HINDSFORD returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-0 victory against third-place Wythenshawe Amateurs to remain top of the Manchester Football League Premier Division.

Tom Valentine struck both goals, one in each half, but it was the visitors who adjusted to the heavy pitch more easily early on.

Eventually the Tonics began to settle with Tom Valentine and Joe Yarwood becoming more involved up front.

A ball through to an offside Yarwood was left and despite the linesman flagging, an onside Jack Valentine raced forward to collect the ball and square to brother Tom, who took a touch before slotting home the opener.

The second half was scrappy due to the poor conditions.

Goldrick and Fitzgerald were difficult to break at the back for Hindsford and when called upon the ever reliable keeper Ince collected comfortably.

The game was sealed when a ball up to Tom Valentine saw him find space behind the Amateurs back line.

Although his touch was to let him down, he was not going to give up and as he chased down the goalkeeper his clearance cannoned off the striker into the net.

Wythenshawe will no doubt be seeking revenge in Saturday’s repeat fixture in the Gilgryst Cup quarter final.