Packed Weekend of League and Cup Drama

Last weekend’s action saw a mixture of league and cup competition as many teams started their knockout journeys and teams continue to make their mark in the league.

The Premier Division is wide open and Urmston Meadowside Redstar made their move to the summit with a 4-1 win over Wythenshawe Wanderers.

AFC Stockport were too hot for Winton Wanderers to handle in a 7-0 cruise to move a point behind.

Manchester South End and Bollington United showed their qualities in an excellent game at Rushford Park. Due to a lack of league games both teams were looking for their first points of the season.

South End struck in the first minute when Tom Horne seized on a defensive error to open their account and they doubled their lead with a neat finish from Kalon Williams on ten minutes.

Bollington came back well but were denied by some solid defending and excellent goalkeeping to see South End lead 2-0 at the break.

Another even second half saw South End add two more without reply and both teams showed the quality which will keep them in title contention.

Bedians won a close contest 3-2 hosting Oldham Hulmeians in another excellent game.

In Division One, Rochdalians picked up their first win of the season beating Moston Brook Reserves 4-2 and Grappenhall were unstoppable winning 8-1 at Santos.

Three teams are level on ten points at the top of Division Two.

With leaders Fitton Hill Rangers in cup action Timperley Villa and Stoconians both posted wins to join them at the summit.

Villa were impressive in a 4-1 win over Konger and Stoconoans had a hectic 7-4 triumph at Abacus Media.

In the other game, Elton Fold kept on the heels of the top three with an efficient 3-0 victory over Old Alts Thirds.

In Division Three, Signol Athletic are clear leaders after a comfortable 4-0 win over Sale Spartans.

The local derby at Deans u23 and Barr Hill ended in a 3-1 win for Barr Hill to move them into the top half of the table.

The other game in the division saw King Jonny Spartans pick up their first points of the season with a 3-0 win at South Manchester.

The top two teams in Division A maintained their 100% records.

Leaders Stoconians Reserves had their closest win of the season by 3-1 over a hard-working Santos U23 and Spurley Hey were to top scorers of the day winning their local derby with AFC Stockport Reserves by 13-2.

There were plenty of goals in the other game with Waterhead winning their local derby at Oldham Hulmeians Reserves by 6-0.

 Richmond Rovers Reserves and Saddleworth 3D Reserves are level on points in Division B.

Richmond lead on goal difference after beating Didsbury FC 5-1 and Saddleworth won 4-2 hosting OSG Reserves.

The other two games in the division saw Gamesley Reserves ease home 4-1 at AFC Stockport U21’s and Bury Ams B beat Moston Brook Fourths 3-1.

County Cup action mainly focused on the Manchester Amateur Cup but Gamesley maintained their excellent form in division one with a Derbyshire Cup win at Cromford and Wirksworth Twon by 3-1.

In the Manchester Amateur Cup there was an excellent encounter at Irlam Tigers against Newton Vikings with Newton having the upper hand.

An early Newton chance was disallowed but the pressure continued with Newton making it 1-0 at half-time.

After the break Irlam put the pressure on and were eventually rewarded with a penalty which levelled the score.

Newton were on the back foot for a bit but contained the pressure and eventually managed to score two well taken goals on the break to make it 3-1.

Village Manchester also went through with a neat 2-0 win at Hollinwood but Moorside were beaten by the same score at Manchester Corinthians.

A stunning first half at Manchester Victoria saw On the Ball score nine unanswered goals which was followed by a goalless second half.

Fitton Hill Rangers kept up their impressive league form as they moved into the second round with a 4-0 win over Manchester South End Reserves.

Didsbury Phoenix enjoyed a thriller against De La Salle Reserves, sharing four goals in normal time then winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

There was another hectic win, this time for Saddleworth 3D by 6-4 at Davyhulme Park FC after trailing 3-0 at half-time, and Cheat Daze edged an exciting 3-2 win at Abbey Hey Reserves.

But it was the end of the cup trail for Salford Storm beaten 6-2 by Milltown, Swinton 3-2 to Moorside Rangers reserves, Withington Wanderers 9-2 to Stretford Paddock reserves, AFC Salford 2-1 at AFC Monton, Altrincham Hale 3-0 at Hindsford Juniors, Silver Birch 7-6 against Little Lever, Village Manchester reserves 5-2 against Oldham Town, AFC Oldham reserves 8-0 at Dukinfield Town A and King Johnny Castilla 10-3 hosting Hewlett FC.