Dalians find form for Cup progress
DESPITE some awful weather and Covid problems causing some late disruption to a full programme of County Cup and league fixtures great efforts by club and league officials provided plenty of lively soccer action.
The Lancashire Amateur Cup saw Rochdalians and Moston Brook progress into the next stage with convincing wins.
Brook have enjoyed a fine season in the Premier division this season and they maintained their momentum with a comfortable 5-2 win at Collegiate OB.
Rochdalians have struggled in the early part of the season and only had their first league win of the season last week.
But they enjoyed a pleasing 3-0 win hosting Darwen FC reserves and the long-awaited return of their former star Ogumyode was marked by his rocket of a shot to seal the win with their third goal.
There was no joy for last season’s Lancashire Amateur Cup finalists Milton as they lost to the only goal of their game with UOB Bolton Borough.
In the Manchester Amateur Cup it was mainly good news for the L and C teams with wins for Chadderton Cott by 2-1 over Wythenshawe Wanderers, Shaw Athletic by 9-2 at Eccles United reserves, Irlam Tigers by 4-1 over Village Manchester, Baguley Athleic by 4-0 over AFC Monton reserves with a strike from Lee Henley setting them off to a comfortable win, Eccles United by 2-1 over Failsworth Dynamoes reserves, Salford Storm by 1-0 over Boothstown and finally Irlam Tigers A who won a penalty shoot-out by 3-1 over Moorside Rangers reserves after a 1-1 deadlock.
Going out were Stretford Paddock reserves who lost 3-1 at AFC Middleton and Elton Lib Hargreaves in a 4-3 thriller at AFC Monton.
In the Altrincham and District Cup Old Stretfordians made smooth progress with a comfortable 3-0 win at Broadheath Central.
The top game in the Premier division saw a closely contested local derby at Salford Vics who took on high-flying De La Salle.
Early strikes for Vics from Cameron Woodhouse and Sam Birkett gave them a 2-0 lead but De La Salle levelled before the break and added the winner in the second half with the vital goals coming from Theo Barr (two) and Charlie Hilton.
Stretford Paddock stay three points clear at the top after an efficient 6-1 win over North Walkden.
Abacus Media warmed up for their upcoming Manchester Challenge Trophy semi-final at Denton Town with a big win at AFC Oldham.
Just one league match played in division one and Signol Athletic stay in touch with leaders Chadderton Cott with a 7-1 cruise Walkden reserves who in division C led by tableUnited. won 9-0 at Milnrow Firtopping Dukinfield Ath
There were no league grovia. letic who beat thirdgames in division two due Kartel stay on the heels placed Govan Athletic to cup commitments. of the leading pack after a Development by 7-1 with
In division three there 3-3 draw at Milton some clinical finishing. were convincing wins for reserves. Salford Storm reserves the top two with leaders It was also close at Trafwent one better in a big AFC Stockport winning ford United reserves who 8-0 win at Stoconians 5-2 at Abacus Media conceded the only goal of reserves but Staly Lions reserves. their game with Stretford topped them all with a 9-1
Chadderton Park won Paddock reserves and Salwin over Stockport Warritheir local derby ors.withfordvicsreserveswon3-2 Woodhouses by 3-1 to stay at Moston Brook reserves. Urmston Town Vale had four points behind the There was the upset of a much closer game leaders, with two vital the season in division B as before winning by the odd games in hand. 100 per cent leaders goal in five against Mellor
Hooley Bridge Celtic Aldermere reserves lost reserves. ended a recent poor run of out 2-1 at second-placed Just two games in diviform with a tight 3-2 win Greater Manchester sion D with Milltown over Stoconians. reserves but they are still reserves too hot to handle
Plenty of league action 11 points clear at the top. as they beat Altrincham in division A and new Heaton Mersey are havHale reserves by 8-3. boys Woodsend Athletic ing an enjoyable season The other game saw stay on top after a hardand they are in third place Bury Ams thirds win 3-2 at earned 2-1 win over as they scored the only Salford Vics Development Greater Manchester. goal of their local derby at to move level on points
Just a point behind on Hillgate. with second-placed Whallevel games are North There were goals galore ley Range. over
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The comment sent to the league by Phil from Bury Ams showed what football is about at this level appreciating the hard work involved on what was a very difficult day.
Phil said: “Just a very quick note to let you know about a hugely enjoyable game of football (despite the weather) that was played out today.
“Little bother, great football at times and a fabulous advert for the quality of football on offer in Division D.
“Thanks to Steve Howard for refereeing and I’m glad it was enjoyable Mr Howard !
“A massive thanks to you all for all you do to facilitate football for young and old alike.
“Chris Carney’s young lads today were a credit to him and Salford Vics.”