The awful weather prior to and during match day virtually eliminated a full programme of domestic cup games causing planning problems for fixture secretary Malcolm Kershaw (Pictured) who quickly solved them impeccably with games set up for the next two weeks.
Only two games beat the weather and the superb 5G pitch at Openshaw College provided a great stage for the Division Two game between Stretford Paddock Ams, looking to hit top spot in the table, and Derbyshire FA Junior Cup North finalists Tintwistle Athletic reserves.
There was plenty of action at both ends of the pitch with two young teams providing plenty of skills and entertainment in an absorbing game.
Kyle Heap gave Tintwistle an early lead but Paddock hit back with strikes from Zaur Riding and Keiran Wall before Josh Bushby drew Athletic level before Paddock’s new signing Mike Taylor restored their lead just before the break.
Plenty of action again in the second half with Paddock repeating their 3-2 first half score to finish as 6-4 winners.
It moves them three points clear of close rivals Santos and Rochdalians who both have two games in hand in a tense battle.
The other game played at Salford Sports Village was in the Whitehead Cup for teams in divisions A and B.
There were few problems for Bury Ams ‘A’ as they cruised into the next round with a comfortable 4-1 win over Moston Brook fourths.
Action from Stretford Paddock Amateurs (in red and white) v Tintwistle Athletic reserves.