THE RACE for the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port Sunday League's Premier Division title gathered momentum as third-placed FC Merebrook moved to within a point of the leadership.

Mark Swann administered five of the best in an 8-1 win over Cane Factory with Andy Denton contributing a hat-trick. Eric Fogg claimed the home side's lone reply.

Spare a thought for The Strawberry's Gary Handley, who bagged four goals but still finished on the losing side as Woodlands ran out 7-4 winners. A stunning treble from Dave Hall led the way.

Kevin West netted three times for Dysett Rangers, who returned to the winner's enclosure for the first time this season after turning Gunners Enterprise over 4-1. Rob Smith was on target for the Gunners.

In a must win for either side contest in Division One, leaders Cat Carpet Craft eclipsed fellow promotion contenders MSC Eastham Rake 2-1 with goals from Trevor Roberts and Craig Tolley to maintain their two-point cushion at the top.

The Bull accounted for The Phoenix 2-0 to leapfrog into second place, with both goals attributed to John Davies, and a smart double from Kevin Roberts helped CCU to a much-needed 2-1 win at Berwick Rovers.

Scott Rowley (2), Brendan Rowley, Noel Bolger and Mark Knox helped themselves to the goals as Sutton Way overcame pointless St Saviours Res 5-3.

Spectators were treated to a 13-goal bonanza as Division Two leaders Ellesmere finished up winning 8-5 against Brown Horse. Mike Smith netted four with Alan Williams, Dave Woodward (2) and Gary Williams providing back up. Andy Wright (2), Steve Crosby (2) and Ben Lloyd replied.

Despite strikes from Chris Hawker and Danny Blundell, bottom club The Phoenix Res were on the receiving end against Holiday Inn, who had four-goal marksman Rob Davies on top of his game. Efforts from Mike Knowles (2), Ross Jones and Steve James completed the scoreline.

Parkside Rovers' 5-3 win at Sutton Rangers featured a hat-trick from Ian Kelly, Mike Hall and Andy Stockton also making the scoresheet. John Farrell, Steve Armitage and Mark Pratt replied.