BACUP kept their promotion hopes well on track with three valuable points, but were forced to work hard for their rewards.

The visitors started brightly and had an early chance when Karl Stanley broke down the right before cutting in to deliver a hard, low cross which Nicky Taylor's shot was struck right into their keeper.

At the other end Bacup got a warning of things to come when Scott Gilchrist allowed his man too much space. The forward got his head up and struck a well-hit shot that rattled the Borough crossbar with keeper Tommy Allen beaten.

This gave Norton the belief to have a go at the league leaders, putting Bacup on the offensive and manager Brent Peters made an early substitution, replacing the injured Taylor with Stuart Telfer.

On 27 minutes Bacup needlessly gave away the opening goal when Gilchrist under-hit a pass to Stanley which was cut out and Norton punished Bacup for their mistake.

But the home side's lead was short-lived when a minute later Stanley put Bacup level, cutting in at the by-line and scoring for the second game running.

With the movement of the home side's lively forwards threatening to put a dent into Bacup's promotion challenge, manager Peters was not in any mood to take chances and immediately shuffled his pack by replacing Gilchrist with Damian Moran.

From here on Bacup started creating several chances, Karl Stanley cutting in and bringing a good save from the home side's keeper, then Dave Grey went racing through, his shot was saved with their keepers legs fell to Telfer, but the ball got caught under his feet and the opportunity gone.

With half-time approaching, Bacup took the lead quick when Micky Bartholomew found Steve Stott at the far post and when his shot was blocked by the keeper, Telfer slammed Bacup into the lead.

Bartholome helped himself to the third when he headed in after 51 minutes to all but seal the victory.

Peters said: "Make no mistake out of the games the promotion-chasing pack had on Saturday we had the hardest

" I am delighted that we got three points, but if we are to slip up on Wednesday it's for nothing."

Bacup's Wednesday game is at home to Ashton Town.

NORTON...1 BACUP BOROUGH...3