IT was league action all round in the Preston and District football leagues, with the gap at the top of the Premier Division shrinking.

With Bamber Bridge's game with Leyland Town postponed, Euxton Villa snatched the chance to reduce Brig's league to one point, as Villa beat Livesey 2-1.

Results:Croston Sports 1, Appley Bridge 0; Lostock St Gerrards 4, Burscough Richmond 3; Whitbreads 2, Leigh RMI 2; Euxton Villa 2, Livesey 1.

DEEPDALE Hotel's quest to snatch the top spot in Division One failed after they lost 4-3 in a tight game to Burscough Richmond. Fulwood Rangers took full advantage, winning 3-2 away to Hoole Utd.

Results: Burscough Richmond 4, Deepdale Hotel 3; Coppull Utd 0, Cotty Brook 4; Hoole Utd 2, Fulwood Rangers 3; Leyland Red Rose 2, Appley Bridge 1; New Longton 0, Euxton Villa 4; Preston Wanderers 2, RO Chorley 3.

LEYLAND St Mary's remain at the top of Division Two West, despite losing 2-1 away to Southport Trinity.

Results: Crossens 4, Birkdale Rovers 3; Mawdesley 4, FC Parma 2; Southport Trinity 2, Leyland St Marys 1; Walmer Bridge 1, Heskin 1.

VARSITY's 4-1 win over Leyland Town cemented their place at the top of Division Two East. Two goals from Longworth ensured the victory.

Results: Longridge Town 6, Farington Villa 1; BTR 2, Leyland Red Rose 2; CCA Stacey's 5, University Tavern 0; Hoghton 8, Walton-le-Dale 3; Royal Garrison 2, Muldoons 4; Varsity 4, Leyland Town 1. Young 1, Higher Walton Utd.

IN the highest scoring game of Division Three, New Longton put six past Leyland St Mary's, who managed three in reply.

Results: Hesketh Bank 4, Walmer Bridge 4; Kirkham and Wesham 1, Bretherton 0; Lancs C Staff 4, Lostock St Gerrards 2; Leyland Red Rose 2, The Railway 3; Leyland St Mary's 3, New Longton 6.

IN the SGL Seat Cars West Lancashire League, Leyland Motors Athletic lost 3-0 to Eagley, Fulwood Amateurs lost 2-1 to Frecklton and Kirkham lost 2-0 to Charnock Richard.

The picture for Preston's sides wasn't so bleak in Division One, with BAC/EE Preston losing 2-1 to Tempest, but Preston West End lost 7-1 to Garstang. Lancs Constabularly drew 1-1 with Whinney Hill.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.