Highfield United...0

Unsworth...3

UNSWORTH manager, Nick Woods, hailed his side as "magnificent" after their demolition of league leaders, Highfield United.

"I know we have had some good results this season, but I agree totally with Tony Welch when he said this was the best yet," said Woods.

"Now we can build strongly on this game and take it forward because we have a very good squad of players."

Highfield came into the match on the back of two good results and they must have thought that getting back to winning ways was on the cards.

After all they had beaten the Unsworth side well earlier in the season -- but that was a different Unsworth side than the one they took on on Saturday.

They are more organised at the back and in midfield now. They are quick and strong on the break. They had the added bonus of taking those sorely missed chances from recent performances and turning them into goals against Highfield.

When it comes to goals, no-one takes them better than Paul Thomson. His debut performance on his return to the club was dazzling as he quickly settled.

It didn't take Thomson long to make his mark. Hannan's probing pass found Paul Lyons and he rolled the ball across for Thomson to score with ease.

Minutes later, he was unlucky when he rattled the bar, then came the turning point in the match when Unsworth 'keeper, Karl Hassall, made a stunning save to deny the home side an equaliser.

This was Highfield's only chance to get into the game. Chris Lyons took a firm hold in midfield and put his side further in front when he volleyed home a poor clearance from the home defence after yet another Unsworth corner from the edge of the box.

It was now one-way traffic and the visitors seemed to be able to score at will. Ten minutes before half-time Unsworth wrapped the game up.

Hannan again began things on the right. This time, Pete Morley took the pass on and the ball made its way to Thomson who fired home from close range.

Full credit to Highfield for restricting Unsworth in the second half, but Nick Woods men looked like they have plenty more in the tank for future games.

UNSWORTH: Hassall, Morley, Brimelow, P. Lyons, Truelove, Hannan (Lynch), Thomson, Smith, C. Lyons, Hunter (Whitby). Substitutes not used: Welch, Craft.

On Saturday, Tintwistle Villa will visit a very boggy Hillock (kick-off 2pm).

It was at Tintwistle that Tony Welch's header gave Unsworth their first victory of the season.

Tintwistle are a strong, capable side and will provide another test for Unsworth, who add Martin Kitson, Dave Healey and Kev Gallagher to their squad. Further details on 07950 102307.

The under-18s won their County Cup quarter-final on Sunday, winning 3-0 at South Sefton.

Charlie Lynch's under-15s were alos on the cup trail and beat local rivals Stand Athletic, who play in a division above, 3-2 to go into the quarter-finals of the Lennox Cup.