THE Ivy are inching ever closer to the East Lancashire League title after fresh success on the road.

But the league leaders were made to work hard for the points against bottom club Colne United, with the visitors finally edging it 4-3 in a topsy-turvy game at Victoria Park.

Second-placed Burnley Athletic remain only a point behind The Ivy, though, and a 6-1 win at Mill Hill keeps them hot on their heels.

Title holders Rimington are still in the hunt as they bid to defend their championship, and a routine 2-0 win over Oswaldtwistle St Marys at Back Lane saw them bolster third spot.

Rock Rovers climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-0 win over Calder Vale, but fellow strugglers Worsthorne suffered a heavy defeat, 5-2 at home to Feniscowles and Pleasington.

In Division Two, leaders Barrowford Celtic moved seven points clear at the summit with a 2-0 victory over bottom of the table Peel Park.

Mill Hill are still out in front in the Reserve Division, cruising to a 5-2 win at Waddington.

Read United climbed into fourth spot with a 5-2 victory at Peel Park, while Rimington were also winners, clocking up a 3-2 win at Stacksteads St Josephs.

Colne United and Oswaldtwistle St Marys drew 1-1 and there was the same scoreline between Feniscowles and Pleasington and Barrowford Celtic.

In the Bob Little Cup first round, Burnley Belvedere, Pendle Forest, Barnoldswick Town United and Whinney Hill all won.