HILTON can move four points clear at the top of Division 2 in the Inverness and District Welfare League if they beat Raigmore Motel at Bught Park tonight.
But the leaders will be wary of Raigmore, who knocked Portland Hotspurs off top spot earlier this week and have title aspirations of their own.
Hilton regained the prime position after they staged a remarkable recovery in a 6-3 win over Smithton Hotel.
A Graham Buchan double, sandwiched either side of a Brian McInnes goal, gave Smithton a seemingly impregnable 3-0 lead at the break.
But Hilton roared back and Alan Wharton reduced the deficit early in the second period followed by two goals from Aaron Shaw.
Jason Hill chipped in with a couple of goals as Hilton raced into a 5-3 lead and substitute Matt Smith made sure there was no way back for Smithton with a super strike 10 minutes from the end.
Goals from Graeme Anderson and Ross Townsley in the last quarter of an hour saw Raigmore Motel take the points after a 2-0 win against Portland Hotspurs.
In the other match, a Nick Ludacina double helped Ace City Wanderers to a 3-0 win over PDG Choppers.
AFC Auctioneer took their goal tally to 18 in two games with a 10-1 demolition of North Kessock. Heathmount Thistle drew 2-2 with Grantown, while Chieftain beat MacKenzie Auto Services 5-1.
In the other match, Pulse defeated Zoo 4-3 to stay a point behind AFC.
OTHER SCORES
DIVISION 1/2 CUP — First round – Ace City Wanderers 6, Ardersier 4; PDG Choppers 2, Culloden Moor Inn 1.
DIVISION 3/4 CUP — First round – Grantown 0, Clach Youth 2; Mavericks 1, Pulse 10; AFC Auctioneer 8, Zoo 0; Portland CI 1, Farr United 0.
DIVISION 1 – Ardersier 2, Phoenix 3; Auldearn 2, Merkinch 2; Blacksmiths 5, Loch Ness House Hotel 3; British Legion 7, HQC 1.
FIXTURES
TONIGHT
DIVISION 1 – HQC v Hill Rovers; Loch Ness House Hotel v CSK Highfield.
DIVISION 2 – Hilton v Raigmore Motel.
DIVISION 3 – Chieftain v Grantown (at Culloden).
All matches at Bught Park with a 7pm kick-off unless stated.