RADCLIFFE Amateurs' bid to secure the Premier League championship in the Lancashire Amateur League took another blow on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Bolton County.

Radcliffe took the lead just before half-time when Mark Isherwood put a perfect pass through to Gary Andrew, who controlled the ball and finished with an impressive shot past the goalkeeper.

County equalised midway through second period and, although both teams had opportunities to take the lead, neither side could grab a winner.

Radcliffe now have only four games left to make a final push as their lead at the top is cut to one point.

Rivington's poor form since Christmas continued with a 2-0 defeat in a third consecutive game against an impressive Gregorian side.

Since the festive season, Rivington have lost all three games and only scored in one.

Gregorians moved the ball well in the early exchanges and dominated the game but Rivington showed great tenacity to deny Gregorians time and space.

The first half was played almost entirely in Rivington's half but, due to a combination of poor finishing, impressive goalkeeping from Alan Fairbrother and some critical tackles by Rob Higgins and Richard Boardman, the half ended goalless.

The second half started with Rivington being far more positive. Danny Purnell had chances to score, while the industry of Steve McDonald and Austin Broomby was causing concern in the Gregorian defence.

But Rivington fell behind during this period due to a poor clearance falling to a Gregorian striker, who gave Fairbrother no chance.

Rivington tried to get back into the game but, despite their efforts, the Gregorian goalkeeper only had to deal with a Dave Walker free kick.

Gregorians doubled the lead with ten minutes left after a corner was not properly cleared.

Little Lever were unlucky to crash to their fifth successive defeat in a 3-2 loss at Praire United.

The visitors dominated for long periods and took the lead through a Chris Beresford penalty after 15 minutes.

Praire then drew level and hit the front on the stroke of half-time with a goal direct form a corner.

The second half continued in much the same manner, with Little Lever dominating the game.

But Praire scored their second breakaway goal of the game to lead 3-1 and kill off the game.

Mick Jones grabbed his tenth goal in ten games within five minutes but could not inspire his side to an equaliser.