Pilkington Recs A 20, Latchford Albion A 8

LEAGUE leaders Recs collected another valuable two points before the Christmas break.

However, the visitors enjoyed much of the early pressure in freezing conditions.

And on 10 minutes Latchford took the lead with a penalty goal. And ten minutes later the Latchford scrum-half broke through two tackles to score under the posts, allowing a simple conversion.

Full-back Andy Burns tried to inspire Recs with two breaks over 40 yards, but poor handling followed.

However, Recs were gradually getting on top and five minutes before the break stand-off Mike Forber stepped past two defenders to touch down. Steve O'Neill added the conversion. The introduction of substitute Stu Mansfield added to Recs' game as they began the second half on the attack.

And two minutes later a Forber penalty levelled matters.

And after wingman Dave Archer had gone close a further Forber penalty gave Recs the lead.

Pilks were now on a roll and following a Forber pas centre Jason Ledger provided the final ball for skipper Ian Stanley to score. Forber converted.

And Recs settled the issue 15 minutes from time when Stanley ran the ball on the last tackle and his long pass saw Archer squeeze in at the corner.

But the game ended early as Ian Stanley suffered a serious arm injury and was taken to hospital. All at the club wish him a speedy recovery.

The Colliers Arms, Kings Moss, man-of-the-match award went to Stanley, while Recs were also well served by Ian Thomas, Ian Connolly, Andy Burns and Stuart Mansfield.

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