Lancashire and Cheshire AFL: Waterloo put nine past Wythenshawe Town in cup

Old Stretfordians v Old Ashtonians
Old Stretfordians v Old Ashtonians

It was early County Cup action for some of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL Premier Division teams in the Manchester Challenge Cup.

Waterloo showed their intent with a ruthless 9-1 win at Wythenshawe Town Development to cruise into round two.

No problems for Abacus Media who were conceded their tie by Manchester League side Govan Athletic.

A local derby at Salford Sports Village saw Boothstown cruise to a 4-0 win over Salford Vics.

High Lane have moved to the top of the Premier division after sharing the spoils in thrilling 5-5 draw with Mellor.

Hot on their heels with a game in hand are Rochdalians who had few problems in accounting for Trafford United as they strolled to a 6-1 victory.

Previous leaders Whalley Range had Tim Kinsella, Luke Scarry, Dylan Moth and Nicholas Doyle netting at Milton but in a topsy-turvy encounter newly promoted Milton ended with a 6-4 win that keeps them in joint second place with Rochdalians and Whalley Range.

Old Stretfordians are also back in the top flight and they posted their first win beating Old Ashtonians 3-1.

Strets led 1-0 at the break through Joe Mullarkey but a bizarre defensive error let in Ashtonians for an equaliser.

Strets introduced super subs Alex Ritchie and Dean Raven and it proved to be the turning point as Raven showed pace and clinical finishing to notch two late goals to secure victory.

Division One

In Division One three teams are level on points at the top of the table with Irlam Tigers leading the way after inflicting the first defeat of the season over Bury Ams with an emphatic 3-0 victory.

Joining them at the top are Dom Doyle who have a game in hand and a 100 per cent record with a comfortable 4-1 win at Moston Brook.

Parrs Wood Celtic enjoyed their first game as they cruised to a great 7-4 win in an entertaining encounter at Hooley Bridge Celtic.

Swinton were also celebrating after their first game of the season that saw them win 5-1 at Oldham Vics.

Stoconians also chalked up their first win of the season with a 4-1 victory hosting Didsbury.

Chorltonians were also first-time winners edging a 2-1 win over AFC Oldham.

Division Two

It was the first day of action in Division Two and reigning champions Chorltonians seconds showed their intent on retaining the title with a comprehensive 7-2 win at Santos.

There was a cliff-hanger at Newton as they trailed South Manchester seconds 3-2 after 85 minutes with South’s strikes coming from Jordan Harper (two) and Josh Harper only for Newton to strike back with two late goals for a 4-3 win.

There was another excellent game at Spurley Hey with victors Rochdalians seconds winning by the odd goal in nine.

Mellor seconds and Manchester Polonia shared four goals and new boys Urmston Town won 4-2 at Bedians.

The new look Whalley Range seconds opened their account with a 3-2 win at Hollingworth thanks to a hat-trick from the predatory Daniel Moran.

Division Three

In Division Three there was a superb local derby at Signol Athletic against Mellor thirds.

Mellor led 2-1 but Signol levelled before the break.

Mellor regained the lead but two late goals gave Signol the points with strikes from the outstanding Chris Carroll (three) and Josh Hooley edging them home as Sam Walker (two) and Harry Weaks netted for Mellor.

Aldermere were off to a flier with a 4-0 win over Milton seconds.

Aldermere led 3-0 at the break and although Milton gave a good account of themselves after the break the goals from James Knight-Gregson (two) Chris Dickinson and an own goal took Aldermere to the top of the table.

There were also good wins for Dukinfield Athletic by 5-2 at Heaton Mersey with the goals flowing from Karl Farrell, Paul Nield, Liam Gregory and James Stott (two) with Abacus Media seconds enjoying the same score line over Stoconians seconds,

Radclyffe were also in good form with a 3-0 win over Village Manchester while Chadderton Park and Salford Vics seconds shared four goals.

Division A

Division A also began the season with plenty of goals led by Rochdale Galaxy with a 6-1 win at Chorltonians Villa.

Moston  Brook seconds were also impressive in a 4-1 win over Signol Athletic seconds and Elton Lib Hargreaves won 4-2 at Dukinfield Athletic seconds who had consolation strikes from Chris Meredith and Callum Whalley on his debut..

New boys Flixton Juniors gave a good account of themselves before going down 4-3 at AFC Oldham seconds.

The only game without goals was at Trafford United seconds hosting new boys Unicorn Athletic who played plenty of good football but were unable to supply the vital finishing touch to some good approach play.