MATTHEW Coughlan struck twice as Winsford United maintained top spot with a 4-2 success against Litherland REMYCA.
Blues kept being pegged back in the first half, which ended 2-2, but Coughlan's second strike in the 68th-minute finished off the plucky visitors.
Winsford never trailed and were in front from the third minute thanks to a Coughlan penalty.
Litherland responded in kind nine minutes later and the topsy-turvy scoring continued as Nathan Cotterell edged Blues back in front after 20 minutes.
A fourth goal in the opening 28 minutes, this time from Elliot Toner, kept things in the balance at the break.
Rob Hopley, on dual registration from Witton Albion, restored Winsford's advantage 11 minutes into the second half before Coughlan wrapped up the scoring.
United will have a top-of-the-league derby battle at home on Wednesday to Northwich Victoria, who climbed to fourth place in the North West Counties Premier Division today thanks to a 2-0 success at Whitchurch Alport.
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