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Promotion in Range

17/ 4/2008

WHALLEY Range kept up their impressive form in division one of the Lancashire and Cheshire League as two emphatic wins cemented their promotion hopes.

The first was a 4-0 derby success at the expense of Parrs Wood Celtic as braces from Lenny Kinsella and Wes Stafford saw them home.

They were then 8-0 winners over a Spurley Hey side who were well in the game before the unlucky dismissal of their keeper turned the game on its head, Gabriel Caldwell (four), Kinsella (three) and John Murphy on target.

Range have closed the gap on leaders Moston Brook and now their main dangers are Old Stretfordians who they still have to play before the end of the season.

Range B were their only team in action as they went down 4-2 at Hooley Bridge Celtic, Ronnie Williams and Paul Benyon with their consolations.

New East Manchester booked their place in the final of the Manchester Amateur Cup with a 3-2 midweek win against Old Stretfordians.

Strets went ahead through Alex Ritchie before goals from Herve Bombetsi (two) and Edivaldo Garcia put New East 3-1 ahead.

Ritchie’s penalty proved in vain as New East progressed and now meet Newton Heath in April 24’s final at Brantingham Road.

In the Premier Division, Abacus Media used their games in hand to good advantage as two wins ended their relegation worries.

They beat Rochdalians 4-2 in midweek before virtually condemning South Manchester to the basement position with a 3-1 victory, Hector Samuels with the consolation for South whose seconds defeated Denton Town 3-2 thanks to Nicky McCartan’s hat-trick.

In division two, Northenden-based leaders Govan Athletic ended their season with a 3-0 win against Droylsden Ams with Phil Boardman, Sam Roberts and Josh Wilson finding the net.

Having already been assured of promotion, Govan must now wait for the results of New East Manchester’s games in hand to see who wins the title.

There will be a new name on the Rhodes Cup with all four semi-finalists looking to win the historic trophy for the first time as Old Trafford face Whalley Range while Gatley play Hollingworth OB.

Mellor A reached the semi-finals of the Whitehead Cup as they disposed of Burnage Metro 4-1, Dave Reeves with Metro’s consolation goal.