Dalians edge thriller for semi-final spot
STORM Kathleen brought some unusual and often difficult conditions in a day of exciting action in league and cup competitions.
The blue riband Rhodes Cup for teams in the Premier and division one saw two teams go through to the semi-finals after two tense and topsy turvy tussles.
Premier division champions Moston Brook took another step along the way to an historic trophy treble after a tough game at Irlam Steel Rangers. It ended 1-1 after full-time and Brook won the penalty shoot-out 4-2 to book a semi-final clash against Bedians.
Brook are within a handful of points of retaining the Premier division title as well as making it through to the
NWICL Cup final so the treble is in their own hands.
Joining them in the semi-finals at Hattersley who also had to work hard for a 3-2 win over division one Rushford Park who showed great team quality throughout an excellent game.
Hattersley now meet Sale Ams in the other semi-final.
In the Wray Cup semi-final there was another great game between Salford Vics reserves from division two and AFC Stockport from division three.
It was spoiled by the wind blowing diagonally across the pitch, the scoring was opened for Vics after eight minutes by Montel Clarke, who turned the defence and slide the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
Montel had three one
on ones in the first half with the keeper making
three great saves.
AFC Stockport equalised before half time then Vics regained the lead after 70 minutes when Chris Duff headed in from a corner.
AFC Stockport equalised on 80 minutes with both teams going for it in the last 10 minutes with chances at both ends, but the game went to the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Both ‘keepers saved a penalty, but AFC’S fifth penalty taker hit the cross bar and then Keir Jones calmly slotted his penalty in to put Vics through 4-3.
They await the winners of the other semi-final between Dukinfield Athletic and FC Babylon.
In the Whitehead Cup for teams in divisions A and B there another cliff-hanger as Rochdalians made it through to the semi-finals and a clash with Trafford United reserves after
winning by the odd goal in nine against AFC Stockport Warriors.
In the Hellawell Shield for teams in divisions B and C Sublime Athletic booked their final slot against Bury Ams A with solid defending seeing them home by 2-0 over Milnrow Firgrovia.
League action saw the first championship decider as Timperley Villa won 2-0 at Moston Brook fourths to take the division B title and be presented with their trophy and medals by League President Brian Davies at the end of the game.
The game was much affected by the strong wind, but there were some spells of good passing football by both sides.
Timperley took an early lead on 10 minutes through Leo Gatrell with a far post header.
Then there was 70 minutes of equal threats on goal and stout defending.
Moston Brook came close to equalising in the second half but Villa sealed the win with 10 minutes to go with an excellent strike by Callum Blades.
There was limited league action in the other divisions with Village Manchester and North Walkden reserves sharing the spoils at 3-3 in division one.
Richmond Rovers moved nearer to midtable security in division two with a 2-0 win over Spurley Hey.
In division three the leaders Jlingz moved a step nearer to the title as they were too hot for Saddleworth 3D to handle in a big 9-1 cruise.
In the same division Hillgate were also on form in a 4-0 win hosting Badger Casuals.
Division A was busy with three games and the two-horse title race continued with both contenders in hot form.
Leaders Mellor seconds eased to a 5-2 win at Altrincham Hale and Didsbury FC showed their title intent with a big 11-1 win over Spurley Hey reserves which leaves them five points behind Mellor with three games in hand.
Moston Brook thirds were also in the goal fest as they beat Bury Ams reserves 5-1.
There were also three games in division C and again plenty of goals.
Looking to catch leaders Sublime Athletic with games in hand are Bury Ams A who won 3-0 at Richmond Rovers reserves and Stafford Argyle with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Didsbury reserves.
At the other end of the table Stoconians reserves enjoyed a 5-1 win over Saddleworth 3D reserves.