Stuart century sees Social Circle close gap at the top
Star displays from Bajan professional Jameel Stuart with the bat and Lewis Whittle with the new ball - 136 off 106 balls and 6-42 respectively - helped second-placed Social Circle brush aside defending champions Blackrod for a 10th win in 13 games.
Stuart scored his third league century of 2025 and became the first man in either division to pass 900 runs this summer, underpinning 247-9 from 44 overs.
In reply, Whittle was the chief protagonist in bowling hosts Blackrod out for 162, an 85-run win.
Read, meanwhile, lost only their second league game - this at home to mid-table Salesbury, whose sixth win was set up by a more eye-catching century than Stuart's.
Salesbury's South African pro Garnett Tarr, batting at number three, crashed 12 sixes in 164 off 104 balls as they posted 263-8 in only 35 overs.
Read, who lost their Hamer Cup semi-final to Padiham last Sunday, were set a revised 198-target in 24 overs but slipped to 50-6 and 123 all out.
Tarr's outstanding day continued thanks to 5-44 with off-spin.
Mid-table Salesbury's sixth win - this by 74 runs - means leaders Read (126 points) and Farnworth SC are separated by only 11 points with nine games left. They play each other a week on Saturday.
The majority of rainy Saturday matches were subject to reduced overs.
But there was only one game which failed to finish - the battle between two teams at the wrong end of the Championship, Earby at home to Brinscall (7-0 after two overs). Both teams took five points apiece.
The Premiership clash between Lostock and Tonge was the only game not reduced.
Lostock won by seven wickets chasing 152, their fifth win in 13.
However, they remain in ninth place. Mid-table visitors Tonge were bowled out for 151 as new-ball seamer Reece Gray picked up three wickets.
Opener Matt Lamb top-scored with a patient 46 in reply.
Like the Premiership title race, the Championship promotion battle is fascinating. The top five teams are separated by only 28 points.
Ribblesdale Wanderers (119, 15 games) are top but were beaten at second-placed Whalley (115, 13) by three wickets.
After limiting Ribblesdale to 117-5 from 26 overs, Whalley chased a revised 128. Despite losing regular wickets, they were always in control. Whalley pro Levi Wolfenden impressed with two wickets and a sharp 50 in win number nine.
Mid-table Baxenden put a spanner in the works of third-placed Cherry Tree's (101 points, 12 games) progression, claiming a 33-run win on the road in defence of a 145-target in 29 overs.
Baxenden's seventh win in 14 games came despite being bowled out for 144, including Matthew Austin's tail-end 33.
Pro Ben Gorton then struck five wickets as Cherry Tree slipped from 59-1 to 111 all out, losing for the fourth time.
Barnoldswick (99, 12) kept themselves in the Championship promotion conversation with a landslide eighth win, this one by 148 runs at Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.
Openers Abdul and Amir Saddique contributed 75 and 62 respectively - the brothers shared a 104-partnership - to a 210-4 total from 31 overs before the former also claimed five wickets in mid-table Oswaldtwistle's 62 all out.
Overseas amateur Deron Greaves, from St Vincent and the Grenadines, also had a good day for Barnoldswick with 50 and four wickets.
Fifth-placed Astley Bridge (91 points, 13 games) were winners by 73 runs at Walkden in a 42-over game which saw the visitors post a commanding 249-5 thanks largely to Rick Northrop's fine 97 off 94 balls.
In reply, captain Syd De Silva claimed four wickets with spin as Walkden were bowled out for 176. Bridge won for the seventh time this summer.
Back in the Premiership, third-placed Padiham's seventh win came by 23 runs at home to Atherton, who dropped into the bottom two as a result.
Padiham's 195-5 in 29 overs was led by Callum Clarke's well paced 59 before Atherton, chasing a revised 208 in 26, finished on 184-5. They had been usefully placed at 93-1 in the 14th over, but home captain Toby Burrows spun his way to four wickets.
