Champions Held in Opening Day Thriller

The L&C returned this weekend and defending RFAITS Premier Division champions Rushford Park – now relocated to Wythenshawe Wanderers – began their title defence with an eight-goal thriller in a breathless 4-4 draw with Chadderton Cott to set the new standard for the upcoming season.

AFC Stockport have moved up a division but they look equipped for the challenge, earning their first point in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Oldham Hulmeians.  

Fellow Premier Division newcomers AR Elite laid down a marker with a convincing 4-1 cruise over AFC Oldham.

In the Manchester FA Challenge Cup Cheat Daze FC (formerly East Manchester Galaxy) enjoyed an excellent 4-1 win over Stretford Paddock first team but AFC Urmston Meadowside Redstar found Avro Reserves too hot to handle in an 8-2 defeat.

In Division One, Heywood St James Reserves transferred their promising pre-season form into their first league game as they thrashed Manchester South End Reds 9-1.  

Also firing on all cylinders were Moorside with a comfortable 7-0 win at Mellor.

The other games in the division were closer, and both ended at 2-1 with wins for Santos in their local derby at Rochdalians and Village Manchester 1st at Trafford United.

It was also close at new boys Gamesley who edged out Moston Brook seconds by 3-2.

Plenty of goals in Division Two led by new team Winton Wanderers with a big 8-3 win at Bury Ams.

Elton Fold got their season off to a flying start with a 7-0 win over Moston Brook Thirds and Fitton Hill matched this against Abacus Media.

The local derby at Timperley Villa saw them beat Old Alts Thirds 4-0 and Stoconians won 3-1 at Manchester Rovers.

The other game in the division was a seven-goal thriller edged ay a 4-3 win for Old Strets Gregs at Withington Wanderers.

In Division Three, Signol Athletic kept up the great form of last season with a 9-0 win over new team Didsbury Phoenix.

A clash of two new teams saw Eagles Wilmslow pull off an impressive 5-1 win at King Jonny Spartans.

The other games were close contests with Silver Birch winning 4-3 at Sale Spartans and Trafford United Reserves defeating South Manchester 2-1 and the other game was a rare goalless draw between AFC Salford and Boothstown.

There were two Division A teams in scintillating form as Stoconians Rserves beat Salford Storm 9-2 and Village Manchester 2nd were too hot to handle in 7-1 win over AFC Stockport Reserves.

Santon U23 made it a good day for the club as they kept an immaculate clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Saddleworth 3D.

Eastside United opened their L&C life with an efficient 2-0 win at Waterhead as did Irlam Steel with a 3-1 win over Cheadle and Gatley.

Richmond Rovers were the day’s top scorers in Division B in a crazy match with AFC Stockport U21’s which ended 10-5.

Saddleworth 3D Reserves beat Moston Brook Fourths 5-1 and Gamesley Reserves made it a good debut day for their club as they won 5-2 at Old Strets Gres 2nd.

The hectic day was completed with a 3-3 draw between King Jonny Castilla 2s and Manchester Victoria.

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