Stalemate in Exciting Division Two Clash
The weekend saw a programme of league and cup fixtures take place. A high-quality encounter at the top of Division Two stood out, with leaders Fitton Hill securing a late 1-1 draw at 10-man Timperley Villa.
Timperley took the lead but were reduced to 10 men and Fitton Hill took advantage, sharing the spoils to remain three points clear.
Stoconians are level with Timperley after a tight 2-1 win over Milltown, while Abacus Media crushed Swinton 8-3 to notch their first win of the campaign.
The division’s other games point to a competitive season as Old Alt Thirds edged Withington Wanderers 2-1, a score matched by Manchester Rovers at Konger, while Moston Brook Thirds came out the right side of a five-goal thriller at Old StretsGregs.
In the Premier Division, AR Elite’s 100% start to the season was ended with a 1-1 draw at AFC Stockport, but they’re a point clear of AFC Urmston Meadowside and AFC Oldham who both enjoyed victories.
Urmston won 3-2 at Chadderton Cott and AFC Oldham had to work hard for a 3-2 win at new boys Winton Wanderers after leading 2-0 at the break.
In Division One the top two teams kept up their impressive start to the season with big wins.
Gamesley lead the way with a 6-1 at Heywood St James reserves maintaining their perfect record.
Village Manchester are hot on their heels after a big 5-0 win hosting previous leaders Santos.
Moorside are also unbeaten and have games in hand over the top two after another emphatic 5-1 win over Trafford United keeping them firmly in the mix.
Four teams are level on nine points in Division Three, led by Signol Athletic who beat Eagles Wilmslow 6-2. Newton Vikings were also impressive with a 9-0 cruise over Trafford Unted Reserves and Silver Birch joined the top group with a 7-2 triumph over King Johnny Spartans.
There were two other thrillers in the division with Boothstown sharing ten goals in a rock and roll contest with AFC Salford and Didsbury Phoenix came back from 0-1 down at the break to beat Altrincham Hale 4-3.
Division A leaders Stoconians Reserves took their seasonal goal difference to +28 after another goal-laden display, this time producing an 8-0 demolition of AFC Stockport Reserves. Will Rodgers and Boris Bouabre notched a brace apiece, while Harvey O’Brien, Johnny Ollerenshaw and Henry Apsley were also on the scoresheet for the victors, who were also helped by an own goal.
Stocs’ nearest rivals Irlam Steel dropped three points behind as they suffered their first defeat in a 4-3 thriller at Cheadle and Gatley.
The other game saw Saddleworth 3D maintain their 100% record with a comfortable 6-3 win over Salford Storm.
In Division B, Richmond Rovers Reserves and Saddleworth 3D Reserves are locked on nine points,
Richmond had few problems in a 9-0 win at Manchester Victoria but Saddleworth were taken all the way at Didsbury FC before emerging with 4-3 win.
Gamesley Reserves showed their intent of joining the top two with a ruthless 8-0 win over AFC Oldham Reserves.
The other games in the division saw Moston Brook Fourths stay on the heels of the top group with a 3-0 win at AFC Stockport u21’s as did Bury Ams B who shared four goals with Old StretsGregs Reserves.
Lancashire County Cup action saw Rochdalians go through to the next round after winning a penalty shoot-out at Wythenshawe Reserves after an exciting 4-4 deadlock in normal time.
Bedians’ passage was comfortable, after they eased home 6-0 hosting Wigan Rovers, though Oldham Hulmeians lost out 5-2 at Eccleston and Heston.
In the Manchester Amateur Cup, Wythenshawe Wanderers won 5-3 at Avro Juniors Reserves but Manchester South End went out 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Salford Vics.
