Honours even in derby tussle

LOCAL rivals Santos and Oldham Victoria each had a player sent off as they played out a 1-1 draw in division two of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

It was a welcome point for Santos, who had opportunities to win the game.

Santos, the visitors, went behind when a shot was saved by Robert Tagg, but the rebound fell kindly to a Vics player.

They responded immediately, Danny Hicks bursting inside the area, only to be brought down in the process of unleashing a shot. The referee pointed to the spot and Jonathan Phillips smashed the ball home.

Phillips was a constant thorn in Vics’ side. He fired over the crossbar and also hit the woodwork, but could not find a way through.

AFC Oldham 2005 remain fifth in the table after they secured their 10th league win of the season.

They overcame fourth-bottom Moorside Rangers 5-3.

In division ‘C’, Santos reserves scored twice in the last five minutes as they fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Chorltonians fourths.

They appeared dead and buried until Mick Kelly’s cross was headed home by Wayne Beswick, before Kelly held his nerve from the penalty spot after he was brought down with only seconds left on the clock.

Oldham Victoria reserves’ hopes of finishing in the top two suffered a setback as they were held to a 3-3 draw by basement boys Manchester Rovers, but AFC Oldham’s second string brushed aside Staly FC 4-1.

In division ‘D’, AFC Oldham’s third team were edged out 4-3 by their Bedians counterparts.

Results are —

Division two: AFC Oldham 2005 5, Moorside Rangers 3; Oldham Victoria 1, Santos FC 1.

Division ‘C’: Staly FC 1, AFC Oldham 2005 Res 4; Chorltonians fourths 2, Santos 2; Manchester Rovers Res 3, Oldham Victoria Res 3.

Division ‘D’: AFC Oldham 2005 thirds 3, Bedians thirds 4.