POCKETS C improved their chances of winning the Mid Cheshire League’s Premier Division title after inflicting only a second defeat on pacesetters Owley Wood A.

It leaves the Winsford-based outfit a dozen points adrift.

Third-placed Middlewich Legion D eased past struggling clubmates Middlewich Legion B, while Castle Private A started the calendar year with a whitewash of Middlewich Legion A.

In Division One, leaders Castle Private B pipped Pockets A on the contest’s final black.

Closest rivals Wharton Cons D won at Owley Wood D, sending the Weaverham team to last place following Winnington C’s defeat of Owley Wood B.

Winnington A remain favourites to be promoted from Division Two as champions after beating Pockets D. But title rivals Cosey Club recorded the section’s most emphatic win this week.

Wharton Cons C lead the way in Division Three, their 5-2 victory against Meadowbank B matched by clubmates Wharton Cons A.