Rochdale Town 0 Irlam 3

Third placed Irlam did the double over Rochdale Town in the Vodkat North West Counties League on Saturday (24 October).

Having already been beaten by Irlam earlier in the season, Town put in a lacklustre performance to see the visitors run out comfortable victors once more.

Irlam pressed after a quiet opening 20 minutes. Town survived until just before half time as Williams fired a wonderful shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. It could have been worse for Town before the interval but somehow Palmer fired over from three yards out.

The home side improved after the break and finally caused Iram some problems. Sam Freakes speculative lob from 40 yards brought a wonderful save, and the Irlam keeper had to be in fine form to deny Carl Taylor, Gary Nolan, Kerim Alan and James Greenhalgh.

A defensive error cost Town a second goal and any chance of getting back into the game. Green latched onto Williams' pass to fire beyond Mark Canning. Palmer brought Irlam a third in fine style to seal the victory.

Town travel to Premiership side Abbey Hey on Saturday (31 October) in the second round of the North West Counties Challenge Cup, kick off 3pm.