The first round of the Manchester Challenge Cup featured several of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL premier division clubs but they all fell by the wayside.
Moorside Rangers came closest to an upset as they took on Manchester League premier division leaders Avro and they gave a good account of themselves in a close contest before going down 2-1.
Rangers took a first-half lead through Alex Kelly and could have led by more with Kelly and Goodman both going close.
Avro levelled on 75 minutes and with a penalty shoot-out looming, tired legs saw Rangers fail to clear their lines allowing Avro to fire in a late winner.
Out went Abacus Media by 4-0 to Beechfield United, South Manchester by the same score at East Manchester, Newton by 3-1 to Boothstown and Newton Heath by 4-1 to Heyside.
Premier Division
Limited premier division action saw High Lane preserve their 100 per cent record and extend their lead at the top with a 4-2 win over Old Ashtonians.
The other game produced a first win of the season for Whalley Range, who cruised to a 6-2 win at Signol Athletic as a hat-trick from Danny Parker was backed by strikes from Syrone Allen and Paul Farrell.
Division One
Trafford Unted are setting a hot pace in division one as they followed up a 4-0 midweek win over Parrs Wood Celtic with a hot 7-0 victory at Didsbury FC.
Leading the chasing pack are Old Stretfordians with a 3-0 win at Salford Vics.
Waterloo showed their intent as they demolished Oldham Vics 10-0 and they have a game in hand on the top two.
Chorltonians were also on fire as they opened up their campaign with an emphatic 8-0 win at Stoconians with Pat Davin (three), Orin Moore (two), Hanley Moore, Mike Marshall and Ben Traynor netting.
There were closer games in the division as Parrs Wood Celtic shared four goals with Moston Brook and Milton eased to a 3-2 derby win over Bury Ams.
Division Two
The early pace in division two is being set by Chorltonians seconds, who had a comfortable 6-2 derby win over Bedians thanks to doubles from Aaron Rodger and Joe Murphy being backed by singles from Luke Gray and James Dixon.
New boys Moston United are level on points with Chorlts as they posted a 4-1 win at Swinton.
There were plenty of goals in the other games with Newton Seconds winning 4-1 at Spurley Hey and Mellor seconds scored four without reply at AFC Oldham.
Hooley Bridge Celtic led 2-0 at the break at South Manchester seconds with Ridsdale and Nuttall netting before South levelled through Lyons and Morrison.
Then Nuttall regained the lead for Celtic after South pressure and Johnny Lynch made it four with Tonner netting for South before another late strike for Celtic.
Division Three
Division three began its season featuring some new teams to the league and Denton’s Dom Doyle began brightly with a 6-1 win over fellow debutants Irlam Tigers.
There was also an impressive debut for Dukinfield Athletic, who romped to a 10-4 win over Santos.
On target for Athletic were Gary Barnes (two), Carl Farrell (three), Craig Woodhead (two), Shane Woodward, Jake Lewis and an own goal with Callum Standring (two), Dean Walker and Antony Duffy replying for Santos.
Also beginning with victories were Hooley Bridge Celtic seconds by 3-0 over Moston Brook seconds, Rochdalians seconds by 4-1 over Heaton Mersey and Hollingworth by 3-1 at Manchester Polonia.
Division A
The top game in division A saw Aldermere win by 5-4 hosting Abacus Media seconds and Moorside Rangers seconds showed their title intent with a 4-1 win at Hargreaves Bury.
Signol Athletic seconds won 3-0 at Chadderton Park and Village Manchester shared four goals with Stoconians seconds following their promotion from last season.
Division B
Division B saw Chorltonians Villa make it a good day for the club with a 3-1 win over High Lane seconds courtesy of goals from Shola Kolawole (two) and Paul Mears.
Hillgate won their local derby against Signol Athletic thirds with a comfortable 5-1 scoreline and Salford Vics seconds also went nap as they beat Trafford United seconds 5-1.
Dukinfield Athletic seconds won by the odd goal in five at Bury Ams seconds and Milton seconds won another tight game by 2-1 at Spurley Hey seconds.
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