THREE teams lead the way in the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League Premier Division title race locked on 12 points but Old Trafford and Gorse Hill are the only one with an unblemished record.

They battled hard for a 5-3 win at Old Ashtonians to lead the way on goal difference with a game in hand on their nearest rivals.

Whalley Range were impressive and comfortable with a 6-0 derby win at Bedians to stay in second spot with strikes from Jamie Jackson, Tim Kinsella and Luke Bennion putting them in firm control.

Early leaders Tintwistle Athletic bounced back from last week’s defeat by Range with an emphatic 5-1 win against Abacus Media keeping them in the frame.

But lurking with a 100-per-cent record and two games in hand are Mellor who were on Cheshire Amateur Cup duty, posting a great 2-0 win at Helsby.

But High Lane bowed out as they went down 4-1 at Dukinfield Town.

Reigning champions Rochdalians dropped out of the top three as they could only fire blanks in a 1-0 defeat hosting Parrs Wood Celtic who drew level with them on points.

Newton Heath and Moorside Rangers lead the way in Division One with their 100-per-cent records intact as Heath beat Bury Ams 5-3 and Rangers kept up their momentum with a 3-1 derby win against Salford Vics.

Signol Athletic are three points adrift of the top two but were impressive in a 5-0 win against Swinton FC.

Milton are the only other unbeaten team in the division but a lively and skilful young Didsbury team were good value for a point in a 1-1 deadlock.

Old Stretfordians were the big hitters as they were 9-3 winners at Trafford United while Stoconians put up a great fight in the Cheshire Cup, losing out on penalties after holding Styal to 2-2.

Waterloo continued their impressive start as they sit on top of Division Two with an unblemished record after a clinical 5-0 win at Moston Brook seconds.

AFC Oldham are level on points as a 3-1 win against Spurley Hey kept their 100-per-cent record intact.

Newton seconds ended Hooley Bridge Celtic’s bright start with a thrilling 4-3 win and Mellor seconds were impressive with a 4-1 victory over Chorltonians.

South Manchester seconds were delighted to pick up their first points in a 3-3 draw with Staly Lions.

It looks as if it is going to be a big battle for top honours in Division Three as leaders Tintwistle Athletic seconds dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Signol Athletic seconds allowing AFC Oldham seconds to join them at the top as they accounted for Moston Brook thirds by the odd goal in five.

New boys Hargreaves posted their first victory as they won a nine-goal thriller against Stoconians seconds by 5-4 and Aldermere were convincing 4-2 victors at Whalley Range thirds.

Old Trafford and Gorse Hill seconds are matching their first team’s exploits as they beat Tintwistle Athletic thirds 5-3 to lead the way in Division B.

Joining them on points are Hillgate who edged a 2-1 win against Old Strets seconds and Abacus Media seconds who won by the same score at Staly Lions seconds.

Village Manchester recorded their first win in their new league with a 2-1 win at Chorltonians Villa and Deans FC began their season in another close contest with a 3-2 win against Rochdale Galaxy.

The other game in the division saw Bury Ams thirds enjoy their first victory of the season with a 4-1 win at Milton seconds.

AFC Oldham thirds showed their intent in Division C as a 7-4 win at AFC Stockport keeps them clear on goal difference from Moorside Rangers seconds, who won 2-1 at Salford Vics thirds and Didsbury thirds who accounted for Abacus Media thirds by 5-3.

Stoconians thirds also went nap as they won 5-2 at Oldham Vics seconds, as did Manchester Rovers for the second successive week with a 5-1 win at Parrs Wood Celtic thirds.

In Division D there were just three fixtures and Bedians thirds were too hot for AFC Oldham fourths as they won 7-2 to take the lead in the division.

Didsbury fourths were good value for a 5-1 win against Trafford United seconds and Bury Ams fourths scored the only goal of the game hosting Chadderton Park seconds.