Uppermill determined to build for the future

Photo: Paul Sterritt

GETTING IT CLEAR . . . Uppermill's Tom Gallagher

Uppermill 0, Boothstown 5

UPPERMILL'S miserable campaign in Division One of the Manchester League continued when Boothstown hit five without reply at Churchill playing fields.

But this is a spirited and very young side who have turned up week in, week out despite numerous heavy defeats - credit to them for that.

It is all a far cry from just a few seasons ago when Uppermill overcame all before them in the First Division of the Huddersfield League, allowing them to join the Manchester League - in Division One - for the first time.

It wasn't too long ago that the club made it to the top flight, but it has been an uphill struggle and a downward spiral since then.

Against Boothstown, Uppermill were without six first team regulars owing to Easter holidays and other commitments.

But although they started enthusiastically, passing the ball well at Churchill playing fields, it was the visitors who led 2-0 at the break.

Nathan Boote, the most experienced player in the Uppermill side, started out in a defensive role as opposed to his usual midfield position and did a solid job at the back. The likes of Aiden Stephenson and Ben Ford also caught the eye.

But there was no stopping Boothstown, who cruised to victory with a further three goals in the second period.

Uppermill manager Rob Leah remains undeterred and sees a bright future for the first team.

Leah said: "We've got a young team playing in a tough league and they can only improve over the next couple of seasons.

"We are already planning for next season and it is good that Steve Southern is coming in as joint-manager.

"The aim is to bring in some older heads to help the younger players and there is a lot to look forward to. Our third and fourth teams have had very good seasons in the Huddersfield League and that also bodes well for the future."

Only eight points from 27 matches is obviously a disappointing statistic for Uppermill, but expect much more from the team next season.

UPPERMILL: Hall, Ford, Boote, Reeves, Hatherill, Baldwin, Gallagher, Flanagan, Stephenson, Woski-Cawthorne, Forshaw. Subs: Jackson, Ralphs, Taylor.

STAR MAN: Nathan Boote (Uppermill) - Did his best to stem the flow of goals.