AFC Oldham up to Second After Rain-Hit Weekend

Heavy showers on the previous day followed by steady rain on match day produced a lot of postponed games on what was to be a busy league programme across the divisions.

This was despite the excellent efforts of league and club officials to try and find alternative venues at late notice.

There was just one cup game, and it saw Bedians lose to the only goal of the game in their Northern Cup clash with Daten FC Reserves.

The top game in the RFAITS Premier Division between the top teams was a victim of the weather giving the chasing pack a chance to close the gap.

A tight local derby went in favour of AFC Oldham at Chadderton Cott by 4-3 to move them into second place over unbeaten Rushford Park, who have two games in hand.

Manchester Rose were held to a 3-3 draw by Boothstown and Richmond Rovers kept up their good run with an efficient 3-1 win over Trafford United.

It’s tight at the top of Division One with several teams in the mix as leaders Oldham Hulmeians were without a game.

East Manchester Galaxy took over top spot with 5-1 win at Withington Wanderers.

An even first half saw Galaxy go into the break 1-0 ahead with a brilliant volley from man of the match Abdi Rashid.

Wanderers drew level early in the second half then, inspired by Rashid, Galaxy dominated the game as he restored the lead and set up the third goal to put the visitors in control.

The outstanding game of the day in the division was at Grappenhall Sports where they took on Mellor and two well-matched teams played some great football and shared ten goals with Mellor moving into third place.

Santos Firsts played hosts to Village Manchester with several regulars unavailable. Nevertheless the team put up a spirited performance before going down to a 3-0 defeat.

Village opened the scoring midway through the first half. A second came early in the second half before a third ensured the visitors victory.

Division Two leaders Manchester Rovers were without a game and the highlight of the day in the division was a big 9-0 win for OldStretsGregs over Bury Ams to set up long celebrations in Flixton.

Saddleworth 3D closed the gap on Rovers to three points as they ended South Manchester’s recent good run with a 5-0 win.

Moorside also went nap with a 5-2 win at Abacus Media Reserves and Moston Brook Reserves stay in the leading group with a 3-0 win at Tintwistle Athletic Reserves.

Division Three produced plenty of goals and there was a shock for leaders Fitton Hill All-Stars as they took on lowly Altrincham Hale and went down 4-3 with Ged McCoy, Jordan Drinkwater (two) and Jack Coyle providing the killer goals.

Moston Brook Thirds were the big hitters with a 12-2 win at AFC Oldham Reserves.

Stoconians took an early lead with a penalty against Didsbury Reserves but in an entertaining game Didsbury came out on top by 4-3.

It was the same scoreline for AFC Stockport Warriors hosing Manchester Saints.

AFC Salford moved clear at the top of Division A with a 4-2 win at Urmston Meadowside and a lively and entertaining game at Village Manchester Reserves saw Prestwich Marauders in good finishing form with a 4-1 win.

The local derby at Heyside saw them share the spoils in a 2-2 deadlock with Silver Birch.

There were no games for the top two in Division B and the best result of the day came from AFC Oldham A with a 5-1 win over Richmond Rovers Reserves to move into mid-table.

Santos U23 were defeated by Saddleworth 3D Reserves by 2-0.

The visitors took the lead with a free kick just before the interval and sealed victory with a penalty early in the second half.

The other game ended at 2-2 between Bury Ams B and Saddleworth 3D Reserves.