County Cup Progress for L&C Teams

It was a big day for L&C teams in the Manchester Amateur County Cup second round with 16 teams competing in the last 32.

One of the most dramatic was the all-L&C derby between Old StretsGregs and Stretford Paddock Ams which saw a breathless game decided on penalties after a 4-4 draw. StretsGregs won the tense shootout 2-1 to move into the next round.

Another penalty shoot-out was needed as Newton Vikings hosted Clarksfield and Glodwick  and after a 1-1 deadlock, Vikings cruised through 5-1 in a clinical penalty shoot-out.

Konger FC led 2-1 at the break at North Walkden Reserves but lost out 3-2 as Walkden controlled the second half.

Also going out were Waterhead Reserves who found Heywood St James Development too hot to handle in a 12-0 defeat.

There were some crucial games in the Premier Division with leaders Bollington United extending their lead at the top to nine points with a 2-1 win over Trafford United at Macclesfield Town.

Bedians have plenty of games in hand over the teams above them and they dented Chadderton Cott’s hopes of joining Rushford Park and AFC Oldham on 15 points with a 4-2 win.

Manchester Rose drew level with Cott after a comfortable 5-0 win over Abacus Media and Boothstown were also efficient in a 6-1 win over Richmond Rovers.

It’s close at the top of Division One with just a point separating the top four teams.

Oldham Hulmeians won 6-2 hosting Grappenhall Sports to lead the way on goal difference from non-playing East Manchester Galaxy, and Rochdalians who won 3-0 in a hard-fought game at Withington Wanderers to overtake non-playing Village Manchester.

Santos and Mellor shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw to remain further back. All four goals came in the last 15 minutes as Luke Warburton twice put Mellor ahead and on both occasions, substitute Kane Steele equalised as Santos displayed their grit and determination to take a point.

The top game in Division Two was a local derby at Chorlton Sports between leaders Manchester Rovers and lowly South Manchester.

South put on a great display and were unlucky to ultimately lose 3-2 to a relieved Rovers who extended their lead to four points.

The other game saw Bury Ams keep an immaculate clean sheet in a clinical 3-0 win over Tintwistle Athletic Reserves.

It’s tight at the top of Division Three with Stoconians leading on goal difference from Fitton Hill All-Stars.

Stocs had to work hard for a 4-3 win over AFC Oldham Reserves and Fitton Hill won at goal-hungry Spurley Hey 3-1, aided by some sturdy defending.

The other game in the division saw Altrincham Hale Thirds enjoy a comfortable 6-1 win at AFC Stockport Warriors.

Division A leaders Signol Athletic were without a game and AFC Salford moved to just a point behind with a gritty 1-0 win over Village Manchester Reserves. Another close contest saw AFC Stockport Titans win by the odd goal in seven in their local derby with Cheadle and Gatley.

Stoconians Reserves lead the way in Division B with a big 12-1 win at Manchester Victoria.

They are six points clear of Santos u23’s, who travelled to Richmond Rovers Reserves and inflicted a 3-0 defeat on their hosts thanks to Jackson Fulton’s brace and a Kameron Osman strike.

At the other end of the table, AFC Oldham moved clear of the bottom two with a 4-2 derby win over Saddleworth 3D Reserves.