In the first games of the North West Inter League Cup, it was curtains for two L&C teams.
The competition pits the top 16 teams from the L&C and the LAL and it was teams from the latter who narrowly prevailed. Salford Vics and Old Blackburnians are setting an intense pace in their respective leagues and in their encounter, Vics were edged out by the odd goal in five. Sam Birkett and Luke Jones found the net for Vics, who competed admirably despite being without their first choice central midfield.
In the other game, Pro United hosted Winstanley St Aidans and the LAL side had the last laugh with a 4-2 victory.
The remaining fixtures will be completed this coming Saturday.
There was plenty of league action and the top Premier Division game saw second–placed Abacus Media inflict a first league defeat of the season on third-placed Bedians by 2-0.
Bollington United also kept an immaculate clean sheet as they maintained their recent good form with a 3-0 win over AFC Monton. The other game was a thrilling basement battle at Village Manchester who shared four goals with Bury Ams in a game superbly refereed by Nicola Mtetwa. Netting for Village were Sam Holden and Nathaniel Higgins with a late equaliser.
Just three games played in Division One and Rushford Park closed the gap on leaders Chadderton Cott to a point as they edged a 2-1 win at promotion rivals Moston Brook Reserves.
Trafford Reserves remain in the promotion race with a 4-2 win at FC Babylon and a close encounter saw Hattersley score the only goal of their game with Richmond Rovers.
It’s hot at the top of Division Two with four teams battling for the honours.
Santos stay top on goal difference in a dramatic comeback as they defeated visitors Didsbury 5-4.
Didsbury scored early and after 40 minutes were three goals up.
Santos got back into the game with two strikes just before the interval by Reece Holden and Ben Marshall.
A wonder strike on the hour by Mike Patterson gained parity before securing victory for Santos with a diving header ten minutes from time to complete a breathless encounter.
Rochdalians stay in second place after an efficient 2-0 win over Konger FC and in the other game, Old StretsGregs moved into mid-table with a comfortable 4-1 win at Hillgate.
Manchester Rovers are still in full control of Division Three and lead by eight points but they had to work hard for a 3-2 win over a gutsy Old StretsGregs Reserves.
Saddleworth 3D were the big hitters beating Broadheath Central 5-0.
Basment team AFC Stockport Warriors were delighted after a 4-1 win over Village Manchester Reserves but are still four points adrift at the foot of the table.
The other games were close contests with wins for Trafford United Reserves 3-2 in their local derby at Altrincham Hale, Heywood St James with the only goal of their game with Timperley Villa and Spurley Hey and South Manchester shared the spoils in a 2-2 deadlock.
It’s a two-horse race at the top of Division A with the top two both posting wins.
Leaders Waterhead won 3-1 at Irlam Steel Rangers and are two points clear, with four games in hand of Moston Brook Thirds who beat AFC Oldham 4-2.
Didsbury Reserves were too hot to handle as they beat Prestwich Marauders 7-0 but it was close in the other games with Manchester Saints winning 3-2 over Salford United and Bury Ams A edged a thriller at Newton Vikings 4-3.
Signol Athletic rule the roost in Division B and kept up their great form with a big win over Saddleworth 3D Reserves to extend their lead at the top to six points as second-placed AFC Stockport Titans lost out 2-1 in their local derby at Stoconians Reserves after leading 1-0 at the break.
Santos U23 beat Moston Brook Fourths by the odd goal in seven in a breathless thriller.
Early strikes by Dominic Carter and Owen Lindley were offset by a goal from the visitors just before the interval. A long-range strike by Jackson Fulton put Santos in control.
As the game entered the last five minutes Moston Brook managed two strikes to equalise, however a last-minute header by Fulton sealed the points for Santos.
The other games saw Bury Ams A go nap in a 5-0 win over Didsbury Thirds and Village Manchester Thirds were 4-0 winners hosting AFC Oldham Reserves.
Action from Pro United v Winstanley Aidans Pro United in red and black, Village v Bury Ams, (Bury in white) Village thirds v AFC Oldham reserves (AFC Oldham in orange shirts)