Town take Heart to task

EYE ON THE BALL: Royton’s Carl Caffrey (in yellow) holds of a Sacred Heart opponent. PICTURE: TIM BRADLEY

Royton Town 6, Rochdale Sacred Heart 4

FOOTBALL: ROYTON Town displayed their attacking threat to the full against Rochdale Sacred Heart

Town manager Mark Howard has assembled a squad of players good enough to challenge for honours inside and outside the league. His problem is in naming the same team each week - a factor in the side’s stuttering start to the season. While Town sit in the top half of the table, that position could be much higher.

Town president Dave Whitehead said: “We were all over them at times, but credit to Rochdale because they did their best to stop us playing.

“It has been difficult for us this season with injures and we are missing striker Michael Moss, who has a broken arm. We had to play two centre-backs in midfield but it worked out okay. This was a very good win for us.”

Most impressive was the ability of Howard’s side to change its pace on the approach to the opposition penalty area, with slick passing and sublime finishing, which tore the heart out of Rochdale on the Oldham Academy North 3G pitch.

Town were 3-1 up after just 10 minutes: there is plenty to come from Town over the rest of the season.