NEIL Fairbrother has not scored a first half century for 13 Championship innings.

But the veteran left hander is still playing a key role in keeping Lancashire's outside title hopes alive.

Fairbrother resuced Lancashire from disaster in their second innings against Kent, grafting 95 balls for 43 after they had slumped to 43-6.

It was the third consecutive innings in which he had top scored without reaching 50, after his 48 in the first innings and 47 in the second innings of the defeat at Surrey two weeks ago.

Fairbrother also coaxed a mature innings from Chris Schofield, who was then joined by fellow spinner Gary Keedy -- promoted above Peter Martin to number nine after his unbeaten 17 in the first innings -- to steer Lancashire to 110-7.

It meant they were due to resume today with a lead of 191, which could be crucial in such a low scoring match.

Earlier Lancashire had looked in danger of squandering Peter Martin's superb return to Championship action. Martin, playing his first match since breaking his thumb on May 31, took 5-42 as Kent were skittled for 155 to give Lancashire their first innings lead of 81.

Digger had taken 5-44 in his last Championship appearance, against Derbyshire at Old Trafford 10 weeks ago, and the 14th five wicket haul of his first class career has left him with 23 Championship wickets this season at an average of less than 12. But Lancashire's second innings got off to the worst possible start with John Crawley bowled by a ball which shot along the floor. And things did not get any better as Andy Flintoff was lbw, Mark Chilton and Sourav Ganguly were snapped up at second slip, then former England paceman Martin McCague yorked Joe Scuderi and trapped Warren Hegg leg before with consecutive balls.

At 43-6, they were only 124 ahead and in danger of leaving Kent with a relatively simple run chase. But thanks to Fairbrother, Schofield and Keedy, Lancashire were back on course for victory today.