High Lane hanging on after Nomads hit back
IT was back into full action with players and clubs enjoying the benefits of a week of good weather to enjoy some great games in all divisions.
There was one outside cup competition the North East Cheshire Cup (fomerly the Stockport Senior Cup) featuring two L and C teams with division one leaders High Lane hosting Cheadle Heath Nomads reserves in the North West Cheshire Cup on the excellent surface at Scholes Fields, Gatley.
Lane enjoyed a great first half to lead 3-1 at the break with strikes from Tom Stott (two) and George Noon.
The young Nomads team came out with all guns blazing to dominate play but were unable to convert plenty of chances.
High Lane made them regret this as a rare attack brought them a penalty gratefully converted by George Noon to put them in command.
But Nomads were not to be brushed aside as they kept up their momentum to score twice and had High Lane hanging on to a slender lead with some last-ditch defending and good goalkeeping seeing them through to the next round.
There was the same 4-3 score-line in the other tie but it went in favour of Dukinfield Town who won at a gallant Spurley Hey.
Plenty of vital close games at the top of the Premier division with leaders Hattersley keeping three points clear but they were taken all the way by a lively Old Stretfordians before winning 3-2.
The other big game featured the next two teams in the division and Moston Brook stay in second place with gritty 2-1 win over long-time leaders Shaw Athletic
The other games saw inform Salford Vics prove to be too hot to handle Stretford Paddock in a 5-0 cruise and Milton won their local mid-table battle with Abacus Media by 4-1.
With division one leaders High Lane in cup action it gave the hunting pack a chance to close the gap at the top and they all took advantage.
Sale Amateurs had a comfortable 5-2 win at Salford Albion to close the gap to a point with a game in hand and Bedians scored the only goal of their game at Bury Ams to keep just a point behind Sale.
Chadderton Park have plenty of games in hand over the top three and a hard-earned win at Manchester Polonia retained their unbeaten record and firmly in the mix.
Village Manchester kept an immaculate clean sheet in a 3-0 win over
Stoconians to stay in the chase.
Mellor found their shooting boots in the other game as they hosted Elton Lib Hargreaves to win 6-1.
The hot game in division two was between the top two teams and Moston Brook reserves extended their lead to six points over Trafford United after edging 3-2 win over their closest rivals.
Kartel Sports are in third place on goal difference over two other teams as they were in seventh heaven after a 7-1 defeat of Abacus Media reserves.
R-Kix FC were equally emphatic with a 6-1 win at South Manchester which draws them level with North Walkden reserves who shared six goals with Hooley Bridge Celtic.
Plenty of thrills and spills at Salford Vics reserves in a 6-4 victory over Poynton JFC and the other game had Aldermere beating Didsbury 3-1.
Non playing Dukinfield Athletic stay in total control of division three as they stay ten points clear of local rivals Staly Lions whose game against Heaton Mersey was abandoned.
Santos are three points behind the Lions as they kept up their hot scoring streak at Mellor reserves with a 7-1 win
First half goals were scored by Ben Marshall (two) Mike Patterson and
Tim Gallagher. Patterson scored a second and David Clegg also netted before Marshall completed his hat trick. Mellor scored a consolation goal with the last kick off the game.
Saddleworth 3D are also in good form and they made it eight wins from their last ten games with a 4-2 win over Whalley Range.
3D were not at their fluent best as Range had the better of a goalless first half but they upped the tempo after the break to stay fourth place ahead of Badger Casuals who won a tight contest with Old Strets reserves by 2-1.
It was also close in a 2-2 deadlock between Milton reserves and Moston Brook thirds
The other games in the division saw Bury Ams reserves beat AFC Oldham reserves 4-1 and AFC Stockport won 4-2 at Woodhouses.
Division A leaders Milltown extended their lead as a big win over Moston Brook fourths moved them six points clear of Hillgate who were held 2-2 by by Manchester Rovers.
Spurley Hey reserves are in third place after an emphatic 5-2 win at Flixton JFC, one clear of Altrincham Hale who score d the only goal of their game with Village Manchester reserves.
The other two games saw Milnrow Firgrovia draw 2-2 with Trafford
United reserves and Staly Lions reserves beat Oldham Saints 6-3.
The top two teams in division B were unstoppable with double-figure wins.
Mellor thirds stay on top by seven points after beating Stoconians and Signol Athletic were equally ruthless hosting
Poynton JFC reserves.
At the other end of the table a six-pointer saw Saddleworth 3D reserves celebrating long and hard after coming back to win 2-1 at Didsbury reserves.
There was another nerve-jangle at Barrhill Lads who went down 4-3 to Timperley Villa.
Broadheath Athletic had less problems in a 3-0 win over AFC Oldham thirds and the final game produced a 3-1 win for Salford |Vics Development at Village Manchester thirds.
Next week sees and exciting start to the domestic cup season with a full programme in all three competitions.