Padiham have 93 points, 22 adrift of second-placed Farnworth Social Circle and 33 behind leaders Read.
Farnworth (60 points) leapfrogged Atherton (59 points) out of the bottom two to 10th place. They dented Kearsley's bid for a top-four finish with a 35-run home success, their third win of the summer.
Farnworth posted 150-9 from 37 overs, captain and opener Tayler-Jay Heyes top-scoring with a patient 62. In defence, sub pro Anuk Fernando (Rawtenstall) and new-ball partner Yasir Rashid equally shared eight wickets in Kearsley's 115 all out.
Farnworth also jumped above Eagley, who fell to bottom of the table despite a thrilling win at mid-table Little Lever, by two runs defending a revised target of 147 in 27 overs.
Harvey Seigne's brisk middle-order 52 underpinned Eagley's 146-5 before Little Lever moved to the verge of victory, needing nine to win off the last two overs at 138-5 with Pakistani pro Muhammad Junaid unbeaten on 86.
But Junaid fell for 87 to James Richards in the penultimate, and Seigne then defended six off the last over as the hosts finished on 144-7. Eagley won for the fourth time in 13 and have 58 points.
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That has been the aim since the club dropped back down into League Two but with Paul Warne on board and some serious money being spent… that is the only goal. Strengths? The management duo of Warne and Richie Barker are serial promotion-winners and they have been backed in the transfer market with potentially more to come. Weaknesses? Going from 19th last season to top three or even seven this term will mean there can be no hangover from a dreadful campaign that saw three permanent managers and a history-making bottom-six finish. Difference-maker? Mendez-Laing. Dons lacked width and creativity last season… he should provide both. Newport County Dafydd Pritchard, BBC Wales Manager: David Hughes Last season: 22nd Key ins: Matt Smith (St Johnstone, free), Gerard Garner (Barrow, free), Jordan Wright (Grimsby, free), Nik Tzanev (Northampton, free), Michael Reindorf (Cardiff, loan). Key outs: Nick Townsend (Eastleigh, free), Luke Jephcott (Truro, free), Aaron Wildig (Gloucester, free), Kiban Rai (Aldershot, free), Shane McLoughlin (released), Expectations? It is hard to say after another managerial change and the major player turnover you often get in League Two summers. Dave Hughes, a former Manchester United academy manager, is an intriguing appointment and the Exiles' transfer activity suggests they should at least improve on last season's finish. Strengths? On paper, the squad looks better. Chairman Huw Jenkins and new boss Hughes seem to have put their contacts to good work so far this summer and Newport should flourish if the likes of Matt Smith and Michael Reindorf can hit the ground running. Weaknesses? Newport rolled over too easily at times last season, playing themselves into trouble as former boss Nelson Jardim looked to instil an expansive playing style. They'll need to tighten up and learn how to hold on to leads this time around. Difference-maker? Matt Smith, who has 19 Wales caps and is still only 25, looks like a very shrewd signing who could add quality to Newport's midfield. Notts will 'support and protect' Macari - Paterson Oldham player sorry after chair throwing video 'It's great to be boss of a franchise team' - Warne Notts County Adam Hassell, BBC Radio Nottingham Head coach: Martin Paterson Least season: Sixth (lost in play-off semi-finals) Key ins: Matty Dennis (Carlisle, free), Tom Iorpenda (Huddersfield, loan), Barry Cotter (Barnsley, loan), Ollie Norburn (Blackpool, free) Key outs: David McGoldrick (Barnsley, free), Alex Bass (Peterborough, undisclosed) Expectations? After play-offs defeat in a season Notts will feel they should have got automatically promoted, it's been all change at Meadow Lane. A new head coach in Martin Paterson, and a new 'technical board' being operated by the club to offer stats and data at every opportunity. Will it work? If it does, I think Notts will be a challenger at the top again. If it doesn't, fans might turn and the Magpies could be languishing in mid-table. Strengths? Notts vastly improved defensively last season, going from a side with the worst goals conceded record the previous campaign, to one of the best last time. The