Rangers’ double hopes still alive
MOORSIDE Rangers marched through into the semi-finals of the GP Property Management Ltd Rhodes Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over Hollingworth, who had two previous Premier Division scalps in the competition this season.
Rangers have a useful lead at the top of the Premier division and strikes and booked their semifinal slot against the winners of Irlam Tigers and Rochdalians as they look towards a league and cup double, enjoyed by Mellor FC last season.
Hollingworth showed why they have done well in the competition as they put up a brave effort and could have taken the lead from the penalty spot but were denied by Rangers keeper Glennon who saved with his feet.
Rangers then proved to be too hot to handle as the prolific Brad Sixsmith netted a hat-trick with Kelly adding the fourth.
It was much closer in the semi-final of the Hellawell Shield at Stockport Sports Village as derby rivals Radclyffe and AFC Oldham thirds put on a great show with terrific commitment from both sides in an enthralling contest.
Both sides had their chances in normal time but solid goalkeeping at both ends saw the game end at 0-0.
The penalty shoot-out saw both teams on target at 6-6 but then a save from the outstanding Oldham keeper booked their final slot when they will take on AFC Stockport.
The other knock out match was in the Wray Cup ant was also a close affair with Newton Heath seconds edging a 2-1 win over Rochdalians to book a semi slot against Dom Doyle.
Premier division action saw Mellor ease to a 6-0 derby win over Signol Athletic with the result in little doubt after Jack Benson had given Mellor an early lead.
Whalley Range stay level on points with thirdplaced Mellor after a hard-earned 2-1 win over Newton.
The other game was a mid-table derby contest with Abacus Media winning 5-3 in an entertaining game with Rochdalians.
The top game in division one was a real thriller as runaway leaders Waterloo, still unbeaten, shared eight goals with Trafford United who now have the runners-up berth firmly in their sights.
Parrs Wood Celtic were scratching their heads after failing to score against Bury Ams and they were made to regret their scorning of numerous chances as Bury scored the only goal of the game.
Chorltonians kept up their good run of form winning their local derby with Didsbury as strikes from Pat Davin (two) and Orin Moore gave them a 3-1 victory.
The big game in division two saw Hooley Bridge Celtic continue to claw back the big lead of Chorltonians seconds with a vital 4-2 win over Moston United.
Plenty of goals at Swinton as their game with AFC Oldham ended at 4-4 to keep Swinton in third place in the table.
Jordan Harper bagged a brace for South Manchester seconds as they beat Mellor seconds 2-1 and the other game saw Newton seconds climb from the foot of the table as they enjoyed a rare 3-1 win over Spurley Hey.
Dom Doyle kept up their league and cup treble hopes but were taken all the way by Manchester Polonia before scoring the only goal of a very tight game.
Their main title rivals Irlam Tigers were held to a 3-3 draw at Heaton Mersey and had to battle back from 2-1 down with Warren Dawkins and Andrew Ravenscroft on the mark for Mersey.
The points were also shared in the other game in the division which ended deadlocked at 1-1
Rangers proved too hot to handle as the prolific Brad Sixsmith netted a hattrick with Kelly adding the fourth
between Santos Dukinfield Athletic.
There was plenty of action in division A and an excellent game between title rivals Stoconians seconds and Signol Athletic second was won by Stocs by 1-0 to take them to the top of the table and inflict a first defeat of the season for Signol. There were emphatic wins for Aldermere by 4-0 over Moorside and Rangers seconds and Chadderton Park by 5-0 over Hargreaves Bury.
The basement battle between AFC Oldham seconds and Moston Brook thirds had Brook keeping a rare clean sheet with a 2-0 win.
Salford Vics seconds put a big marker on their division B title ambitions with a ruthless 7-1 win at Rochdale Galaxy to move three points clear of noplaying Milton seconds.
Chorltonians Villa were on fire in a big 8-3 win at Trafford United seconds as Aaron Rodger (three), Lee Cawood (two), Obi Alozie, Josh Bull and Obi Ezeh netted.
It was much closer at Bury Ams seconds as they lost by the odd goal in five hosting Hillgate.
In division C two teams went nap as Parrs Wood Celtic beat Didsbury seconds 5-0 in their local derby and Old Stretfordians seconds won 5-1 at Stoconians thirds.
Chorltonians Athletic made it another good day for the club as Luke Vaughan (two), Anthony Haddock and Matty Kulik provided the goals in a 4-3 win over Manchester Rovers.
The top two teams in division C played a vital match with Stoconians fourths winning 2-1 at leaders Staly Lions to close the gap at the top to five points with three games in hand.
There were 5-2 victories for Bury Ams thirds over Chadderton Park seconds and AFC Stockport over Whalley Range seconds.
Old Strets thirds beat Moston Brook fourths 2-o and Oli Williams rescued a point for Chorltonians Albion with a double in a 2-2 derby deadlock at Didsbury thirds.
The historic and prestigious Lancashire and Cheshire League, now in its 110th season and one of the biggest Saturday afternoon league in the country, changed its constitution at a recent EGM to give teams from clubs in higher leagues the opportunity to join the league next season.
L and C secretary Brian Davies said: “We invite clubs from higher leagues in the FA pyramid to apply to enter some of their lower teams into our eight divisions next season.
“We also look to give younger players a transition opportunity to move from junior football into open age as we accommodate all ages and levels of ability in our divisions and promote good quality football on Saturdays with excellent organisation.
“The league is always striving to improve standards both on and off the pitch and feel that this new ruling will help us to continue with our aims.
“To find out more details contact me on email secretary@landc. org.uk or tel 07976 471530.”