ELDON Lane recorded a valuable league win to leapfrog Broompark Loves into fifth spot in Division One.

The wet conditions slashed the league's fixtures by half last week, with only six games going ahead from a scheduled 12.

But Eldon Lane took advantage against Binchester, with two goals by Michael Houlahan and one each from Colin Paterson and Michael Davison ensuring victory.

"It was a very tight game," admitted manager Sean Maguire. "Binchester will probably be disappointed because they really deserved something from the game."

Maguire has set a target of securing Division One safety before the end of the season. "I've told the players that has to be our main target," he said. "We have a new side with some young players, so our first job is to stay in the first division." Stewart Allan scored both goals for Binchester.

Meanwhile, Thorns went to the top of Division One with a 11-3 win over Beehive. Andrew Richardson (3), Anthony Stewart (2), Mark Russell (2), Steven Richardson, Michael Oliver, Lee Atkinson and Adam Kelly were all on the scoresheet for Thorns, with Jeff Dunn, Steven Brown and Mark Pattinson scoring for Beehive.

Elsewhere, Salvins pulled off a surprise result by beating Brandon 8-3. Salvins have been struggling of late, while Brandon have been putting together some fine results.

In Division Two, struggling North Briton were given a lifeline when they clocked up only their third win of the campaign, beating bottom-of-the-table Boot & Shoe 5-0.

"It's a huge relief," said manager Barry Atkinson. "It's been a disastrous season up to now, there's no getting away from that. But for the first time in a good few weeks we have managed to get 11 players out on the park, and we have actually played some good football and created numerous chances.

"We totally dominated the game and, had we taken all our chances, the score could have been double figures, but it was pleasing just to get the win."

Atkinson has been forced out of retirement in recent games. "And I'm loving it!" he said. "I've had to dust down the old boots, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it - not sure how long it will last though!" Gary Donald, Dennis Tounson, David Teddar and Phil Judge scored Brit's goals.

Meanwhile, Two Blues beat Binchester Hotel 2-0, Timmy Hutchinson scoring both goals, and Horndale beat Green Tree 3-2 in the only other game.

The league is pleased to report that more than 20 of the league's 25 teams are still in cup competitions, which have all passed the first round stage.

The league has five cup competitions in total - divisional cups as well as the B&A Trophy, the League Cup and the Invitation Cup.

And they promise to bring a host of entertaining finals at Spennymoor United's Brewery Field next May, with several teams getting the chance to claim cup final glory.

"It's pleasing to have so many of our teams still involved," said secretary Mike Hill. "It shows that our league is open and competitive, and we hopefully give all our teams a good chance of winning something at the end of the season."

The second round of the League Cup takes place this Sunday, with the losers going into the league's Invitation Cup as well as losers of first round ties.

l The league would like to remind club secretaries that the next meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 11, when the Christmas raffle will be drawn and monies for it are due in.

Results round-up, Sunday, December 1, Division One: Salvins 8, Brandon 3; Eldon Lane 4, Binchester SC 2; Beehive 3, Thorns 11.

Division Two: Binchester Hotel 0, Two Blues 2; Boot & Shoe 0, North Briton 5; Green Tree 2, Horndale 3.