McNiven’s pride at last-16 berth

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Party time for Heyside Angels under-12s, who beat Chadderton Park 2-0 in the North Manchester Girls’ League Knock-out Cup final. Beth Boothroyd and Robyn Hartley got the goals.

FOOTBALL:

FAILSWORTH Sports College Year Sevens edged through to the last-16 of the ESFA Under-12 Danone Nations Schools’ Cup for the first time after a 2-1 win at Meadowhead.

John Buckley put the visitors in front and Luke Donegan doubled the advantage, before the Sheffield side pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.

Despite strong pressure from the hosts after the restart, Failsworth defended resolutely and claimed the win.

Next up are Thomas Telford School on a date to be arranged.

Former Athletic striker David McNiven, now a PE teacher at Failsworth and coach of the Year Sevens, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have progressed to the last-16 for the first time.

“It is a step up now because we have reached the business end of the competition, and the matches become much harder.

“For us it is unknown territory but we are enjoying this winning run.

“It is no secret that we would have preferred a home tie, especially because the rest of the PE teachers at the school were so keen to watch.

“Thomas Telford School cruised through in the last round so it will be tough.”

Failsworth’s Year Eights went down to an agonising 5-4 defeat at the hands of Sacred Heart Catholic College (Sefton) in the sixth round of the ESFA Under-13s Schools’ Cup.



ROCS under-15s enjoyed a 4-2 win against Uppermill in the North Manchester Girls’ League.

Abby Bennett was at the double for ROCS, and was joined on the scoresheet by Leah Bickerstaffe and Alys Wild.



JOE Chadderton plundered his 17th goal of the season but it could not prevent 3D Dynamos under-15s going down to a 6-2 reverse at the hands of Monton Amateurs in the North Bury League Main Cup.

Lewis Henshall joined prolific striker Chadderton on the scoresheet in a spirited performance against a powerful side who are top of the division above Dynamos.



MIDWAY FC have been awarded FA Charter Standard status after making rapid progress since forming two seasons ago.

Chairman Liam McGarrigle said: “It has been a whirlwind couple of years and we are absolutely delighted to receive FA Charter Standard status.

“We started out with a team-and-a-half, made up of 12 players. Now we have 80 at the club.

“A lot of parents have helped out along the way. Some have done their coaching badges in order to train the teams.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the club can call Liam on 07922 967246 or secretary Chris Hepburn on 07891 598003.