It's nip and tuck at the top between Riverside and Glebe

Glebe's victory away to The Villagers coupled with Riversides draw away to Hazelbank means both teams now share the lead on 19 points apiece.

Hillview remain hot on the leaders tails as after they took the points in a hard fought game with The Taverners. Berthas FC's slump continued as they lost out away to Balnamore while there was victories for Finn McCools and Dunaghy Old Boys meaning they joined Berthas on 12 points.

Last week Somerset handed out a trouncing but they were on the receiving end this weekend as they were hit for 12 by rampant Macosquin Village. FC Macosquin's good form continued as they saw off the challenge of Mountview while Brook Street came from behind to get a point in their clash with West Bann Athletic.

The next delegates meeting will be held on Monday 4th October. Managers are reminded that this meeting will be the last opportunity to REGISTER new players until January 2011.

Macosquin Village striker Ryan Moffat's impressive 6 goals at the weekend took him level at the top of the scoring charts with Somerset's Gary Millar. Both players lead the way in the hunt for the N&N Trophies Sponsored Golden Boot on eleven goals each. They are closely followed by Darren Stewart and Colin McFarlane who are both on 10 goals each.

Villagers F.C. 2 Glebe Rangers Old Boys 5

With a number of players on the injured list, Old Boy's manager Davy John McBride was forced to reshuffle his squad for Saturday morning's visit to Castlerock.

Bellingham, McFetridge and Colin McBride returned to the starting line-up in what proved to be a tough encounter against Villagers F.C. with the Old Boys eventually emerging triumphant by 5 goals to two. From the kick-off Glebe were on the attack with the versatile Lee Kyle, starting in centre midfield, prominent in early forays into the opposition penalty area. They had an early chance to take the lead but, unusually, Steele failed from the penalty spot with the keeper stopping the attempt with his legs.

The home defence continued to hold firm until Wilmont unleashed a pile driver from 25 yards to open the scoring. Colin McBride added a quick second after neat interplay with Bellingham and, at this stage, Glebe were in control.

However a moment of slackness by Allen led to the hard-working Villagers pulling one back and, shortly after, McFarlane duplicated Wilmont with a long-range screamer to level the scores at 2 apiece. Villagers now had their tails up and gave Glebe a few uneasy moments before Bellingham coolly slotted home to send the visitors in at half time leading by the odd goal in 5. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Glebe pressing their hosts at every opportunity in an attempt to score the vital fourth goal.

It eventually arrived when man of the match Gary McCracken rolled back the years with a stunning individual effort, evading a number of challenges before drilling home in style. In an eventful second half for McCracken, he then went close with an acrobatic diving header before having to be replaced due to injury. Bellingham wrapped up the scoring with Glebe's second penalty of the day, to continue his own recent scoring run. All in all a good three points for the Ballymoney men, however manager McBride remains concerned at the ever-growing list on the treatment table. Man of the Match: Gary McCracken (Glebe Rangers Old Boys)

Hazelbank 2 Riverside Athletic 2

An Old Firm clash between two quality teams who have been in the Tiles league since its inception, both needing to keep their momentum going. Riverside starting their season gaining full points from 6 games, this one would prove more difficult away to a Hazelbank team missing some of their key players.

An in form Nigel Sheppard was proving a handful after scoring twice last week against the Glebe and could have won the game for Hazelbank had he scored a good chance with only seconds remaining, but for all his efforts couldn't edge his team in front this week either. However, Sheppard's quality corner midway through the first half was bundled home from steady defender Michael O'Brien at the back post.

Riverside then moved up a gear and were exerting considerable pressure on the Hazelbank defence and eventually got a penalty through a missed timed challenge from Diver with the penalty converted by Smylie. The second half started the brighter for the Riverside, perhaps the breeze aiding their attack.

Still, the game was played at a fast pace with loads of quality passing from both sides. This time it was Riverside's turn to score first through a well placed Smylie free kick just after the re-start. Hazelbank had their backs to the wall and the defence was being worked hard by a well organised Riverside. Full credit to the under strength Hazelbank who kept on top of their defensive duties.

