Leeds have the edge against Springhead

Date published: 09 December 2016


MANCHESTER League outfit Springhead bowed out of the West Riding County Cup at the third round stage, beaten 2-1 at top West Yorkshire League outfit Leeds City in what was a fantastic advert for amateur football.

Leeds took the lead after 20 minutes courtesy of a fine finish.

The goal sparked 'Head into life and they were well on top for the rest of the period. Leighton Stephenson saw one attempt cleared off the line while Ben Fletcher, Kyle Harrop, Matty Russell and Frankie Byrne all went close.

The visitors were rewarded after 50 minutes when Nathan Eastmond scored directly from a corner.

However, there was heartbreak with only five minutes left as the home side saw a free-kick rebound off the post straight to their forward, who slotted home.

THUMPED

Premier Division action saw Royton Town seal a comfortable 2-0 home win against Rochdale Sacred Heart thanks to goals from Michael Moss and Andy Stafford.

Avro were thumped 6-0 at Wythenshawe Amateurs.

In Division One, playing at the Regional Athletic Stadium as Manchester City faced Chelsea, Heyside blew a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes as they were held 3-3 at Manchester Central.

Leading scorer Mark Hopwood struck a fabulous right-foot effort into the top corner, before the home side levelled.

After the restart Josh Briddon struck from close range, before Hopwood scored his second goal of the game and his 14th of the season.

With only 10 minutes to play, however, the home side pulled one back and as the final whistle loomed, a home midfielder struck a 25-yard curling drive into the top corner.

"That's two points thrown away and a very disappointing result," said Heyside boss Geoff Howard.

DERBY

Heyside's reserves won 7-3 in a local Division Three derby against Springhead 'A'.

Back in Division One, Chadderton's second string beat Govan Athletic 5-2, while Uppermill crashed 6-0 at Chapel Town.

THERE is an old Lancashire saying - 'stuck for bobbins' - which basically means having nothing to do.

So, if you're stuck for bobbins tomorrow, feast your eyes on the local amateur football scene with two local derbies on the menu.

It's a clash of the giants at the Oldham Academy North as Royton Town host Springhead in the Manchester League top flight (2pm), while at Chapel Road there's a 3pm kick-off as Hollinwood entertain Uppermill in Division One.

Or would you rather go Christmas shopping?

Results -

Premier Division: Royton Town 2, Rochdale Sacred Heart 0; Wythenshawe Ams 6, Avro 0. Division One: Chadderton Reserves 5, Govan Athletic 2; Chapel Town 6, Uppermill 0; Manchester Central 3, Heyside 3. Division Two: AFC Monton Reserves 3, Royton Town Reserves 2; Hollinwood Reserves 0, Walshaw Sports Reserves 2. Division Three: Heyside Reserves 7, Springhead 'A' 3. West Riding County FA Cup: Leeds City 2, Springhead 1. West Riding County FA Trophy: Settle Utd Reserves 0, Springhead Reserves 4. Manchester FA Amateur Cup: Avro Reserves 2, Beechfield Utd Reserves 6.