Cookstown rectified their only defeat of the season as they beat Bangor 3-1 in the Men’s Premier League.
Saturday’s opponents remain the only side to beat the league leaders this campaign having previously beaten them 2-1 in October.
Bangor got off to a flying start with Ryan Burgess giving his side the lead, picking out the corner with an inch-perfect drag-flick.
With the County Down side on course to do the double against Cookstown, ‘The Reds’ drew level with a goal from Greg Allen after he combined well with teammate Mark Crooks.
Defender Jack Haycock then fired them in front with the second drag-flick goal of the game as he scored his 12th of the campaign.
Cookstown continued to push forward and soon wrapped up the game as Scott McCabe picked out teammate Callum Anderson in the circle and he converted from close range to make it 3-1.
Second placed South Antrim continued to keep the pressure on their title rivals as they comfortably beat Queen’s University 6-2 in Lisburn.
A hat-trick from Ryan West, two goals from Jordan Robinson and a strike from Thomas McClintock sealed the win against the reigning Champions.
The win keeps South five points behind Cookstown but having played a game more than the Mid-Ulster side.
As for Queen’s their recent run of form comes to an abrupt end with the result keeping them sixth in the table.
Kilkeel also remain in the fight for top spot as they thrashed Raphoe 8-0 in County Donegal.
The division’s top goalscorer Luke Russell struck twice to bring his season tally to 17 whilst David Rae and Jordan McCartan both scored hat-tricks to complete the victory.
With a game in hand, Kilkeel stay six points behind top spot in third place, meanwhile, Raphoe stay bottom of the table and winless this campaign.
Elsewhere in the division fourth place Belfast Harlequins made it five games without a win as they drew 2-2 away to North Down.
The hosts took the lead in the first half with Gareth Bailie netting his fourth goal of the season.
However, a quickfire double from Michael Patterson and Matthew Gray saw the visitors overturn the score and take a 2-1 lead.
On course to end their poor run of form, the South Belfast sides hopes of victory were dashed with Gareth McKeown equalising in the final minute to share the spoils.
The final result of the day saw Portadown move to just one point behind Harlequins as they beat NICS 7-2 at Edenvilla.
Photo: Front Row Union
