OLD Boltonians held onto top spot in the Lancashire Amateur League after a close-fought battle with local rivals Horwich St Marys Victoria winning 2-1.

Hosts Horwich started brightly and broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when Danny Warburton's through-ball found its way to Dean Spencer and he rounded the keeper to score.

It remained 1-0 until the break and Old Bolts boss Steve Eccleshare was forced to freshen things up on the hour-mark.

It immediately paid off as Sean Rushton put a superb cross into the box and Rob Taylor headed home.

Eccleshare then sent on Lee Worswick to see if he could make an impact.

Soon after coming on Worswick was on the scoresheet after half-volleying Rushton's cross into the back of the net.

Eccleshare was delighted with their efforts and especially picking up all three points.

He said: "We went there with caution as they have been doing well this season.

"It was a small pitch and that did not give us a lot of room to move the ball around and it meant we were a bit camped in.

"Credit to Horwich they scored a good goal and we were very nervous.

"The substitutions worked and it was good to get the win.

"Horwich are a good hard-working side and we have picked up six points against them this season but other teams are going to struggle.

"We are hoping to have a re-arranged tie in the league on Saturday as we are not in the cup anymore so if we can get a win there, perhaps we can open a bit of a gap on the rest of the teams."

Horwich boss Danny Holmes praised his side for their performance against the league leaders.

He said: "It was a really good game and really tight especially as they won it with five minutes left.

"I thought we deserved at least a draw but Old Bolts ended the stronger side in the second half.

"The pitch suited us because we were at home but they played really well."

Elsewhere, second-placed Little Lever continued to keep the pressure on leaders Old Bolts with a 3-0 win against Howe Bridge Mills.

Lee Buckley's side had to wait until the 35th minute to open the scoring when Leon Farrimond crossed from the left flank to Scott Bingham to fire home on the half-volley.

They extended their lead when Matt Woods ran down the right and cut inside and his left footed shot beat the keeper.

Bingham doubled his tally for the afternoon as he ran onto a through-ball and slide it past the keeper.

Manager Buckley said: "It was a fantastic display and the type of performance I wanted after last week's 4-1 loss to Bury (GSOB).

"Keeping a clean sheet was another positive."