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East Manchester found visitors Willows a tough cookie, but won out 2-1 thanks to strikes from Bevan Gibson and Robbie Radcliffe, Anthony Snellgrove netting for Willows late on to set up a nervous finish for East.

Atherton Town won on the road with a narrow 1-0 victory at Dukinfield Town to stay fourth, Danny Christie on the mark for Town.

Pennington climb off the bottom with a 2-1 home draw with Springhead, Dave Fashhou adding two more goals to his impressive tally, Mike McNamara and Lee Blackshaw goals salvaging a point for 'Head.

In the big top of the First Division clash, Leigh Athletic edged past the morning's leaders Whitworth Valley 3-2 in an exciting clash at Madley Park. Dave Stead put Leigh ahead, but Stuart Thompson and Rory McDowell brought Valley an early second half lead. It all ended well for the home side though as Rick and Danny Wilson got a goal each to send Athletic to the top.

Avro were stunned by on-form Brieghtmet United as the Bolton side won 8-2 at Broadway. Phil Hinks grabbed a hat-trick with Paul Smith adding two in a one sided match, Andy Hicks, Adam Wigley and john Crossland getting the others, Avro's consolation goals coming from Paul Jump and Dave Thornton.

Wythenshawe Town and Hindsford fought out a tight 1-1 draw at Ericstan Park, Hindsford's Chris Jolley levelling an earlier own goal as the side's had to settle for a point each.

New Mills warmed up for their Derbyshire Divisional Cup Final date on Friday with a 6-1 demolition of Old Alts, Rick Jones leading the way with a hat-trick, Steve Littler, Mike Brown and Steve Done adding the Millers' other goals, Henry Finn bagging Alts' solitary effort.

Belden continued their fine run with a 4-2 win at Wilmslow Albion, John Worsley and Craig Lockett adding to a Dean Roberts brace for Belden, Dean Martin and Mike Ryan netting for Albion.

Whalley Range collected all three points with a 2-1 win over Manchester Royal, Jason McNulty and Azuka Otutu goals securing the points for Range, Mark Jones scoring for Royal.