Full League Programme Points to Exciting Season
- John Train
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 15
The first full league programme of the season was full of intrigue, giving a glimpse to what promises to be a very competitive campaign across the six divisions which have seen big changes in structure in the close season due to the arrival of new teams and promotion for several others.
The top game in the Premier Division was a great example of this, as last season’s high-flyers Bedians hosted newly promoted Chadderton Cott. Bedians conceded an early soft goal but hit back to lead before ten-man Cott roared back to secure a 4-2 victory, making it clear they won’t be making up the numbers.
Another new team Manchester South showed their ambition with a comfortable 5-0 win at established Premier Division team Abacus Media and the revamped AFC Oldham had a fine 6-2 win over Manchester Rose.
Bollington United enjoyed a 4-1 win at new team Boothstown and the other game at Trafford United saw them share the spoils in a 1-1 deadlock with Richmond Rovers.
Newly promoted Santos have made a bright start in Division One and in a local derby at Oldham Hulmeians saw both teams take a point in a 2-2 draw. The hosts made the early running, scoring twice around the half hour mark. Santos replied with two goals in as many minutes from Kane Steele and Thomas Barnes.
Rochdalians were also promoted after a successful season, and they enjoyed a close 3-2 win at AFC Stockport, while another promoted side, Didsbury triumphed 3-1 at Mellor.
Elsewhere, Village Manchester’s good form translated to a 5-2 home win over new boys Withington Wanderers.
Another new team Moorside were the big hitters in Division Two with an impressive 11-1 win hosting Tintwistle Athletic Reserves.
Manchester Rovers maintained their impressive start to the season with a 5-1 win over Abacus Media Reserves, while Konger opened their account thanks to a comfortable 4-1 victory against South Manchester.
Old Alts thirds were brought back to earth after their big opening win in the league as they went down 5-0 at Bury Ams.
The other games in the division were much closer with Heywood St James Reserves edging a 3-2 win at Moston Brook Reserves and Elton Fold shared six goals with Old StretsGregs.
Division Three was very competitive and referee James Keeley reported on his match between Trafford United Reserves and AFC Oldham Reserves. He said: “An excellent game played in good spirits showing the best of the L&C has to offer in this division. Either team could have taken the three points but despite significant pressure from Trafford in the second half, AFC Oldham managed to hang on for a 3-2 win.
“The highlight of the game was early in the second half with a remarkable display of individual skill from Trafford’s Sean Taylorson.
“A long free kick from the halfway line came onto the box which Sean played straight up in the air. He kept his eye perfectly on the ball and executed a perfect overhead kick to beat the keeper into the far side of the net.
“Possibly the most outstanding goal I have seen in 23 years refereeing in amateur football!”
Spurley Hey have also caught the eye in their early games and they kept up their momentum with a 5-1 win at Old StretsGregs Reserves.
Waterhead were efficient in 4-0 win at Manchester Saints Athletic and table toppers Timperley Villa eased home 4-2 at Moston Brook Thirds.
Didsbury Reserves kept an immaculate clean sheet winning 2-0 over Stoconians and Altrincham Hale Thirds and AFC Stockport Warriors shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller.
Signol Athletic are proving to be too hot to handle in Division A as they took their goals tally to 34 in three games with big 9-0 win over AFC Urmston Meadowside.
The back of the net also bulged for AFC Salford with a 6-0 win over Silver Birch and Cheadle and Gatley were also six-hitters in a ten-goal fest hosting AFC Stockport Titans.
It was closer in the other two games with Prestwich Marauders beating Village Manchester Reserves 2-0 and Rushford Park Reserves won 3-1 hosting Heyside.
In Division B Santos U23 team ran riot at home to Cavaliers scoring 14 goals without reply.
Goals for Santos were scored by Zakiullah Azizi (three), Conal Bird, Harrison Fulton, Jackson Fulton and Jake Marsland all bagging braces, adding to single strikes from Daniel Carter, Mason Pickup and Curtis Sulcas respectively.
Richmond Rovers were also net busters beating Moston Brook fourths 11-1.
Two of the other games ended in draws between Saddleworth 3D Reserves and AFC Oldham 1-1, and Didsbury Thirds v Manchester Victoria 3-3.
It was also close in the other game with Oldham Hulmeians Reserves edging a 4-3 win at Stoconians Reserves. ACTION PHOTOS - Action from 1 Bedians v Chadderton Cott (Cott in blue), Village Manchester v Withington Wanderers (Village in maroon), 3 Manchester Rovers v Abacus Media reserves (Rovers in green) Bottom middle photo - Trafford United reserves Super Striker Sean Taylorson with the match ball.