This allowed Hazelbank to apply some of their own pressure and managed to be awarded a penalty from some careless defending by Riverside which was slotted home by a confident McClarty. This is how the game ended up, 2 each, the first points dropped by Riverside and full credit to Hazelbank showing the strength of their squad with a number of regular players missing. Man of the Match: Colin McClarty (Hazelbank)

The Taverners 0 Hillview 2

Near perfect conditions lead to a very even first half, with chances being made at either end. The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute when McClelland converted from the penalty spot to put Hillview one up. The second half was a more one sided affair, with Timmy Close causing the Taverners defence havoc at every opportunity. The win was secured when McGowan fired a 20-yard thunderbolt to give Hillview a 2-0 victory. Man of the Match: Timmy Close (Hillview)

Balnamore 3 Berthas FC 1

Both teams turned out for this game finding themselves adrift from the top of the league table and needing points. The game started with both teams passing the ball well and creating chances. Balnamore seemed to have more possession, but just couldn't open the Berthas defence. At the other end Halliday made a goal line clearance to deny the visitors while David and Chris Patterson both had shots saved by Elder. Balnamore lost their captain, Josie Kelly, through injury just before half time and had to reorganise. They were disciplined and focused with each player stepping up to the challenge. The home team nearly took the lead right at the end of the half but McCrory was sharp off his line to keep out Armstrong. Second half proved a pretty even contest with Berthas opening the scoring 15 minutes in.

David Campbell won the ball down the right flank before floating in a perfect cross for Caldwell to head home from 10 yards. Berthas looked solid at the back but 5 minutes of magic from Balnamore turned the game around. Sean Hogg was up-ended at the edge of Berthas area and from the resulting free kick Nicky Tweed stepped up to bend the ball round the wall, leaving the keeper no chance.

An excellent goal! Berthas nearly regained the lead moments later but Elder made a super block to deny Ridgell. Balnamore's tails were up and had a sense of urgency about them. Ryan Madison then found himself in space, collected the ball and thundered a shot in past McCrory from 30 yards, to put Balnamore 2.1 up.

The visitors made a few changes to try to salvage something from the game, and came close again but Elder was proving a difficult man to beat as he kept out shots from McGarvey and Stewart while Cochrane also cracked an effort against the bar. Balnamore wrapped up the points on 88 minutes when Willie Corr went on a run down the left wing and crossed for Simon Armstrong to score from close range. Man of the Match: Ryan Mooney (Balnamore)

Macosquin Village 12 Somerset 2

Macosquin dominated this game from the start and were one up on 15 minutes when Ryan Moffat linked up with Darren Stewart to score from outside the box. Moffat got his second five minutes later after a neat one two with the impressive Chrissy Wade. Two more goals from Aaron Laverty and John Doherty gave Macosquin a comfortable four nil lead at the break. The second half was pretty much the same as the first with substitute Adam Watt making it five when he neatly pulled the ball down and volleyed home from 15 yards. Ryan Moffat got this third on fifty minutes with a great solo run to easily beat the oncoming keeper. Somerset pulled one back when Barry McGonigle lobbed the oncoming McIntyre in the Macosquin net. Straight from the kick off Macosquin pushed the ball to Marshall on the wing who's cross was met by Adam Watt to head home. The goals came thick and fast after that with Watt completing his hat trick and Ryan Moffat getting his fifth and sixth. Adrian Drake got a second for Somerset but it was Macosquin who finished off the goal fest with Craig McDonald and Chrissy Wade completing a twelve two victory and an impressive performance all round. Man of the Match: Christopher Wade (Macosquin Village)

Finn McCools 3 Ballyrashane FC 2

Both teams started well in the first 10 mins, but it was Finns who struck first from the in form J Parke. The 2 teams cancelled each other out until Ballyrashane scored. Ballyrashane stepped it up having Finns under pressure and it paid off when McQuiston fouled one of the Ballyrashanes strikers in the box. McQuiston made up for this with a good save with his feet, a let off for Finns. This gave Finns encouragement and they scored again. During the start of the second half Finns took control with Kane and Dobbin combining well for Kane to shoot home from outside the box scoring his second of the match. Finns looked comfortable but with 20 mins left they were down to 10 men. Ballyrashane saw this as a chance and pressed at the Finns defence on every possible occasion. The game opened up with Finns holding their own until Ballyrashane were given another penalty this time it was put in the back of the net. Finns came under great pressure when Ballyrashane could have snatched a draw having a 1 on 1 with McQuiston but the keeper saved Finns from losing the 3 points. Man of the Match: Paddy McQuiston (Finn McCools)

Coleraine Olympic 1 Dunaghy Old Boys 4

Dunaghy started off the quicker with Ian Christie scoring on 11 minutes after a good 1-2 with Joe Patton and Hickinson. Four minutes later it was two with Paul Robinson tapping in from 6 yards after a quick counter attack. It was all Dunaghy now with Christie hitting the port and the Olympic keeper thwarting Robinson on 3 occasions. Dunaghy should have been out of site but all credit to Olympic who kept going and got their reward when Alan Nevin finished off a good move. Dunaghy replied instantly with Christie smashing into the back of the net from 18 yards after another 1-2 with Patton. The second half was similar to the first with Dunaghy on the front foot and they completed the scoring when Christie got his on the hours mark. Dunaghy comfortably seen out the rest of the game to pick up the points. Man of the Match: Ian Christie (Dunaghy Old Boys)

FC Macosquin 3 Mountview FC 1

And all in attendance soon knew that something special was a brew.

