Rushford Park and East Manchester Galaxy Set Up Enticing Final

Rushford Park and East Manchester Galaxy set up a mouthwatering Rhodes Cup final as they both enjoyed a pivotal week in their respective quests for league and cup glory.

In an all-RFAITS Premier Division semi-final with Manchester Rose at the weekend, a late winner gave Rushford a dramatic 4-3 win.

Rose looked set for the final as an Adekunle Otuland’s brace and Gerald Magande’s strike cancelled out Bailey Napier’s opener. But Rushford roared back and after Demel Cumnerbatch levelled matters, they went on to seal a famous victory.

In the final, they will meet East Manchester Galaxy who edged another dramatic last-four encounter against fellow Division One outfit AFC Stockport. The visitors took the lead through Jordan Conway’s spot kick only for Galaxy to equalise. They again had to fight back when Ethan Dalton restored the lead, with Galaxy’s goals coming from Mustafa Al-Rubaiai and Papasamba Sarr.

It proved vital as they held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties to set up a final with Rushford at West Didsbury and Chorlton on Thursday 23^rd April.

Both finalists capped off fine weeks after winning midweek league games. In the RFAITS Premier Division, Rushford comfortably beat Bedians 3-0 to close the gap to Bollington United to seven points with a game in hand. Galaxy meanwhile won 3-1 at Didsbury to move four points behind leaders Oldham Hulmeians with four games in hand.

They recovered after a slow start and, inspired by man of the match Sayef Ahmed, roared to victory thanks to Aidan Molley, Ayyaz Raja and Muhamed Jatta strikes.

In the Geoff Garnett Cup, Premier Division leaders Bollington survived a severe test from Division One Grappenhall as they fought back to win 2-1. Grappenhall took the lead after a defensive mistake but Will Potts equalised and a sumptuous Jim Cobey strike secured the win.

Elsewhere, Division One Santos caused a major upset by beating Richmond Rovers 5-1.

In the Keith Marsden Cup, Newton Vikings saw off Altrincham Hale Thirds 3-1 and Santos u23 edged a close derby with AFC Oldham A 3-2.

RFAITS Premier Division action saw Bollington United drop two vital points are they were held 1-1 by Chadderton Cott and Boothstown scored the only goal of their game at Trafford United.

The solitary Division One game saw Mellor share four goals with Grappenhall SC.

Division Two leaders Moorside took a major step to the title with two wins in a week. First, they defeated Moston Brook Reserves by the odd goal in five through Harley Hughes’s brace and Liam Maher’s goal.

They followed this with a comprehensive 11-0 win over South Manchester. Hughes grabbed another brace, while Jason Evans and Joseph Fagan netted four apiece, and Declan Wallbank got in on the act to make it 15 successive wins.

Heywood St James Reserves’ title hopes are all but over because, although they enjoyed a 4-0 midweek win over Elton Fold, the same opponents gained revenge at the weekend with a 3-2 victory.

Manchester Rovers stay in fourth spot with an efficient 4-0 win over Old Alts Thirds.

Elsewhere, Bury Ams thrashed Abacus Media Reserves 9-2 and Moston Brook Reserves hammered Tintwistle Athletic Reserves 6-1. It was closer for Saddleworth 3D who saw off Old StretsGregs 2-1.

It was a significant weekend in Division Three as the top two met and Waterhead beat Didsbury Reserves 6-3 to leapfrog them to the summit.

Fitton Hill All-Stars won 2-1 at Timperley Villa to stay just two points behind Waterhead, while basement team AFC Stockport Warriors were delighted to pick up their first win of the season beating Moston Brook Thirds 3-2.

In Division A, Rushford Park Reserves made it a brilliant week for the club by defeating Cheadle and Gatley 4-3 in a thrilling encounter to move into third place.

Division B leaders Oldham Hulmeians Reserves were without game and Stoconians Reserves moved to within five points of top spot with a comfortable 4-0 win over Waterhead Reserves.

The other games produced wins for Saddleworth 3D Reserves 5-0 over Cavaliers, and Bury Ams B won 3-0 against Didsbury Thirds.