Champions Held Again in Competitive Start to Season
Updated: Sep 16
Most of the teams in the L&C were able to shake off their pre-season dust in an action-packed programme of league and County Cup competitions
The RFAITS Premier Division’s showcase game of the weekend came at Bedians who held reigning champions Wythenshawe Wanderers to a 3-3 draw in a breathless encounter. Wanderers flew out of the traps with two well-taken early strikes, but Bedians had restored parity by the break.
The visitors’ goalkeeper Leyton Entwistle was in inspired form after the break and though both sides netted again, neither could force a winner.
On this evidence, both will be in title contention.
The Bedians grass pitch was in immaculate condition to give both teams the chance to play the football to show that they will both be firmly in the mix for the title race.
Elsewhere, Oldham Hulmeians came out on top in their local derby Chadderton Cott, besting their hosts 5-3 to move second at this early stage, behind new team AR Elite who were made to work hard for their 3-2 win at Manchester South End to move to the summit.
South End opened the scoring through Ahmed Boudissa but AR took over with a free kick and a penalty from Anis Bunajah with both teams adding one more.
The other game in the division saw AFC Urmston Meadowside Redstar cruise to an 8-0 win at Winton Wanderers in a powerful display of their potential at this level.
In Division One, Santos lead the way after a convincing 7-1 victory over Manchester South Reds, with Village Manchester not far behind after their own crushing win – a 6-0 triumph over On the Ball.
New boys Gamesley have got off to a flying start and cruised to a 4-1 win hosting Trafford United to join the top two on six points.
The other game was a much closer contest with Grappenhall SC sharing four goals with Moston Brook Reserves.
Fitton Hill Rangers top Division Two, but were made to work hard for a 2-0 win at Old Strets Gregs.
Their nearest rivals Swinton were held to a lively 3-3 draw by Old Alts thirds, James Steadman buried a fine shot in the top corner before Gary De Costa doubled the lead for Alts before half-time, but the home side deservedly drew level through George Taylor and a classy Dalton Mercer finish. It looked like Yesal Javaid had won it for the home team with their third goal, but Old Alts snatched a point with the last kick o the game.
Withington Wanderers ended their wait for a win wit a stylish 5-2 victory at Moston Brook Thirds, Luke Robert Elden and Alex Finney bagged a brace apiece with Aaron Price also netting for Withington.
There were two tight local derbies with Elton Fold winning 3-2 at Bury Ams and Milltown won 6-4 in an action-packed game at Abacus Media.
Eagles Wilmslow have made a bright start in the league and are top of Division Three after a comfortable 6-0 win over South Manchester.
Silver Birch are level on points with Eagles after an efficient 3-0 win over Barr Hill United, and Didsbury Phoenix battled to a 2-1 win over Deans u23’s to register their first victory of the season.
Altrincham defeated Sale Spartans by the same scoreline while elsewhere, two sides recorded 4-2 triumphs as Boothstown saw off Trafford United Reserves 4-2 thanks to two goals from Louis Wright with Dylan Seddon and Lewis Walsh adding the rest, and Newton Vikings kicked off their season by getting the better of King Johnny Spartans.
Three teams sit on six points in Division A, with Stoconians leading their way with an already healthy goal difference, assisted by their 6-3 win at Salford Storm.
Irlam Steel also sit on maximum points after their 6-1 demolition at Oldham Hulmeians and they’re joined by Saddleworth 3D who edged an eight-goal thriller 5-3 against Cheadle and Gatley.
Spurley Hey were in top form and began their campaign in style by thrashing local rivals AFC Stockport Reserves 7-0, while Waterhead Reserves also had their shooting boots on to ease past Village Manchester Reserves 6-1.
A frenetic 5-5 draw between Gamesley Reserves and Didsbury FC was enough to move
Gamesley top of a Division B that saw plenty of goals, including AFC Stockport u21s 9-3 stroll over AFC Oldham Reserves and Bury Ams Reserves 5-0 saunter at Manchester Victoria.
Manchester FA Cup action saw victories for Moorside at Old Strets Gregs who won 5-2 with all the scoring completed in a pulsating first half, while Manchester Rovers beat Konger by the same scoreline.
Eastside United went down 11-0 to Little Lever Sports Club u23, and Saddleworth 3D Reserves lost 1-0 at Badger Casuals after extra time.
In the Cheshire Amateur Cup, Stoconians lost 3-1 hosting West Kirby and also going out were Bollington United 3-1 at Blacon Youth and AFC Stockport at Nantwich Town Reserves 7-2.
