PENLAKE are now getting hard to catch at the top of the Star Premier Division and the way in which they dealt with rivals Child speaks for itself. Frank Jeffers scored twice with Paul Inman and Chris Woods adding the others in the the 4-0 home win.

Sidac Social, in second place but ten points adrift, brushed Shoe aside with a solid 3-1 away win at Parr Stocks. Mark Gavin (2) and Carl Goldthorpe scored for Sidac with Paul Rigby replying for Shoe.

Stars, still in touch for second place, solidified their claim as goals from Phil Travis (2), Mark Clancy, Ben Chadwick, Paul Oakes and Chris Prout gave them a 6-2 away success over Billinge (Steve Whitter, Andy Rowe).

The Hotel (Andy Walsh (2), Anth Burgess and Gary Halsall) proved too strong for Old Congs (Haydock) with a 4-2 home beating. Andy Innelli found the target for York, but, it could not prevent them going under 1-2 to Windle Labour. The expected tussle at Bushey Lane between North End and Grosvenor Park did not materialise, as Grosvenor Park informed the Combination that they would not be completing the fixture. With the Allfast Division One leaders Carr's Hotel having a blank day, second placed Market Place were poised to creep closer, but they met rivals, West Park (Eccy Arms) in great form and were beaten 4-1 at Ruskin Drive. The Eccy's goals came from Sean Taggart (2), Jamie Taggart and Jeff Highton.

Ian Ashby hit the winner as Globe edged out Wheatsheaf 1-0. The in-orm club in Division One at present is British Lion, whose 2-0 win over Gerard Arms resulted from a Martin Dillington double.

Meanwhile, unction hit a high with an 8-1 away drubbing of Clock Face Reserves, a Dave Jacks hat-trick leading the way, others coming via Paul Billinge, Lee Fairclough, Mike Connolly and two from Stuart Whittingham. Pilkington A have not shown much so far this season, but the Barry Hynes influence may be telling with a 1-0 away win at Prescot Leisure Reserves.

Moss Bank, the Hatton Travel Division Two leaders, solidified their lead with a 5-2 away beating of rivals Market Place Reserves, scorers being Darren Cunliffe, Stu Hill, Dave Brooks, Andy and Dave Gearing. Roundhouse (Micky Broderick 2, Mike Hallwood) dropped a valuable point by being held 3-3 at home by Rainford North End Reserves.

Smithy Manor showed vast improvement, scoring three times at Glassmakers but still going under 6-3. Despite a thundering 25-arder by Paul Crowley, Carbo Eagles were held 1-1 at home by Sony. Top Nog's scoring ace, ex-eeper Shaun Moon, helped himself to both goals in a 2-0 win over New St.

This weekend sees four Combination Division One clubs in action in the Northern Cup Competition, second round and are all fancied to make an impact. Carr's Hotel are due to travel to Staffordshire to face Faghays FC while Pilkington A have a shorter trip to Wigan Amateur League outfit Goose Green FC.

The other two clubs have home draws, with Globe entertaining Crewe outfit Bunbury FC and Market Place preparing to face Bootle-based Old Bootleians, both at Bishop Road. Any support would be most welcome.