IN a close and error-strewn local derby at Stelfox Avenue, AK went ahead with a fourth minute penalty from James Nettleton.

Although Sale looked to be competing well early on they never really looked like creating viable scoring chances.

The hosts maintained the offensive and kept Sale penned in their own territory for much of the half but the visitors’ defence remained firm despite the occasional AK foray close to the Sale line. Too many unforced errors hindered both sides and it was no surprise when the half-time whistle went with no change to the score.

Sale started the second half more positively but again there was little opportunity for points until the 55th minute when Mike Swetman levelled matters after AK were penalised. The hosts lost prop Geddis to a yellow card on the hour and Swetman added a second penalty to put Sale 6-3 ahead.

Neither side could gain the ascendancy in the last quarter as the errors mounted but Swetman added a third penalty with four minutes remaining to secure the victory for Sale.