DESPITE the fact that manager Brent Peters had the players in early to dust off those pre-Christmas cobwebs, it had little effect on the outcome of this North West Counties Division One game.

In fact, the biggest hangover Bacup suffered was of their own making as a heavy downpour left a pitch that didn't suit their game with players constantly losing their footing, and possession.

Despite early chances for Lee Wilkinson and Darren Emmett, Congleton had the upper hand as Edwards had to clear off the line following a good save by Tommy Allen, who then had to turn round a free kick.

However, Congleton took the lead after 35 minutes when the ball was played across the Bacup box and captain Steve Stott failed to clear, allowing his opponent to direct it into the net.

The lead was short-lived, however, as two minutes later Nicky Taylor did well to win the ball and play it to Lee Wilkinson, who spun and struck a wonderful goal.

But it was just five minutes later when Bacup went behind again after losing the ball from their own throw in.

There was still time for Bacup to almost force another equaliser before the break but Emmett's shot was well tipped over.

Peters then made a couple of changes for the second half, bringing on Karl Stanley and Gareth Thomas and this seemed to give Borough a more direct approach which saw Stuart Telfer have an effort cleared off the line and Wilkinson fire just wide.

But a controversial incident altered the course of the game as Bacup felt he should have had a penalty for handball and the chance to make it 2-2.

However, it wasn't given, Congleton made it 3-1 almost immediately and added a fourth to make the scoreline more emphatic in the closing minutes.

BACUP BOROUGH...1

CONGLETON TOWN...4