De La Salle Aim For Double Delight

De La Salle Reds are the new L and C champions after a decisive 5-0 win over Abacus Media in their final game of the season.

They went into the game knowing that only victory would see them overtake Moston Brook who had a massive goal difference advantage and they did it in style.

They now face Moston Brook in the Rhodes Cup final, taking place at Hyde United on May 7, 2.30pm kick-off, looking for a double.

Action in division one was concentrated on the Harry Jack Cup and Didsbury moved into the semi-final after winning their tie with Old Stretfordians on a 4-4 aggregate.

The first leg had seen Didsbury enjoy a 3-1 win and in a great game Strets put in a great effort to win 3-2 with strikes from Kyle O’Glesby and Simon O’Connor (two) but just ran out of steam as Didsbury hung with great defending and they will meet Signol Athletic in the semi-final.

The other game saw Bury Ams take the first step to the semi final,where Chadderton Cott await the winner, as they beat Shaw Athletic 3-2 in another tense tie.

Plenty of action in division two where midweek games saw Irlam Tiger Rangers win their local derby with Eccles United 2-1 and Sale Amateurs and Baguley Athletic drew 1-1.

Baguley and Sale played the return fixture three days later. Sale had the bare bones of 11 players and were soon reduced to ten by another injury.

Baguley took advantage with goals from Boyne and Hendley having them set for victory at 2-0.

But Sale showed terrific spirit as strikes from Asha Brady and Casim Waite-Jackson (two)took them into a remarkable 3-2 lead.

Baguley mounted the pressure as Sale tired and grabbed a point with a late equaliser.

The other games saw Irlam Tiger Rangers move clear at the top with tight 2-1 win over Stretford Paddock reserves and Newton battled hard for a point in a 1-1 deadlock with Eccles United.

There were no games in division three but the title race hotted up in division A.

Kartel Sports showed their intent as they followed up a 3-1 win over AFC Oldham Reserves with a 4-1 win over Santos, who were on a hot winning streak.

There were no goals at the break but Kartel took the lead on 46 minutes and added two more before Alex Taylor netted the Santos consolation with Kartel adding a late fourth.

Kartel are now three points behind leaders Salford Storm with a game in hand a a better goal difference.

There were goals galore in the other game with Salford Vics reserves beating Trafford United reserves 5-3.

With the title race done and dusted in division B there was some mid-table action with plenty of goals.

Spurley Hey had two games and in midweek they lost out 4-3 to Flixton JFC and this was followed by a spectacular 6-5 win over AFC Oldham thirds.

The other game was a relatively quiet affair with Hillgate beating Flixton JFC 3-1. It’s still all to play for in divison C as the top two were in action and both failed to win.

Long-time leaders Dukinfield Athletic lost out 2-1 hosting Eccles United reserves in their final game but second-placed Mellor reserves failed to take full advantage as they shared six goals with Salford Storm reserves.

Mellor are now seven points adrift of Dukinfield with three games in hand.

In midweek Mellor enjoyed a 3-1 win over Bury Ams reserves; Govan Athletic Development beat Eccles United reserves 7-2; Altrincham Hale beat Stoconians reserves 5-1; and Bury Ams reserves won 6-5 at Village Manchester reserves.

In Division D,  the Hellawell Sheilds semi-final between  Moston Brook beat Altrincham Hale Reserves ended 3-1 to the former. League action saw Milltown beat AFC Oldham fourths 5-4 to lift themselves into fourth spot.

Geoff Garnett