a hard fought 1-0 victory over Lobster Pot on Saturday.

A 74th minute goal by former top flight performer Paul Towlson finally settled matters, giving Hood 41 points overall, nine ahead of second place MR Onions.

Onions still have three games to play, but a draw by Hood against lowly Fire Service will assure the championship regardless.

Onions continued to keep their hopes alive, battering PHC Raiders 11-2 behind five goals from Andy Robinson, four from Gary Wilson and one apiece from Glenn Dunne and Gary Knight. Jack Castle and Cecil Robinson replied for Raiders.

BAA Wanderers leap-frogged Pot thanks to a 4-0 trouncing of fast fading North Village Rams. First half tallies from Thomas Gribbin (two) and Stuart MacCully, as well as one in the second from Davis Lawler gave the home side an easy win.

The other match had Tuff Dogs struggle past Fire Service 3-2. Harry Andrews (two) and Jeff Franklin put Dogs up 3-0 at the break, but they were made to withstand a ferocious late comeback by Service, who had Scott Rego net twice.

In the `B' Division, Key West Rangers rebounded from their first defeat of the season, peppering St. George's All-Stars 7-2. Sergio Griffin scorched a hat-trick, while Wayne Augustus netted two and Earl Richardson and Oscar Samuels one each.

Exiles moved into second place with a 7-2 triumph over Wolves Pack as Treadwell Walker, Craig Outerbridge and Craig Critchlow each scored two goals and Mike Smith netted one.

Somerset Extros suffered a surprise loss against Bermuda Pest Control, falling 3-2 as E.Spence scored twice and Anthony Francis had one for the victors.

Valley had the easiest time, defeating Prison Officers without having to kick a ball as the Officers failed to show.

Somerset Extros will take on Dockyard Falcons at 7.00 tonight at Somerset Cricket Club for the Connor McCullough Cup.

The match has been organised by Extros player Michael Corday for friend and former US Olympic soccer player Steven McCullough whose 14-month-old son was found dead in mysterious circumstances in his nursery cot last year.

Michael Corday said he became close to the family when he stayed with them during his spell as a coach in the US and McCullough's team had also sponsored Ireland Rangers.

Entrance is free tonight but a bucket will be passed around to help pay for funeral expenses for the child.

Corday said: "We are not expecting to raise thousands of dollars but they are a young family and we are just trying to get some money for them.''