Walshaw slipped to ninth in the Manchester League Premier Division when they lost a scrappy game to a tough East Manchester side.

With only two points separating the Sycamore Road side and East Manchester four places above them, a victory can put any of the upper mid-table teams into a healthy-looking position.

And it was the Gorton-based side who got it on their own 3G surface.

Walshaw started strongly, their slick passing game giving East Manchester the runaround, and it was no surprise when Lee Connell opened the scoring.

He capitalised when the home keeper dropped a cross from Nick Barrass.

Walshaw stayed on the front foot but were rocked when the home side took advantage of some slack marking to equalise on the stroke of half time.

The hosts sealed the game with two goals inside the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Walshaw defended poorly from two set pieces, and it cost them. And while they pushed forward in a bid to get back in the game, they did not create a worthwhile chance.

Walshaw are at home to Atherton Town on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

Walshaw reserves lost their top-of-the-table clash with Stockport 4-1.