Vauxhall Motors 3, Maine Road 0

VAUXHALL's prospects of ending their first season back in the Hallmark Security League as runners-up had a real boost on Saturday, as they overcame a dogged Maine Road.

Indeed, the outcome of this tight affair was still very much in the balance until Motors struck a crucial second goal in the 78th minute.

Results elsewhere meant that the Motormen jumped up two places into second spot and with just three games remaining, now have a great chance to cement that position in the final run in, starting with the final home game of the season against Ellesmere Rangers next Saturday (3pm).

Mick McGraa’s side had the better of a close first half. Haydn Cooper, Kieran Hamm and George Hassall all had chances in the opening half, but equally the visitors almost went close on a couple of occasions and looked a much improved side from the one Motors played away a few months back.

But the hosts managed to snatch the lead on 52 minutes, when captain Tom Mitchell scrambled home a shot from eight yards out following a corner. The visitors reacted by applying some pressure on the home goal without much success, thanks largely due to the fine keeping of Kristofer Leigh.

And on 78 minutes, Motors gave themselves some much needed breathing space with a second goal. Working the ball from the right, Mike Burkey was put through in space on the left and he fired home from twelve yards beyond Alex Fowell in the Road goal.

Three minutes from time, Motors wrapped up the points when a fiercely struck low cross from the right was turned into his own goal by defender Finn Thompson, to give the Motormen a rather flattering looking scoreline.

Vauxhall: Leigh, Quinn, Drummond, Carlin, Mitchell, Heath, Burkey, Cooper, Hassall Mason 70), Noon (Costello 82), Hamm (Holmes 54). Sub not used; Scarisbrick