Plastic fantastic!
AFTER the recent problems of waterlogged pitches, the arrival of snow and frost caused a full programme of outside cup and league fixtures to rely on 3G pitches to come to the rescue.
Some expert and innovative juggling of venues by fixture secretary Malc Kershaw and club officials also helped more game to be played.
There should have been a busy first round of the North East Cheshire Cup but this was reduced to just one game with Signol Athletic hosting Cheadle Heath Nomads reserves.
It proved to be a real thriller as the teams shared six goals in normal time.
The penalty shoot out saw Nomads emerge with a 5-3 win to go through to the next round.
The Premier division saw its fixtures all wiped out but there were some top games in a very competitive and busy division one.
Leaders Bedians enjoyed the excellent surface at Village Manchester and both teams showed why they are battling for promotion with some entertaining football in a game superbly managed by last season’s young referee of the season Mitch Taylor.
A lively end to the first half saw Village take a 2-1 lead into the break with goals from Dec Moran who then provided an assist for Matt Higgins with a rocket from Bedians keeping them in touch.
The second half saw both sides create chances but the only one converted came for Village for a 3-1 win.
Second-placed Bury Ams missed the chance to overtake Bedians as they lost out 5-3 hosting Trafford United.
Hazel Grove have made a great start to the season and they continued their hot form with an emphatic 7-1 win over Moston Brook reserves preserving their unbeaten record.
Most of the goals came late in the game with Ben Brooks, Jake Hamilton, Leyton Smith and Nick Brooks on target for Grove.
Grove have games in hand on the top two and it is now in their own hands to move to the top of the table.
The other game in the division saw Rushford Park climb out of the bottom two with a close 2-1 win at Salford Albion.
Division One had three games played and Dukinfield Athletic closed the gap on non-playing leaders Bollington H and L with a comfortable 6-2 victory over Hooley Bridge Celtic.
AFC Boarshaw won their relegation battle with Abacus Media reserves 4-2 to move above them on goal difference
Elton Hargreaves moved level on points in mid-table with a 3-1 win over Richmond Rovers.
Just one game played in division three and it was an intense local derby between Santos and Saddleworth 3D.
Santos won by the odd goal in three.
The visitors scored early and held out till the last play of the half when a far post header from a corner by David Clegg drew Santos level.
As the match looked to be heading for a draw Santos found the winner.
From a free kick, the ball bobbled in the Saddleworth box, before Tim Gallagher got the final touch.
Two games played in division A and leaders Mellor reserves were ruthless as they despatched AFC Oldham 11-0 to extend their lead to six points over Altrincham Hale with a game in hand.
The other game was much closer with Moston Brook thirds winning by the odd goal in three hosting Manchester Rovers.
Just one game played in division B and it was a basement battle that saw Prestwich Marauders delighted at posting their first win of the season since joining the league.
The overcame a 2-1 deficit at the interval against Moston Brook fourths to emerge with a breathless 5-4 to set up a suitable evening of celebrations they moved out of the bottom two on goal difference.
Plenty of goals in the three games played in division C led by Stafford Argyle as a 7-2 win over Richmond Rovers reserves which retained their second spot behind runaway leaders Sublime Athletic.
Fittonhill All Stars moved into fourth place with an exciting 5-2 win at Stoconians reserves.
Bury Ams thirds completed the goal fest with a 4-2 win over Village Manchester thirds to stay a point behind Stafford Argyle with a game in hand.