LEIGH Athletic fired seven goals past Monton Amateurs to climb up to fifth in the Air Miles Manchester League.

Steve Bevin claimed a brace with team-mates Gordon Walker, Jimmy Evans, Brendan Smith, Glyn Littlewood and Carl Shepherd also hitting the net. Oliver Butcher and Martin Capstick scored for the Amateurs before their dramatic second half collapse.

At the top of the First Division, Breightmet United defeated leaders Highfield United 4-2, recovering from a 2-0 deficit after the Bury side had gone ahead through a Marley Clarke brace thanks to goals from Steve Cunliffe, Simon O'Dowd, Dean Banks and Gary Goodinson.

Hindsford swept past Hollinwood 4-0 with Dave Fashou helping himself to a hat-trick and Unsworth bounced back to defeat Old Alts after trailing 2-0 with less than 30 minutes to go.

Avro moved into the Quarter-Finals of the Murray Shield courtesy of a 2-1 win at Tintwistle Villa, Phil Malone and Steve Gavin both scoring before Anthony Hodgkinson replied for Villa.

In the Manchester Challenge Trophy, East Manchester grabbed the headlines with a 3-0 win at Irlam MS, Brian Thomasson scoring twice with Danny Self adding the third.

Belden also go through thanks to a 6-2 home win over Manchester University, Lee O'Brien and Chris Armstrong bagging a brace of goals each with Anthony Kean and Chad Harris adding the rest.

Once again the golden goal proved the scourge of Willows as they bowed out 3-2 to Heaton Mersey, Craig Jones and Steve Wrigley scoring, whilst Wythenshawe Town also exited the competition after a 2-0 home defeat to Chorlton Town.

There was also cup disappointment for Wilmslow Albion as they lost 3-2 at West Cheshire Leaguers Pavilions in the Cheshire Amateur Cup, goals from Mickey Beirne and Paul Eddisbury being in vain for Trevor Howard's team.