FC United 3 Skelmersdale United 0

TWO goals from top-scorer Rory Patterson helped FC United topple league leaders Skelmersdale in an end-to-end clash at Gigg Lane.

After a three-week lay-off, the UniBond Division One North side started slowly, but gained control in the 16th minute when Patterson converted a Nicky Platt free-kick.

On-loan Bury keeper Aaron Grundy, making his debut for United, pulled off a superb one-handed save before Patterson out-paced two defenders to slot home his second on 62 minutes.

Sub Nick Robinson fired in from outside the area in injury time to wrap up the points for FC, who travel to Nantwich in the quarter-finals of the President's Cup tonight.

Radcliffe Borough's home game with Curzon Ashton was postponed because of a frozen pitch.