LEAGUE leaders Bacup rediscovered the winning formula in their local derby with John Hughes' Great Harwood.

Parading two new signings, the visitors arrived at West View full of optimism, but it was Bacup that started well.

Several early chances were created but went begging until the 12th minute. Stuart Telfer's corner wasn't the best, but it was mis-judged by everyone in the 18-yard box, and as the ball rolled across the line, it took a deflection and fell into the path of Micky Bartholomew, who scored from close range.

Brent Peters' Bacup then settled into their game and played good, controlled football.

Steve Stott then had a chance to increase Bacup's lead after Telfer won a free kick on the stroke of half-time. Stott struck it well but the goalkeeper managed to punch it clear, while Telfer's follow-up was also well saved.

Great Harwood went in search of an equaliser for the early part of the second half but struggled to create much apart from winning a couple of corners.

Bacup went on to cause problems at the opposite end with their pace and movement.

David Gray burst through to shoot but the keeper did well to tip the ball around the post.

But the home side did manage to double their lead after 52 minutes after Nicky Taylor chased a ball which had been knocked down the line.

Taylor flicked the ball inside to Telfer, who released Gray before making a diagonal run into the box.

Gray had a chance to shoot as the goal opened up in front of him but unselfishly squared the ball to Bartholomew. His shot was well saved but Telfer was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Hoping to salvage something from the game, Great Harwood made chances to push men forward, but in the end their efforts were to no avail. The only real chance was when Bacup defender Scott Gilchrist's backpass to Tommy Allen took a bobble and wrong-footed the keeper managed to recover to avert the danger.

Peters said: "In recent games Lady Luck has deserted us. But when we scored a deserved equaliser against Nelson in midweek I felt things were about to change.

"And this was the case against Great Harwood for our opening goal. It was a bad delivery which caught both sides out and I'm sure John Hughes would have been unhappy with his lads conceding from that."

BACUP ...2 GREAT HARWOOD ...0