Athletic close in on top flight leaders

Action from the Division Three clash between Old Strets reserves and AFC Oldham reserves

Grass pitches took a big hit with the heavy rain two days prior to the busy Lancashire and Cheshire amateur football league programme at the weekend, but several clubs made sensible changes to their fixtures to enable plenty of games to be played.

The top two teams in the Premier Division were without games, and Shaw Athletic took advantage to move above Moston Brook into second spot as they scored the only goal of a hot contest with Abacus Media.

The win takes Athletic a point behind leaders North Walkden, who have three games in hand, as do Moston Brook.

Division One leaders Chadderton Park dropped their first points of the season as they shared six goals with Mellor, but they are still two points clear of High Lane with three games in hand.

In Division Three, Old Strets reserves were big hitters, beating AFC Oldham reserves 8-2.

Santos moved into third place as they beat Whalley Range 5-1.

First half goals were scored by Denzel King and Tom Barnes.

Mike Patterson scored within a minute of the second half starting, Range pulled a goal back before strikes by Liam Churchill and Reece Holden made the game safe.

The other two games in the division were close affairs with Saddleworth 3D winning 3-2 at Moston Brook thirds and Bury Ams shared four goals with Heaton Mersey who reverted to their old draw specialist role.

It’s still a two-horse race in division A with leaders Hillgate having to work hard for a 4-2 win over a much-improved Oldham Saints.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.