Once more horrendous weather conditions caused a big threat to a big mix of important league and cup fixtures but fortunately a good number of them did get completed.
In the Rhodes Cup it’s getting down to the latter stages and premier division champions Rochdalians were looking for victory as they visited fellow premier division side South Manchester, who have been on a run of good form in recent weeks.
South kept up their momentum as they took the lead on 20 minutes as Matthew Joshua took advantage of a mix-up in the visitor’s defence.
It was then even-steven until midway through the second half when Nick Dowsing levelled from close range and then Nick Hands headed what looked like the winner on 88 minutes as both teams visibly tired in the heavy conditions.
But on the stroke of full time Clay Murray struck for South to take the tie into extra-time.
Both teams had their chances but again South struck late through Badou Drameh to book a home tie against Moston Brook, who won a penalty shoot out at Tintwistle Athletic after a goalless game.
Also through are Chorltonians, who put some poor league form behind them in a 5-1 win over Swinton with goals from Nick Williams (three) and Curtis Connell (two).
Parrs Wood Celtic also came through against division three opponents Cheadle Hulme Athletic, who battled well before going down by the odd goal in five.
Another close encounter between division one promotion rivals saw High Lane win a penalty shoot-out by 4-3 against Govan Athletic after the game had ended at 4-4 after extra-time.
There was key game in the premier division between leaders Mellor and second-placed Old Trafford at Gorse Hill.
OT took an early lead with a fine finish from Jason Edge but Mellor came back well to win 2-1 to keep a point clear of Abacus Media, who won 3-1 hosting Bedians.
Plenty of league action in division one as the chasing pack looked to make up ground on the high-fliers.
Salford Vics were too hot for Signol Athletic in a 9-3 romp and Moorside Rangers were also impressive in a 4-0 win at Old Stretfordians.
Strets were made to regret missing early chances as Rangers netted with Brown (two) and brothers Liam and Callum Dorrian providing the firepower.
Hooley Bridge Celtic showed their intent of climbing out of the bottom two with a 3-2 win over Newton Heath and closed the gap to two points on Burnage Metro, who lost by the same score to Milton.
There were no league games in division two and in the Wray Cup Whalley Range seconds were comfortable winners by 4-0 against Abacus Media seconds.
More cup action involving teams in division three saw Old Trafford and Gorse Hill seconds beat Eagle seconds 4-0 and in the Whitehead Cup Chorltonians Town had Seth Wyatt (two), Daryl Garwood, Jamie Fountain and Aaron Rodger netting against Burnage Metro thirds.
In division A leaders Salford Vics seconds extended their lead at the top to 11 points with a 5-2 win at Moston Brook seconds and in the Hellawell Shield Chorltonians Athletic had James Dixon (three), Jake Vail (two), Luke Vaughan, Sean Kelly and Max Steel netting in a big win over Staly Lions fourths.
Division B drew a blank but there was plenty of action in division C and loads of goals.
A mid-table league clash saw AFC Oldham thirds and Hooley Bridge Celtic thirds share ten goals and Manchester Rovers lost out 4-3 to Chorltonians Rovers who had Mike Marshall (two), Dom McLaughlin and living legend Pat Davin on target.
A basement battle saw Staly Lions thirds keep an immaculate clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Spurley Hey seconds.
Division D leaders Hillgate are now ten points clear after a comfortable 5-1 win over Staly Lions thirds and Moston Brook fourths and AFC Oldham fourths were deadlocked at 1-1 in the Hellawell Shield.
The only league game played in division E had Bury Ams fourths winning 3-1 at Burnage Metro fourths.
Pics – action from 1 South Manchester v Rochdalians (South in red), 2 Mellor v Old Trafford and Gorse Hill (Mellor in red and white stripes, 3 Chorltonians v Swinton (Chorlts in green and black)