Rhodes Cup luck runs out for Dalians
MOORSIDE Rangers took a big step to the coveted league and cup double as they beat Rochdalians 4-0 in the semi-final of the Property Management Ltd Rhodes Cup.
It was a close encounter but after 25 minutes Rangers broke the deadlock when Heard delivered a perfect cross for Goodman to head home.
Rochdalians had their best spell in the game in the second half and were denied an equaliser when Rangers keeper Glennon saved from Jamie Luker, who had been out through by his brother Davey.
But Moorside stepped up a gear in the closing stages and Brad Sixsmith slotted home to double their score.
Rochdalians had no option but to throw the kitchen sink at Rangers but were hit on the break as a slide rule pass from Kay put Sixsmith through only to be brought down by Rochdalians keeper Hopley allowing Kay to slot home the spot kick.
The victory was sealed as Kelly made amends for an earlier miss to cross for Sixsmith to head home and take them to the final.
They will play the winners of the Whalley Range v High Lane semi-final after High Lane scored the only goal of their tight quarter-final at division three leaders Dom Doyle.
Dom Doyle are through to the final of the Wray Cup after a midweek semi-final win over Newton Heath seconds by 5-2 which books their final slot against Irlam Tigers at West Didsbury and Chorlton on May 3.
Signol Athletic seconds put on a great show in the Stockport Senior Cup at Cheshire League giants Poynton losing to the only goal of a tight game.
With the top two teams in the Premier division in Rhodes Cup action Whalley Range closed the gap on the top two as they emerged with a 2-1 win over Newton Heath.
Abacus Media are in a good run of form and they moved above Mellor into fourth spot with a comfortable 4-1 win at Mellor.
Old Ashtonians increased their chances of escaping from the bottom two as they beat South Manchester 3-1 with South only managing a consolation strike from Paul Sunderland.
The win moves Ashtonians to within two points of local Tameside rivals Newton with three games in hand.
Waterloo clinched the division one title but they were given a good test by Moston Brook before winning 2-1 to make them uncatchable.