Ashville loss spells end for brave Lane
PREMIER division high-fliers High Lane carried the last league hopes of success in the Cheshire Amateur Cup as they made the long trip to Ashville.
In a great game of football played at a break-neck pace Lane went toe-to-toe with their hosts after going two behind in the first 20 minutes.
They fought back superbly to take the lead on the stroke of half time.
The second half ebbed and flowed, but as Lane only had one substitute available they didn’t have too many options to try to change anything.
It was 3-3 at full time but the Lane legs tired and they went out 4-3 after a great effort.
The other delayed cup match was in the Manchester Amateur Cup and Chadderton Park bowed out as they lost 6-1 at AFC Monton seconds.
The Premier division action was limited to two matches and Whalley Range are getting into a run of good form as they disposed of local rivals South Manchester 6-2.
Luke Scarry gave Whalley an early lead direct from a free-kick but Marc Critchley tapped in to draw South level two minutes later.
Range showed their intent as Paul Taker struck again to give Range the momentum to create plenty of chances as they made it six with Keifer Greig netting South’s second consolation goal.
Abacus Media kept in the leading group as they enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win at Newton Heath to keep Heath in the danger zone.
Division one leaders Waterloo had their game at Parrs Wood Celtic postponed allowing Old Stretfordians to take over at the top as they won a close game against Milton by the odd goal in three.
Trafford United’s hopes of closing the gap on the leaders was frustrated as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Stoconians.
A basement battle saw Didsbury emerge with a 4-1 win over Moston Brook, who played some attractive football without being able to provide an end product.
There was plenty of drama at Chorltonians as they entertained Oldham Vics.
Chorlts looked set for a comfortable win as strikes from Pat Davin, Orin Moore (two) and an own goal saw them lead 3-0 then 4-1.
But Vics, having lost their opening six games came back from the dead to draw level than snatch a late winner from Daniel Duerden to back up doubles from Anthony Morris and Anthony Williams for their first win of the season.
Hooley Bridge Celtic are on a hot run of form in division two and with leaders Moston United having their game postponed they took full advantage with a 5-0 win at Spurley Hey taking them above Hey into second place three points behind United with two games in hand.
Mellor seconds stay in the mix with a 4-2 win over Bedians but Chorltonians seconds dropped into fifth place going down 3-2 in a close game at AFC Oldham.
Tameside rivals Dukinfield Athletic stay in touch with the leaders as they kept an immaculate clean sheet in a 5-0 win over Heaton Mersey.
In Division A Signol Athletic won a close derby encounter 3-2 against Mellor thirds to retain the pole position and their 100 per cent record.
Stoconians romped to a 9-3 win over Moston Brook thirds and Abacus Media seconds were 4-1 victors at Village Manchester.
In Sivision B there are new leaders in High Lane seconds who won 7-1 at Trafford United seconds.
In Division D AFC Stockport were on fire in a 7-4 win over Trafford United.