foundations are pretty solid, and despite losing Alex Bass - seen by some as League Two's best goalkeeper last season - the signing of Kelle Roos as his replacement is far from shabby. They've added grit to the midfield in Ollie Norburn and Tom Iorpenda, and have significantly upped fitness levels in pre-season, so they should be hard to beat. Weaknesses? Notts lost David McGoldrick in the summer, who was offered a new contract, largely reported as a pay cut, which he rejected to go up a league and join Barnsley. There is still constant speculation surrounding Alassana Jatta, and whether his future is at Meadow Lane. Mai Traore signed in January, but has yet to hit the ground running, and the arrival of Matty Dennis from Carlisle is promising, but Notts still don't have an official number nine in their squad. Difference-maker? Jodi Jones. Keep him fit and he's simply too good for the level. Throughout pre-season, he's been played as a number 10, rather than at wing-back, so hopefully he will have more influence on games and score a hatful of goals. Oldham Athletic Alex Whitington, BBC Radio Manchester Manager: Mickey Mellon Last season: 5th National League (won play-off final) Key ins: Josh Hawkes (Tranmere, free), Ryan Woods (Exeter, free), Kieron Morris (Tranmere, free), Tom Pett (Cheltenham, free) Key outs: James Norwood (Fleetwood, free), Charlie Raglan (Barrow, free), Mark Kitching (York City, free), Joe Pritchard (Rochdale, free) Expectations? Realistic ones… not getting dragged into a relegation scrap. But after the unbelievable play-off drama at Wembley, there will be plenty of Latics fans who may harbour hopes of a cheeky play-off tilt. Strengths? The belief is back at Boundary Park. An owner who bleeds Oldham in Frank Rothwell, assisted by the Royle family, have given the club an intimate, family feel. Latics have brought in EFL experience with Woods and Hawkes to improve the squad. Weaknesses? Hit and miss at times in the National League, Latics' style is attritional so defender Charlie Raglan's departure could leave a big hole. Difference-maker? Mike Fondop. Always Mike Fondop. 18 league goals last season has seen the talisman rewarded with a new two-year contract. Can he cut it in the Football League? Salford City Josh Watton, BBC Radio Manchester Head coach: Karl Robinson Last season: Eighth Key ins: Loick Ayina (Huddersfield, free), Adebola Oluwo (Barnet, free), Kallum Cesay (Wealdstone, undisclosed), Jorge Grant (Hearts, free) Key outs: Curtis Tilt (Bradford, free), Jon Taylor (Radcliffe, free), Matty Lund (released), Conor McAleny (released) Expectations? Promotion will be the obvious target, again. It is hoped an off-season restructure of the ownership group will give new life to the Ammies ahead of their seventh consecutive campaign in League Two. Karl Robinson is taking charge of his second full season. The question is can he be the one to finally steer the club to League One, an ambition that their high-profile owners certainly haven't been shy about. Strengths? Salford have been busy in the transfer window, adding some real depth defensively through the signings of Loick Ayina, Adebola Oluwo and Kallum Cesay. Whilst there was never any real concerns about the defence last season, it looks as though Robinson is planning on building a team that is difficult to beat. That, added with the quality of forwards such as Kelly N'Mai, means Salford are looking to finally achieve that long-awaited promotion. Weaknesses? Having mentioned the transfer window, it hasn't come without difficulties. Curtis Tilt left the club to sign for League One-bound Bradford City. Salford have lost a real leader and it is difficult to see how he has been replaced ahead of the new season. Difference-maker? N'Mai has attracted interest from clubs in a higher division for good reason. It is believed Bolton made a move for the forward early in the window but Salford have kept hold of their man and he will be crucial if they are to challenge for promotion. Shrewsbury Town Nick Southall, BBC Radio Shropshire Head coach: Michael Appleton Last season: 24th League One (relegated) Key ins: Tom Anderson (Doncaster, free), Sam Clucas (Lincoln, free), Will Boyle (Wrexham, free), Elyh Harrison (Manchester United, loan), Anthony Scully (Portsmouth, free) Key outs: