Bury moved up to fourth in the table as they leapfrogged Blackpool by defeating the Seasiders 3-2 in a match played at Highbury, the home of Fleetwood Town FC. The visitors taking the lead before Phil Doran equalised for Blackpool, the Shakers then going 3-1 up before a late scrambled effort by Phil Doughty, who has signed for Barrow on-loan today, made the final scoreline 3-2 to Bury.
Preston remain in mid-table after winning 4-2 at home to Chester at Deepdale, that despite City taking an early 2-0 lead thanks to a seventh minute strike from Paul McManus and a 20th minute header from Alex Meechan. North End pulled a goal back almost straight away though through Neil Mellor, then just before the interval Danny Dichio brought the home side level with a header. Preston left it late to score again but a brace from Lewis Neal, on 79 and 82 minutes, ensured all three points stayed in Lancashire.
Oldham were out of action in the league this week as they lost at home to Manchester City on penalties, after a 1-1 draw, in the Manchester Senior Cup semi-final, that win for the Citizens setting up a tasty looking United v City final. Tranmere were also in County Cup action as they won 1-0 at home to Burscough in a Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final tie, that win for Rovers, somewhat unsurprisingly, seeing them face either Liverpool or Everton in the final.
As we know, Carlisle won 5-0 in their Cumberland Cup semi-final, to set up a final against Workington Reds, at home to Wetheriggs on Tuesday night thanks to goals from Shaun Vipond (2), Stephen Hindmarch (2) and Chris Lumsdon. United get back to Pontin's Holiday League action next Wednesday night when they face what is effectively Manchester City's third team in a 7pm kick-off at Brunton Park.
Results in the division this week, all on Wednesday :
Blackpool 2-3 Bury
Manchester City 2-1 Accrington Stanley
Preston North End 4-2 Chester City
Fixtures in the division next week, all Wednesday at 7pm :
Bury v Oldham
Carlisle United v Manchester City
Preston North End v Accrington Stanley
Rochdale v Wrexham
Tranmere Rovers v Blackpool
Updated Reserve Team Table : Click here
United's Reserve Team Results : Click here