With four teams taking an early exit from the North West Inter League Cup Trafford reserves got the L and C back on track with an excellent performance hosting Milltown from the LAL.
They were able to play on the main pitch at Trafford FC and the Trafford team were escorted on to the pitch by mascots from their junior teams.
They kept up the good work with an early strike from Rob Watson with a far-post tap-in.
This was quickly followed by another neat effort from Josh Tobe and Trafford took total control as Watson completed his hat-trick before the break and they breezed into round two with two more second-half goals.
Also making their mark were Hazel Grove with a 5-2 cruise at Radcliffe Boys, Chadderton Cott 4-1 over Old Boltonians and AFC Monton with a thrilling 3-2 win at Bury GSOB.
Another epic encounter at Halshaw Moor against Rushford Park ended at 5-5 with Rushford winning the penalty shoot-out 6-5.
Another dramatic penalty shoot out after a 1-1 draw saw Moston Brook seconds lose out 6-5 to Ashtonians.
Also going out were Bollington United 4-2 hosting Chaddertonians, Abacus Media 4-2 in their local derby at Rochdale St Clements, Bedians by 4-0 to Burnley United, Bury Ams 2-0 to Oldham Hulmeians and AFC Stockport 6-2 at Whitworth Valley.
One remaining game between Sale Ams and Burnley Belvedere will be played this coming weekend.
There was normal league action in the lower divisions and there were three very close encounters in Division Two and Rochdalians moved above non-playing Santos to top the table with a hard-earned 2-1 win at a gritty Old StretsGregs.
Rochdalians led 2-0 at the break but OSG showed their battling spirit after the break to keep the game wide open to the final whistle.
Referee Roger Clegg gave deserving praise to OSG for their warm and friendly welcome and their efforts on the pitch.
The other games both ended with 2-2 deadlock between Didsbury and Stretford Paddock Ams and Tintwistle Athletic reserves and Konger FC.
Plenty of goals in a lively Division Three programme and runaway leaders Manchester Rovers moved a massive 11 points clear at the top with an efficient 3-1 win over a spirited Timperley Villa.
Saddleworth 3D stay in fourth place with a clinical 4-0 win at Altrincham Hale thirds and level on points with Broadheath Central who won their local derby with Trafford United reserves 4-2.
Heywood St James reserves were too hot for OSG reserves to handle as they cruised to 5-1 win and in the other game AFC Stockport Warriors won by the odd goal in five at Village Manchester reserves.
Division A also had plenty of goals led by Waterhead who extended their lead at the top of the division two to five points with an impressive 7-0 derby win at AFC Oldham.
Didsbury reserves knocked back second –placed Moston Brook thirds hopes of keeping pace with Waterhead beating Brook 2-1.
Manchester Saints Athletic were in hot form with a 6-2 win at Fittonhill All-Stars and keeping an immaculate clean sheet in a 3-0 win were Stafford Argyle over Salford United and the other game saw Milnrow Juniors Firgrovia share four goals with Prestwich Marauders.
Division B leaders Signol Athletic extended their lead to six points over non-playing AFC Stockport Titans with a 3-1 win at Bury Ams B.
Third-placed Rushford Park Reserves played hosts to Santos U23 and shared six goals.
The hosts took the lead with an early goal before Santos replied with an equaliser from a Jackson Fulton penalty. Later in the half Fulton’s second strike and another from Zakiullah Azizi put the visiting team in control at the interval.
Rushford Park got themselves back in the game with a penalty and five minutes from time scored the equaliser.
No problems for Stoconians reserves ina 5-2 win over AFC Oldham reserves.
Action from Trafford Reserves v Milltown (Trafford in all white), Old StretsGregs v Rochdalians (OSG in red and black), Manchester Rovers v Timperley Villa (Rovers in green), Village Manchester reserves v AFC Stockport Warriors (Village in all light blue)