Looking good

ROYTON’S Wayne Dean (in yellow) and Hollinwood's James Snowdon and Scott Yates fight for the ball

Hollinwood and Springhead are top of the bill

THE top of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division table makes pleasant reading for followers of local football.

Hollinwood climbed to the summit after a 3-1 win at Royton Town (see below), while Springhead are hot on their heels.

The two teams are only split by goal-difference, with Mark Howard’s men leading the way with nearly a third of the season already gone.

Springhead moved up to second place courtesy of a 2-0 success over Breightmet United — but they were pushed all the way by the basement boys.

Goalless at half-time and with frustration mounting, their hopes of a fourth consecutive win looked lost.

But a double substitution — Byrne and Cunningham entered the fray — gave them new impetus and they took the lead when Harrison set up Stevenson, who provided a cool finish.

Harrison was again the provider for the second, his cross picking out the head of Bennett.

Meanwhile, Avro slipped a couple of places after they were beaten 3-2 at Walshaw Sports.

Results are —

Manchester Challenge Trophy: Trafford FC Res 1, East Manchester 2.

Premier division: Chapel Town 1, Wythenshawe Amateurs 3; Prestwich Heys 5, Hindsford 2; Royton Town 1, Hollinwood 3; Springhead 2, Breightmet United 0; Stockport Georgians 1, Elton Vale 1; Walshaw Sports 3, Avro 2.

Division two: Avro Res 2, Monton Amateurs Res 2; Bury Amateurs Res 0, Stockport Georgians Res 5; Dukinfield Town Res 3, West Didsbury & Chorlton Res 1; Elton Vale Res 1, Leigh Athletic Res 2; Hindsford Res 2, Walshaw Sports Res 0; Rochdale Sacred Heart Res 1, Wythenshawe Amateurs Res 3; Gregorians Res 7, Prestwich Heys Res 2; East Manchester Res 1, Springhead Res 3.

Bridgewater League Cup: Bury Amateurs ‘A’ 1, Wilmslow Albion Res 3; Salford Victoria Res P Beechfield United ‘A’ P.

Division three: Atherton Town Res 5, Royton Town Res 0; Beechfield United Res 11, Wythenshawe Town Res 2; Breightmet United Res 0, Old Alts Res 6; Gregorians ‘A’ 2, Stand Athletic Res 4; Hollinwood Res 4, Stockport Georgians ‘A’ 1; Walshaw Sports ‘A’ 5, Hollinwood ‘A’ 3.



SPRINGHEAD reserves recorded a fine 3-1 win at reigning division two champions East Manchester, while Avro’s second string were held to a 2-2 draw by Monton Amateurs.
There were mixed fortunes for Hollinwood in division three. The reserves overcame Stockport Georgians ‘A’ 4-1, but the ‘A’ team lost 5-3 at Walshaw Sports ‘A’.

And Royton Town reserves succumbed 5-0 against their Atherton Town counterparts.




Derby day lives up to expectations

by JOHN GILDER

Royton Town 1, Hollinwood 3

HOLLINWOOD sit proudly at the top of the Manchester League premier division table after they roared to a derby-day success at Royton Town.

It was a great advert for the game at this level, with a brand of football on show that would not have been out of place in a higher league.

Both sides created a plethora of chances in a thrilling contest, with Hollinwood coming out on top because they were more clinical in front of goal.

Mark Howard, the Hollinwood manager, said: “I’m not sure if 3-1 was a fair reflection of the game because Royton had their chances as well in a cracking encounter.

“We took our opportunities and they didn’t, it’s as simple as that. On another day, Royton might have scored more.

“It’s a nice feeling to be top of the league — and let’s hope we can stay there.”

Howard’s side claimed victory minus three regular defenders in Alistair Simmons, Michael Pomfrey and Matty Dickinson.

And it was the head — yes, the head — of ace predator Alan Beckett that put Hollinwood in front before the break.

Remember that in a recent article featuring Beckett’s goalscoring exploits, he had said that he never scores with his head. He did on this occasion when he converted a cross from Michael Shepherd.

