MATTHEW Alston and Lee Smith fired AC Blackburn to the top-of-the-table in a thrilling 'six pointer' victory against Huncoat United.
Both sides went into the clash defending 100 per cent records and it was AC Blackburn who maintained their winning start to the season -- although both sides did themselves proud in a hard but fair encounter.
Huncoat edged the first half with Daniel Pilkington causing problems down the flanks and after one surging run the gangly winger forced a magnificent flying save out of Ashley Richardson.
On more than one occasion Pilkington fired in dangerous crosses which his team-mates failed to capitalise on. But Blackburn defended superbly throughout the game -- with Adam Ramsden in particular locking out Huncoat's attack.
Huncoat did manage to breach AC Blackburn's defence when Gary Bowker headed home Paul Banks' corner but the goal was ruled out for pushing in the box.
Pilkington was again involved in the moment of the first half when his free kick was well saved by Richardson and in a rapid Blackburn breakaway move Andrew Sharples broke out of defence and found Nathan Cross who released Alston but he dragged his shot across goal.
However, the deadlock was broken soon after the restart when Alston headed a corner against the bar but reacted the fastest to volley the loose ball home. The visitors almost doubled their lead but Martin Fearon made a great save to deny Cross.
Pilkington then forced Richardson in to another save and moments later he latched on to a Bowker cross but saw his effort cleared off the line.
Cross, who warmed the hands of Fearon with a well struck free kick in the first half, did so again after the break as the game began to open up.
Huncoat pushed forward looking for an equaliser but were prone to the counter attack -- and that's exactly what happened.
After one Huncoat attack broke down Smith raced clear down the left and released Alston. His initial shot was blocked by Fearon by Smith was on hand to fire home the loose ball.
Huncoat were still not finished and the hard working Bowker fired just past the post after a neat turn before Ramsden produced another fine tackle to halt Pilkington in his tracks.
So Blackburn march on but Huncoat are sure to be hot on their heels.
ACCRINGTON AND DISTRICT BOYS LEAGUE
Huncoat United U13s 0 AC Blackburn U13s 2
HUNCOAT UTD: Martin Fearon, Nick Clark, Paul Banks, Luke Watson, Paul Rothery, Nick Hewison, James Dunne, Matt Barnes, Gary Bowker, Richard Whitehead and Daniel Pilkington. Subs: Oliver Clare and Ryan Blackburn.
AC BLACKBURN: Ashley Richardson, Adam Ramsden, Matthew Humphries, Grant Jenkinson, Gavin Haughton, Ben Phillips, Nathan Cross, Matt Alston, Andrew Sharples, Michael Doody and Lee Smith.
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