Rochdalians’ top-two hopes hit by defeat
AT last the L and C and many other local leagues were able to enjoy playing in sunshine, although some of the grass pitches were still suffering the long-lasting effects of all the rain they have endured in recent months.
There were a limited number of games played but most of them were very competitive and entertaining involving title and cup battles.
The top game was at Moston Brook, the defending Premier division champions, who hosted Salford Vics who still had a chance of catching them.
Brook were given a boost with an early penalty from Jack Ward to settle their nerves but Vics kept them on their toes with a resilient display but Brook were able to celebrate as victory was sealed by their second goal.
The win sees them stay on the treble trophy trail with one already in the bag.
The other games in the division saw North Walkden move into second place with a 2-0 win at AFC Monton and Irlam Steel Rangers moved into third place with a gritty 3-2 win over Abacus Media.
It’s still a two-horse race in division one with Bedians and Hazel Grove well clear of the pack and looking to their clash this coming Saturday which could decide the title race.
Village Manchester have been on a good run of form in recent weeks and an exciting 5-3 win at North Walkden reserves took them into third place
on goal difference above Moston Brook reserves who lost out to the only goal of their game at Rushford Park.
In division two Bollington H and L moved a big step nearer to claiming the title with a 5-1 derby win at Richmond Rovers.
Just two games played in division three and neither involved title hopes.
Santos have waited a long time since their last game and visited Stoconians who won 6-3.
An early strike from Dean Walker and a Ben Marshall penalty for Santos either side of three goals for the hosts in the first half.
Tim Gallagher equalised on the hour but three late goals sealed the points for Stoconians.
Badger Casuals were
too hot for Hillgate to handle as they cruised to a 7-1 victory.
In division A Rochdalians hopes of making the top two were given a shock as they lost by the odd goal in nine hosting Moston Brook thirds.
In division B new champions Timperley Villa suffered their second successive defeat since winning the title hosting AFC Stockport Warriors.
Warriors secured the runners-up berth with a 4-2 victory.
The other game in the division was a very rare goalless draw between Prestwich Marauders and Village Manchester Reserves.
The game was a great advert for football at this level with both teams fully committed to playing attractive and competitive football in great spirit.
In division C Sublime Athletic took a big step to
winning the division with a decisive 7-2 win at Richmond Rovers reserves.
The other game saw Didsbury reserves move into comfort of mid-table with a solid 3-1 win over Village Manchester thirds.
Cup action produced a Wray Cup semi-final derby thriller at Astley SC between Dukinfield Athletic and Dom Doyle.
A tense thriller ended at 1-1 and Athletic kept their nerve to win the penalty shoot-out 4-3 to book their final slot against Salford Vics reserves.
In the Whitehead Cup semi-final Didsbury FC enjoyed a comfortable 5-1 win over Manchester Rovers set up by an early double from their ace predator Aaron Rodger.
They now await the winners of the other semi-final between Rochdalians and Trafford United reserves.