BACUP manager Brent Peters decided to blood young keeper Andrew Quinton and was delighted with the outcome.

A fine first half save by the teenager from an awkward dipping shot gave Borough confidence and, after defending resolutely at the foot of the slope on Ashton's pitch for the first 45 minutes, Bacup went on to tie up three points after the interval. "We had to defend resolutely in the first half, but it was all one-way traffic after the break," said Peters.

"I decided to introduce another of our youngsters in Andrew and he did well, and earned the right to his home debut against Bootle tomorrow night by keeping a clean sheet.

"But we have been doing well despite having a pile up of fixtures.

"We have had four games in eight days and that is now three straight wins so I have got to be happy."

Despite being under the cosh in the first half, Bacup had the better chances with the impressive Lee Kershaw hitting the crossbar with a 25-yard drive and Damon Gledhill having an effort scrambled away by the home defence.

But in the second half Bacup took control and before they gained the lead both Stuart Farnell and Gledhill had gone close with headers. The opener arrived on 65 minutes when Farnell was fouled and from Ian McClelland's free kick Farnell got up to turn the ball home. On 78 minutes McClelland was involved again as he freed Kershaw and from his cross Paul Wane headed home the second.

ASHTON UNITED...0 BACUP...2