Netherfield moved to within five points of league leaders Blackpool after an emphatic eight-wicket win over Leyland at Parkside Road.

Marc Hadwin's first innings return of 6-40 saw Leyland collapse from 95-1 to 142 all out, while Obus Pienaar's 77 not out from 51 balls eased Netherfield to victory as they closed on 144-2 from 26.2 overs.

After putting the visitors in first, Nathan Chambers claimed the early wicket of Karl Cross who picked out John Huck as Leyland were 2-1 in just the second over.

Leyland recovered as Sri Lankan Professional Pabusara Waduge and Henry Thompson pushed the visitors onto 95.

Both Waduge and Thompson had a lot of joy off the Netherfield seam bowling attack, while Hadwin was also conceding early runs.

However a bowling change that saw Pienaar come into the attack settled things down while Hadwin began to find his range.

The changes had an instant impact as Thompson's mistimed shot at a Pienaar delivery fell into the hands of Stuart Nixon as Netherfield made the crucial breakthrough.

Once Thompson had been dismissed Netherfield began to dominate, as Hadwin picked up the wickets of Waduga and Ross Bretherton. Waduga was dismissed for a top score of 60 off 97 balls while Bretherton fell for eight after both were caught by Josh Dixon.

Pienaar closed with a return of 3-27 as the South African despatched of Andrew Makinson and Tom Reece, before the visitors were reduced to 136-7 when Hadwin bowled James Rounding.

Hadwin completed his impressive haul when the leg spinner picked up the wickets of James Chaplin, Steven Pallett and Jacob Wright who was stumped by Lewis Edge as Leyland were all out for 142.

Netherfield made a slow start in their reply as Brad Earl fell for 0 off the bowling of Bretherton, however Ben Barrow’s quickfire 28 from 28 balls restored parity before the club captain was caught behind by Jacob Wright as Bretherton picked up his second wicket.

However South African professional Pienaar and the steady batting of Josh Dixon guided Netherfield across the finishing line. Pienaar was in relentless form as he went on to reach 77 off 51 balls in a knock that included eight fours and four sixes, while Dixon posted an undefeated 38 off 75 balls.

The Field finished the game off when Dixon hit the ball across the boundary ropes as Netherfield closed on 144-2 off just 26.2 overs.

Netherfield travel to play Chorley on Saturday.