TROJANS.....5 SPA ATHLETIC....1

BURLEY Trojans overcame both the conditions and a battling Spa Athletic side to consolidate their lead at the top of the Premier Division. Despite conceding a second minute goal, Trojans fought back to net five times which gave the scoreline a slightly flattering look.

The sizeable crowd had hardly been given time to open their umbrellas when Adam Tennant gave Athletic the lead. This was just the wake up call Trojans neded and they knuckled down and hauled themselves back into contention. Chris Connolly played Peter Sumner through and his well struck shot was saved by the legs of 'keeper Barry Galton. Sumner showed why he is so highly rated with an all action performance in the middle of the park. He made light of the heavy pitch, which deteriorated during the game, to turn in a Man-of-the-Match performance, including two wonderful goals.

Sumner levelled on 20 minutes, latching on to skipper Nick Quaife's through pass to beat Galton with an exquisite chip. Chris Hargreaves' long clearance bounced into the path of Connolly who gleefully smashed the ball past Galton. The Trojans defence performed heroically on the treacherous surface. Left-back Jonny Clarkson gave another wholehearted performance and on the other flank Matt Steer is growing in composure with every game, looking comfortable going forward. The central defensive pairing of Stuart Dibb, with a new partner in Quaife, were outstanding, giving nothing away.

Athletic were always a threat and with, prolific ex-Trojan Andy Dukes in their

ranks, the home side always needed another goal to breathe easily. That man

Sumner almost provided it with a breath-taking volley from fully 35 yards which grazed the post with the 'keeper rooted to his line. Fellow midfielder Matt Hawnt then followed suit with a 30 yard piledriver that fizzed just wide.

The third goal, which Trojans' territorial advantage had merited, arrived midway through the half. Grant Dyson's left wing corner was met at the near post by Gary Shankland whose header found the back of the net.

Ten minutes later Shankland headed his second and Athletic were on the ropes and it was no surprise when Sumner added a fifth two minutes later. With three games to go their fate is in their own hands. Trojans know that they are not likely to get a better chance of lifting the title.