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Wythenshawe Amateurs' recuperation continued with a 4-2 home triumph over Prestwich Heys, Paul Hodnett and Andy Halfpenny adding to a Paul Lamb brace for the Ammies with Brandon Jolly hitting both Heys' goals.

New Mills had the chance to cut the gap at the top but found Dukinfield Town a tough nut to crack as the sides battled out a tense goal-less draw at Church Lane.

Leigh Athletic eased past Pennington to secure a 2-0 away win a bolster their title hopes, Clark Dobson netting before the break before Rick Wilson doubled their lead.

The Salteye Park derby clash between Irlam MS and Willows saw the honours go to Mitchells as they won out 2-1, Tony Camilleri and Danny Butters on target for the home side with Colin Eyres hitting Willows' goal.

In the Gilgryst Cup, a Phil Hornby brace helped Atherton Town to a 2-1 win over Monton Amateurs at Howe Bridge, Jonathan Dunne giving the Ammies hope with a second half reply.

There was plenty of excitement at Belfield Mill Lane where Rochdale Sacred Heart and East Manchester shared six goals to take the game into extra-time. Lee Kelly, Anthony Pauls and Andy Taylor hit the net for Heart with Darren Green adding to a brace from Martyn Stewart for East. An extra-time winner came from the boot of Anthony Pauls who secures a semi-final berth for the Rochdale side.

First Division leaders Royton Town snatched a vital victory thanks to a late, late Paul Smith goal to defeat visitors Whitworth Valley and extend their lead at the top of the table.

Hollinwood cruised through their visit to Unsworth as they collected all three points courtesy of a 6-1 win, Rob Overy leading the line with four goals, Lee Marlborough and Jake Nolan also netting, Dale Brimelow getting Unsworth's consolation.

Milton climbed off the bottom of the table with a fine 1-0 away win at Avro, John O'Hara grabbing the vital strike before half time.

In the Murray Shield, Wilmslow Albion secured a semi-final spot with a 7-0 away romp at Old Alts, Mickey Beirne hitting four goals to take his tally to 28, Scott Flanagan, Fabio Polverino and Gavin Roberts completing the scoring.

They will face Breightmet United, who had 'keeper Nick Baxter to thank for their progress as they defeated Whalley Range 8-7 on penalties. The United 'keeper saved two before scoring the winner after the game had ended 1-1, Danny Gardner putting Range ahead before Paul Smith levelled for Breightmet with a well taken goal.

Hindsford were also emphatic victors as they swept aside Ashton Athletic 5-0, Matt Toone and Neil Critchley hitting two goals each with Tony Brown adding the fifth.

A superb second half fightback saw Tintwistle Villa snatch victory from Wythenshawe Town. Goals from Spencer Bradshaw and Kieron Moore had put Town in the driving seat, but a hat-trick from Gareth Lister, two coming after the break, saw Villa through to a semi-final date with Hindsford.

There was a shock for Failsworth Town as they were defeated 4-3 by Heaton Mersey in the Manchester Challenge Trophy, Dave Garner, Steve Gavin and Steve Holt all scoring for Town.

Springhead secured a place in the Fourth Round of the West Riding Challenge Cup with a 2-1 at Rothwell Town, player-boss Pete Dowd setting them on their way before Bobby Fulham settled the game.

In the Manchester Amateur Cup, Dukinfield Town squeezed past East Manchester 2-1, and Irlam MS overcame Holy Trinity Platt 3-2, but Ashton Athletic were well beaten at Oldham Victoria, as were Failsworth Town and Hindsford.

Stockport Georgians were triumphant in the Stockport District Cup as they defeated Romiley 2-0.