Manchester League preview: Town lead local title challenge

PRESTWICH Heys are favourites to land the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division title this season, but Royton Town fancy their chances of success.

The new season kicks off on Saturday and Town manager Phil Haigh has boosted his squad with the signings of brothers Carl and Danny Taylor.

Hollinwood boss Mark Howard agrees that Town, who go to Leigh Athletic on Saturday, will be up there challenging Prestwich, but his thoughts are fully-focused on Stockport Georgians, who visit Chapel Road.

Howard has signed Alistair Simmons and Charlie McGrath from Springhead and Diggle respectively.

A top-eight finish is manager Lee McAllister’s target, but two away matches on the trot makes for a less than comfortable start for Springhead.

The Ashfield Crescent outfit go to Elton Vale in the season’s opener — new signings Ricky Wild and Paul Needham are in the squad — followed by a trip to Avro three days later.

Rob Fuller has replaced Simon Cooper as manager of Avro, who will be looking to establish themselves in the top flight following promotion from division one last season.

Phil Malone, Ryan Cook and Paul Armstrong have all re-joined the club, who get their campaign under way at Pennington.

HOLLINWOOD and Royton Town are staging a sportsman’s dinner at Hotel Smokies Park on Friday, October 10. Ticket information from Mark Howard on 07510 911547.