REIGNING champions Storeys had their work cut out to win 3-2 at Ingleton in their Premier Division clash in the North Lancs League.

Ingleton's title chance might have gone but they could influence its eventual destination. After three minutes, the hosts went close after Jack Bland's good work led to a cross picking out Chris Bibby, but his header was saved on the line by Kenny Udall.

The combination of Bibby and Bland again caused problems with Bland heading across Udall and into the net to give his side a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Storeys had a lucky break when a ball into the box hit defender Chris Jackson's knee and flew into the net giving keeper Ian Kellett no chance.

Ingleton continued to press forward and their pressure paid off in the 40th minute when a cross from Bibby was headed in by Chris Jackson to give them a deserved 2-1 lead at half-time.

Midway through the second half Storeys caused problems won a penalty which Sanderson placed perfectly out of Kellett's reach.

Storeys then took the lead in the 78th minute. Although Taylor's tame shot from two yards hit an upright, as he wheeled away the ball rebounded to him and he back-heeled it into the net.

In the final two minutes Bibby had two glorious chances to equalise, but Udall saved one and the other went over the bar.

Kirkby Lonsdale's defence was too good for lowly Boys Club although the opening hour was even with both sides going close.

With time running out, Kirkby were awarded a free kick and leading scorer Steve Chapman produce a stunning strike to keep Boys Club anchored at the foot of the league.

Division One...

CARNFORTH Rangers improved their promotion chances by convincingly beating local rivals Millhead 5-0. Gavin Darby opened the scoring followed by a brace from Matthew Garwood, Lee Watson and a Michael Whitham penalty.

Second-placed Swarthmoor Social Club won a hard fought game with Vine.

Goals from Chris Scrogham, Ricky Gallagher and Gavin Jolley secured the three points but their side could not relax until the final whistle.

Well-organised defending negated the many first-half chances Lancaster City Council created against Grange.

At the other end the fleet-footed Turner brothers troubled Council and Craig opened the scoring when Neil put him through.

Neil then beat the offside trap to race clear to put his side into a 2-0 lead that they never looked like losing.

Storeys Reserves stay third after wearing down much-improved Burton Thistle who belied their lowly league position. More experienced Storeys took a two-goal before Chris Plevey scored for Thistle, but they could not prevent Storey's netting again for a 3-1 victory.

Division Two ...

WITH only five games left Kirkby Lonsdale Rangers need to play better than they did against Middleton to avoid relegation.

The two teams drew 2-2 a few weeks ago and Kirkby viewed this game as a chance to gain vital points. They could not turn pressure into goals, however, and as they ran out of ideas, Middleton scored twice.

After beating Millhead Reserves in the cup, Arnside expected an easy ride against the same opponents, but Millhead posed threats to the third-placed side. Two goals against the run of play from Mike Smith and a cracker from James Bland gave Arnside the three points.

Division Three ...

FURNESS Rovers went to the top of the division after a sluggish 3-0 win over Arnside Reserves. Without a league win all season, Arnside missed several chances and Graham Wilson (2) and Matthew Zekiri made the game safe for Rovers.

Gregson struck eight times against Burton Thistle Reserves and missed almost as many.

Grange Reserves dominated their game against Boys Club Reserves but ended up losing 2-1.

Boys Club took the lead against the run of play, but Grange levelled before half time with a Matty Evans goal, his first since his return to action.

Grange were the better team in the second half but without any reward. With four minutes to go, Boys Club scored again and Grange were foiled with the last kick when a shot for a possible equaliser went inches wide.

Division Four...

IN GROUP One of the Kelly/Flynn/Cunningham Cup Bentham Reserves won an exciting game with Bolton-le-Sands Reserves, who were leading the table when play began with Bentham second.

Goals by Danny Jackson and Darren Thompson put Bentham into the semi-final, while Sands Reserves could be pipped by Middleton Reserves, who require three points from their two remaining games.

In Group Two. Carnforth Rangers Reserves were comfortable 3-0 winners over Ingleton A, who now cannot qualify for the latter stages of the competition. Carnforth goalscorers were player/manager Neil Wakeman Oliver Matthews and Jamie Nicholls.

Sam Price Cup ...

CARTMEL had an easy 4-0 second-round win over Torrisholme who could not cope with the power of Joel Drinkall, who scored two fine goals, followed by other from Tim Brookes and Matthew Burrows.

Craven Morrison Cup...

BENTHAM felt they could win this second-round match, but Skipton Town pulled out the stops to open up a 3-1 lead.

Bentham fought back to equalise through Gary Louth (2) and James Earnshaw then went looking for the winner, but Skipton broke away for a last-minute winner in the 4-3 thriller.

Furness Junior Cup ...

SWARTHMOOR Reserves held favourites Walney Island Reserves with good defending for much of this first-round match.

Walney eventually scored after 73 minutes and Swarthmoor's push for an equaliser allowed the Island to add two more goals.