CONGLETON Town maintained their push for a top six finish with a fine victory on Friday night.

The Bears beat Nantwich Town 3-1 in front of a 220-strong home crowd, their biggest of the season.

The Bears took the lead on 14 minutes when Riley latched onto a free kick from the edge of the box to head home from close range.

Congleton keeper Conkie was called on to make several saves, and Nantwich went close in the last minute of the half.

The visitors won a corner, and Gleghorn rose at the far post to head just over.

Nantwich went one better four minutes into the second half by hitting the equaliser.

They saw a shot blocked, and the ball fell to Worthington, who side-footed it inside the post.

Congleton fought back to regain the lead on 52 minutes.

The ball was lifted over the Nantwich defence, and Shaw was played on by the full back.

He carried it forward 10 yards before lifting a shot over keeper Heeps.

Shaw should have made the game safe when he met a cross, only to see his glancing header fly wide.

The Bears scored their third on 69 minutes when Scully was caught by Heeps as he touched the ball past the keeper and tried to go round him.

He picked himself up to score from the penalty, which was hotly contested by Nantwich.

Tuesday night's scheduled match at home to runaway leaders Prescot Cables was called off because of freezing conditions underfoot.

Congleton's finances have been stretched recently because of cancelled home games and the cost of travelling to a string of away matches.

Their supporters could help to give the club's bank balance a lift next month by cheering on the Bears at a series of home games.

Congleton were due to play five games in March, but the rearranged fixture list means they will now play eight matches.

The first four are at home, against St Helens, Flixton, Warrington and Squires Gate on the 1st, 8th, 11th and 15th, followed by a trip to Abbey Hey on the 18th.

Congleton have home matches against Abbey Hey and Alsager Town on the 22nd and 25th, and end the month with a trip to Clitheroe.

Congleton travel to Atherton Collieries tomorrow, and are at home to Northwich Vics next Tuesday in the Mid Cheshire Cup semi final.