Bollington Extend Premier Division Lead

Despite the after effects of Storm Claudia followed by some winter weather it was virtually a full programme of league and county cup matches.

In the Manchester Amateur Cup last week’s postponed matches were completed and East Manchester progressed to the quarter finals with a 6-4 triumph over Didsbury Reserves.

They fought back impressively after shipping two within the opening 10 minutes but pulled a goal back before the break and were level a minute into the second half. They dominated thereafter with Mustaf Al-Rubaiai the stand-out performer, notching a hat-trick and controlling the midfield to deservedly earn man of the match.

Newton Vikings join them in the last 8 after a shock 3-1 win over Didsbury FC.

No such luck for Old StretsGregs though who fell to a heartbreaking penalty defeat after drawing 2-2. Village Manchester are also out after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Heywood St James.

In Premier Division action, Bollington United moved six points clear after ending AFC Oldham’s unbeaten record with a 2-0 win.

It was a really good competitive match with both teams wanting to play the ball around and build up play from the back. The hosts took the lead from the spot before the break and made the game safe midway through the second half when the advantage was doubled.

Bedians’ hopes of moving into title contention were hit as they went down 3-2 at Richmond Rovers who lifted themselves out of the bottom two with their second successive win.

The other match saw Manchester Rose keep on the heels of the leading group with a close 4-3 win at Abacus Media.

In Division One Oldham Hulmeians moved to the top of the table with a gritty 2-0 win at Rochdalians ending their six-match unbeaten run while Mellor kept in the frame, winning 4-3 in a thrilling derby contest with AFC Stockport.

Manchester Rovers extended their lead at the top of Division Two to six points with a 3-1 win, their fourth away win of the season at Elton Fold as main rivals Heywood St James Reserves lost out 6-3 to Saddleworth 3D who move into third place.

Moston Brook Reserves were too hot to handle in a big win over Old Alts thirds and South Manchester continued their hot form with a third successive win hosing Tintwistle Athletic Reserves.

Division Three leaders Fitton Hill All-Stars remain three points clear at the top after a hard-earned 2-2 win over Altrincham Hale Thirds.

Timperley Villa stay three points behind the leaders after an efficient 5-0 win over Manchester Saints.

Spurley Hey are also in the title hunt after a tense 3-2 derby win over AFC Stockport Warriors.

The same score-line also saw Trafford United reserves to a win at Moston Brook Thirds.

With Signol Athletic not in action AFC Salford took over at the top of Division A with an efficient 6-0 defeat of AFC Stockport Titans. They now lead by two points but Signol have two vital games in hand.

Cheadle and Gatley also hit form with a 5-1 win over Urmston Meadowside and Rushford Park Reserves kept up their unbeaten record with a 3-1 win over Village Manchester Reserves. The other game in the division was a 1-1 deadlock between Heyside and Prestwich Marauders.

Stoconians Reserves stay eight points clear at the top of Division B with a 5-1 win over Cavaliers.

A first-half hat-trick from the league’s top scorer Matt Theaker put Stocs in control 3-1 at the interval and strikes from Harvey Apsley and Dan Hey completed the scoring after the break.

Second-placed Oldham Hulmeians showed their intent with four games in hand over Stocs as they beat Moston Brook Fourths 9-3 to keep up their unbeaten record.

Waterhead Reserves were also hot in a 7-3 win over Manchester Victoria to keep up their unbeaten run.

More goals at Didsbury Thirds who drew 3-3 with Richmond Rovers Reserves, while Santos U23 played hosts to AFC Oldham A who claimed victory 3-2.

Two early goals for Oldham gave them the advantage. Goals from Oliver Bowman and Jackson Fulton meant Santos went into the interval all square. The match was decided ten minutes from the end when Oldham bagged the winner.