Rushford Maintain Title Charge

L&C teams were given the opportunity to enjoy the Easter break and play their games in the coming weeks, which meant a limited programme, but Rushford Park reinforced their Premier Division title ambitions with an impressive 8-2 win at AFC Oldham to close the gap on leaders Bollington United to nine points, though with three games in hand, they will fancy their chances.

At the other end, Manchester South End moved out of the bottom two with a 3-1 win over Manchester Rose, leapfrogging them in the process.

In Division One, leaders Oldham Hulmeians were held to a 1-1 draw at rivals Didsbury who have four games in hand over them and trail by eight points.

East Manchester Galaxy preserved their unbeaten record in a thrilling 6-4 win over Village Manchester to move to within seven points of the leaders with a massive six games in hand.

Mellor kept in touch with the top three with a comfortable 6-2 win at Rochdalians building on a 4-0 interval lead.

The back of the net was also bulging at Stretford Paddock Ams as they ended the recent good run of Santos with a big 8-1 win.

There was an upset for Manchester Rovers in Division Two as they looked to close the gap on leaders Moorside.

But a gutsy Heywood St James Reserves defended well and scored the only goal of a close contest.

The other game saw Saddleworth 3D cruise to a 4-1 win over Tintwistle Athletic Reserves.

It’s tight at the top of Division Three as Didsbury Reserves moved to the summit after a tense 3-2 win at Spurley Hey. Waterhead, leaders at the start of the day, were humbled 4-1 at in-form Timperley Villa.

Fitton Hill All-Stars missed the chance to overtake Waterhead as they lost to the only goal of their game at Trafford United Reserves.

In Division A there was a thriller between two of the title-chasing teams as Rushford Park Reserves hosted unbeaten Signol Athletic.

There was little between the teams in an excellent game bringing great credit to both clubs, but Signol showed their intent with two unanswered goals which keeps them two points behind leaders AFC Salford with three games in hand.

The leaders though had few problems in a 5-0 win over Village Manchester Reserves.

Cheadle and Gatley’s exciting young team kept up their good run with 3-1 win over Newton Vikings to move into third spot.

Division B leaders Oldham Hulmeians Reserves moved to within one win of clinching the title with a big 9-2 derby win over Saddleworth 3D Reserves.

Plenty of goals in the other two games with AFC Oldham A winning 8-3 over Didsbury Thirds and Manchester Victoria enjoyed a 4-1 win over Moston Brook Fourths to move towards mid-table security.

The league’s exciting finale will culminate in several cup competitions, for which venues have been confirmed.

League Chairman Mike Yates explained: “There are still plenty of issues to be solved in the next few weeks with the cup final venues and dates for all the competitions now sorted.

“We have two at West Didsbury and Chorlton FC on Tuesday 21^st and Thursday 23^rd April and one at Prestwich Heys on 7^th May.

“The new Garnett and Marsden Invitational Cup Finals will be a double header on Saturday 9^th May at Bedians FC and the Inter League game against Lancs Amateur League will be on Wednesday 13^th May, also at Bedians FC.

“Cup medals are now going to be on a lanyard instead of in a box and will still be given out on the night with the cup.

“We will endeavour to give out the league cups on the day they are won, the medals will still be boxed and given out on the presentation day.

“The Presentation Day is again at South West Manchester Cricket Club in Chorlton on Sunday 17^th May, which is the day after the FA Cup Final.

“For all attendees there will be a free buffet and drink, and league champions and other winners will be given their medals and awards.

“There will also be awards for the Secretary of the Year, Fair Play Award Referee of the Year and Young Referee of the Year.”