Leaders see off title rivals in big clash
THE Match-of-the-Day was the Premier League clash at Torkington Park where title contenders High Lane hosted leaders Rochdalians in what proved to be an enthralling game with just a single goal separating two excellent teams.
The contest produced some fine football from both teams, was played in an sporting spirit, well controlled by the match officials and a great credit to both clubs and the league.
The deciding goal came early in the first half when a fine team move by Rochdalians was concluded with a quality finish from Liam Murray.
Both sides had their chances but good defending and excellent goalkeeping at both ends with High Lane’s Brad Heginbotham putting on a superb display to show the quality of his team’s athletes’ diet of chip butties!
Rochdalians are now eight points clear of the chasing pack with their main threat coming from Milton, who won 5-0 at South Manchester and have two games in hand over the leaders.
Whalley Range have been missing chances for fun in recent weeks but they found their shooting boots at Old Stretfordians to go into seventh heaven with a resounding 7-2 win.
Salford Vics played Waterloo for the second time this season and the hoodoo carried on, it was goalless in the first half with Vics dominating possession.
Waterloo came more into the game in after the break and took the lead early in the second half, which they held until the 87th minute when Dale McAndrew equalised, then just as in the first game between the teams Josh Rowlands scored an injury time winner to leave Waterloo disappointed again.
Joy also for Old Ashtonians who picked up their first point of the season in a 3-3 thriller at Abacus Media.
In division one Dom Doyle stay four points clear after an efficient 2-0 win over Irlam Tigers. In joint second spot are in-form Parrs Wood Celtic who kept an immaculate clean sheet in a 3-0 victory over Moston Brook.
They are level with Chorltonians who won their local derby at Didsbury by 3-1.
Didsbury went ahead after the award of a penalty after 10 minutes which was converted by Paul Barnes and they held onto the lead until 42 minutes when Chorlts got on level terms when Charles Hewlett netted at the second attempt.
The game then turned on a defensive mistake when the Didsbury keeper collided with his own player to present a simple tap in for Max Steele and within two minutes a mistimed challenge presented the visitors with a golden opportunity from the spot which Martin Simcock blasted home.
The home side pushed hard but could not get passed a resolute Chorltonians defence.
Hooley Bridge Celtic are also in touch with the top teams after a clinical 7-2 defeat of AFC Oldham and Bury Ams were also in good form with a 5-2 win over Stoconians.
Division two Chorltonians seconds had strikes from Finn Nixon (two), Sean Carey and Oli Williams in a 4-3 win over Rochdalians seconds.
No change at the top of division A as the top three teams all posted convincing wins.
Leaders Elton Lib Hargreaves won 4-3 at Chorltonians Villa.
Rochdale Galaxy stay two points adrift after a comfortable 6-3 win over Dukinfield Athletic seconds and Chadderton Cotts were very impressive in a 7-2 victory over Signol Athletic seconds.
Division C leaders Deans were in Manchester Amateur Cup action, suffering a big 10-3 defeat at AFC Middleton.