Back on grass for Cup and League fixtures
AWELCOME largely dry week saw grass pitches back into full action to stage a big variety of league and cup matches.
There was not much joy in County Cup competitions for L and C teams led by Hattersley’s excellent run in the Cheshire Amateur Cup at Poynton and they took a deserved early lead which they held on to until two quick strikes by the home team gave them the edge and put them though into the later stages with a 3-1 win but Hattersley can be proud of their performances in the competition.
In the North West Inter League Cup Mellor also battled well at Whitworth Valley before going down by the odd goal in five.
it was also close at Manchester Rovers as they hosted Broadheath Central in the Altrincham Senior Cup.
Rovers defended solidly until they were hit by two late goals which saw Broadheath through.
There was also plenty of domestic cup action led by a derby thriller in the Rhodes Cup at Sale Ams who were hosting Trafford United.
It ended locked at 2-2 with Sale winning the penalty shoot out.
In the final group stages of the Wray Cup there was a comfortable win for Elton Hargreaves with a 3-0 score-line against Spurley Hey.
But it was tight in the other two games as Saddleworth 3D from division three hosted division two high fliers Bollington H and L.
3D took the lead on 17 minutes from a Tommy Brown back heel after a goal mouth scramble from a Jamie Pollinger flick on
Two minutes later thay doubled their lead when Charles Worswick smashed home into the roof of the net from a rebound after a blistering free kick from Zack Barton was superbly saved by the Bollington keeper.
Bollington hit back on 34 minutes and made it 2-1 as they capitalised on some indecision in the Saddleworth ranks and finished well.
After 56 minutes 3D made it 3-1 as Zack Barton was played in by a perfect ball from Harry Beevor; the hard work still to be done, but Zack made it look easy as he passed three players on the edge of the box before sliding the ball into the bottom corner.
After 89 minutes it was3-2 as a long throw-in by Bollington was headed home to make it an interesting six minutes of injury time before 3D secured a great win.
The other close contest saw Richmond Rovers work hard for a 2-1 win over AFC Boarshaw after Liam Dryden had given Richmond an early lead.
In the Whitehead Cup of sudden death another hot local derby saw Trafford United reserves and Broadheath Central thirds go to a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 deadlock and United kept their nerve to win the shoot-out 4-3.
It was also the final group game in the Hellawell Shield for teams in divisions B and C with Didsbury reserves and Prestwich Marauders sharing the spoils in a 1-1 deadlock.
League action was limited but a vital game at Premier division champions Moston Brook saw them move a big step further to retaining the title with a crucial 4-1 win over old rivals Irlam Steel Rangers
Rangers took an early lead with a superb strike from Lewis Cartwright before Brook levelled through Matt Wilson to set them on the winning trail.
In division one Hazel Grove moved within one win of securing the title with a clinical 5-0 win at Salford Albion.
Bedians stay six points behind Grove after a 3-1 win at third-placed Bury Ams.
The other game in the division saw Moston Brook reserves show their recovery powers after trailing by 3-0 at the break at North Walkden reserves to come back and earn a point in a 4-4 draw.
Just one game in division two and a mid-table contest saw Abacus Media reserves enjoy a 4-2 win over FC Babylon.
More action in division three with three games and AFC Stockport closed the gap on leaders JLingz to five points, with a game in hand, as they cruised to a 6-2 derby win at Stoconians.
Close in the other two games with Badger Casuals beat Old Strets reserves 2-2 and Hillgate and Dom Doyle shared eight goals in an end-to-end thriller.
In division A Mellor reserves moved five points clear of Didsbury FC, who have three games in hand, with a 3-1 win at Moston Brook thirds.
The other game put Spurley Hey reserves into a celebratory mood as they enjoyed their first win of the season by 4-2 over Altrincham Hale thirds.
Just one game in division B and it also brought great joy to Village Manchester reserves as they moved into second spot with a 7-1 romp over Barrhill.
Two games played in division C and a close 2-1 win for Stafford Argyle over Stoconians reserves moved them into second place behind runaway leaders Sublime Athletic.
The other game at Richmond Rovers reserves hosting Saddleworth 3D reserves saw 3D lift themselves out of the bottom two with a neat 3-0 win.
A strong first half by 3D gave them a 2-0 lead with a brace from Jack Windle on target from a free kick and taking advantage of a fine Kane George corner.
Victory was sealed on 65 minutes from Kyle Wynn to cap off a good afternoon’s work for 3D’s Reserves.