Familiar look serves House well

Dave Berry on the attack for Warwick United

HALFWAY House secretary Steve McKenna pointed out the secret of his side’s success in the Ashton Sunday League following an opening day 5-1 victory over Warwick United at Coalshaw Green Park.

McKenna said: “This is the eighth season that the lads have been together, having started out as 17 and 18-year-olds, and it is simply a case of everybody gelling together and knowing each other’s game.

“There’s a fair bit of talent in there, too. Everyone at the club is determined to have another successful season.

“And we have strengthened the squad for this season with the addition of midfield man Dave Roberts from Horseshoe, who folded.”

House have been champions of the league’s top flight for the past three seasons.

The side are sure-fire favourites to complete a quartet of titles and, with a couple of outside cup ties to come, House have got the opportunity to display that talent and togetherness on a bigger stage.

The first test comes on October 5 when they travel to play Clifton, of the Eccles Sunday League, in the first round of the Manchester County FA Invitation Shield.

Then, in December, there is the little matter of a second-round tie against Sale, from the Manchester Publicity League, in the second round of the North-West Champion of Champions Cup.

Before all of that, House have domestic honours to defend and they started the season in style with an emphatic victory over Warwick.

Gary Brooks scored the first of his two goals with the match in its infancy and, although Warwick responded through Michael Chapman on the half-hour mark, it was three goals in a 15-minute spell during the second period that sealed the points for House.

Brooks’ second strike came after 76 minutes, while John Parkinson (two) and Rocky Siddall were also on the scoresheet.

McKenna added: “The early goal knocked Warwick back a bit, but those three goals in quick succession meant there was no way back for them.”