Fairbank were still in pole position in the Telegraph & Argus League after the latest fixtures but had to scrap for the points against vastly-improved Abundant Life Church.
Goalkeeper John Taylor was in outstanding form for Church but was finally beaten on the half-hour by Mohammed Ismaeel.
Nick Franks hit a 30-yard equaliser as Church pounded the hosts’ goal. But, midway through the second half, Nasser Hussain scored with a bullet header and, with virtually the last kick of the match, Farooq Miah made the game safe.
East Bowling hit a dozen against Sporting Athletic, with hat-tricks from Carl Canoville and Marvin McKinlay and braces from Steven Hollingsworth and Paul Canning. Chris Preston and Joel Lewis also cashed in.
League Cup winners West Bowling were once again on the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller.
Thornbury Youth Community Centre, who were 2-0 up after 25 minutes, beat them 4-3 to climb to third place.
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