THE New Year started just as badly as the old one finished for Milnthorpe Corinthians, who stay rooted to the bottom of Division One of the Aegon West Lancashire League after taking a 4-0 beating from Crooklands Casuals.

The match was played in blustery conditions and on a pitch that had stood up quite well from the previous week's rain but understandably cut up as the game went on.

Casuals soon took the lead when the centre forward had a free header in the six yard area.

Corinthians had a chance to level things up through Stefan Postlethwaite but the keeper and good defending kept him out.

Crooklands scored again when a shot from outside the area found its way into the corner of the net and scored a third before half time.

The second half was slightly better for Corinthians as they only conceded one goal.

Mike Park (2), Steve Benson and Adam Singleton knocked in the goals for Casuals.

Millom, at home to Norcross and Warbreck, were trailing 5-1 at half-time and the match eventually ended 5-2, Craig Banks and Mark O'Brien scoring for the Cumbrians.

In the Premier Division, Dalton United were in tremendous form as they beat second-placed Eagley 5-1.

Playing at home, Dave Mansergh led the way with a sizzling hat-trick followed by goals from Greg Metcalfe and Ian Callison.

BAE Barrow SC travelled to fourth-placed Burnley United and, after missing a penalty when the score was 0-0, they went on to lose 4-1, with Mike Otto their scorer.

In Division Two, Mike Robinson struck four times as Furness Cavaliers beat BAC/EE Preston 5-3. Lysons was also on target.

GSK Ulverston Rangers earned a valuable home point by holding league leaders Mill Hill St Peter's to a 1-1 draw, Gary Prosser making the vital strike.

President's Cup action brought a second-round victory for Furness Rovers, who beat Springfields 2-1. Steve Crompton and Scott Archer were on target.

Second-round action in the Challenge Cup brought Aspull to Duddon Road where Ged Dixon's Askam United beat them 2-1 through a pair from Andy New.

In Reserve Divison Two Milnthorpe Corinthians Reserves were disappointed to come away from their game against top of the league Fleetwood Hesketh with no points after narrowly losing 4-3. Goalscorers for Corinthians were Dan Robinson (2) and Chris Low.