Hillview began the weekend in second spot, but with their final league game brought forward to Friday evening they knew that anything other than defeat would move them into pole position, at least overnight.

Maximum points were duly collected from their 4-1 win over Mountview, so then it was down to Taverners on Saturday morning and their game away to Macosquin Village.

The Village have had some great results although these have been tempered by some very indifferent ones, but Saturday proved to be for them at least, one of the better as they overcame Taverners by the odd goal in nine.

So now its advantage Hillview, and although the Taverners are three points behind with two to play, they still need four points to lift the title as goal difference is no longer part of the equation when separating the top three.

Friday evening’s games were marred by the bad news that Bertha’s Ryan Hutchinson had sustained a broken leg during their match with Riverside Athletic. Almost a year to the day since big “Hutchy” broke the same leg, the big central defender landed awkwardly after rising to head the ball. The league management committee and the players of Bertha’s and Riverside Athletic wish him a speedy and full recovery.

This year's Sperrin Sports and Social Club 5a Sides will be held at the Crescent on Saturday 24th May. Entry fee is £10 per team. Entries will only be accepted on the day when accompanied by the fee.

Bertha’s F.C 3 Riverside Athletic 1

At Rugby Avenue, Bertha's met Riverside and on current form looked like it could go either way and that’s how it proved with a lively affair.

After a slow start from both teams Berthas had a great chance to take the lead when from a breakaway Willie Stewart released Chris Chan who had a free run on goal but winger was caught in two minds whether to shoot or pass and eventually the ball was cleared to safety.

Riverside then hit the post from a corner after a scramble in the box and McLean’s shot went inches wide of the far post. Berthas did take the lead when a mistake from Gordon gifted Rankin the easy chance of scoring past Kinnaird. It didn’t take long for the visitors to get back on level terms when a long ball from the back caused confusion between Hutchinson and Carlin and Leighton nipped in to score into an empty net.

Bertha's then found the going tough for the remainder of the half, with Colin 'Flash' Gordon and Ally Nicholl in the centre of the Athletic defence comfortably on top. Riverside were causing problems going forward with Chris McCloskey spraying some nice passes and Robinson and Logan also lively up top.

Bertha's were given a good talking to at half time and came out for the second half intent on gaining three points.