Wanderers knew only a win would do against a 3M side that ran them pretty close in their previous meeting.

A nervy start by the Blues wasn't helped by the direct style which 3M began the game with.  The visitors had an early chance when a low cross into the box was shot over Allan Mellor's goal.

Wanderers started to pass the ball, and inevitably produced some chances.  Tom Soane shot wide, then Anthony Prior had a shot saved after playing a one-two with Soane.

Chris Hillsdon then worked well to cross for Scott Ford, who saw his header saved.

Midway through the half and Wanderers took the lead.  Ian Griffiths ran down the right wing and crossed into the box.  As the ball went beyond the far post, Paul Martin beat the 'keeper to the ball, and cleverly curled home from an acute angle.

Within minutes a second goal was scored.  Prior picked up a clearance and ran at two players before feeding Soane.  Wanderers' top-scorer unselfishly squared for Martin to tap into the empty net.

Early in the second half, Wanderers extended their advantage after Griffiths had been bundled over in the box.  Prior stepped up to send the 'keeper the wrong way and score.

This should have seen the Blues push on and improve their goal difference.  They were instead given some cause for concern as a 3M player was afforded a free header in the box and found the bottom corner of Mellor's net.

Wanderers raised their game again, first Soane came close again and then Prior saw a left-footed free kick tipped onto the crossbar.

Fresh legs in the shape of Edward Townsend, Clint Falcus and Mark Timms helped keep Wanderers' momentum and made things more difficult for 3M.  It looked as though history had been made as Townsend nipped in to score at the far post, but he was denied by the linesman's flag.

Soane's hardwork was rewarded in the last ten minutes, with two goals.  First he beat the 'keeper to a lofted through-ball to score, then he beat a defender on the right and powered a shot into the corner.

In the final stages the Blues' defence worked hard to maintain the four goal margin and move Wanderers a step closer to the title.

Wanderers know that five more victories will secure the silverware, with the possibility of a league and cup double still a realistic target. 

TEAM: Allan Mellor, Chris Hillsdon, Dan van der Laan O'Donnell, Andy Corless, Chris Orbell, Ian Griffiths, Scott Ford, Lewis Trusty, Anthony Prior, Tom Soane, Paul Martin.

SUBS: Clint Falcus (for Trusty), Edward Townsend (for Prior), Mark Timms (for Martin).