Abacus Media Extinguish Monton Cup Hopes

The weekend saw cup semi-final action in the L&C competitions, with the Rhodes Cup final now decided after Abacus Media bested AFC Monton 5-1 in an all-Premier Division affair.

Abacus dominated the early part of the game and were two up at the break through Luke DURCAN and Harry HEENEY strikes.

Although Monton halved the deficit after the break, Abacus took the tie out of their hosts’ reach thanks to a Jack AUBREY brace and an Alex CHEETHAM effort.

They will meet Premier Division leaders Salford Vics in the final on Wednesday 30th April at Wythenshawe's Hollyhedge Park.

In the Wray Cup semi-final, there was a pulsating encounter between Division Two leaders Rochdalians and Division Three’s Saddleworth 3D who are themselves well placed for promotion.

In an end-to-end contest, Rochdalians led 3-0 thanks to the lively Lewis ALTIMAS, who scored twice and created the other with a marvellous free-kick converted by Josh CROOK.

3Ds fought back with goals from Gerard FORDE and James JACKSON to get within a whisker of causubg an upset, but Rochdalians held on for 3-2 win to book their slot against Stretford Paddock Amateurs in the Final.

The first semi-final of the Whitehead Cup brought plenty of drama as Division A’s Didsbury FC Reserves narrowly avoided being humbled by Division B title winners Signol Athletic.

Signol's clinical finishing put them in the box seat with the second half ebbing away, but a brace of goals from Didsbury's Harry QUICK took the tie to penalties.

Signol hearts were then broken as it was Didsbury who kept their nerve to win the shootout 4-3 and will face either Salford United or Prestwich Marauders in the Final.

There was more cup action in the Derbyshire Junior Cup North Final on Friday night where Tintwistle Athletic Reserves fought hard but lost out 2-1 to Glossop North End Community.

League action was limited with the cup ties but in the Premier Division, Bedians won 3-1 at Hazel Grove to move into second place behind Salford Vics.

The other game saw Village Manchester enjoy a welcome win as they scored the only goal of their game at Bollington United.

The games in Division One all involved teams towards the top of the league. Chadderton Cott moved to the top from non-playing Rushford Park with a comfortable 5-1 win over Richmond Rovers.

With games in hand, in-form Trafford Reserves remain firmly in the mix after a comfortable 9-1 win over Stoconians.

The other game was closer with AFC Stockport getting back to winning ways with a 5-3 win at Moston Brook Reserves.

Manchester Rovers edged closer to the Division Three title with a clinical 5-1 win over Village Manchester Reserves. Their close neighbours South Manchester also hit five in their 5-0 thrashing of AFC Stockport Warriors.

It was closer in the other games with Altrincham Hale beating Old StretsGregs 3-2 while Trafford United Reserves and Heywood St James Reserves shared four goals.

Division A leaders Waterhead had to work hard for a 2-1 win at Prestwich Marauders to move five points clear of Moston Brook Thirds who lost out 3-2 hosting Manchester Saints.

Salford United were the big hitters in the division with a 6-2 cruise over AFC Oldham and Bury Ams A were 4-2 victors at Milnrow Firgrovia.

Plenty of goals in Division B with title winners Signol Athletic in cup action.

Didsbury Thirds led the way with a 6-0 win over Stockport Titans and Rushford Park Reserves were not far behind with a 6-2 win at Saddleworth 3D Reserves. The other game ended in a 3-1 win for AFC Oldham Reserves hosting Moston Brook Fourths.