Leigh League

TWO weeks into the new season but already reigning champions Higher Fold have been shown their bid for a fourth consecutive Division One title is a different kettle of fish this time around.

On Saturday the side who joined the league after the folding of the Bolton Combination Salford outfit Kersal Vale beat Fold 2-1 on the own turf. John Smith put the visitors in front on 65 minutes with Steve Burns levelling on 75.

With just two minutes left Steve Tidmas gave Vale all three points. Fold also have the worry that both Rope & Anchor and Three Crowns A have started with three straight victories. On Saturday goals from Mick Langin (2), Mark Toker and Jonathan Woods gave Rope a 4-1 win over Royal Oak whilst Mark Toothill, Pete Shepherd, Dave Gibson, Chris Dawber, Steve Greenhalgh and Andy Turner saw Crowns to a 6-2 victory over FC Legion.

Limelight and Moonraker shared the spoils in a 4-4 draw whilst also with one point each and lots of goals were Hag Fold WMC and George XI in a 5-5 stalemate.

Three teams have started with a trio of wins in Division Two, Howe Bridge Mills who beat Atherton Royal 8-0, Courts 5-1 victors over Concert Inn and Asda Golborne 2-1 winners at Bowling Green.

Elsewhere Three Crowns B won 2-1 at Ukranian Club whilst Horns Inn and Fir Tree Rangers drew 3-3.