Cowling 2 Ighten Leigh 0

Cowling went six points clear at the summit after Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash at New Road Side.

An excellent display, particularly in the first half, ensured the league leaders extended their winning run to six games.

Cowling began the game with real purpose, some swift passing down both flanks opening up the visitors’ defence.

Strikers Lee Barker and Martin Dalby both went close and midfielder Tom Sowerbutts had the ball in the Ighten Leigh goal but was adjudged offside.

The first goal arrived after 20 minutes, following a succession of corners.

It was right back Steve Barker who eventually got the breakthrough, latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the box with a low shot through a crowd of players.

It was a half dominated by the home side, with the visitors rarely venturing past the halfway line.

The second goal again arrived from a corner after good work down the left flank from Kyle Willis.

A Dalby corner from the left dropped into the six-yard box and centre back Adam Smith was first to react, stabbing the ball past the keeper.

Neither team had played a game in over a month and it began to show in the second half as players tired in the heavy conditions.

To the visitors’ credit they did not give up and created a few chances on the break.

Cowling keeper James Metcalfe was called into action, pulling off a couple of fine saves to keep the score at 2-0.

The home side created several chances of their own but were unable to get the decisive third goal to kill off the game.

However, a strong defensive display, with new signing Ryan Buckley impressing on debut at left back, ensured the three points were theirs.

Cowling skipper James Complin received the man of the match award.