded for all their possession and chances when Steve Whittaker's cross from the left found Hayes unmarked at the far post to side-foot home with 20 minutes remaining.

The Colne fans pumped up the volume and Rishton headed just over from a corner before Hayes was again on hand in the box to send a header into the top corner and seal the win on 85 minutes.

The celebrations began on the final whistle as Colne achieved their promotion dream.

But there is little rest for Nigel Coates' buoyant troops with five games still to play before the end of the season, starting with a trip to Great Harwood tonight. Then on Wednesday they return to Staffordshire to take on Norton.

IN Division One, Bacup Borough were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Salford City ahead of their Challenge Cup final against Newcastle Town on Thursday.

Bacup went into a 2-0 lead after Nicky Taylor opened the scoring on five minutes then Darren Emmett added a second on 27 minutes.

Salford hit back just before the break through Chris Patterson before Stuart Tulloch levelled on 76 minutes.

LEEK CSOB ...0

COLNE ...2