LIVERSEDGE have been mired in relegation trouble all season, but all of sudden, they are on the verge of avoiding the drop.

They crushed fellow strugglers Atherton Collieries 4-0 away from home last night, and are now just four points off safety in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Sedge still have seven games left to play too, whereas the team immediately above the four-team drop zone, Stalybridge Celtic, only have five to go.

Last night, Sedge took the lead half-an-hour into the game, as club stalwart Joe Walton fired the ball home after some penalty box pinball.

But if Atherton were upset to have a goal ruled out soon after due to a tight offside call, they were left incensed when Oli Brown was controversially sent off following a 50-50 in the middle of the park and some ensuing handbags.

Sedge immediately took advantage of their 10-man hosts, Nathan Cartman doubling their lead with the last kick of the half.

Jack Stockdill got on the end of a free-kick just after the break to put the visitors 3-0 up.

A perfect night for Sedge was complete when Atherton gifted them possession in a dangerous area, substitute Rob Guilfoyle, formerly of Bradford (Park Avenue) and York City, slotting home their fourth after Cartman's initial shot was saved.

Steeton were 2-0 down at half-time in their North West Counties Football League First Division North clash at home to Garstang, their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

But a sensational late comeback saw them win 3-2, though they were indebted to a last-gasp penalty save from James Catlow to preserve the three points.

Arale Mohamed halved the deficit with 20 minutes to go, finishing after latching on to a defence-splitting Raeece Ellington through ball.

Andy Briggs equalised from the spot soon after he had been brought down in the box, before Toby Jeffrey cracked home the winner from the edge of the box.

The Chevrons were penalised for a handball in their own area with a minute to go, but Catlow saved the resulting penalty superbly down to his left.

Albion Sports meanwhile continue to fly up the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, moving up to 11th after a superb 2-1 win at high-flying Hallam.

The in-form Hass Gorji put them in front after 16 minutes, with Tom Ponter doubling the away side’s lead 10 minutes into the second half.

Former Liversedge forward Oliver Fearon pulled a goal back for Hallam on the hour mark, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

Eccleshill United's away game in the same division tonight against Bottesford Town has been called off due to a waterlogged pitch.