Jamal Blackman (released), Dominic Gape (Colchester, free), Jordan Shipley (Port Vale, free) Expectations? Following relegation, the expectation will be to bounce straight back at the first time of asking, but that will be tough. With Shrewsbury still up for sale and no sign of an imminent takeover, stabilising in League Two, with one eye on pushing for a play-off place, may be more realistic. Pundits have predicted another relegation battle, but I don't believe that'll be the case. They have a top head coach in Michael Appleton and recruitment has gone well so far. Strengths? The defence has undergone a big reconstruction with the arrival of the experienced centre-half Tom Anderson, pivotal in helping Doncaster gain promotion from League Two last season. Talented young Manchester United goalkeeper Elyh Harrison was named eight times on the United first-team bench last season and he's tipped as one for the future with the chance to emulate the successful loan spell which former Old Trafford goalkeeper Dean Henderson had at the Meadow back in 2017-18. Weaknesses: A key factor in rebuilding after relegation from League One has been to deal with a "softness" within the squad. Appleton said after a 4-1 loss at Northampton last season that it made his "skin crawl". He has made that a key area to rectify this summer and time will tell if they have got it right. Difference-maker? Tom Anderson brings a wealth of experience and knows what it takes to do well in League Two. Shrewsbury can do something special - Clucas 'Pull of Swindon' brought Bodin back to club Veteran Walsall forward Adomah signs new deal Swindon Town Andrew Hawes, BBC Radio Wiltshire Manager: Ian Holloway Last season: 12th Key ins: Jake Tabor (Amersham Town, undisclosed), James Ball (AFC Wimbledon, free), Billy Bodin (Burton, free), Finley Munroe (Aston Villa, loan), Tom Nichols (Mansfield, free), Darren Oldaker (Chesterfield, free) Key outs: Jack Bycroft (released), George Cox (released), Nnamdi Ofoborh (Barnet, free), Tunmise Sobowale ( undisclosed) Expectations? After being bottom in December, Ian Holloway's side discovered an energy and intensity that had them producing play-off standard form for the second half of the season. With most of the squad retained, the hope is for more of the same without the handicap of a dire start. Strengths? In a league where change is the norm, continuity ought to be an early advantage. The other strength is actual strength. Harry Smith up front embodies a Swindon team that can handle the rough stuff in a way their predecessors could not. Weaknesses? A lack of a Harry Smith-style striker if he is injured or suspended. Relations also remain fractious between fans and owners - can the backing from the club hierarchy match the energy of supporters who have renewed belief in the on-pitch performance? Difference-maker? Jake Tabor. A pre-season trial for the prolific striker from Amersham has become a two-year contract for a raw but pacy forward who could be absolutely anything. Tranmere Rovers Chris Coughlan, BBC Radio Merseyside Manager: Andy Crosby Last season: 20th Key ins: Nathan Smith (Port Vale, free), Charlie Whitaker (Notts County, free), Richard Smallwood (Bradford City, free), Taylan Harris (Luton Loan, loan) Key outs: Regan Hendry (Mansfield Town, free), Kieron Morris and Josh Hawkes (Oldham Athletic, free), Chris Merrie (AFC Fylde, free), Tom Davies (Salisbury, free) Expectations? It is difficult to say given the uncertainty of the situation off the pitch, with a takeover failing to materialise despite plenty of rumours over the past 12 months. Rovers took 23 points from the 13 games Andy Crosby was in charge last season while battling relegation so it will be very interesting to see if they can take that form into the new campaign, albeit with a big turnover in their squad. Strengths? Undoubtedly their defence, having kept six clean sheets in Crosby's 13 games last season, which was half of their total for the whole League Two campaign. The additions of Nathan Smith and Patrick Brough at the back as well as the experienced midfield pair of Richard Smallwood and Jason Lowe certainly indicate that Tranmere will aim to be hard to break down. Weaknesses? Their goal-scoring issues had them in trouble until late on in the campaign last year as they were