Prestwich Marauders Secure Final Berth

Prestwich Marauders booked their place in the Whitehead Cup final after a hard-fought 4-2 triumph over Salford United.

Played on an immaculate surface at Bedians, this end-to-end encounter saw both sides start fast to try and grab the initiative. It was Marauders who broke the deadlock in the 35th-minute with a superb free-kick and doubled their advantage soon after but United halved the deficit before the break.

They completed the comeback within a minute of the restart but Marauders pulled clear with two more strikes and will meet Didsbury Reserves in the final.

Premier Division action did not feature any of the top three teams and Village Manchester kept up their recent good run of form to win a close contest with Hazel Grove 2-1 to move out of the bottom two. Bollington United were also impressive in their 4-1 win over Bury Ams.

The other game was decided by the only goal of the game from AFC Monton at Trafford United.

Just two games in Division One and Trafford Reserves, with games in hand, continued their chase of the top two with a decisive 4-1 win at Stoconians.

Moston Brook Reserves enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 win at Richmond Rovers in the division’s other encounter.

In a tight Division Two, Santos defeated Mellor Reserves 6-3 in a top of the table clash. Santos took an early lead through Jackson Fulton however Mellor equalised midway through the half. A Michael Patterson strike and an own goal put the hosts 3-1 up at the break. Mellor were soon out of the traps in the second half to reduce the arrears but Ryan McConkie instantly restored the two-goal cushion before adding a second as Santos pulled clear.

Although a mix-up in the hosts defence allowed Mellor to pull a goal back, Fulton added a second to keep Santos firmly in the title picture.

Stretford Paddock Reserves took local derby bragging rights by winning 2-0 in a close game at Old StretsGregs 2-0 with the hosts earning great praise from referee Rory McAllister who said: “They were a great team to officiate, no issues and a good bunch of lads providing great hospitality.”

Division Three’s runaway leaders Manchester Rovers were without a game as were second-placed Saddleworth 3D and Broadheath Central joined 3D on 33 points with a comfortable 5-2 win at Spurley Hey.

Heywood St James were in seventh heaven after a 7-0 cruise over AFC Stockport Warriors.

Trafford United Reserves were also good value for a 4-0 win at Old StretsGregs Reserves and Timperley Villa made it a good day for Trafford-based clubs with a 2-0 win at South Manchester.

Loads of goals in Division A led by Didsbury Reserves with a 7-1 win at Stafford Argyle.

AFC Oldham were also scorching in a 7-2 derby win over Milnrow Firgrovia.

Leaders Waterhead maintained their cushion with an efficient 3-1 win at Newton Vikings.

Manchester Saints have been on a good run of form which they continued this with a 5-2 victory at Bury Ams A while Fittonhill All-Stars were also in the goals winning 6-2 at Irlam Steel Rangers Development.

Both Division B games ended 2-0. Rushford Park Reserves stay in third place behind Signol Athletic and AFC Stockport Titans as they beat Bury Ams B and the win for Village Manchester Thirds over Didsbury FC Thirds lifted Village out of the bottom two.