TOM Heywood was the Crooklands Casuals hero as he struck late on to earn his side a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hawcoat Park.

Both sides were looking to register a win after an indifferent start to their respective West Lancs League Division campaigns.

After some neat football by both sides in testing conditions it was Hawcoat Park who took the lead on 18 minutes with a great strike by Ben Stoker after Zach Walker had his shot blocked.

The remainder of the half was spent with the teams struggling to cope with the strong wind blowing at Longlands Park.

The nearest Crooklands came to levelling the scores was when Dave Mansergh was put through, but he blazed over the bar shortly before the break.

Hawcoat Park were worthy of their half-time lead playing with the elements in their favour.

As Cassies got on top it was Dave Mansergh who levelled the scores after 58 minutes when he cut in from the left leaving the Hawcoat defence in his wake and curling his shot into the far corner.

However, on 67 minutes another quality strike from the left from Mike Melia put Hawcoat Park ahead.

Hawcoat committed the biggest football sin and conceded their lead only two minutes later when Tom Pavett converted a penalty after Dave Mansergh was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Ben Mills.

With the game locked at 2-2 both teams went in search of the winner and Cassies nearly found it but for a great save from Mills.

Cassies weren’t done there though as with only three minutes remaining on the clock Heywood pounced first in the box and scored the winner.

Elsewhere in the Division Askam were beaten 3-0 at home by CMB whilst GSK Ulverston Rangers drew 1-1 at home to Hurst Green, Andy Whiteford the scorer.

In the West Lancs Premier League Vickerstown got their first win of the season after makeshift centre forward Mike Imison, well known for being a centre half with an eye for goal, came off the bench to score both goals in the 2-1 win against Thornton Cleveleys.

In Division Two Millom made it five wins from five with a 2-1 victory at Furness Cavaliers. Carl Waters, who is in great form this season, scored both Millom’s goals. Kyle Delves replied for Cavaliers.

Walney drew their third game in five. A Steve Brennan header put them 1-0 up at Tempest Reserves, but they were pegged back with 10 minutes remaining to finish 1-1.

Furness Rovers went down 5-0 at home to Leyland and Dalton United also lost 5-0 at home to Charnock Richard Reserves.

In the Furness Premier League Barrow Celtic defeated previously unbeaten Vickerstown Reserves 6-2.

Ryan Docherty and Andy Higginson scored for Vickerstown but Celtic were ruthless in front of goal, with James Sloan, Mike Tracey, Jack Dulgnan, Rob Johnson and Carl Pearson all getting on the scoresheet.

However it was a 30-yard effort from Jordan Wallace that was the pick of the goals.

Kirkby made it four wins from four with a 4-2 win against Furness Cavaliers Reserves. Tom Wildgoose (2) Sam Pinnegor and Saunders scored for Kirkby. Dane Townsend and Sean Critchley replied for Cavs.

Britannia made the trip to Bootle and came back with three points after a 3-1 win. Josh French scored for Bootle but a Ryan Barker hat-trick for The Brit was the difference.

Millom Reseerves hosted Swarthmoor and lost by the odd goal. Anthony Costa produced a well-placed header after a great run into the box to see Swartmoor run out 1-0 winners.

Walney Reserves beat Dalton Reserves 3-2. Youngsters Luca Fleming (2) and Joe Hayes scored for Walney. Fraser Shand and Mark Jones replied for Dalton.

Holker Old Boys were beaten 3-2 by Abbey Hulton United. Danny Keenan got off the mark for the season with both Holker goals.

There are several derbies taking place this week in the West Lancs League and a full list of Furness Premier League fixtures as well. There will be a full round-up in Friday’s Mail.