THE established names in the Bolton Combination have been given an early warning in the 106th year of the region's premier Saturday league that new entrants Seedfield Sports are a force to be reckoned with.

Already the team - which was built around the nucleus of a reserve side which severed its connection with Highfield United of the Manchester League - has set a blistering pace at the top of the Premier Division with outstanding victories in the first two games.

Masterminding the club's new venture from a role as assistant manager is ex-Leicester City, Bury and Atherton LR star Andy Feeley. The latest win, a 5-4 triumph at Ambassadors, saw the Bury outfit bounce back from a 2-0 half time deficit.

Two sides expected to be front-runners, AFC Walkers and Hindley Green, clashed last weekend at Cotefield Avenue in the Premier Division match of the day.

Both goalkeepers played a large part in ensuring the game finished in a tense scoreless draw. The two meet again on Saturday at the same venue in the first round of the Open Cup, a tie that may need overtime to reach a decision.

British Aerospace also boast a six-point return from two games after a 3-1 home derby over Blackrod Town, as do Atherton C&N for whom Jimmy Smith was the five-goal hero in a 7-2 triumph over Bolton Lads Club. Ainsworth without a fixture last weekend also have six points.

Another new side Kersal Vale, formerly of the Eccles League, look set for a successful first season in Division One after a 9-0 humbling of Atherton C&N Reserves made it two wins in a row.

The only other side to have won both opening fixtures is Stoneclough who had "Chuck" Berry (2), Chris Harrison and Steve Booth to thank for a 4-1 win at Tyldesley United.

Monton Amateurs, another side to make the switch from the Eccles league, are finding life tough crashing to a second defeat this time 5-0 at Adlington Athletic, who could perhaps be more aptly named - Moore United! Two of the four Moores on the club's books scored on Saturday with Anthony getting a hat-trick and cousin Steve a brace. Also in the ranks are the two Michael Moores, father and son, with Mick senior now 40-plus and still enjoying his football after a successful career with Wigan Athletic.

The day's top scorers were in Division One as Kersal Vale banged nine past poor Atherton C&N Reserves with Mike Phillips, Paul Williams and Steve "Trigger" Fagin each hitting the back of the net twice. That takes Fagin's tally to five from just two games.

In Division Two Ivan Crompton and Chris Halliwell earned Partridge Thistle a 2-0 win over Tyldesley United. The Thistle lads are another new addition to the league but they are already winning lots of friends with their enthusiasm and organisation. Two clubs have maximum returns from two games played in this table, Edbro Farnworth CC and Atherton S&S.

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