Rochdalians and Oldham Hulmeians Progress in Cup

L&C teams were involved in County Cup action and a thriller at Rochdalians in the Lancashire Amateur Cup saw the home team edge out Stoneclough Reserves on penalties.

It ended at 2-2 and in the penalty shoot-out Rochdalians kept their nerve to breeze through 4-2. Oldham Hulmeians join them in the next round after comfortably seeing off Hapton 5-1.

But in the Manchester Challenge Trophy it was the end of the hopes of Manchester Rose, who lost 3-1 at Chadderton Reserves and Rushford Park who were on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller against Manchester Corinthians.

Premier Division action saw Bollington enjoy two wins to move three points clear of AFC Oldham.

A midweek 5-2 win over Boothstown was followed by a closer 5-3 win at Manchester South End.

Joe Cobey, Harry Massey and Rory Robertson put Bollington 3-1 ahead at the break and they held on as the teams shared four goals in the second half.

A close encounter at Trafford United saw AFC Oldham James Curley score the only goal to keep in touch with Bollington with two games in hand.

The other game saw Boothstown move into mid-table with an efficient 4-0 win over Abacus Media.

Just three points separate the top four teams in Division One and a 5-3 win for Village Manchester over AFC Stockport keeps them on top.

Stretford Paddock Ams joined the top group with a tight 3-2 win over Grappenhall Sports.

It was also close as six goals were shared by Santos and Didsbury.

Didsbury controlled the first half, leading by two goals at the break. Tom Barnes pulled a goal back at the start of the second half and shortly afterwards Ryan McConkie equalised with a penalty.

The visitors regained the lead but a second penalty by McConkie restored parity.

The game between Withington Wanderers and Mellor was under FA camera coverage, illustrating referee Nicola Mtweta’s progress after promotion following an excellent season in the L&C.

Nicola again put on an impressive performance, enjoyed by players and officials.

Wanderers took an early lead through Luke Elden but Mellor were in a clinical mood as they drew level and then added five more for a comfortable win.

Division Two is even more competitive with just three points separating the top six teams.

Leaders Manchester Rovers bounced back from last week’s shock defeat with an efficient 2-0 win at Bury Ams keeping them on top by goal difference from Elton Fold who worked hard for a 3-2 win at Old Alts Thirds.

Moorside won 4-0 at Tintwistle Athletic Reserves to remain a point behind the top two and level with Moston Brook Reserves who didn’t play this weekend.

Heywood St James present a big threat as they have a 100% record with games in hand on the leaders,

While Saddleworth 3D dropped back from the top four as they were held to a 2-2 draw by a gutsy Old StretsGregs.

South Manchester went down 3-2 to visiting Konger FC with referee John Melia complimenting both teams for their etiquette and quality of football.

Long-time Division Three leaders Timperley Villa slipped up for the second successive week, losing out 2-1 to Moston Brook Thirds.

Fitton Hill All-Stars joined them at the top after a close 2-1 win at Stoconians, while Spurley Hey kept up their goal surge with a 10-0 win over AFC Oldham Reserves and are on the shoulders of the top two.

Waterhead are also in the mix after enjoying a 4-0 win at AFC Stockport Warriors as are 100% Didsbury Reserves who won 3-1 hosting Altrincham Hale Thirds.

Division A leaders Signol Athletic were without a game but second-placed AFC Salford missed the chance to overtake them as they lost out to the only goal of their game with Cheadle and Gatley who moved into third place.

Silver Birch were celebrating long and hard after picking up their first points of the season with a 3-1 win over Heyside.

It was close in the other games with wins for Urmston Meadowside 3-2 over Prestwich Marauders and AFC Stockport Titans who recorded a 2-1 victory over Village Manchester Reserves.

Stoconians Reserves have a six-point lead at the top of Division B and they won a gritty encounter at Didsbury Thirds by 3-2 to keep clear of Santos u23’s.

It was also 3-2 at Manchester Victoria in favour of visitors Oldham Hulmeians Reserves.

Santos U23s were pegged back late and were held to a 2-2 draw by Moston Brook Fourths. Brook scored the only goal of the first half before Santos came roaring back through Daniel Carter and Curtis Sulcas strikes but the visitors snatched a late equaliser as honours ended even.

The competitive nature of the division was also shown at Richmond Rovers reserves who beat Saddleworth Reserves 4-3 in an end-to-end thriller.