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Mitchell Shackleton edged past East Manchester into second with a 2-2 draw at Springhead. Mike McNamara and Steve Patterson goals had given the home side a 2-1 lead at the break with Paul Stritch getting Mitchells' goal, and Nicky Irlam secured a point for the Eccles side with a leveler in the second period.

East Manchester fell to a shock 3-2 defeat at Pennington, goals from Clint McLoughlin and Dave Fashhou (2) securing an excellent win for the Leigh side, Mark O'Connor and Alan Howarth knocking in Easts' goals.

Atherton Town stayed in touch thanks to Phil Hornby and Steve Dixon as they defeated Monton Amateurs 2-0 at Howe Bridge.

Stand Athletic signalled their intent on claiming a third title with an 8-0 thrashing of Willows, Micky Bartholomew leading the way with a hat-trick with Chris Denham (2), Mark Wilson, Stuart Telfer and Mark Denham completing the rout.

Elton Fold won a tough Bury derby 2-1 at Prestwich Heys courtesy of goals from Dave Wilkes and Steve Smith, Mark O'Brien netting inbetween for Heys.

Stockport Georgians took a massive step forward with a 5-2 win over Failsworth Town, Mike O'Brien, Dave Morgan, Andy Jackson and Neil Allen (2) all hitting the back of the net for Georgians with Steve Gavin and Carl Kelly scoring in the second half for Town.

With Whitworth Valley called off, Leigh Athletic had the chance to go top of the First Division, but had to come from behind to draw 3-3 at Tintwistle Villa, a brace from Ian Loman, plus a goal from Dave Dickins, securing a good point for improving Villa.

Breightmet United also notched a great result as they won 2-1 at New Mills. Paul Smith and Phil Hinks were United's marksmen with Simon Ignotus getting the Millers' solitary effort.

Hindsford were also in good form as they defeated Manchester Royal 3-1 thanks to goals from Simon Hampson, Matt Toone and Peter Barry, Eke Eme once again on target for Royal.

Wythenshawe Town were comprehensive 5-2 winners over Hollinwood, Darren Mee tormenting the opposition with a hat-trick, Peter Coyne and Mark Bowcock adding the other scores. Wayne Needham and Shaun Weaver both found the net for Hollinwood.

Belden slip into the top half with a great 2-0 win over Ashton Athletic, Mark Brown and Craig Lockett securing the points with goals after the break.

Whalley Range were stung by a second half revival from Old Alts as they went down 2-1 to the visitors. Jason Connors had put Range ahead, but a brace from Wesley McCullen snatched the points for Alts.

Avro were the afternoon's biggest winners as they eased past Milton 6-2. Craig Hanson, Ian Blair and Jonathan Cantello added to a hat-trick from Anthony Carr as the visitors ran away with it, Andy Salisbury netting both Milton's strikes.