ALSAGER Town rocked high-flying Woodley Sports as a late goal from Will Hurley gave Greg Clowes's men a 1-0 win at the Town Ground on Saturday.

Third-placed Woodley have been the surprise package of the North West Counties League Division One season, but Alsager saw off some early pressure to record their second home win in four days.

'This is what we are capable of when we really play well,' said Clowes.

'The top teams often bring out the best in us. We defended well when we had to but also took the game to them at times.'

Lee Bromley came close to opening the scoring for Woodley in the 12th minute and, soon afterwards, a Mark Egerton header was cleared off the line.

But Town came into the game and Woodley goalkeeper Liam Higgin-bottom made a superb save to deny Ben Biddulph.

Woodley again had the lion's share of possession after the interval but Alsager defended doggedly and claimed the points when Hurley hit the all-important goal 10 minutes from time.

Clive Brown failed to execute a clearance and Hurley pounced to sweep home from eight yards.

The win came on the back of Wednesday's 3-0 defeat of Curzon Ashton, secured by Biddulph, Steve Elks and Ian Verow.

The back-to-back victories helped Alsager climb away from the danger zone into the relative safety of 16th position.

They were aiming to make it three wins on the bounce at Warrington Town last night and are at Skelmersdale United on Saturday. Nantwich Town's hopes of closing the gap on pacesetters Mossley before last night's match at the league leaders were thwarted by two postponements.

Last Tuesday's home game against Ramsbottom was called off due to the visitors' involvement in an FA Vase replay, and Saturday's fixture at basement boys Atherton Collieries was postponed because of a water-logged pitch.

The Dabbers went into last night's match at Seel Park unbeaten in six and with confidence rising following the recent additions of Steve Davis, Tim Alexander and Jamie Phoenix.

Nigel Gleghorn's men face another away trip on Saturday when they take on Abbey Hey.

Meanwhile, as the senior squad sat it out, the reserves had an excellent 5-2 win over Mid-Cheshire League Division Two leaders Sidac Sports last Saturday. Nantwich Town's U13s and U16s teams aim to reach the last eight of the Cheshire County Cup when they play their third-round games this Sunday.

The U13s entertain Vauxhall Motors at Legends Sports Ground and the U16s host Hyde United at Jackson Avenue (both 2pm). Crewe FC had no senior fixtures in the Mid-Cheshire League at the weekend.