Shaw hit Premier Division summit

Goalmouth action from the Manchester Amateur Cup clash between Village Manchester and Chadderton Cott as the local outfit lost 2-1 in a pulsating encounter

There was good progress for some Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League teams and disappointment for others in various county cup competitions at the weekend, as well as plenty of drama in league fixtures.

Despite heavy rain during the week and a dire weather forecast (fortunately largely incorrect) and good moves by some teams to get their games on, the majority of the scheduled games were able to be played.

Going through in the Manchester Amateur Cup were Village Manchester as they beat Chadderton Cott 2-1 in a pulsating encounter thanks to clinical strikes from Alex Bernal and Lev Elvin.

Irlam Steel Rangers have had a great run in the Manchester Challenge Trophy semi-final and battled hard to end level with Chadderton reserves at full time, but narrowly lost out in the penalty shoot-out.

It’s all change at the top of the Premier Division which is now an exciting four-horse race - which may extend to five if Irlam Steel Rangers do well in their big backlog of fixtures.

Shaw Athletic have been making steady progress into the top group, and a thrilling 2-1 win over previous leaders North Walkden saw them move a point clear of North and Hattersley, who both have three games in hand, and Moston Brook in fourth spot, who have four in hand.

In Division One, the chasing pack were able to close down the big lead of non-playing Chadderton Park, with Sale Ams proving too hot to handle as they walloped Manchester Polonia 9-1 to draw level with Park.

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