Welcome return to action as Mellor show their title intent

The league were delighted to return to competitive action in bright sunshine following snow and heavy rain on the previous day threatening to cause mass postponements.

The top game of the day saw Premier division leaders Mello hosting reigning champions Rochdalians in an excellent encounter well refereed by Craig Woodhead.

Mellor had a 100 per cent record going into the match and soon settled their nerves with a 20-yard volley from Jack Stringer being quickly followed by a cool penalty from the ageless Dave Whelan taking them to an early 2-0 lead.

It was even-steven for the rest of the first half but the young, pacy Mellor attack always looked dangerous with the Rochdalians keeper making some outstanding saves.

Mellor soon took the match under their control after the break as they doubled their lead with a free kick from Cameron Coup and a penalty converted by Joe Dalby.

Jack Stringer added his second and Louis Isaacs made it 6-0 before Rochdalians bagged a deserved late consolation goal to end an excellent game.

The victory took Mellor four points clear at the top with a game in hand as second-placed Salford Vics lost out 4-2 at Irlam Tigers and AFC Oldham moved into third spot with a 3-1 derby win at Radclyffe..

The other games in the division saw Dom Doyle beat South Manchester 3-1 to move level with them in mid-table and there was a welcome second win of the season for Manchester Polonia at Milton.

It’s much closer at the top of division one with three teams locked on 13 points and De La Salle Reds are the new leaders after winning their tight top game with Moston Brook as they scored to only goal of an occasionally feisty game well controlled by referee John Melia to draw level with non-playing Stretford Paddock.

Bury Ams missed a chance to join the top three as they were held by Didsbury in an entertaining 4-4 deadlock.

The closeness in the division was reflected in the other two games with Urmston Town winning 3-2 at Dukinfield Athletic and Trafford United and Signol Athletic shared four goals.

Old Stretfordians and Signol JFC are flying high at the top of division two with Signol posting a big 8-2 win over South Manchester seconds to stay a point behind Strets who were also impressive in a 5-2 win over Chadderton Cott.

Bedians looked good in a 4-2 win over Shaw Athletic and the other games saw Oldham Vics beat Mellor reserves 1-0 and Santos were delighted with their first win of the season by 3-1 at Salford Vics reserves.

Division three is also enjoying a thrilling season with three teams locked on 15 points led by Sale Amateurs who were out of league action winning their Altrincham FA cup match against their own second team by 4-1 to gain club bragging rights.

Hattersley joined them at the top after a close 3-2 win at Elton Lib Hargreaves along with non-playing Aldermere.

Viilage Manchester are poised behind the top three after a good team performance saw them beat Woodhouses by 3-0.

A great team goal was finished superbly by George Mourdoukoutas to have Village ahead at the break and Matt Hodgson doubled the lead on 55 minutes with a late goal sealing a comfortable victory.

Wythenshawe Wanderers are also well placed at a 3-1 win over Abacus Media reserves.

Hooley Bridge Celtic were able to celebrate their second win of the season by 2-1 at Didsbury reserves and Stretford Paddock reserves were in seventh heaven with a resounding 7-2 win at Stoconians reserves.

There was nothing to separate the top two in division A as AFC Stockport and Kartel drew 1-1 to stay level on 14 points and move four points clear as Moston Brook reserves were beaten 3-1 by Mellor thirds.

AFC Oldham reserves drew level with Brook after winning 2-1 in a close encounter with Parrs Wood Celtic and the tight nature of the division was reflected in a 2-2 draw between Chadderton Park and Trafford United reserves.

Aldermere reserves saw their big lead at the top of division B reduced to four points  as they were beaten by Irlam Tiger Rangers  3-2 giving the chance to local rivals Flixton JFC to close the gap with an efficient 2-0 win over Chadderton Cott reserves.

Also in the chasing pack are Salford Albion with a big 6-0 win over Bury Ams reserves and Moston Brook thirds who beat Spurley by the odd goal in three.

Heaton Mersey won their local derby by 4-2 over Hillgate and the other game in the division had AFC Oldham thirds and Dukinfield Athletic reserves sharing four goals.

Just a point separates the top three in division C with AFC Stockport Warriors moving into top spot on goal difference from non-playing Salford Storm reserves with a big 6-1 win at Oldham Vics reserves and a confident 4-0 win by Bury Ams thirds at Govan Athletic keeps them a point behind the top two.

There was also a six-hit for Stoconians thirds over Staly Lions and Altrincham Hale shared two goals with Didsbury thirds.

Irlam Tigers A team made it a great day for the club as a 4-2 win over Deans reserves keeps them a point clear at the top of division D from Urmston Town Vale who had to work hard for a 3-2 win over Whalley Range reserves.

Spurley Hey’s new reserve team were the top scorers in the league on the day with a 9-1 thumping of Chadderton Park reserves and also in the goals were Moston Brook fourths by 5-2 over Stoconians fourths.

Greater Manchester suffered their first defeat of the season by 4-1 over Shaw Athletic reserves who were boosted by an early strike from Owen Shaughnessy.

The L and C and Manchester FA are both thrilled to hear the fantastic news that Chadderton Park Sports Club have scooped up a silver award on the international stage!

The club currently field two teams in the L and C and have many other teams at different age levels and genders...

Sarah Cummings for the Manchester FA said: “Chadderton Park was nominated for the 'Best Grassroots Club 2020' at the annual UEFA Grassroots Awards, Chadderton Park came in a close second pipped by Frederiksberg Boldklub from Denmark. 

“It is an incredible club that has seen success at our local Manchester FA awards, national recognition as The FA's National Grassroots Club of the Year in 2019 and now on the international stage is great to hear. 

“A huge congratulation to everyone involved in Chadderton Park Sports Club and we look forward to seeing what is next!

“UEFA launched the annual Grassroots Awards in 2010 to reward excellence and shine a light on some of European football's unsung heroes.
“Each of our 55 national associations are invited to nominate candidates each year, with award winners then selected by UEFA's Executive Committee, following recommendations made by the organisation's Grassroots Panel bureau and Development and Technical Assistance Committee.”