No ‘Alting’ Athletic’s progress

Photo: Photo Paul Sterritt

Matt Hamilton of Oldham blasts the ball just off target.

FOOTBALL: 

ALT Athletic made it five wins out of five in the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League Martin Buckley Division Two following an impressive victory over Oldham XI at Oldham Edge.

With both teams more-or-less ready to start at 1.45pm for a 2pm kick-off, there was anxiety due to the non-appearance of the named referee. Alt chairman Mick Ashworth stepped in.

Oldham XI’s manager Gareth Taylor saw his side have a sixth-minute effort from Thomas Briggs ruled out for offside in a fairly even opening exchange to the match. Taylor felt even more aggrieved when Athletic were awarded two second-half penalties — one of them scored by Athletic goalkeeper Ricky Diveney — as Oldham fought manfully to get something out of the game.

Taylor, who along with his talented squad of players is experiencing the Oldham Sunday League for the first time this season, said: “It wasn’t easy without the official referee and the disallowed goal and the two penalties against us felt harsh.

“We didn’t deserve to lose, but I am reasonably happy with the way we have started in the league.

“We have had two tough games against Blue Club and Alt and I think we can move up the league.”