West Didsbury & Chorlton win seven-goal game as Midland League Premier Division tightens

The biggest crowd of the week, announced as 1,509, watched West Didsbury & Chorlton beat Whitchurch Alport 4-3 at Brookburn Road, and it was a game that turned on two pairs of goals in quick succession. According to the home club, Alport struck in the 62nd and 65th minutes to lead 3-2. West then equalised through an attempted backheel clearance that ended up in the visitors' own net, and less than a minute later Billy Hasler-Cregg hammered in a spilled shot for his first West goal. AJ Kandeke and Latiq Roberts had scored earlier for the hosts.

"How we were 3-2 down I'll never know," said West manager Lee Rick. "But if you pick a way to win a game, it's with two goals in front of the fans, who were unbelievable. We're starting to build something now." It was a first defeat in five for Alport, whose own club account called it a seven-goal thriller that did not go their way.

Photo: Northwich Victoria on X

The margins were finer still at the Apec Taxis Stadium, where Northwich Victoria beat Uttoxeter Town 1-0. The Vics hit the woodwork repeatedly, and their match report says the 60th-minute goal, credited to substitute Luc Ferry after his effort and a Kieran Hamm header both struck the bar, was one where the officials judged the ball had crossed the line. The report concedes Uttoxeter may feel aggrieved. Northwich also announced ST95 as back-of-shirt sponsor for the season.

Dudley Town won a seven-goal derby of their own, 4-3 at Lye Town, with Brooks, Ford, Hales and Snape on target. The club's preview had noted Snape's 60th-minute winner as one that came after Dudley had trailed by two. Midweek brought a 3-1 MFL Cup exit at Step 6 Gornal Athletic, in which Joe Cuneen saved a first-half penalty from former Dudley forward Harry Crook.

Photo: Stockport Georgians on X

At the top, Winsford United won 4-1 at Tividale, with Josh Hall scoring twice, and are described by West as top of the table. Runcorn Town beat Stone Old Alleynians 4-1, Sutton United beat Wythenshawe Town 3-1 with a brace from Bish, and Stockport Georgians won 1-0 against Darlaston Town. Abbey Hulton United won 2-1 at Romulus for a fifth successive victory.

West travel to Cheadle Town on Tuesday. Cheadle drew 2-2 at Sporting Khalsa, having led in the 91st minute and been pegged back in the 94th.