ON a day that saw most fixtures called off because of the overnight rain, the game between the top two sides in the Furness Premier League went ahead as planned, with leaders Hawcoat Park Reserves beating reigning champions Kirkby United.

This eagerly-anticipated fixture started at a ferocious pace, with referee Steve Butler having to brandish a yellow card inside two minutes, and both teams showing that they knew a big three points was at stake.

Hawcoat had the best of the first ten minutes and a fine strike by Carl Mackay put the hosts 1-0 up.

The game then seemed to settle down but neither team could break the other down and chances were few and far between. The best efforts of the half fell to Kirkby’s Paul Cleasby, but Hawcoat keeper Sam Stephens was on hand to make a smart save, while Cleasby’s other chance hit the post and rebounded to safety.

Kirkby started the second half strongly but were made to shoot from distance as the excellent Salton and Hill stood firm at the heart of the Hawcoat defence. Again it was a half of few chances, and with the clock ticking down Kirkby threw caution to the wind and went with four forwards.

This left the backline exposed and good work by Hawcoat youngster Sam Hayes was finished off well – after eventually digging the ball out of his feet – by Jordan Rooney, to put Hawcoat 2-0 up.

Referee Steve Butler, who had an excellent game, called a halt to proceedings shortly afterwards. The league table shows Hawcoat at the top with points on the board, but the chasing pack have games in hand in what is turning into a fantastic title race.

Barrow Celtic leapfrogged Kirkby into second place with a 3-0 win away at Bootle. Connor Smith took the match-ball home after helping himself to all three goals. Croftlands beat Furness Rovers Reserves 6-1 with goals from man of the match Ben Mooney (3) Andy Currie (2) and Matt Dean. Reece Carlisle scored Rovers’ reply.

Haverigg made the trip to Walney to play their reserves and left with a 5-1 win thanks to goals from Anthony Foster (2), John Chmiel, Ricky Donaghue and Bradley Mayne.

Horne Cup action took place at Lesh Lane where Barrow Wanderers beat Bootle Reserves 6-2. Jonny Grimes, Ryan Docherty, Nath Collet (2) Andy Forristal and Jed Wilkinson all scored for Wanderers, for whom veteran John Halligan made a return as substitute after 15 years out. Chris Scott scored both Bootle’s goals.

In the same competition Millom A went through to the next round at the expense of Askam Reserves after a 3-0 win. Millom’s goals were scored by Marcus O’Brien (2) and Jordan Hawden.

In the Second Division Dalton United A beat Coniston Reserves 2-0. Ben Wright and Tom Rutherford were on target for Dalton.

West Lancs First Division action took place at the ever-dependable Duddon Road as Askam hosted Wyre Villa. However it was Villa who left happy after a 4-2 win. Dalton picked up a point on the road after a 2-2 draw at Ladybridge, club record scorer Gareth Jones with both goals.

GSK Ulverston Rangers are still looking for their first league win with new manager Bri White at the helm after they were beaten 3-1 at Milnthorpe with Andy Whiteford on target for GSK.

The only West Lancs Second Division game involving local sides was at Hannah Field where Millom beat Walney 2-1. Tom Savage put Steve McCullough’s side one up but Drew Postlethwaite and Joel Barker scored Millom’s goals in this typically tight derby.