MANAGER of Premier Division outfit Elton Fold Guy Mallinson was feeling in better spirits this weekend.

The previous Saturday he had seen his club dumped out of the LFA Amateur Challenge Shield in a shock 2-1 home extra time defeat by Bolton Combination team Walkden.

Just seven days later he witnessed the same players match one of the top sides in the Premier Division East Manchester stride for stride to earn an highly creditable 0-0 home draw.

"I felt the cup defeat was just our lowest ebb," he says.

"I felt like calling it a day but certain people talked me round and I'm really glad they did because Saturday's result was just excellent.

That is the first time this season that anyone has kept a clean sheet against East Manchester and we could certainly have gone on to win it."

Midfielder Simon Hannan was named as Fold's man of the match. Mallinson's club was hit with a double blow on the Walkden disaster weekend as the resignation from the league of Urmston saw his team lose six league points as they had already done the double over the division stragglers.

On Saturday the Elton Reserves went down to a 3-2 extra time cup defeat to neighbours Stand Athletic, Matt Tracey and Anthony Healey scoring.

Pennington's Premier Division woes continued with a 3-0 home defeat by Mitchell Shackleton.

Two defensive errors in the first half cost the Howe Bridge outfit the initiative on a playing surface which was near perfect despite the horrendous weather. Clark Dobson twice went close before another error at the back gifted the visitors a third goal. Goalkeeper Peter Doohan was named Letters Inn man of the match with Stuart Stott another outstanding contender.

The Pennington Reserves are on the lookout for new players as their early season troubles continued with a 7-0 drubbing at East Manchester. Contact Nicky Richardson on 01942 811461.

qTHE greater experience of Leigh Athletic told in the end in the Division One derby clash at

Hindsford.

Squires Lane boss Pete Darby confessed, "We were absolutely awful in the first half. We went into the interval two goals down and that was largely to do with our keeper playing well.

The second half we were a lot better. We got it back to 2-2 but then the lads just seemed to think that was it.

They started playing like it was a foregone conclusion we'd go on and win it.

We took the foot off the pedal and got punished. All credit to Latics.

They were more committed than us, their movement was better than ours, we didn't compete enough and the better side won on the day."

Hindsford's first goal came with a flashing header from top scorer Matt Toone converting yet another excellent cross from the impressive Craig Briggs and the second was a quality finish into the bottom corner from manager son Peter Junior.

Keeper Scott Jones was named as man of the match.

"Our season isn't over because we have lost at home to Leigh," says Barry Senior.

"We've got to learn from it, get our heads up and work twice as hard to get back on track."

Breightmet United Reserves beat Prestwich Heys 4-2 at home.

Atherton Town 2nds went down 4-1 at Wythenshawe Town. qYET again the West Lancs League fixture schedule for next Saturday has to be rewritten as the heavy rain washes out LFA Amateur Challenge Shield ties.

Last weekend Eagley's Round One home clash with Colne United, Tempest Utd away at Wigan League Standish St Wilfs and Atherton Town at home to LAL Premier Division Highfield United were weather victims and the clubs will try again this coming Saturday.

One tie that did go ahead, albeit in dreadful conditions, was the eagerly awaited big local derby clash between Blackrod Town and Breightmet United.

The result went the way of the West Lancs League Premier Division outfit by a 2-0 margin over the Manchester League Division One table toppers but the football produced but the players of both camps was a real treat despite the heavy surface. "I was proud of my lads," said Breightmet boss Phil Breakell.

"I just couldn't fault anyone. We played well but Blackrod edged it."

United's cause wasn't helped when striker Rick Livesey felt a muscle pull warming up and had to pull out of the starting line up. Blackrod's first goal on 25 minutes was a second disaster of the day for United as full back Phil Hinks passed back to his brother in goal John and was horrified to see the ball roll into his own net.

A third calamity struck Breakell's side when Paul settle was injured in an accidental clash and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

The half-fit Livesey had to come on as sub as his replacement.

Blackrod were beginning to control the game, although Breightmet did have a couple of chances to level.

The killer second goal came on the 80 minutes mark when Darren Shalliker rounded United man of the match Hinks to smack a beauty into the top corner.

Town manager Arthur Flatters said after the win," Breightmet are a good young side with loads of potential.

It was a good game as both sides played some great stuff under difficult circumstances."

Town's man of the match vote went to midfielder Darryl Martinus who was the hub of most of the good things to come from the winners.

qBLACKROD'S Reserves won 3-0 away at Fulwood Amateurs to stay top of the Division One Reserves on goal difference from Leyland Motors.

Eagley Reserves won 6-2 at Burnley United whilst goals from Freeman (2), Horrocks, Yearn and Platt saw Tempest United to a 5-2 home derby win over Turton Reserves.

Finnair Manchester League Leading Goalscorer Chart

Matt Toone Hindsford 11

Paul Gallagher Breightmet Utd 9

Danny Woods Hindsford 7

Martin Rayner Elton Fold 7

John Armstrong Elton Fold 5

Barry Atkins Atherton Town 4

Gary Goodinson Breightmet Utd 4

Phil Hornby Atherton Town 4

BEN STAR TURN:

Simon Hannan - Elton Fold

The midfielder leads the way as Fold turn over to their better side.