Weekend Review: Lancashire and Cheshire AFL

The L&C AFL enjoyed a competitive second week which saw 33 fixtures completed across eight divisions, despite the postponement of 10 matches due to teams self-isolating.

Malcolm Kershaw is doing an admirable job of rearranging fixtures at short notice, and the clubs are readily assisting.

Premier Division

In what looks like a highly competitive division, Mellor Firsts were made to work by Dom Doyle, edging a seven-goal thriller 4-3 to go top after two wins from two. Salford Vics are two points back in second place after a sensational individual performance from Joe Acton, who scored five in a 6-3 win at High Lane. Ben Rhodes netted a consolation brace for the hosts.

Abacus Media’s first game at their new home of Trinity HS ended in a 1-1 draw with South Manchester, who picked up their first point of the season, while Manchester Polonia and Irlam Tiger FC also couldn’t be separated, drawing 2-2.

Division One

Stretford Paddock lead the way in Division One after a fine comeback win against a very capable and lively De La Salle, who took the lead through Rob Cooke just after the half hour. The visitors to Stretford Paddock’s first ever home fixture had chances to extend their lead but were thwarted by goalkeeper Jonny Hart, who produced a string of fine saves in a man-of-the-match performance that gave the hosts the springboard to fight back through an equaliser from Cameron Watters just before the break.

Ronaldo Brown put Paddock ahead just after the restart and after and although they had to fight hard to preserve the slender advantage, Jacob Phillips struck in injury time to secure a 3-1 win.

Hadfield Athletic are hot on their heels, and maintained their 100% start to the season after a hard-fought 4-2 win over Trafford United, secured through an own goal and strikes from Billy Greenall, Dominic Wenner and Philip Whiteman.

Newton put last week’s narrow defeat behind them with a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Signol Old Boys, while Didsbury earned their first win of the season by thrashing Urmston Town 6-2.

The high-scoring afternoon in Division One was rounded off by Bury Amateurs and Moston Brook, who couldn’t be separated in a six-goal thriller.

Division Two

Old Stretfordians’ revival after relegation continued, as they cemented their place at the top of the table by hammering Oldham Vics 7-2. Chadderton Cott hit four without reply against Signol Athletic to move second, while Stoconians marked their first game this season with a 5-2 win over Shaw Athletic.

Mellor Seconds and South Manchester seconds opened their seasons with a 1-1 draw, while Bedians went down 2-1 at home to Salford Vics reserves.

Division Three

Hooley Bridge Celtic prop up the division after their second successive heavy defeat. They were sunk 6-0 by Stoconians reserves, who moved to the summit. Didsbury reserves and Stretford Paddock reserves shared the spoils in a highly entertaining eight-goal thriller, and Village Manchester opened their account for the season with an impressive 2-1 victory at Sale Amateurs.

Another new club Hattersley triumphed 3-2 away at Wythenshawe Wanderers in their first L&C game, and in the division’s other game, substitute Thomas Orr made the decisive contribution as Elton Lib Hargreaves edged out Aldermere 1-0 to move second.

Division A

There were only two games in Division A but Stockport Sats stay top after goals from Darren Walsh and Alex Dooley consigned Old Stretfordians reserves to a 2-1 defeat. In the other game, Deans Youth picked up their first win this term, beating Moston Brook reserves 4-2.

Division B

Aldermere’s newly-formed second team are enjoying their start in Division B, winning 5-0 over Moston Brook’s third team, taking them top with no goals against. Flixton Juniors follow in second place after their big 8-1 win at Dukinfield Athletic reserves. Salford Albion’s first match was another big away win – 7-3 at Bury Amateur reserves. Spurley Hey enjoyed their trip to AFC Oldham 3rds, with a 5-1 win taking them fourth in the table. Heaton Mersey and Chadderton Cott reserves cancelled each other out in their opening fixtures with a 2-2 draw in the other game.

Division C

AFC Stockport Warriors took the derby day spoils, hammering Stoconians third team 5-1 which leaves them rooted to the foot of the table, and in the division’s other game, Salford Storm reserves deservedly defeated Govan Athletic 3-0.

Division D

Greater Manchester FC recorded the L&C’s biggest win of the weekend by hitting double figures in a 10-1 win at Stoconians fourth team to mark the start of their season in style. All but one of the fixtures ended in an away win, with comprehensive victories for Irlam Tiger A, who triumphed 6-1 at Chadderton Park reserves, and Shaw Athletic reserves, who left FC Bury Aces with a 7-3 win.

Whalley Range A were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Moston Brook fourth team, and Deans Youth reserves are top of the league after their 5-1 rout of Rochdale Galaxy.