BURNLEY United suffered a heavy home defeat to West Lancashire League Premier Division leaders Blackpool Wren Rovers as they continue to struggle in the top flight.

Rovers proved much too strong for the home side, Alan Coar and Lee Tobin both netting twice in a comfortable 4-0 win.

Lee Ashcroft’s Longridge Town also tasted defeat, going down 2-1 at Crooklands Casuals.

Rick Coar had fired Longridge ahead before half time, but Dave Mansergh’s strike levelled it and then a last minute penalty, converted by Tom Heywood, denied Longridge a share of the spoils.

However, Hurst Green are the form team in Division One, racing to the top of the table thanks to Alan Coar’s quick-fire hat trick which saw them crush Wyre Villa 5-0.

Jon Stead was also on the mark with a goal double as the Ribble Valley man sent a “catch us if you can” message to the chasing pack.

Fulwood Amateurs are their closest challengers for the top spot and they cruised to victory against GSK Ulverston Rangers with George Pennington, Mitch Newsham and Charles Orgi all netting.

Blackburn side Mill Hill St Peters remain locked in mid-table and they were never in the hunt in Cumbria, Hawcoat Park posting a 3-1 win with Luke Gornall grabbing Mill Hill’s consolation.

Haslingden St Mary’s are going well in Division Two, although they had to settle for a point against Leyland United. Toby Wilkinson and Joe Howard both found the target in a 2-2 home draw for third place Haslimgden.

Todmorden Borough reeled in a valuable point too, Ben Whitman’s penalty five minutes from time saw them rescue a draw at Barrow Wanderers.

Sam Whittaker was on the mark for Hurst Green Reserves as they shared a 1-1 draw at Leyland United – but Haslingden’s second string crashed 4-0 at Euxton Villa.

Also in Reserve Division Two, Burnley United Reserves saw Ryan Bramley (2) and Chris Banks net in a 3-2 win at Lytham Town.