the fifth lowest scorers in the division. They've also lost several attackers this summer including Morris, Hawkes and the injury-prone Luke Norris so there'll be plenty of pressure on the forward line to get firing if Rovers are to have higher ambitions this term. Difference-maker? Player of the season Omari Patrick will likely be a key figure for Tranmere again after scoring 11 goals and providing four assists last term. Walsall Mike Taylor, BBC Radio WM Head coach: Mat Sadler Last season: Fourth (lost in play-off final) Key ins: Harrison Burke (Chester, undisclosed), Aaron Pressley (Stevenage, undisclosed), Aden Flint (Mansfield), Vincent Harper (Exeter, free), Jonny Stuttle (Bournemouth, loan) Key outs: Taylor Allen (Wycombe, undisclosed), David Okagbue (Peterborough, undisclosed), Oisin McEntee (Hearts, free), Liam Gordon (Port Vale, free), Ryan Stirk (Chesterfield, free) Expectations? "You're hurting and I'm hurting," said the Walsall co-chairman Ben Boycott at a fans' forum recently. He's not kidding. Walsall's collapse last season has left a deep wound, salted by Bradford's last-minute goal that finally denied them promotion, and the subsequent defeat at Wembley. Walsall were running a long way ahead of all predictions for much of last season. It would be unreasonable to imagine they will repeat that, but after backing their coach Mat Sadler so fervently, the club will surely want a strong play-off challenge at the very least. Strengths? The squad is essentially built to the same blueprint that worked so well for two-thirds of last season. They were energetic and ambitious, especially when attacking from wide areas, and appear to have found viable alternatives to replace all the key players that have left this summer. Weaknesses? They have lost several regular starters for this season, including all three of the centre-back line that unexpectedly emerged as the most-favoured selection – David Okagbue and Taylor Allen are trying their luck in League One, while Harry Williams is injured and likely to miss the whole season. For those they left behind, will the collective trauma of their spring collapse linger? Everyone wants to start afresh, but only the players themselves can really know if they have successfully moved on. Difference-maker? Aaron Pressley has been talked up by Sadler, and the awarding of a three-year contract indicates how sure Walsall are that they have found the right man to bring back the goal-scoring edge they lost after January.
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Fabrizio Romano Offers Transfer Update on Chelsea, Man Utd Target's Future at PSG
It looks like the Premier League could be the next stop for PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Manchester United emerging as a strong contender. Chelsea and Manchester City are also showing interest in the Italian keeper. According to RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins, Donnarumma remains with PSG, but his camp is actively exploring potential destinations. Manchester United, Manchester City, Galatasaray, and clubs from Saudi Arabia have all communicated interest. Donnarumma is still committed to PSG and would only entertain a move if the right project came along. Inside the club, there's still a scenario where he competes with Lucas Chevalier for the No. 1 spot, with Luis Enrique expected to make the final decision, per Hawkins. PSG standout mulling over decision on his futureTransfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that Donnarumma and his team haven't ruled out staying at PSG. Even though his contract runs through June 2026 and Lucas Chevalier is on the way, Donnarumma could stay and compete for the starting spot like he did with Keylor Navas. He'll likely decide on his future in the coming months. Sports Zone recently reported that Manchester United have reached out to PSG about Donnarumma. It looks very unlikely that Donnarumma and PSG will come to an agreement. The report also mentions that Al-Ittihad and Galatasaray are offering him nearly €20 million a year, while Chelsea and Manchester City have shown interest as well. At the same time, Corriere dello Sport said Manchester United have become the frontrunner to sign Donnarumma, with recent talks happening between his representatives and the club.
