FC UNITED took another step towards the North West Counties League first division championship as they went nap against Abbey Hey.
But the Rebels have yet to shake off the threat of FA Vase semi-finalists Curzon Ashton.
Simon Carden's ninth minute strike was followed by two goals apiece from Stuart Rudd and Josh Howard as the Rebel Reds eased to a 5-1 victory which keeps them three points clear of Salford City, who had Jamie Baguley on target in a 1-0 win over Formby.
Steve Lester netted Abbey Hey's single reply.
But with Salford having four games more to play than Karl Marginson's men, it's fourth-placed Curzon who pose the only serious threat to FC United claiming their second successive title.
Wayne Cahill's hat-trick helped the Nash come from behind to crush rock- bottom Stone 4-1.
That win certainly keeps them in a strong position to pounce should FC United slip up in the run-in to the season.
2 Matty Taylor
3 Alex Mortimer
4 Nick Platt
5 Dave Chadwick(captain)
6 Rob Nugent
7 Rhodri Giggs
8 Gary Sampson
9 Stuart Rudd
10 Jerome Wright
11 Rory Patterson
Subs Used 12. Shaun Roscoe 14. Simon Carden(for 8, 66 mins) 15. Steve Spencer(for 7, 90 mins) Attendance:981
Scorers Carden 9 Howard 17, 71 Rudd 46, 59