Town’s responded by carving out a succession of chances, but a combination of bad luck and poor finishing denied Michael Moss, Wayne Dean (twice) and Danny Taylor.

Hollinwood doubled their lead in the 50th minute when a cross-cum-shot from Michael Shepherd was misjudged by Andy Fitzsimmons, the ball looping over the ’keeper’s outstretched arms and into the net.

Taylor’s well-struck volley gave Town a glimmer of hope with four minutes to go, but substitute Damian Blundell wrapped it up for the visitors almost immediately when he finished off a flowing move from 12 yards.

Town manager Phil Haigh was disappointed with the result, but is sure his side will stay among the front-runners.

Haigh said: “Hollinwood are top, but it’s great to see ourselves and Springhead up there as well.

“It’s going to be a long season with plenty of twists and turns and we’ll be involved all the way.”

Teams —

ROYTON TOWN: Fitzsimmons, C Dean, Frazer, R Hulme, Wade, Kirwan, I Hulme, W Dean, D Taylor, Moss, Duffy. Subs: C Taylor, Yates, Peers, Poole.

HOLLINWOOD: Potts, Booth, Hardicre, Dodds, Smith, Shepherd, Snowden, Yates, Hatton, Beckett, Brooks. Subs: Blundell, Kelly.

o RIVALS on the pitch, Hollinwood and Royton joined forces off it to raise almost £4,000 when they held a sportsman’s dinner at Hotel Smokies Park.




Own-goal double lifts title hopefuls Dynamos

FAILSWORTH Dynamos were gifted three points in the premier division of the Lancashire Amateur League.

Both their goals in the 2-1 defeat of Bury GSOB were scored by opposition players.

But Dynamos won’t be complaining as the ‘og double’ lifted them to second place, three points adrift of Old Boltonians.

Meanwhile, Chaddertonians were happy to head home with a point after a 1-1 draw against a strong Rossendale Amateurs outfit.

Teenage ’keeper Carl Stone was the hero, saving a penalty with two minutes to go after Gary Pickup had cancelled out the home side’s second-half opener.

In division one, Chadds second team fell behind when Matt Fitton’s attempted clearance hit Mark Ashworth in the face and fell kindly at the feet of a Little Lever SC reserves striker.

They eventually succumbed 3-0 after conceding two more goals in the second half.

Oldham Hulmeians are up and running in division two after Danny Proffitt’s double set them on the way to their first win of the season.

They defeated Ladybridge 3-0, a result which hoisted Hulmeians off bottom spot.

In division three, Failsworth Dynamos reserves and their Bolton Wyresdale counterparts fought out a goalless draw, while a young Chadds third team were beaten 2-0 at Castle Hill reserves in division four.

Chadds fourths, unbeaten in division seven before this game, could never get going against Castle Hill thirds.

They conceded three goals in a poor first-half display, before shipping two more after the break in a disappointing 5-0 defeat.

But Lee Kerwin and Robbie Connor netted as Hulmeians ‘A’ overcame Bolton Wyresdale ‘B’ 2-1 at Tate Street, while Hulmeians ‘B’ lost to the only goal of the game at Bury GSOB ‘B’.

Latest results are —

Premier division: Bury GSOB 1, Failsworth Dynamos 2; Rossendale Amateurs 1, Chaddertonians 1.

Division one: Little Lever SC Res 3, Chaddertonians Res 0; Mostonians 2, Prairie United 5.

Division two: Ladybridge 0, Oldham Hulmeians 3.

Division three: Mostonians Res 4, Little Lever SC ‘A’ 0.

Division four: Castle Hill Res 2, Chaddertonians ‘A’ 0.

Division five: Mostonians ‘A’ 1, Thornleigh Res 4.

Division seven: Bury GSOB ‘B’ 1, Oldham Hulmeians ‘B’ 0; Chaddertonians ‘B’ 0, Castle Hill ‘A’ 5; Oldham Hulmeians ‘A’ 2, Bolton Wyresdale ‘B’ 1.




Lancashire and Cheshire League

Unlucky seven for Santos

SANTOS succumbed 4-3 to VIP FC in a Lancashire and Cheshire League division two thriller.

