Park praised for rescue act

Photo: PICTURE: VINCENT BROWN.

WINNING St Anne’s team: Connor Randal (back, left), Zak Oakun, Ellis Blythe, Hary Snape, Adam Harewood (front, left), William Frizzell, Sean Slater and Jacob Jackson.

FOOTBALL:

CHADDERTON Park came to the rescue of their Manchester FA County Cup quarter-final opponents Ardwick, who had no kit or transport.

The under-12s fixture was switched to Chadderton as Ardwick did not have suitable facilities for the cup tie.

And to make matters worse, their mini-bus broke down the night before the game and their away shirts weren’t ready in time.

But, with Ardwick ready to forfeit, Park officials stepped in. Ardwick manager Ebou Jarra explained: “The people at Chadderton Park are wonderful.

“We were ready to forfeit because the mini-bus broke down and many of our parents do not drive.

“Many Chadderton Park parents offered to pick up our team and return them after the match.

“We did manage to arrange a bus to get us there but we got a lift back home from those kind-hearted parents.

“After arriving without a set of match shirts, they also provided us with their red away kit.

“Our players were more than happy to wear them — it was a nice gesture.

“We were all made to feel so welcome by everyone at the club. At half-time we were given drinks.

“And after the full-time whistle the lads were treated to bacon and sausage sandwiches.”

Chadderton Park won 12-3 thanks to two goals apiece from Nathan Booth, Joe Ray, Matty Crowe and Jimmy Tweedale, and strikes from Ryan Slater, Arron Orchard, Marcel Chauhan and Christian Walker.

Jarra added: “Even though we lost, the loudest cheers came from the Chadderton Park supporters cheering the three goals that we scored.

“To top it off, Chadderton Park coaches paid the referee fee.

“Never before have I witnessed such kindness in an opponent and I feel overwhelmed by their support.

“Regardless of the scoreline, we came away feeling like we had genuinely enjoyed our football, and that is all down to the kindness of our opponents.”




Super SIx for St Anne’s



St Anne’s (Royton) netted 54 goals in six matches to claim glory in the Crompton House School football competition.



The side, made up of pupils aged between seven and 11 years, won every match on their way to lifting the silverware. It was the school’s first football trophy in more than 20 years.