MARK Chilton led the way as Lancashire fought back into a strong position on the second day of their County Championship clash with Middlesex at Old Trafford.

The opener fell just seven runs short of his second century of the season as the Red Rose side finished on 253 for two in reply to the visitors 382 all out who lost five for 53 in the morning session. At the close Mal Loye was unbeaten on 47 and Stuart Law 32.

Iain Sutcliffe helped Chilton add 126 for the first wicket before left-arm spinner Chris Peploe had Sutcliffe stumped he advanced down the pitch attempting to drive.

Mal Loye then joined in a stand of 63 for the second wicket and Chilton looked set for a ton. His innings had been studded with trademark drives and cuts but he was beaten by a straight ball from the impressive Peploe.

Towards the end of play Jamie Dalrymple dropped what may be a crucial catch when he reprieved Law who had 28 at the time.

In the morning session Lancashire's bowlers had run through the Middlesex tail. Sven Koenig fell to the sixth ball of the day when his middle stump was uprooted by Burnley product James Anderson. The same bowler accounted for Lance Klusener and he bowled eleven overs unchanged in front of England bowling coach Troy Cooley.

The main interest was focused on whether Lancashire would get their third bowling point. They had a golden opportunity when Law dropped a low catch at first slip off Anderson, a similar chance to his drop off Koenig on day one.

When Sajid Mahmood replaced Anderson he trapped Paul Hutchison lbw with his second ball but Lancashire had just missed out on a full quota of bowling points.