Rochdalians fall at Cup semi-final hurdle
WEST Didsbury and Chorlton Fc were once more superb hosts for a league cup final as they provided an excellent pitch and a warm welcome and excellent hospitality for the Hellawell Shield final featuring teams from divisions B and C who have played group stages and then a knock out to reach finals day.
In the action were division C leaders Sublime Athletic and close rivals Bury Ams A.
It was a good physical game played by both sides.
Bury’s first goal was scored by left back Jamael Erving with a shot from just outside the box. Sublime Keeper Tony Fearon just got finger tips to it but couldn’t stop it.
Bury’s second goal - a good bit of play into the right side of the box producing a cross which the defender misplayed leading to an own goal just before half time.
Sublime kept up the pressure early in the second half with a number of chances carved out by Nathan Quinlan.
Bury’s Jamael Erving proved his defensive worth clearing one off the line and he was also involved with an high looping free kick leading to Bury’s third.
A superb free kick from Sublime’s Nathan Quinlan beat the Bury keeper but not the post.
Sublime got a goal back five minutes from time with Reme Clifton beating the defender to cross for Alfie Leonard to score.
Sublime pushed all the way but couldn’t break though. Bury were worthy 3-1 winners in game solidly refereed by Martin Flynn and his team.
The other cup action was in the Whitehead Cup semi-final which saw Trafford United march into the final with a 4-0 win over Rochdalians take them into the final against Didsbury FC at Prestwich Heys FC next week.
Trafford put on a great first-half display to lead 3-0 at the break and kept a clean sheet after that to book their final slot.
League action saw a limited number of games mainly due to the time of the season but there were plenty of goals and games involving title races in various divisions.
In the Premier division AFC Monton pulled off a 3-2 win at Sale Ams in a lively mid-table encounter.
The main game in division one was at Bedians as they took on Rushford Park on a superb playing surface which was a great credit to the hosts.
Both teams played some excellent football in good spirit and it was locked at 2-2 going into the last 20 minutes.
Then Bedians stepped up a gear to score three times for a 5-2 win which takes them to the top of the table two points clear of Hazel Grove who can take top spot if they win their final game of the season against Rushford Park this coming Saturday
Rushford lost out 4-2 to Bury Ams in midweek to take Bury into fourth place on goal difference to Moston Brook reserves who won a tight game by 3-2 over Mellor.
Salford Vics reserves moved into second place in division two as they travelled to FC Babylon and goals from Montell Clarke (three) and Clayton Gorman gave them a 4-1 win in very good game well refereed by Logan Smith.
The other game saw Abacus Media reserves win 4-1 at Richmond Rovers.
With division three leaders Jlingz having their game postponed AFC Stockport took advantage to move into top spot with a comfortable 4-1 derby win at Hillgate.
On target for Stockport were Joe Eaton, Hilton Gomes, Jordan Conway and Kalem Booth to set up an exciting last day to decide the champions.
The other game at South Manchester was an all action nine goal thriller with visitors Stoconians just edging victory by 5-4.
It’s also down to the wire in division A between leaders Mellor Reserves and Didsbury FC.
Didsbury eased to a 4-1 win over Rochdalians in midweek to stay a point behind Mellor with a game in hand.
The other games in the division saw Moston Brook thirds win 2-1 at Trafford United reserves and a basement battle was won by Spurley Hey reserves by 2-1 over AFC Oldham.
With the division B title already won by Timperley Villa by a point from Stockport Warriors there was just one game played and it was a ding dong thriller as Prestwich
Marauders hosted AFC Oldham reserves.
Marauders got off to a flier netting twice in the first five minutes but AFC Oldham showed their mettle as they battled back before losing out by the odd goal in nine to lift them off the bottom spot.
It was much busier in division C and a big 7-1 win for Irlam Steel Rangers Development over Stafford Argyle confirmed that Argyle cannot win the title.
Steel were also hot in midweek with a big 8-0 win over Stoconians reserves as well as a 3-1 win over Didsbury reserves.
Bury Ams A can still overtake leaders Sublime Athletic after a 4-1 win at Saddleworth 3D reserves sees them needing to win their final three games.