Heyside see off plucky Linthwaite

FOOTBALL: HEYSIDE took another step towards promotion to Huddersfield League Division One thanks to a 3-2 victory at Linthwaite Athletic.

Linthwaite, who were beaten 10-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, put up a plucky fight, twice taking the lead against the league leaders. Chris Ollerton fired an effort over the crossbar early on, before the home side took a surprise lead in the 20th minute.

Athletic nearly made it 2-0 minutes later when slack Heyside marking allowed the home centre-back a free header, which he put wide.

On the half-hour mark Heyside equalised through James Leonard. A free-kick was curled in by Daniel Dunn and Leonard raced across his marker before planting the header past the goalkeeper.

Despite Heyside starting the second half brightly the home side took the lead, with their right winger advancing beyond the home defence to finish past Jack Suttie.

This spurred on the visitors and with 15 minutes left to play captain Reece Hursthouse slotted home from inside the box after good work from Danny Wooliscroft.

With time running out, Heyside secured victory. Leonard raced through and slid in bravely with the goalkeeper as he poked home his 30th and arguably Heyside’s most crucial goal of a hugely impressive season.

In Division One, Diggle drew 1-1 at Shepley, while Jaya Cawthorne scored a hat-trick for Uppermill in a thumping 8-3 Division Four win against Fantastic. Mick Jackson (two), Nick Warhust, Tom Bagshaw and Andy Thorp were also on target.

Josh Manning and Rob Thwaites struck as 3D Dynamos edged out Mount 2-1. Dynamos’ second string went goal crazy in the Groom Cup, crushing Thornhill United 12-0.


THERE was again mixed news for local sides in the FBT Manchester League Premier Division.

Royton Town continued their recent improved form with a 2-1 victory at Rochdale Sacred Heart’s Fox Park ground.

Avro also bagged maximum points as they edged out Hindsford 3-2 at the Lancaster Club.

Springhead disappointed, though, as they were beaten 1-0 at home by high-flying Prestwich Heys.

Gerard Forde inspired Uppermill to a splendid 4-0 Division One victory against Leigh Athletic.

Forde led the way with a hat-trick, while Jorden Stepien was also on target.