COLNE took a major step towards promotion with a brilliant 10-man performance against Blackpool Mechanics at Holt House last night.

As early as the third minute Colne's Ian Simpson was sent off for kicking aBlackpool player and the Reds had to dig deep in a scrappy first half to stay in the game.

The second half was a different story as the Reds driven on from midfield by Chris Ingham and James Webster took control. On 60 minutes Colne thought

they had the lead when a Webster ball into the box was headed home by Slater only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Keeper Ross Baxter then kept the home side in the game with a double save as the Reds pushed forward for the winner.

Urged on by a crowd of 205 the Reds tide kept pushing forward and with 15 minutes left Scott Gizon entered the fray.

Just as it looked like they would have to settle for a point the Reds got a free kick midway in the Mechanics half. Up stepped James Webster to send in a deep cross which was met by Gizon at the back post who headed home the winner.

Colne went third with this victory and now need six wins from 11 games to secure the championship.

The promotion bandwagon continues with two more home games, Winsford United tomorrow (3pm) and Oldham Town on Wednesday.