ALTRINCHAM reserves were too hot to handle for Stoconians in the Cheshire Amateur Cup as they won 7-3 in one of the few cup games to take place in the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League last weekend.

With Premier Division leaders Whalley Range out of action, their main rivals took full advantage to close the gap at the top.

Reigning champions Rochdalians moved to within three points on level games as they had few problems in beating Trafford United 6-1.

Waterloo kept up their unbeaten record with a big 9-1 win against Milton taking them into third spot, six points behind Range but with two vital games in hand.

The other game was a much closer contest with Abacus Media beating High Lane 2-1 to move into fourth spot.

In Division One, the local derby at Urmston Town was a real thriller against Old Stretfordians.

Strets led 2-1 going into the mid stages of the second half with an own goal from Alex Ritchie and a neat finish from Arrey Tansidio taking Town level – and it inspired them to go on to win at the death 4-3.

There were goals galore in Division Two with leaders South Manchester taken all the way by North Walkden before merging breathless with a 6-5 win to keep up their 100-per-cent record and move five points clear of Dukinfield Athletic.

AFC Stockport and Old Stretfordians seconds are still locked level on points at the top of Division A after comfortable wins.

AFC Stockport won 5-1 at Rochdale Galaxy and Strets were 5-2 winners at Waterloo reserves and have a game in hand on AFC Stockport.

Trafford United seconds kept pace with the top two with a neat 3-0 win at Salford Storm.

Just two games beat the weather in Division B and AFC Oldham thirds closed the gap on leaders Parrs Wood Celtic with a hard-earned 2-1 win at Flixton Juniors and the other game had Old Strets thirds winning by the odd goal in five hosting Bury Ams reserves.

The Tigers and Lions were roaring in Division C as leaders Chadderton Park reserves dropped two points in their 2-2 local derby deadlock with Oldham Vics reserves.

Irlam Tigers Rangers bared their teeth and showed their bite with a big win against Whalley Range seconds to move within a point of the leaders with two games in hand.

Staly Lions moved up into fourth spot with a gritty 3-2 win against Altrincham Hale and Chorltonians Albion picked up their second win of the season – 4-2 at Bury Ams thirds.