AFTER the first couple of fixtures the pace in the Premier Division of the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League is being set by High Lane, who followed up a 6-1 win at Whalley Range with another high-scoring 9-2 victory over newly-promoted Newton Heath.

It was close for the first hour then Lane stepped up the pace to take their goal difference to an impressive 12,

Matching them for points are last season’s Division One champions Moorside Rangers, who began their campaign with a 4-2 win at Rochdalians.

They were given a great battle at South Manchester where chances were few and far between in the first half.

Rangers stepped up the pace after the break and got their reward with the winner from Michael Gill.

Reigning champions Mellor have begun the defence of their title with two successive draws as an opening day 2-2 deadlock at Old Ashtonians was followed by a derby draw at Premier Division new boys Signol Athletic, who began life in their new era with a 2-2 draw against Newton Heath.

Abacus Media began with a big 8-3 win against Newton but were brought back down to earth as they lost out 4-2 in their local derby at Rochdalians.

Division One looks set for a close contest for the top spots and Stoconians are setting the early pace with an opening day 3-3 draw at Stretfordians followed by a 3-1 home win against Salford Vics.

Strets are level on points with Stocs as they too won their second game, 2-1 in a close affair against Didsbury.

Just a point behind the top two with a game in hand are Milton, who won 4-1 at Moston Brook, and Trafford United, who also beat Moston Brook 4-2 in their opening game.

Waterloo began life in the division with a thrilling 4-3 win at Bury Ams, who are also on three points with their opening-day 4-2 win against Oldham Vics, and Salford Vics with a 3-2 win at Didsbury.

It was also the opening day in Division Two and Chorltonians seconds had hotshot Aaron Rodger to thank for a 3-1 win against South Manchester seconds as he notched a typically clinical hat-trick.

Moston United began life in the league with a 2-0 win at Bedians in an excellent game of football.

The other game in the division saw AFC Oldham and Spurley Hey share the spoils in a 2-2 draw.