THE Division One contest has not looked so open for many seasons in the Leigh League.

Higher Folds, who for the past two competitions have ruled the roost, appear to have been knocked off their perch this time around. The reigning champions certainly didn't have things all their own way in a 1-1 draw at Rope and Anchor.

Gareth Hughes netted for Fold on 65 minutes but the early season surprise package Rope levelled with five minutes left through Paul Donlan.

Three Crowns A head the table after a9-2 away win at Hag Fold. Chris Dawber got four, Pete Shepherd three plus Stuart Walsh and Neil Unsworth one. Brian Hupton and Andy Prescott's own goal got the consolations.

Barry Shepherd and John Bailey saw Fir Tree Rangers home 2-1 against AFC Limelight, Dave Grimes replying.

Shock result of the day was George VI's 4-3 victory at Salford outfit Kersal Vale. Aaron Green (2), Stuart McPike and Gavin Patterson netted for the George.

Lost three goal lead

Leigh Avenue lost a three goal lead at Royal Oak. A Ross Prentice hat-trick was thrown away in a 4-3 defeat. All credit to the home side for a stirring fightback with goals from Stuart Gaskell (2), Terry Flannery and Kevin Loughlin.

Division Two leaders Howe Bridge Mills lost their 100 per cent record in a 3-1 defeat at Fir Tree Rangers Reserves. Mick McNally, Neil Ainsworth and Gary Smith did the damage to the table toppers with Phil Sizer the consolation scorer.

Courts came out well on top in the game which looked the star attraction in this division with a 4-0 home win over Asda Golborne. All the goals came in the second half through Dave Dooley, Craig Sweeney, Tony Boardman and Nick McCulloch.

Damien Orrell bagged two and Danny Jackson and Andy Hughes one each in Concert Inn's 4-2 victory at Three Crowns B, Lee Maguire and Shaun Hayes replying.

Andy Tipping and Scott Salisbury both scored twice and Aiden Lavery once in Horns Inn's 5-2 home win over Atherton Royals. Rob Houghton and Danny Jackson netted for the losers.

A ten goal thriller saw Bowling Green win 6-4 at Ukranian Club. Scorers for the home sidewere Neil Hindley (2), Steven Crossley and Chris Ackroyd but Clinton Andrews (2), Lee Coleman, Dave Parkinson, Alex Ross and Shaun Mather earning three points for the visitors.