In front early on through Scott Watson, they were pegged back when James Stockton scored an own goal.

VIP quickly built up a two-goal cushion and added a fourth, before Martin Green pulled one back for Santos at the end of feverish first period.

Martin Green finished with great aplomb to give Santos hope of at least gaining a point, but VIP held on.

AFC Oldham 2005 and Oldham Victoria also tasted defeat as they went down lost 4-3 and 5-1 to Droylsden Amateurs and Hattersley FC respectively.

In division ‘C’, Santos reserves ended a run of four consecutive defeats when they drew 4-4 at Parrswood Celtic. Cartmill, Rathmill, Tansey and an own goal made up Santos’ tally.

Vics second string won 2-1 at Govan Athletic, while AFC Oldham and Denton West End Youth picked up a point apiece in a 2-2 draw.

AFC Oldham thirds lost 3-2 at home to Gatley thirds in division ‘D’, but Vics thirds overcame Staly FC reserves 3-1 in division ‘E’.

Results are —

Division two: AFC Oldham 2005 3, Droylsden Amateurs 4; Oldham Victoria 1, Hattersley FC 5; Santos FC 3, VIP FC 4.

Division ‘C’: Parrswood Celtic Res 4, Santos FC Res 4; Govan Athletic Res 1, Oldham Victoria Res 2; Denton West End Youth 2, AFC Oldham 2005 Res 2.

Division ‘D’: AFC Oldham 2005 3rds 2, Gatley 3rds 3.

Division ‘E’: Oldham Victoria 3rds 3, Staly FC Res 1.




Rochdale On-line alliance

More agony for Royton

AFC ROYTON are experiencing tough times in front of goal as they went down 3-2 at Wardle thirds in the Rochdale On-line Alliance.

They missed a host of chances after falling 2-1 behind and are still searching for their first win of the season in division two.

Mark Sneyd, who cancelled out Wardle’s first effort, and Simon Atkinson, with a free-kick, were Royton’s marksmen.




Westwood take top-flight scalp

D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League

WESTWOOD created a shock in the first round of the D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League’s President’s Trophy competition.

The David Giblin division one outfit were second favourites against Lowerhouse United, who are second in the Jack Abbott premier division table.

But Westwood showed no respect for reputations as they emerged 3-1 winners.

Old Grey Mare, mid-table in division two, also produced an upset with an emphatic 8-0 win over White Hart, from division one.

The other ties went to form, although Marvin Greenwood, leaders of division two, gave division one promotion-chasing Red Star a fright before succumbing 5-4.

There were mixed fortunes for the Wellington club.

The ‘A’ team were too good for Springhead Libs — they won 5-2 — but the ‘B’ side were beaten 6-3 at home by Crompton and Royton.

Khartoum Northern, who are going great guns in division one, made smooth progress into the next round.

They swept to a 13-2 success over Waggon and Horses, who are still without a win in division two.

In the only game in the premier division, Hunt Lane climbed five places thanks to a 4-3 victory over Shahjalal Unity, while Rose of Lancaster and FC Broadgate fought out a 2-2 draw in division one.

In the Manchester County FA Sunday Cup, Limeside Athletic reached the next stage after a 2-1 win over Inter Alliance, but both AFC Church and Failsworth Athletic bowed out.

Results and scorers are —

Manchester County FA Sunday Cup: AFC Church 0, RVP 4; Limeside 2, Inter Alliance 1; Failsworth Athletic 1, North Reddish Working Men’s Club 4.

Jack Abbott premier division: Hunt Lane 4 (S Weaver 2, L Moran 2), Shahjalal Unity 3.

David Giblin division one: Rose of Lancaster 2 (D Scanlon 2), FC Broadgate 2 (L Stuttard 2).

Division two: Coppice Rangers P Rifle Range Royal Blues P; Royton Cons FC P Northside P — Northside were unable to raise a team.

