FIVE-STAR Colne kept up the pressure at the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division as they eased past Alsager Town on Tuesday night.

The Reds remain in third on goal difference behind Atherton Collieries and five points off leaders Runcorn Linnets but have two games in hand on their two promotion rivals.

Steve Cunningham's side were made to work hard for the win on Tuesday night against their relegation-=threatened opponents with Jay Hart's strike the only difference between the sides in the first half.

But Ben Wharton doubled the lead seconds after the restart and Joel Melia quickly added a third to put the result beyond doubt.

Dominic Craig made it four before Wharton netted his second of the game six minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Barnoldswick Town were beaten 2-0 at Cammell Laird.

Stewart Airdrie's side sit 13th in the table and host Colne on Saturday before entertaining Nelson on Monday when Colne are at home to Silsden.