Dalians unable to end De La Salle run

IN the Premier Division, undefeated De La Salle registered what could be their most significant victory of the campaign, edging out Rochdalians 3-2, a result that keeps the destination of the title in their hands with two games remaining.

Nothing other than a win would have sufficed as leaders Moston Brook First trounced Manchester Polonia 10-2. They are five points clear after completing their league programme, but De La Salle have two games remaining and know maximum points will secure silverware.

Stretford Paddock FC First Team are certain to finish in the top three after an encouraging first season in the top flight. They rounded off their home fixtures with a scintillating 8-3 win over Abacus Media. Despite going behind, they never looked in doubt and went into the break 3-1 up, before running away with the game thanks, in no small part to a Kieron Molloy hat-trick.

Second-place Irlam Tiger FC saw their Division One title hopes go up in smoke after losing 3-1 at home to Bury Amateur AFC Firsts.

Shaw Athletic gave themselves a chance of finishing above Signol Athletic JFC Firsts after a hard-fought 3-2 win that puts their vanquished opponents within touching distance. A Warren Collier double helped Old Stretfordians First round off a challenging campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Didsbury FC Firsts.

Division Two leaders Hattersley Firsts maintained their title hopes with a vital 4-3 victory over South Manchester Firsts, thanks to a Rob Swallow brace, along with strikes from Declan Hince and Matthew Soares. They are 10 points clear of Irlam Tiger Rangers but, having played five more games, will be relying on results elsewhere.

Third-place Wythenshawe Wanderers were defeated 4-1 by Baguley Athletic, who now look well set to leapfrog their opponents, with games in hand to accrue the points. The big battle at the bottom saw Newton leapfrog Bedians AFC thanks to a 1-0 win that puts the defeated side at real risk of the drop.