DESPITE being without at least half a dozen regulars Atherton Town were still too good for last season's Premier Division runners up Dukinfield Town.

Manager Shaun Lynch had plenty to smile about after the comfortable 3-0 home win. "We played some brilliant stuff at times," he enthused. "The lads that I brought in did us proud and with the Reserves also winning 4-1 at Stockport Georgians, it was a terrific weekend all round for the club."

Veteran Ian Parr was outstanding in the back line, 18 year old Ryan Willetts had an impressive game in the midfield but it was his partner in the engine room, Steve Crilly, who picked up the Leighton Packaging man of the match award.

Town's first goal came from Barry Atkins after Phil Hornby had rattled the crossbar and the second and third were Tommy Stokes-Hornby combinations with the latter producing quality finishes. The Reserves goals came from Anthony Lavery with three and 15 year old Peter McEvoy. Elton Fold crashed to a 3-0 derby defeat at big rivals Stand Athletic.

"We battled very hard but it just wasn't to be for us on the day," sighed manager Guy Mallinson. "Although Stand were always going to win it, I felt three flattered them."

Keeper Steve Crossley saved a penalty on the stroke of half time when the score was 1-0 but it was full back Simon Hannan Fold who picked up the Fold man of the match vote. The Reserves lost 5-2 at home to East Manchester with Ian Dowthwaite and an own goal making up the two. Pennington's early season woes continued in a 4-1 defeat at Mitchell Shackleton, Ian Platt getting the consolation goal.

Pennington Reserves won 3-2 at Hollinwood. A fourth game in just seven days took its toll on Breightmet United as Phil Breakell's side was held 1-1 at home by third place finishers last term Wythenshawe Town.

A quality move and thunderous finish from Gary Goodinson on the hour mark had United in the driving seat but Town equalised ten minutes later as Breightmet defenders failed to clear the ball when the opportunity prsented itself. Chances came for each side in the last twenty minutes, United man of the match midfielder Paul Fletcher going close with a header and at the other end keeper John Hinks showing his quality with a superb save to keep the visitors out.

The Reserves crashed 3-1 at Dukinfield Town. A Danny Woods hat-trick saw Hindsford to a 3-2 home win over Old Alts, whilst the 2nd team drew 3-3 at Belden.