THEweather might have decimated the Manchester League programme, but it did leave the top two to go head to head at Madley Park where Leigh Athletic entertained current leaders Wythenshawe Amateurs.

The incessant rain eroded the chances of a free-flowing game, but the Ammies grabbed a vital first half lead through Steve O'Hare before Dave Jones doubled the advantage minutes after the start of the restart.

Leigh are nothing if not durable though, and set themselves in the driving seat by the hour mark when they levelled through two Gordon Walker goals.

Wythenshawe underlined just why they are the favourites for the title by responding to this setback with three further goals to secure a 5-2 win, Ben Brown, Jay White and Guy Pilling all netting to increase the Ammies lead to thirteen points.

Ashton Athletic's promotion hopes dipped at home to Hindsford AFC, who still retain an outside chance themselves, as the visitors won 3-1 at Brocstedes Park.

A Dave Seymour brace provided the backbone of the Tonics' victory, with Scott Roberts adding the third for Hindsford, though the effervescent John Lightfoot hot back for Ashton in the second period.

A superb Paul Thomson hat-trick fired Unsworth on the way to a 6-0 away win for Unsworth at basement side Old Alts, and move his side up to fifth spot, Steve Truelove, Sol Whitby and Dave Healy also finding the net for the Bury side.

Belden also kept alive their outside hopes with a Rob Fuller inspired 5-2 home win over Whalley Range, the Blackley marksmen scoring twice with Graham Halliday, Dave Lees and John Coogan also scoring, Levi Adams and Azuka Otutu replying for the visitors.

The only other side to beat the weather were Hindsford AFC reserves, who boosted their promotion hopes with a 5-1 home win over Old Alts.