Uppermill dig deep in derby-day thriller

UPPERMILL were the comebacks kings in their eagerly-awaited West Riding County FA Challenge Cup tie against local rivals Diggle.

They twice drew level — the second equaliser came with virtually the last kick of extra-time — before their 10 men emerged victorious in a penalty shoot-out.

After a goalless first-half when aerial attacks were the norm, Diggle nosed in front on the hour mark after Clarke capitalised on indecision at the heart of the ’Mill defence to fire home from 18 yards.

The home side restored parity with 15 minutes to go, Rainford scoring from close range after Diggle had failed to clear a corner.

Moore restored the visitors’ lead in the first period of extra time, and they seemed destined for a place in round three when ’Mill were reduced to 10 men.

But despite dominating possession, Diggle allowed ’Mill to break away and captain Greenwood poked the ball home with just seconds to go.

It was down to penalties, and the hosts edged through thanks to spot-kick efforts of Thistleton, Greenwood, Jacobs and Taylor.

There was relief in the Heyside camp after they picked up their first points of the season in division three.

Leonard, who opened the scoring, Ryder and Mannion got the goals in a 3-0 defeat of Lindley.

In the first round of the FA Junior Cup, Diggle reserves recovered from 2-0 down to defeat their Cartworth Moor counterparts 8-2.

And Uppermill reserves march on after a thrilling 6-5 win over Netherton ‘A’.

Heyside found themselves behind inside two minutes at New Mill 94 in reserve division two, but they hit back to lead 2-1 at the break thanks to Partington’s double.

Partington completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, only for New Mill to reduce the arrears. However, a goal from Pugh with five minutes to go sealed a 4-2 success.

Diggle ‘A’ also tasted victory as they swept aside Scholes 4-1.

Results are —

FA Challenge Cup, round two: Uppermill 2, Diggle 2 aet — Uppermill won 4-2 on pens; Springhead FC P Linthwaite Athletic P.

FA Junior Cup, round one: Cartworth Moor Res 2, Diggle Res 8.

FA Junior Cup, round two: Netherton ‘A’ 5, Uppermill Res 6.

Division three: Heyside FC 3, Lindley AFC 2.

Reserve division two: New Mill 94 Res 2, Heyside FC Res 4; Scholes Res 1, Diggle ‘A’ 4; Uppermill ‘A’ P Cumberworth Res P.

IN the Works League, Uppermill thirds defeated Heywood Irish Centre 5-2, but the fifths went down 8-0 to Lindley Libs.