BRITISH Legion’s hopes of defending their North Western and Pulse Senior Football League title took a massive hit as Red River produced a stunning comeback to beat them 3-2.

Already trailing league leaders Harchester by four points, it looked like they would keep the pressure on when they led 2-1 with just five minutes remaining.

But a remarkable couple of minutes, which saw an own goal from Darryll Johnson quickly followed by a Joe Bradbury strike completed the turnaround for Red River, making it an impressive nine wins from their last 10 games.

Legion got off to the better start, forcing River keeper Bonham Peacock into a couple of good saves before a long-range Connor Bone strike gave them a deserved lead.

Red River hit back instantly thanks to one of the goals of the season from Keith Holmes. He picked up the ball just inside the Legion half and, with nothing on in front of him, hit an unstoppable strike straight into the top corner, leaving Legion keeper Shane Postlethwaite with no chance.

Both teams came close to taking the lead before half-time, Legion forcing Peacock into an outstanding stop from point-blank range and Holmes almost replicating his first effort, unluckily hitting the post from distance.

Legion started the second half on the front foot, and were rewarded with Bone’s second, heading in a deep cross at the back post. They were unfortunate not to extend their lead, with a great double save from Peacock keeping them out.

The last 10 minutes were all Red River, a Connor Mulholland effort was blocked on the line before the follow up was also kept out.

Their equaliser had some good fortune about it, a ball inside deflecting off the unlucky Johnson.

River had the momentum now and poured forward looking for a winner.

Straight from the kick-off they got the ball back and a good move had Bradbury at the back post with the goal at his mercy, but he somehow hit the outside of the post.

Any thoughts Legion had they would be let off the hook were put to bed when they give the ball away from the resulting goal kick, Bradbury gaining redemption and pouncing on the error to slot home, kick-starting jubilant scenes on the River touchline.

Leaders Harchester remain unbeaten, with Dean Crossman (2), Hakan McCracken (2), Jordan Fisher and Horizont Pllana helping them to a 6-1 win over Brad’s Lads. Andy Whiteford netted Brad’s Lads consolation.

A Ross Shields hat-trick and Scott McDonald strike gave Champagne Super Rovers a 4-3 victory against Dean Machine with Dean Edmonds, Sam Johnson and Ryan Dockerty striking for Dean Machine, while Furness Rangers defeated Let’s Get Messi 2-1.

STANDINGS

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Harchester United

11

10

1

0

76

24

31

Red River

12

9

1

2

56

44

28

British Legion

11

8

0

3

44

11

24

Champagne Super Rovers

10

7

0

3

34

20

21

Let's Get Messi

12

6

1

5

43

33

19

Brad's Lads

11

5

1

5

50

39

16

Furness Rangers

9

4

0

5

24

35

12

Dean Machine

10

3

0

7

25

48

9

Barrow Fans

8

2

0

6

19

59

6