THE race for the Furness Premier League Premier Division title took another turn at the weekend as third-placed Croftlands Park beat second-place Bootle 5-1.

Matt Dean bagged a hat trick, with Chris Wraighte and Ryan Ireland also on target for Croftlands in a result which saw them close the gap on the top two to just five points with games in hand.

Elsewhere in the division, Holker Old Boys reserves beat Millom reserves 4-0 with efforts coming from Dave Cook and a hat-trick from 16-year-old Charlie Thompson.

Swarthmoor Social lost 2-1 at home to Haverigg United, with Jamie Cairns and Paul Barker on target for the visitors. Ollie Hambley replied for the hosts.

Walney Island reserves were soundly beaten 9-2 by Barrow Celtic. Rob Johnson helped himself to five, with Nath McHugh (2), Stuey Thompson and Jono France also on the scoresheet. Kane Moffet and Mattie McKee were the Walney scorers.

Barrow Wanderers tightened their grip on the Division One top spot with a 5-2 win over Croftlands reserves, with goals from Tommy Walmsley, Dan Turner, Ben Johnson and Scott McDonald (2).

In Division Two, there were four high-scoring fixtures, starting with leaders Kirkby reserves beating Bootle reserves 7-0 with goals from Tom Harrison (2), Matty Laisby, Sam Marshall, Tom Wildgoose (2) and16-year-old Alfie Thorpe on his full debut, who was also named man of the match.

Furness Rovers A beat Britannia reserves 6-1 thanks to Gill, Roberts, Trainor and a hat-trick for Dodd. Brennan Middleton scored in vain for the Brit.

Haverigg reserves picked up three points following their 3-1 win over Coniston, where Daniel Munroe taking the match ball home after his hat-trick. Paddy Maher on target for Coniston.

Holker Old Boys A team defeated Millom St James 13-1, with their goals coming from Conor Erdis (7), Will Spears, Joe Bradbury (2), Tom Park, Chris Barratt and an own goal. Neil Shaw was the Millom scorer.

Vickerstown lost 2-0 away at Hurst Green in the West Lancashire League Premier Division after conceding in the first five minutes and again in the 90th.

Hawcoat Park drew 1-1 with promoted CMB in Division One. Hawcoat have to win their remaining three games and hope Lytham Town lose their last game, which would see them go up on goal difference.

Jamie Pattinson looked to have given Millom all three points at Milnthorpe Corinthians, but a late equaliser saw it finish honours even.