Grove impress in Rhodes Cup win
DOMESTIC cup action dominated an exciting day of football in the L and C with the blue riband Rhodes Cup, for teams in the Premier and division one, providing plenty of thrills.
Hazel Grove have made a big impact in their first season in the league being just a win away from securing the title in division one.
They showed great quality as they played their cup tie at Premier division leaders Moston Brook which went to the drama of a penalty shootout.
After a goalless and very even first half Brook finally broke the deadlock with sub Terry Qualters giving them the lead.
But Grove were not to be denied as they equalised from a free kick with two minutes left on the clock.
In the penalty shoot-out it was 4-4 after the first five penalties and Brook keeper Reece Reynolds saved Grove’s sixth penalty and a cool Lewis McGill stepped up to put Moston through after a great match.
The other top tie also saw top teams in the Premier and division one in opposition as Salford Vics, high in the Premier division hosted Bedians, who are enjoying a great season in division one with their young team.
Bedians showed their quality as they marched into the next round with an emphatic 5-0 victory.
Joining them in the next round are Irlam Steel Rangers who won a tight local derby by 2-1 over North Walkden and Hattersley who won by the same score at AFC Monton.
The Whitehead Cup for teams in divisions two and three produced two thrillers with Didsbury FC winning a close contest by 2-1 over Altrincham Hale and Manchester Rovers who snatched a late winner to beat a hard-working Bury Ams reserves by 4-3.
The closing group games in the Hellawell Shield for teams in divisions B and C also reached the final stages with plenty of drama.
Signol Athletic reserves went on to win a penalty shoot out by 3-1 at Prestwich Marauders after a 1-1 deadlock.
Moston Brook fourths won 3-2 at Barrhill.
It was more comfortable for Bury Ams thirds who beat Stafford Argyle 3-1.
League action was limited due to the cup matches but Sale Ams kept up their good run of form in the Premier division with a 3-1 win hosting Abacus Media.
Three games played in division one and Moston Brook reserves moved into third place on goal difference from Bury Ams with a 3-1 win over Village Manchester.
Trafford United won an excellent game at Rushford Park, which was a credit to both teams, by 3-2 and Salford Albion and Mellor shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Two games played in division two and leaders Dukinfield Athletic went down 3-2 hosting Spurley Hey.
Salford Vics reserves were on fire as they demolished Abacus Media reserves 9-3.
There was also a shock for division three leaders J Lingz who went down 3-0 at Hillgate, who are making a great recovery from a poor start in the division.
No league action in division A but in division B AFC Stockport Warriors closed the gap on leaders Timperley Villa to a point with a clinical 6-3 win over AFC Oldham reserves but Villa still have two games in hand over the Warriors.
Broadheath Central thirds scored the only goal of their game against Manchester Saints in a mid-table tussle.
In division C there were two games and Fittonhill All-Stars won their local derby with Saddleworth 3D reserves by 4-2 to gain Oldham bragging rights.
The other game had the gutsy Didsbury reserves showing their defensive qualities with a 1-0 win at Village Manchester thirds.
Midweek action featured the annual fixture between the L and C and their old rivals the LAL which began in 1921.
The teams play for the John Howard trophy and Avro FC were great hosts for the game.
The Land C paid dearly for a slow start which saw them trail 3-0.
The L and C came back well with goals from the outstanding James Green (Sale Ams) before the break and Michael Woolfe (Moston Brook) early in the second half to get it back to 3-2.
But a penalty for the LAL and another late goal saw them win the trophy by 5-2.