’Keeper errors so costly for Santos

TWO mistakes in the last 10 minutes proved costly as Santos slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester Rovers in division two of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

The home side looked on course for three points after they went ahead through Martin Green, who capitalised on a fine piece of work from Danny Hicks.

Santos thought they had scored a second goal, but Jamie Taylor’s effort was disallowed for offside.

Hicks and Chris Sarsfield both went close after the break, but all of Santos’ good work was to come to an end.

With 10 minutes to go, a Ryan Kelly back pass went under the studs of ’keeper Robert Tagg to gift Rovers an undeserved equaliser.

Moments later, a speculative effort went beneath the ’keeper’s despairing dive and somehow Santos found themselves behind.

They poured forward in search of an equaliser, but to no avail.

Elsewhere in division two, AFC Oldham 2005 enjoyed a 5-3 win at home to Moorside Rangers, but Oldham Victoria were beaten 2-1 by Droylsden Amateurs.

AFC Oldham 2005 reserves filled their boots in division ‘C’, running out decisive 8-0 winners at Manchester Rovers, while Oldham Victoria’s second string brushed aside Chorltonians 6-2.

A late goal thwarted Santos’ hopes of victory at Staly FC.

The match ended all-square at 3-3, with Scott Watson (two) and Dominic Rathmill on target for Santos.

And in division ‘D’, AFC Oldham 2005 thirds lost 3-1 at Stoconians fourths.

Results are —

Division two: Santos 1, Manchester Rovers 2; Oldham Victoria 1, Droylsden Amateurs 2; AFC Oldham 2005 5, Moorside Rangers 3.

Division ‘C’: Manchester Rovers Res 0, AFC OIdham 2005 Res 8; Chorltonians Res 2, Oldham Vics Res 6; Staly FC 3, Santos Res 3.

Division ‘D’: Stoconians fourths 3, AFC Oldham 2005 thirds 1.