As McCorriston for Mountview huffed and puffed and ran up and down.

Mountview despite playing some great football were unable to blow Macosquin down.

A screamer from McLaughlin put Macosquin one nil ahead

But a tidy finish from Archibald soon after meant that Mountview were not yet dead.

Mountview were a treat to watch with Irwins men in full flow.

But Moffat and Andrews had Macosquin's back and were giving the Mountview strikers nowhere to go.

A bullet won a match tonight,

But it wasn't from a gun.

The left foot of a Declan McGahon,

By far the youngest one.

Our Decy is the talk of the town

As the Macosquin win again.

He struck it smooth, then did he move

And groove with all his fans.

Up the field he galloped forth whilst Stephen McLaughlin held the ball, He kept his faith, his drive, had space and so beg...

Mountview, caught lacking front and back, were going to plunge and fall.

And despite playing some great attacking football were unable to make it two all.

In time Macosquin would score again and were coasting 3 to one, As Blackwood scored Macosquin's third and the damage was now done.

Hugh McLaughlin the keeper for Mountview pushed up field to try and save the game. And almost succeeded in scoring and adding to his fame.

The end was nigh at Rugby Avenue and Macosquin had the game won, But constant Mountview pressure meant until the final whistle they could not start having fun!

Three goals to one they held and won had Macosquin at the end, McLaughlin and McGahon and Blackwood too had pleased McCambridge, McAfee and all their friends.

Man of the match: Stephen McLaughlin (FC Macosquin)

Brook Street 4 West Bann Athletic 4

With both teams going into this match on level points both teams needed the win. West Bann opened the scoring when a cleared corner fell to Lee Biggart about 20yards out and he blasted into the net on 4mins. Brook Street kept battling and got one back from Paul Duffy scoring direct from a corner on his 1st match back after coming out of retirement on the 18th min. Gareth Summers went close when he rounded the West Bann fullback only to see his shot strike the wrong side of the post. Brook Street went ahead on the 35th min with good 1st time touches between Lee McDonald and Paul Duffy with the latter setting up Nigel Law to score.

West Bann started to play some good football through O'Kane and Fleming in the middle of the park and had a few chances to bring the score even but McKissock in the Brook St goal was equal to them. In the 2nd half both teams had a few more chances with mainly Brook Street having most of the ball until a moment of madness by McKissock let McCorriston who couldn't believe his luck to take the ball from his feet and place into the empty net on the 58th min.

Sub Michael Olphert gave his team the lead by scoring on 67th mins. On the 71st min Lee West made it 4.2 to Westbann and the game looked out of site for Brook Street. However 3 mins later Lee McDonald got the goal of the game after West Bann cleared a corner which McDonald controlled and hit a sweet right footed shot from about 30yards screaming into the the back of the West Bann net. With time running out and just 6mins left on the clock, Nigel Law had a great shot on goal blocked and the ball fell to sub Steven Morton who in only his 2nd time playing as a outfield player hit a volley in off the upright to bring things level.

Both teams battled for the winner, but both Tosh and McKissock in goals either end were equal to anything that came their way. Also a mention to ref Tony McCrudden who handled the game well and let the match flow as much as possible. Man of the Match: Lee McDonald (Brook Street)

Fixtures for Saturday 2nd October

Ballyrashane v Coleraine Olympic

Ballysally 2

Bertha's F.C v F.C Macosquin

Castlerock

Dunaghy Old Boy's v Macosquin Village

Dunaghy

Glebe Rangers Old Boys v Brook Street

Riada 2

Hillview F.C v Balnamore F.C

Crescent 3

Mountview F.C v Finn McCool's

Rugby Avenue 3

Riverside Athletic v Villagers F.C

Fulton Park

Somerset v Hazelbank

Rugby Avenue 2

West Bann Athletic v Taverners F.C

Rugby Avenue 1

N&N Trophies Golden Boot

Gary Miller Somerset 11

Ryan Moffat Macosquin Village 11

Darren Stewart Macosquin Village 10

Colin McFarlane The Villagers 10

Chris Holmes Glebe Rangers Old Boys