Hyde Park Rovers boss Phillip Braham has warned his hot-headed students to leave their raging antics at home following their fiery clash against Manchester Maccabi 3rds.

Rovers were reduced to nine men after having Bobby Abrahams and Jason Wise sent off during their hard-earned 2-1 victory over the previously unbeaten league leaders.

Both were dismissed for two bookable offences as tempers flared in a pulsating contest which saw Martin Simons' men suffer their first defeat in six games.

Oli Grant scored twice for the Leeds University side, while emergency keeper Adam Fletcher saved a penalty as the hosts opened their campaign with a dramatic victory.

Richard Myers pulled a goal back for the visitors from the spot as Maccabi rallied but Rovers held out following a bad-tempered clash.

"For a team which had only played together once it was a brilliant display from the boys," said Braham.

"But they have to learn to keep their discipline because the red cards nearly cost us at the end when Maccabi started to pile on the pressure.

"I'm going to get them together and make sure they understand how important it is too keep their cool on the pitch because we can't do that every week. It's a typical student problem but we don't want to throw away all the good work we've done when we play Westdene 2nds at the weekend. We have an excellent team this year and I really think we have a shot at the league title."

Joey Lazare netted a stunning hat-trick as South Manchester Sports Club 2nd moved to within three points of the summit. The visitors ran riot as they cruised to an 8-1 win at Sporting JLGB with Sam Cantor grabbing a classy double to add to further strikes by Simon Mattison, David Tuck and Leon Huller.

Yoel Deal (2), Dan Cohen (2), Ben Horne (2), Alex Bloch and Jack Giladi helped Oakhill Lions make a spectacular start to their league season as they thrashed lowly Crumpsall 9-1 in Manchester.

Republic of Mancunia smashed 10 past basement boys Westdene 2nd with three players grabbing hat-tricks for the home side.

Dave Eden and Darren Loofe scored three each while Mike Gastwirth hit four as Johnny Lewis' men moved to within three points of the leaders.

Josh Silverberg (3), Zach Goodman (2), Lewis Bloomberg and an own-goal helped Haroldeans romp to a 7-2 victory at Westdene 1sts. Saul Clarke and Brett Howarth replied.