Rochdalians fly the flag for league
THE latest round of the Lancashire Amateur Cup saw Rochdalians remain as the lone hope remaining for the league as they pulled off a superb 4-3 win at Burnley United.
There was no joy for the other teams in the competition as Whalley Range trailed to an early goal as they hosted Bolton Wyresdale and were then unable to break down a stubborn defence posted by the visitors to Kings Road.
Also exiting were Milton as they lost a thriller with Croft FC by 7-5 in an amazing tie and Hooley Bridge Celtic who lost 4-2 to Collegiate Old Boys.
Premier division action saw Moorside Rangers extend their lead at the top to seven points as they came back from 2-0 down at the break to win 4-2.
It was a brilliant game of football again played in horrendous weather conditions producing a fascinating game.
Newton took a two-goal lead before the break but Rangers, knowing that they had a massive task on their hands, fought back with incredible passion as Brown, McNichol, Dorrian and Jones completing a great comeback as they supplied the goals.
High Lane stay in second spot after a comfortable 6-3 win at Newton Heath and Abacus Media were on fire as they stay in third place with a big 8-2 win at Signol Athletic.
It’s developing into a two horse race at the top of division one as Waterloo kept up their proud 100 per cent record with a 7-2 win over Didsbury and a point behind them are Old Stretfordians who demolished Oldham Vics 7-3.
Trafford United also had their shooting boots on as they won 5-1 at Parrs Wood Celtic and there was also delight for Moston Brook as they won a thriller by the odd goal in seven at Stoconians to climb clear of the bottom two.
Plenty of goals also for Chorltonians as they beat Bury Amd 7-3 with strikes from Pat Davin (three), Brendan McLaughin, Aaron Minshull , Orin Moore and Nicholas Hughes.
In division two the chasing pack had a chance to cut the gap on the top two who were out of league action and Chorltonians seconds moved level on points with second-placed Hooley Bridge Celtic as they had hotshot Aaron Rodger and Johnny Trodden both bagging hat-tricks and Hafiz Hutton on target in a 7-1 win at Newton seconds.
The other games were close affairs with P Booth notching a point-saver for South Manchester seconds in a 1-1 deadlock with AFC Oldham.
The local derby between Spurley Hey and Mellor seconds saw Mellor win by the odd goal in five the same margin of victory for Bedians at Swinton.
Dom Doyle stay on top of division three but they had to work hard to preserve their 100 per cent record winning by the odd goal in seven against local rivals Hollingworth.
Irlam Tigers were roaring as they pulled off a great 5-2 win at high-flying Dukinfield Athletic.
Rochdalians seconds are in second spot after a nerve-jangling 4-3 win at Heaton Mersey and it was also close at Manchester Polonia as they scored the only goal of their game with Santos.
There was a shock for division B leaders High Lane seconds as they were beaten 5-2 by Hillgate and Rochdale Galaxy closed in on the top two with a 7-4 win over Spurley Hey seconds.
Also in seventh heaven were Salford Vics seconds as they accounted for Signol Athletic thirds 7-3 to stay in second spot and the other game had Trafford United seconds edging a 3-2 win over Dukinfield Athletic seconds.