Early joy turns to despair

OLDHAM Schools under-15s slipped to their fourth Greater Manchester Schools’ League defeat in a row when they went down 3-2 at The Lancaster Club.

With only a point to their name so far this season, they had high hopes of a first win when Saddleworth’s Matthew Ralph put them ahead in the 10th minute.

But Macclesfield were level almost immediately, before edging ahead at the start of the second half.

Oldham went on to concede a third, although they did reduce the deficit when Jay Mehmet (Radclyffe) struck with two minutes to go.

The teenagers’ only chance of honours this season lies in Greater Manchester Schools’ County Cup.

They begin their quest with a a trip to Bolton in the New Year.

Draw: Bolton v Oldham; Stockport v Manchester; Macclesfield or Trafford v Bury or Wigan; Tameside v Salford.