CROFT ended Vulcan’s unbeaten run in a top-of-the-table Warrington and District League clash at the weekend.

Two strikes in the final 10 minutes from Will Beeley – his second a well-stuck free kick – earned Croft their 3-1 success to leap above their hosts into second spot in the Premier Division.

Croft took the lead through Nicholas Risi, who reacted first to a parry by the Vulcan keeper from a set-piece.

Vulcan replied shortly after half time but Croft held the aces when it came to the crunch late on.

Hatton Albion maintained second spot in Division Two courtesy of Saturday’s 6-2 success against lowly Haydock Reserves at Morley Common.

Bradley Read was among the scorers for Albion with a brace, allowing his side to cut the gap to leaders Halewood Apollo to five points with their fourth win in five outings.

Orford Reserves lost top spot in Division Three after having no match at the weekend.

Rainhill Town Fourths have taken over on points difference but have played a game more.

Division Four bottom team Crosfields leaked five goals against Rockware for the second week running.

They managed three goals of their own in the December 10 meeting but blanked at home in the return clash.

Orford Thirds now sit above Junction Thirds in fourth place in Division Five thanks to defeating them 3-0 on Saturday.

Results:

Premier Division: Haydock 6 St Michaels 0, Vulcan 1 Croft 3, Woolston Rovers 4 Thatto Heath 6.

Division One: Rainhill Town 3rd 6 Halebank Res 0, Sankey Vale 2 Blackbrook 2.

Division Two: Beeches 2 The Village FC 2, Earlestown FC 3 Clock Face Miners 7, Hatton Albion 6 Haydock Res 2, Moorfield 2 Parklands 4.

Division Three: Avon Ath 3 Winwick Ath 5, Blackbrook Res 1 Bold Rangers FC 5, Rainhill Town 4th 3 Vulcan Res 3.

Division Four: Burtonwood Alb 2 Sankey Vale Res 0, Crosfields 0 Rockware FC 5, Mattiola FC 4 Eagle JFC 2, Shell FC 3 Penketh Utd 0, West Garth 0 Cheshire Lines 5.

Division Five: Orford 3rd 3 Junction 3rd 0, Penlake Juniors 6 Woolston Rovers Reserves 2, The Village Res 1 Moorfield Res 3.