Somerset moved back into contention for a first County Championship title with a nine-wicket victory over Lancashire at Taunton.

The 23 points gained by the home side took them to within two of leaders Nottinghamshire and they will go to Durham for their final game next week in confident mood.

Charl Willoughby took 3-37 and Alfonso Thomas 3-53 as Lancashire were bowled out for 170 in their second innings, Steven Croft top-scoring with 46.

That left Somerset needing just 48 to win and they knocked off the required runs in 8.4 overs for the loss of skipper Marcus Trescothick. Nick Compton was unbeaten on 30 at the end.

The day began with Somerset 350-8 in their first innings, leading by 91 runs. Ben Phillips fell quickly, but Murali Kartik, unbeaten on 38 overnight, moved to his second half-century of the season off 70 balls with eight fours and a six.

Some lusty blows from last man Willoughby helped extend the lead to 123 before he was run out by Simon Kerrigan.

Lancashire’s hopes of getting back into the game were shattered as wickets fell regularly.

Lancashire took five points from the game and must now watch the outcome of a three-horse race for the title in the final round of matches as Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Yorkshire tussle for top spot.