Joy of six for Dalians in push for top

HIGH Lane moved to the top of the Premier division after sharing the spoils in thrilling 5-5 draw with Mellor.

But hot on their heels with a game in hand are Rochdalians who had few problems in accounting for Trafford United as they strolled to a 6-1 victory.

Previous leaders Whalley Range had Tim Kinsella, Luke Scarry, Dylan Moth and Nicholas Doyle netting at Milton but in a topsy-turvy encounter newly promoted Milton ended with a 6-4 win that keeps them in joint second place with Rochdalians and Whalley Range.

Old Stretfordians are also back in the top flight and they posted their first win beating Old Ashtonians 3-1.

Strets led 1-0 at the break through Joe Mullarkey but a bizarre defensive error let in Ashtonians for an equaliser.

Strets introduced super subs Alex Ritchie and Dean Raven and it proved to be the turning point as Raven showed pace and clinical finishing to notch two late goals to secure victory.

In division one three teams are level on points at the top of the table with Irlam Tigers leading the way after inflicting the first defeat of the season over Bury Ams with an emphatic 3-0 victory.

Joining them at the top are Dom Doyle who have a game in hand and a 100 per cent record with a 4-1 win at Moston Brook.

Parrs Wood Celtic enjoyed their first game as they cruised to a great 7-4 win in an entertaining encounter at Hooley Bridge Celtic.

Swinton were also celebrating after their first game of the season that saw them win 5-1 at Oldham Vics.

Stoconians also chalked up their first win of the season with a 4-1 victory hosting Didsbury.

Chorltonians were also first-time winners edging a 2-1 win over AFC Oldham.

It was the first day of action in division two and reigning champions Chorltonians seconds showed their intent on retaining the title with a comprehensive 7-2 win at Santos.

There was a cliffhanger at Newton as they trailed South Manchester seconds 3-2 after 85 minutes with South’s strikes coming from Jordan Harper (two) and Josh Harper only for Newton to strike back with two late goals for a 4-3 win.

There was another excellent game at Spurley Hey with victors Rochdalians seconds winning by the odd goal in nine.

Mellor seconds and Manchester Polonia shared four goals and new boys Urmston Town won 4-2 at Bedians.

Whalley Range seconds opened their account with a 3-2 win at Hollingworth thanks to a hat-trick from Daniel Moran.

In division three Aldermere were off to a flier with a 4-0 win over Milton seconds.

Division A also began the season with plenty of goals led by Rochdale Galaxy with a 6-1 win at Chorltonians Villa.