Furnace go top as title race heats up

They leapfrogged Brimington United Shoes after defeating their title rivals 5-1.

Hurricanes went into the break leading 2-1 after a tight opening 45 minutes.

But the second period saw the Clay Cross side put away three goals without reply.

It had looked so different in the early stages, however, when Brimington took the lead after just three minutes.

A sharp free kick of the right found Alex Howard unmarked and he headed home.

Furnace Hill took a while to get into their stride, but found an equaliser on 15 minutes.

Danny Gee squared the ball into the box for the in-running Neil Hollingworth, who slotted in with confidence.

The home side made it 2-1 from a right-wing Andrew Hicken corner that was met by Tom Torrington’s bullet header.

The visitors were kept in the game as keeper Adam Rhodes saved well from James Senior in the opening stages of the second half.

But on 54 minutes Hurricanes extended their lead.

A neat build-up down the right saw Hickton feed the ball to Pete Stubley, who made no mistake in front of goal.

Brimington battled to find a way back and Carl Newell put in a tempting cross in front of goal, but no visiting player could get a touch.

Stubley was denied by a fine save from Rhodes at the other end, but five minutes from time Stubley broke through and rounded the keeper to secure victory.

On the stroke of full-time Dave O Hare weaved his way around the left side of the box before firing into the bottom corner.

Furnace Hill, who have 44 points from 18 games, are two points clear of Brimington, who have played a game more.

Bolsover Town are third with 41 points from 18 games.