Shoot-out sees Mellor into final
THERE was a very limited programme of cup and league matches due to teams being given the opportunity to have an Easter break.
But there was plenty of drama at Wright Robinson College as it provided an excellent stage for the Wray Cup semi-final between cup holders Mellor seconds and league new boys Irlam Tigers.
The Tigers have suffered a dip in form in recent games and this continued as two goals in two minutes just before the break from Sam Dobbins and James Langshaw took Mellor to a 2-0 lead.
But was reduced on 46 minutes as the Tigers roared back into the game with a clinical free kick from Jordan Byrne.
Now, with their tails up, the Tigers were level on 62 minutes as a speculative shot from Michael Byrne eluded the Mellor defence.
There were chances at both ends that were not converted to take the tie into a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Both teams kept their nerve missing just one apiece until the Tigers keeper saved the tenth effort by Mellor and they took full advantage with a cool finish to book their final slot.
They will play the winners of the Dom Doyle v Newton Heath seconds in the final at the excellent venue of West Didsbury and Chorlton FC on May 3.
West Didsbury and Chorlton will also host the Hellawell Shield final between AFC Oldham thirds and AFC Stockport on April 26.
The Peak Business Solutions Whitehead Cup will be played at West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC on April 30 when Village Manchester and Hargreaves Bury are lboth ooking to enjoy their first L and C final.
League action in the Premier division saw a close contest at Newton with visitors Rochdalians winning by the odd goal in seven to keep their hosts hovering just above the relegation slots.
Just one game in division one saw leaders Waterloo extend their lead at the top to eight points with two games in hand over Old Stretfordians as they beat basement team Oldham Vics, who put on a spirited display, by 6-2.
Division three leaders Dom Doyle suffered only their second defeat of the season as they went down 4-3 at Rochdalians seconds. They lead Irlam Tigers by a single point but still have two vital games in hand.
Signol Athletic seconds have topped Division A for most of the season and they got back into top spot with a gritty 2-0 win at Abacus Media seconds.
They lead local rivals Stoconians seconds on goal difference with Stocs having a game in hand.
The other game in the division was a local derby at Chadderton Park who went down 3-2 to AFC Oldham seconds.
Salford Vics seconds were without a game but retained their three-point lead in division B as second-placed Milton seconds went down 3-2 to the young Signol Athletic thirds who continue to develop as a very promising unit.
Division C was the busiest of the day and AFC Oldham thirds were on fire as they celebrated their Hellawell Shield success and romped to a 9-2 win over Manchester Rovers and moved to a point behind leaders Deans FC with a game in hand.
It was much closer in the other two games as Didsbury seconds won their local derby against Parrs Wood Celtic seconds 3-2 and Chorltonians Athletic shared two goals with visitors Radclyffe FC.
Chorltonians Albion dented the division D title hopes of Staly Lions as they edged a 2-1 win in a tight game.
Lions are still five points clear of Stoconians fourths but Stocs have four games in hand.
The other game in the division produced an emphatic 5-2 win for Didsbury thirds hosting Trafford United thirds.
The historic and prestigious Peak Solutions 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.”