President’s Trophy: Westwood 3, Lowerhouse United 1; Royton FC P North Star P; Oldham United P Coppice United P; Wellington ‘B’ 3, Crompton & Royton 6; Old Grey Mare 8, White Hart 0; Wellington ‘A’ 5, Springhead Libs 2; Marvin Greenwood FC 4, Red Star 5; Waggon & Horses 2, Khartoum Northern 13.


Huddersfield and District League

Poulter’s blast works oracle

UPPERMILL responded to manager Matt Poulter’s blast from the sidelines to sweep aside Cartworth Moor 8-3 in round one of the Huddersfield FA Challenge Cup.

After a jittery opening — they were 2-0 down at one stage — they took the tie by the scruff of the neck to lead 5-2 at half-time.

A hat-trick from Jake Jacobs, plus further strikes from Steve Heaton and Scott Thistleton, did the damage for Uppermill, who added three more in the second period through Ash Stewardson, Andy Potts and Thistleton again.

But Heyside are out after they were narrowly beaten 3-2 by division one outfit Lepton Highlanders.

In front after half-an-hour thanks to a goal from L Perry, Heyside were soon pegged back before the break and fell behind when they conceded a penalty in the 70th minute.

But Lepton’s lead was shortlived, with C Rogers grabbing the equaliser for the home side.

However, the visitors had the last say when they scored from a disputed free-kick five minutes from time.

In the Junior Cup, Uppermill reserves scored eight goals in the last half hour as they defeated their Heyside counterparts 11-1.

Sam Said struck four times, Pete Roberts hit a hat-trick, Byrom Coleman bagged a brace and there was one apiece for Mark Jackson and Matt Walton.

S Wright had earlier equalised for Heyside, but it all went wrong after the break for the away side.

In the Works League, Paul Waterhouse’s first game in charge of Uppermill thirds ended in defeat as they lost 6-0 to Hepworth United, despite being only a goal down at the break.

Results are —

FA Challenge Cup, round one: Heyside FC 2, Lepton Highlanders 3; Cartworth Moor 3, Uppermill 8.

FA Junior Cup, round one: Uppermill Res 11, Heyside FC Res 1.

Reserve division one: Diggle Res P Heywood Irish Centre Res P.

Reserve division two: Uppermill ‘A’ P Diggle ‘A’ P.




Ashton Sunday League

House maintain perfect record

HALFWAY House, the reigning Ashton Sunday premier division champions, maintained their 100-per-cent record with a 1-0 victory over Springbank.

Nearest challengers Warwick United defeated Britannia 4-3 to stay within touching distance.

In division one, four-goal Chris Lomas inspired Charlestown to an emphatic 6-2 win against Wellington.

Dog and Partridge still lead the way after a 2-0 victory over Manor. Mick Jones got both goals.

Results and scorers are —

Premier division: Moston Labour Club P Bridge P; Halfway House 1 (G Brooks), Springbank 0; Warwick United 4 (M Chapman 2, P Dunks, M Bartholomew).

Division one: Charlestown 6 (C Lomas 4), Wellington 2; Dog and Partridge 2 (M Jones 2), Manor 0.

Manchester County FA Sunday Cup: Umston 7, Falconers 1 (J Fletcher).




Junior extra

Jack’s starring role

A HAT-TRICK from Jack Etchells, plus other goals from Ryan Miskella and Kenan Roddy-Webb, clinched a comfortable 5-1 win for Boundary Park Juniors under-11s ‘A’ against Ashton United in the Tameside Sunday Youth League.

Carlton McIntosh also helped himself to a hat-trick for the under-15s in a 15-1 defeat of Uppermill in the Challenge Cup.

Danny Cooper (two), Alex Gregory (two), Liam Wood (two), David Clegg, Jack Loftus, Danny Gilmartin, James Ross, Lee Ross and Jake Marsh) did the rest of the damage as Boundary Park Juniors reached round three in style.

Other results and scorers are —

Manchester Mini-Soccer League: Boundary Park Juniors ‘A’ 1 (Jacob Cooper), Failsworth Rangers ‘A’ 4; Boundary Park Juniors ‘B’ 3 (Callum Dixon, Bethany Boothroyd 2), Moston Juniors ‘B’ 5.