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Grove's great escape

Geoff Garnett
25/ 4/2007

HAZEL Grove's long battle to escape relegation from the Premier Division looks to be over after a tense 3-2 derby win over Norris Villa.

Grove had put pressure on themselves with a 3-2 midweek defeat at fellow strugglers Old Ashtonians as they look to move clear of basement teams Burnage Metro and Newton Heath.

Lee Morris and Steve McDonald netted in vain against Ashtonians.

Grove again put themselves in trouble on Saturday as they trailed 2-1 against Villa deep in the second half.

But a late rally saw Steve Roberts double his tally, with Lee Morris grabbing the vital winner.

Grove now move a point clear of Newton Heath who have finished their fixtures, and with three games in hand and a six-point lead over Burnage Metro, they are now virtually impossible to catch.

Denton Town move on in their quest for a triple trophy bid as they cruised to a 5-1 win over second-placed Hooley Bridge Celtic.

Mellor had mixed fortunes as they followed a comfortable 3-1 win at Heaton Mersey in midweek with a 3-0 defeat by Rochdalians.

Stoconians are finishing their division one campaign with a good run of wins, and they condemned Aldermere to a quick return to division two with a 2-0 success achieved with strikes from Matt Chilton and Mike Statham.

Gatley eased their division two relegation worries with a vital 4-2 win at Moston Brook and need just a point from their last game to ensure safety.

Offerton Villa moved a step nearer to the division two title as they won 4-2 at Droylsden Amateurs thanks to doubles from Steve Bailey and leading scorer Wayne Bromley.

With second-placed Whalley Range without a game, Eagle FC leapfrogged them with a 2-0 win over Deans, but Range can still catch them if they win their remaining two games.

Burnage Metro seconds picked up four division A points as they drew 2-2 with Hooley Bridge Celtic with Paul Costello and Ross Fowler netting.

Joe McGurk then bagged a brace to see them to a 2-1 win over Beechfield United.

• MELLOR FC are seeking a new first team manager for season 2007/08. The Lancashire and Cheshire League outfit has its own ground and a £300,000 clubhouse. Contact chairman George Dearsley on 0161 449 0394 or 07774 721287, or visit: www.mellorfc.com