Four Into Three Won't Go

The top of Division Two is closer than ever as the teams at the top battle hard to ensure promotion to Division One for Season Three.

The game of the day saw The Vikings defeat leaders Kirkbride Strollers 1-0 at The Bush. They were to get their goal early in the game as Vassilis Papakostas delivered a stunning free-kick after just five minutes. The Vikings enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes as the game's best chances came from free-kick opportunities due to some over-excited tackling. Kirkbride put in an improved showing after the interval but the half's best chance came when Damon Strachan hit the post from a well-worked free-kick for The Vikings. In the end it was a massive three points for The Vikings as they threw the championship race wide open once more, much to the delight of their manager who described their win as "hugely important" whilst also pointing out that there are some "interesting fixtures left."

Manchester United took advantage of playing Ripplent United by defeating their hosts 3-1. A penalty from Walid Muhsin laid the foundations as United had much the better of it. Mikel Medina headed in a second with just 15 minutes to go as the game became stretched. A penalty miss by Melvin Spiller further frustrated the home fans although they were given some cheer thanks to a Ralph Marnoch header from a corner. Manchester United had the final say, however, as they added a third after 92 minutes through captain Ghassim Abdul-Salam. The defeat confirms relegation for Ripplenet as United closed to within two points of Kirkbride at the top of the table.

Liverpool defeated AJ Rovers 2-1 to remain firmly in the hunt despite missing a host of chances. Dirk Kuyt scored his sixth goal of the season from the penalty spot after 13 minutes to settle any home nerves. The lead wasn't to last long, though, as a resilient AJ struck back. Leigh Roberts rising highest to head into the net after a well-delivered cross from Dennis Panferov. Liverpool laid seige to the away goal in the second-half in search of the elusive second goal that would keep them in touch with the leaders. Missing chances and having an effort ruled out they had to wait until the 84th minute when Robbie Keane became the hero with an emphatic header. Buttons gave his thoughts on the battle at the top, "The title and promotion places are going right down to the wire."

Real Madrid FC had a hard-fought victory over Kroklund Kings to mathematically remain in the hunt. They had to recover from going behind to a competitive Kroklund side as Curt Elliott finished clinically after 33 minutes. Madrid got themselves level just before half-time as Davit Ohanesian scored a priceless goal to boost home spirits going into the break. The contest remained tight throughout the second-half and it was left to a late, late winner to settle the game. With the clock showing 93 minutes a corner, delivered by Ohanesian, was met by Kevin Gabriele who directed his header past a crushed Kroklund 'keeper to seal the three points. The defeat sees Kroklund six points adrift of safety with three games to go and the likelihood of playing Division Three football next season.

Another side staring relegation in the face are Kensington Boys Club after their latest reverse at home to Pahang United. Thomas Bienert and Lothar Hug were first-half scorers as Pahang put in a very disciplined 45 minutes to all but seal the win. Kensington fought hard but lacked a killer touch in front of goal. Pahang's victory sees them within touching distance of safety but leaves Kensington facing an uphill battle if they are to survive.