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 Adam Jones and Lee Neville were unlikely match-winners for FC United as the Rebels triumphed in their Evo-Stik Premier promotion battle at Hednesford, writes Tony Glennon.

The two defenders each struck with headers from set-pieces inside the opening quarter of an hour to secure a potentially priceless 2-1 victory.

Jones took just two minutes to open the scoring, nodding in from a corner, and Neville quickly doubled FC’s lead.

Matthew Wolfenden then missed a glorious chance to add a third, failing to hit the target after rounding keeper Dan Crane, after which the Rebels spent much of the rest of the game with their backs to the wall.

Jermaine Johnson reduced their arrears just before the hour mark, but United held on for a win which takes them to within a point of a play-off place with just eight games left.

Challenge

Ashton United lost 2-1 to Stocksbridge, but Northwich Victoria and Chorley each joined FC United in stepping up their respective promotion challenges.

Vics came from behind to beat visiting neighbours Nantwich 2-1, while Magpies’ new boy Ciaran Kilheeney, signed from Droylsden, scored twice on his debut in a 5-1 romp at Worksop.

Title-chasing Curzon Ashton held on to top spot in Evo-Stik North with Connor Hampton, Kristian Dennis and Samuel Walker on target in a comfortable 3-1 win at Durham.

Trafford’s 2-1 defeat to AFC Fylde means the second-placed seasiders remain in hot pursuit of the Nash but Curzon will increase their lead to six points if they can overcome old foes Woodley Sports at the Tameside Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

Woodley, meanwhile, got their play-off bid back on track by thrashing Salford 4 0, while Mossley won their derby date with Radcliffe 2-0.

Lee Gaskell’s third-minute penalty put North West Counties League leaders Ramsbottom on their way to a 3-0 victory at Flixton.

Tony Glennon March 19, 2012