AFC Oldham give it their all in Division Two thriller

The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League programme was decimated by heavy rain, waterlogged pitches and floods at the weekend.

However, there was some relief being found on 3G pitches.

It was a hot day in the Premier Division, with two vital games bringing changes at the top of the table.

Leaders Shaw Athletic were without a game and Moston Brook took full advantage with a clinical 5-0 win at title rivals North Walkden, taking them to the top of the table on goal difference with three games in hand.

The promotion race is hotting up in Division One, with just two points separating the top three teams.

A close 2-1 win for High Lane at Manchester Polonia keeps them on top by a point.

An exciting 5-3 win at Elton Lib Hargreaves moved Sale Ams into second spot, a point behind the leaders, and one ahead of Bedians who showed their intent with a ruthless 9-0 home win over Stoconians on their excellent grass surface.

But lurking behind the top three are Chadderton Park, with an unbeaten record and loads of games in hand.

There was just one game played in Division Two, and Trafford United strengthened their second place with a 5-3 win at AFC Oldham.

The game was a great advert for the league and was enjoyed by players and the referee.

A thrilling match was played in a great spirit.

Olie Banks gave Oldham a flying start with a nifty brace, but United moved into a two goal lead.

They were pressed all the way in the later stages by a very fit AFC Oldham team.

In Division Three, Woodhouses JFC triumphed by the odd goal in five at Mellor reserves.

Meanwhile, the draws have been made for the league’s domestic knockout competitions.

The top one - the Rhodes Cup - featuring teams from the Premier Division and Division One, sees the teams aiming for the final at Hyde United at the end of the season.

The holders Moston Brook are in preliminary round action in the top tie against Irlam Steel Rangers.

Also in the preliminary round are Bedians v Salford Vics, Bury v Abacus Media, Rochdalians v Stoconians, Sale Ams v Milton, Village Manchester v Didsbury Athletic, Old Stretfordians v High Lane and AFC Boarshaw v Hattersley.

Through to round one with byes are Stretford Paddock, who will play Shaw Athletic, Elton Lib Hargreaves, Salford Albion, Chadderton Park, North Walkden, Mellor and Manchester Polonia.

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