MARIO Daniel headed home the only goal of the game six minutes from time to earn Walshaw Sports victory at home to Springhead.

The visitors went into the match third in the Manchester League Premier Division having suffered only three defeats all season.

But a determined Walshaw outfit, who brought in Dom Slaven for suspended captain Lee Chapman, dug deep in difficult conditions to secure a second victory of the campaign and move five points clear of the bottom two.

Slaven quickly stamped his class on the contest, driving Walshaw forward at every opportunity in the early exchanges, which the home side dominated.

But they had to remain alert at the other end as a lively Springhead side threatened on the counter, forcing the Walshaw keeper into two smart saves in the a goalless first half.

At the other end, impressive teenage striker Ryan Talbot had his best game since being promoted from the reserves.

He rattled the bar with an audacious attempt on 24 minutes and fluffed his lines with the goal gaping after being set up by strike partner Daniel.

The visitors started the second half brightly and briefly threatened to take control of the game.

But as the conditions worsened the home side regained the ascendency and had one or two half chances, which were cleared by the overworked Springhead rear guard.

The pressure finally told on 84 minutes when a superb cross from Talbot was met by Daniel who buried his header to give Walshaw a deserved three points.

The matches involving Elton Vale and Westbury Sports Club in Division One were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches, as were the games involving local sides in the Lancashire Amateur League.