AFC Quarry took a major step in their quest to retain the Division One title by overcoming rivals Sale Town 2-1.

Andy Whitecross bagged the winner for the champions after Town had earlier cancelled out Tom Carter’s first-half opener. The result leaves Quarry four points clear of Broadheath Central FC, who won 3-2 against Knutsford FC, and nine points ahead of Town, albeit having played a game more than their two closest challengers.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Sale Amateurs came out 5-7 winners away at Wilmslow Sports, Sale United beat Atlantic FC 4-3 and Kartel Sports prevailed 4-5 on their visit to face fellow strugglers Egerton FC.

Kartel found themselves 4-3 behind with 10 minutes remaining, having led the match 3-1, but late goals from Samuel Prince and Nicky Scott ensured that they moved above their opponents and off the bottom of the table. Sale Moor FC have resigned from the league and their record has been expunged.

Meanwhile in Division Two, table toppers Deans Youth increased their lead at the summit to 10 points after inflicting a 3-0 defeat on second-placed Styal FC. Their weekend was made even sweeter by APFC’s 2-1 victory against third-placed Cheadle Hulme.

Elsewhere in the second tier, Moorlands Sports moved level on points with Cheadle on the back of 2-4 win at Old Alts, Sale Town Reserves suffered a 1-4 loss at the hands of Northenden Victoria and Wendover AFC drew 1-1 with Broadheath Central JFC.

In the one other game played in Division Two, West Didsbury & Chorlton registered a 4-2 success against Grappenhall Sports to make it four wins from their past six league games.