Bollington move closer to title win
ONCE more wet weather reduced the mixture of cup and league action but there was plenty of drama and goals galore with cup final appearances and league titles at stake.
The two semi-finals for the Rhodes Cup for teams in the Premier and divisions one reflected this.
Premier division leaders Moston Brook kept their treble hopes alive but were made to work hard for victory by division one high-fliers Bedians.
Neat football by Bedians saw them take a 2-0 lead to raise hopes of a big upset but Brook showed their quality as they drew level and then secured a late winner to book their final slot at Hyde United on May 16th.
The other semi-final was equally competitive as Hattersley led 2-2 at the break against fellow Premier division team Sale Ams.
Then Sale stepped up a gear after the break to dominate the game and win 5-2 to make the final for the first time.
The Wray Cup quarter-final was more conclusive as Dukinfield Athletic, who are flying high in division two eased to a 4-1 win over FC Babylon.
The win booked them a local derby semi-final against Dom Doyle.
In the Whitehead Cup Manchester Rovers were always in control against Village Manchester reserves and moved into the semi-finals with a comfortable 4-1 victory.
League action in the Premier division also had plenty of hectic action with AFC Monton and Irlam Steel Rangers sharing four goals.
Another even-more dramatic game in division one saw leaders Hazel Grove pegged back as they shared ten goals at Village Manchester to set up a tense title decider against Bedians.
The other game saw Mellor ease to a 3-1 win over Moston Brook reserves to keep them in mid-table comfort.
In division two Bollington H and L showed their title intent with a big 8-1 win at Hooley Bridge Celtic to put them in touching distance of winning the division.
In division three AFC Stockport moved within five points of non-playing leaders J Lingz with two games in hand with an easy 6-2 derby win over Hillgate.
The other game in the division saw Old Stretfordians enjoy a rare clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Stoconians.
In division A Trafford United reserves lifted themselves out of the bottom two with a decisive 6-0 derby win at Altrincham Hale.
Rochdalians were also hot with a 7-3 romp at Spurley Hey reserves keeping them in touch with the top two.
Timperley Villa were crowned champions of division B last week but their prolonged celebrations took their toll as they
crashed to a 5-0 derby defeat at Broadheath Central.
A basement batte at Barrhill saw Prestwich
Marauders climb out of the bottom two with a fine 6-2 win.
In division C Fittonhill All-Stars moved into
fourth spot with a clinical 5-1 win over Didsbury reserves.
The final game had Richmond Rovers
reserves keeping clear of the bottom three with a 3-0 win at Stoconians with all of their goals coming after the break.