Premier Division Leaders Lose as Chasing Pack Close In

Premier Division leaders Manchester South End suffered a chastening defeat that means five points separate the top nine teams.

The leaders were put to the sword by Wythenshawe Wanderers who were five goals to the good by half-time and ran out comfortable 6-1 winners.

They stay level on points with non-playing AFC Oldham and Bedians looked to be going to the top as they led Cheat Daze 6-0 going into the final minutes only for their opponents to walk off the pitch and cause the game to be abandoned.

Bedians remain a point behind the top two with vital games in hand.

They were joined on points by AFC Stockport who cruised to a 5-0 win over Chadderton Cott.

AR Elite brought down Urmston Meadowside Redstar’s hopes of joining the top two as they too saw the net bulging with a 5-1 win.

The other game in the division was a basement battle and Manchester Rose worked hard for a tense 4-3 win at Bollingtron United to move off the bottom spot.

Division One leaders Gamesley were in county cup action and Village Manchester closed the gap at the top to three points with two games in hand with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Moston Brook Reserves.

Moorside moved into third spot with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Rochdalians.

Heywood St James Reserves are a point behind Moorside St James with a 4-2 win over On The Ball.

In Division Two, Stoconians are five points clear of the pack after a hard-earned 2-0 win at Konger.

The game of the day in the division saw Manchester Rovers hold second-placed Fitton Hill Rangers to a 2-2 draw.

Timperley Villa’s hopes of moving into third spot were hit by a nervy 4-3 home defeat by Moston Brook Thirds.

Abacus Media continued their good run of form with an emphatic 4-1 over Elton Fold and Old Alts young third team showed their desire in a 3-3 deadlock with Milltown.

Division Three leaders Signol Athletic were without game and Newton Vikings moved to within a point of the summit with a comfortable 6-1 win over South Manchester.

The middle of the table is congested with four clubs level on 12 points and Silver Birch lead the group after a 5-1 win over Altrincham Hale to overtake them on goal difference.

Joining them are Eagles Wilmslow who scored the only goal of their game against Boothstown and Didsbury Phoenix who enjoyed a 4-1 win at Barr Hill United.

The other game in the division saw Trafford United Reserves move towards mid-table safety with a pleasing 5-2 win over Deans Youth.

The top game in Division A between leaders Stoconians reserves and Irlam Steel unfortunately had to be abandoned due a nasty injury sustained by a Stocs player.

Spurley Hey took advantage to close the gap on the leaders with a big 8-0 win over Saddleworth 3D and Cheadle and Gatley matched this score in their local derby at AFC Stockport Reserves.

It was much closer in the other games in the division with Santos u23 winning 3-2 at Manchester South End Reds and honours were even between Oldham Hulmeians Reserves 1-1 with Village Manchester reserves and 4-4 between Waterhead and Salford Storm.

Division B leaders Saddleworth 3D Reserves gave hope to the chasing pack as they lost out 2-1 in a close encounter at third-placed Gamesley Reserves.

Plenty of net-busters in the other games led by the gutsy Didsbury FC 13-0 at Manchester Vitoria.

Not far behind were Old Strets Gregs reserves 9-1 over AFC Oldham Reserves and Moston Book Fourths 8-3 at King Jonny Castilla Reserves.

AFC Stockport u21’s were less dramatic with an efficient 2-0 win at Bury Ams B.

Two teams were involved in outside Cup competitions including Gamesley who won a close contest at Dove Holes in the Derbyshire Premier North Cup 1-0 and Grappenhall Sports moved into the next round of the Northern Cup with a comfortable 4-1 win at Winstanley Warriors Reserves.