Tough at the top

Springhead's Joe Cunningham (left) and Rochdale's Mark Dunning

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SPRINGHEAD manager Lee McAllister is discovering the harsh realities of life at the top of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division.

Although this was a Gilgryst Cup, first-round tie — the competition is exclusively for the league’s top-flight sides — it was proof that rival clubs have got Springhead in their sights.

In this case it was Rochdale Sacred Heart who fancied a pop at the pacesetters, although two goals in the last seven minutes gave the scoreline a flattering appearance.

It was a rare defeat for Springhead — they had won their previous eight games to go clear at the top of the table — and McAllister thinks he knows why.

He said: “We are there to be shot at and we have to be prepared for this type of challenge in the weeks ahead.

“Perhaps a bit of complacency has crept in to our game, and we haven’t been at our best in cup competitions.

“Rochdale Sacred Heart gave us our toughest game of the season and, although they are quite low in the table, they have a good record with plenty of games in hand.”

Heart took the lead midway through the first half, but Springhead were level on the hour mark — and what a goal it was.

The quality of Paul Stevenson’s 30-yard drive direct from a free-kick not only left the Heart ’keeper floundering, but it also gave his own side a much needed fillip.

Heart, however, regained the lead after 72 minutes and this, according to McAllister, was a decisive strike.

He explained: “Paul’s goal was a cracker, but their second seemed to knock the stuffing out of us.

“It was a screamer, a great volley from 25 yards, and it left us chasing the game.”

And as Springhead threw men forward in an attempt to rescue the tie, Heart exploited the gaps to put a gloss on their win.

The Ashfield Crescent outfit have an immediate chance to avenge their first defeat in nine matches when they visit Heart on Saturday.

McAllister added: “It is a chance to put things right but we need to be at our best, because they are a very good side.”

SPRINGHEAD: Milner, Cunningham, Ferguson, Wild, Needham, Webster, Stevenson, Jackman, Young, Shaw, Fletcher. Subs: Zaman, Bennett, Widdall.