Ground lost in defence of title
THE league resumed action after the mid-season break but once more poor weather in the preceding week saw many games postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
The top game in the Premier division saw reigning champions Mellor visiting Whalley Range who have improved on a slow start to the season.
Range showed their intent to maintain their recent momentum as they raced into a 3-0 lead on 35 minutes with goals from Dan Parker, Luke Scarry (penalty) and Paul Smethurst.
Mellor came back with two consolation strikes but Range cruised to a 4-2 win to move within two points of third-placed Mellor with two games in hand.
Newton Heath produced the shock result of the day with a 7-2 win over Lancashire Amateur Cup hopefuls Rochdalians.
There are usually plenty of goals in games involving South Manchester and again it was no exception as they shared eight goals with Signol Athletic.
Netting for South were Paul Sunderland, Marc Critchley, Badou Drameh and Jamie Walker.
The top game in division one produced a fine encounter between second-placed Waterloo and third-placed Milton.
Waterloo just made it 3-2 in a very close contest to keep up their hunt of leaders Old Stretfordians.
Strets were at Oldham Vics and had their shooting boots on with a 6-3 win keeping them seven points clear of Waterloo who have a vital four games in hand.
Salford Vics were also in the goals as they eased to a comfortable 8-1 win over Moston Brook.
Vics took command of the game from the off scoring four unanswered goals in the first half.
The second half followed a similar pattern although Brook kept playing football throughout the game.
Josh Lawman led the scoring with a hat-trick and adding the others were his brother Tom, Ben Green, Mike Gandy, Keenan Switzer and debutant Josh Rowlands.
There was plenty of top action in division two with leaders Chorltonians seconds keeping six points clear of the chasing pack as they enjoyed a close win in an excellent football match hosting Moston United.
Both teams had their chances but Chorlts had Hafiz Hudson providing the vital strike midway through the second half as both sides had plenty of scoring opportunities.
Mellor seconds stay in second place after a 4-2 derby win over Spurley Hey coming back from an early goal from Hey.
Hooley Bridge Celtic are also firmly in the mix with games in hand and they proved to be too hot for Bedians to handle in a 6-3 victory.
The other game was another tight contest with Swinton winning by the odd goal in five hosting AFC Oldham.
There was plenty of topof-the-table action in division three and leaders Dom Doyle were taken all the way before securing a breathless 4-3 win over a resilient Newton Heath seconds to stay five points clear at the top.
Their nearest rivals are Irlam Tigers and they kept in the hunt with a 3-2 win over Moston Brook seconds.
Hollingworth enjoyed a close encounter with Rochdalians seconds and were given a flying start with a close-range header from James Elliott, who suffered a nose injury to finish his action.
Hollingworth doubled their lead with a penalty form Phil Whiteman before Rochdalians came back on 29 minutes to reduce the arrears through Luke Forshaw.
Sam Bancroft made it 3-1 after the break but Rochdalians dominated the rest of the game and were made to rue missed chances as they could only convert one by Antony Heywood.
The other game in the division saw a delighted Heaton Mersey triumph 4-1 at Hooley Bridge Celtic seconds.
Signol Athletic seconds took over top spot in division A despite being held to a 2-2 derby draw by Stoconians seconds.
Leaders Aldermere went down 6-4 in a great game at Abacus Media seconds to sacrifice the lead on goal difference to Signol.
The other game produced a comfortable 6-0 win for Village Manchester against Moston Brook thirds.
There are also new leaders in division B as nonplaying Milton seconds surrendered top spot to Salford Vics seconds on goal difference.
Vics enjoyed an emphatic 4-1 win at Dukinfield Athletic with Lewis Lawler (three) and Rob Payne providing the firepower.
There were also convincing wins for Chorltonians Villa by 4-0 over a promising young Signol Athletic thirds and Trafford United seconds who went nap in a 5-0 win at high-flying High Lane seconds.
Division C leaders Radclyffe FC were held to a 2-2 draw in a derby at AFC Oldham thirds and Deans FC took full advantage as a 4-0 win at Old Strets seconds moved them to within two points of the leaders.
Goals galore in the other two games as Parrs Wood Celtic seconds hit double figures against Chorltonians Athletic and Manchester Rovers were in seventh heaven with a 7-0 win over Didsbury seconds.
Just two games in division D and looking to close the gap on non-playing leaders Staly Lions were Stoconians fourths but they were limited to a point as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Old Strets thirds.
The other game saw Trafford United thirds enjoy a comfortable start to 2018 as they won 5-2 at Chadderton Park seconds.