Halloween Thrills, Spills and Drama
After last week’s devastating storms which virtually wiped out the league programme, the Halloween weekend brought calm and sunny weather to allow a full programme of league games and County Cup matches to go ahead.
It was full-on action in all six divisions with quite a few shocks for leading teams.
The RFAITS Premier Division now has a logjam of four teams within a point of each other at the top of the table and several others hot on their heels.
The big upset was long-time title challengers Oldham Hulmeians going down 8-3 at Cheat Daze to drop into fourth place.
The new leaders on goal difference are in-form Manchester South End who cruised to a 7-0 win at Winton Wanderers, ahead of AFC Oldham who had to work hard for a 3-2 victory over fellow-title challengers Urmston Meadowside Reds.
The danger team who are a point behind the top two with a game in hand are Bedians.
Their impressive young team showed their talent in a 3-1 win at AR Elite.
Bollington United had a welcome second win of the season, with a 2-1 triumph at Manchester Rose to stay clear of the bottom two.
There was another shock at the top of Division One as leaders Gamesley suffered their first defeat of the season losing a close contest with a gritty Rochdalians by the odd goal in five.
Second-placed Village Manchester were in County Cup action but now have two games in hand over Gamesley and are well placed to overhaul their three-point lead.
Moorside kept in touch with the top two with an efficient 5-2 win at Grappenhall SC.
The other game saw Moston Brook Reserves in seventh heaven with a 7-1 win over Santos.
In Division Two, Stoconians moved three points clear of non-playing Fitton Hill Rangers with a 2-0 win over Konger.
Timperley Villa are enjoying a good run of form and a 4-1 win at Manchester Rovers keeps them in the promotion mix.
Elton Fold were also impressive with a 6-2 win hosting Withington Wanderers.
No problems for Division Three leaders Signol Athletic who maintained their unbeaten record with a 5-0 win over Trafford United Reserves and move four points clear of the chasing pack.
Those include Altrincham Hale who had few problems in beating Barr Hill United and have a game in hand over the leaders.
Boothstown moved into fourth spot with a 4-1 win over Silver Birch, level on points with AFC Salford who won 5-2 in their local derby at Deans u23.
The other game was a basement battle between the Spartans of King Jonny and Sale.
It was a close contest but King Jonny suffered from a penalty miss and letting in a direct free kick as Sale absorbed plenty of pressure before winning 2-0.
Division A had the game of the day between the two 100% teams of Spurley Hey and local rivals Stoconians Reserves who have both been scoring goals for fun throughout the season to date.
But both teams lost their 100% record in a very close game played on an immaculate grass surface as it ended locked at 1-1.
There were some big scores at Oldham Hulmeians against Manchester South End Reserves and Salford Storm against AFC Stockport Reserves.
It was closer for Santos u23 winning 5-2 over Cheadle and Gatley and Waterhead by the odd goal in five at Village Manchester Reserves.
Saddleworth 3D Reserves took over at the top of Division B as they beat long-time leaders Richmond Rovers Reserves 5-1 to lead by two points with a game in hand.
It was much closer in the other games with AFC Stockport u21 beating King Jonny Castilla 5-4 and Old StretsGregs reserves beating Moston Brook Fourths 4-2.
The other two games saw the honours shared as AFC Oldham Reserves drew 4-4 with Bury Ams B and Gamesley Reserves shared six goals with Didsbury FC.
There was plenty of action for L&C teams in the Manchester Amateur Cup and a good return of teams through to the last 16.
Fitton Hill Rangers were taken all the way before beating Manchester Corinthians 3-2 and also winning were Newton Vikings 4-0 at Moorside Rangers Reserves, Village Manchester 3-2 over Manchester Corinthians other team, Irlam Steel 7-0 at Middletonians and Saddleworth 3D by 4-2 over TRA FC 4-2. Joining them are Heywood St James Reserves who were given a bye.
Going out were Didsbury Phoenix 3-1 hosting North Walkden Reserves, Old StretsGregs 4-1 at Rochdale Road Rovers and Milltown 5-2 to Winton Wanderers u21s.
