NORTH WEST COUNTIES

ATHERTON COLLIERIES must wait for the league title despite a 2-0 win at Winsford United, thanks to goals either side of the interval from Jordan Cover and Bradley Cooke.

They were made to wait for the title as Bootle won 1-0 at Abbey Hay, thanks to Ryan Cox’s first-half effort.

The Colls need two points from their final two games to secure the silverware, starting with a home match with Abbey Hey tomorrow.

At the bottom, New Mills joined Nelson and Cammell Laird in being relegated as they lost 1-0 at Irlam – Jordan Icely netting in the first half.

Cammell Laird 1907 still prop up the Premier Division as they were hammered 6-1 at West Didsbury & Chorlton.

Fellow strugglers Nelson were also beaten, losing 3-0 at home to Congleton Town.

AFC Darwen are safe despite losing 3-1 to 1874 Northwich. The hosts had taken the lead, but goals from Scott McGowen, Adam Whitlock and Matt Wolley eased Northwich home.

Squires Gate are also safe from the drop thanks to winning by the odd goal in five against Runcorn Linnets, a game which they won with three minutes to go.

Runcorn Town beat sixth-placed Padiham 2-0, while Barnoldswick Town came from behind to win 3-2 at Hanley Town and there were draws for Barnton and Ashton Athletic as they were held by Maine Road and AFC Liverpool 1-1 and 2-2 respectively.