’Head on a high : Springhead 2, Leigh Athletic 1

ON PARADE: Coppice United captain Kameel Ahmed and Chaddy End FC skipper Lee Deakin flank Mayor of Oldham, councillor Shoab Akhtar before the Challenge Cup final at Boundary Park.

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WITH two matches left to play in the premier division of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League, it is still mathematically possible for Springhead to clinch the title.

However, it looks likely that Lee McAllister’s side will have to settle for runners-up spot behind Gregorians.

Either way, this season represents Springhead’s best since they were crowned champions 12 years ago.

Victory over Leigh Athletic at Ashfield Crescent means that Springhead need three points from their remaining games to be absolutely sure of second place.

It is a mouth-watering climax for a Springhead side that has surpassed all expectations over the past nine months after finishing 14th and 15th in the last two seasons.

McAllister’s men entertain Elton Vale on Saturday, followed by another home match against table-toppers Gregorians.

McAllister said: “We have a good team ethic and it is reward for Andy Revill (joint manager) and myself as well as all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.

“We have raised the bar in terms of expectation for next season and I’m hopeful that we can hold on to our best players.

“That said, we would not stand in the way of any players who had the opportunity to better themselves.”

An injury to goalkeeper Lee Milner meant a first-team debut for 16-year-old James Thompson, and the teenager was picking the ball out of the back of net after only two minutes.

McAllister said: “I can’t blame James for the goal and he was fairly assured after that.”

Springhead quickly recovered with two goals in a five-minute spell in the first half.

Dale Jackman’s neat finish from the edge of the penalty box restored parity, before Richard Bennett side-stepped the Leigh ’keeper before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Leigh had a player sent off but Springhead, despite dominating the remainder of the match, were guilty of missing a host of chance to add to their tally.

SPRINGHEAD: Thompson, Boden, Ferguson, Wild, Cunningham, Jackman, Bennett, Lees, Shaw, Stevenson, Hulme. Subs: Fletcher, Byrne.




Chaddy play waiting game



CHADDY End FC retained the D&J Builders Oldham Sunday League Challenge Cup — and they are now setting their sights on top honours.



Danny Caldecott scored a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 win over Jack Abbott premier division rivals Coppice United at Boundary Park.

But Chaddy End, last season’s runners-up in the league, face an anxious wait to see if they have been crowned champions.

They were awarded the points in their final league match of the season after basement boys Shahjalal Unity were unable to raise a team.

Second-placed Royton FC, with one game to go, are out of the equation despite a 4-3 win over Oddies, leaving Failsworth Dynamos as the only team capable of drawing level with the leaders.

But Dynamos must take maximum points from their remaining four fixtures to force a play-off for the title.

Khartoum Northern can look forward to top-flight football next season after they clinched top spot in David Giblin division one.

They required a point from two games but they picked up three after a 6-3 defeat of Parkside.

A goal from Mark Ireson sealed a 1-0 win for FC Broadgate at home to Red Star, while Westwood cemented their mid-table position thanks to a 2-1 victory over Springhead Libs.

Steven Caine FC, runners-up behind Limeside Athletic in division two, completed their league campaign with a 3-2 win at Northside, while North Star and Oldham United fought out a 1-1 draw.

Results and scorers are —

Challenge Cup final: Chaddy End FC 2, Coppice United 0.

Jack Abbott premier division: Chaddy End FC 1, Shahjalal Unity 0 — Shahjalal failed to raise a team; FC Royton 4, Oddies FC 3; Hunt Lane 0, Failsworth Dynamos 1 — Hunt Lane failed to raise a team.

David Giblin division one: FC Broadgate 1 (Mark Ireson), Red Star 0; Parkside 3, Khartoum Northern 6; Wellington 1, Crompton & Royton 1; Westwood 2, Springhead Libs 1.

Division two: Northside FC 2, Steven Caine FC 3; North Star 1, Oldham United 1.




Chadds finish with a flourish



CHADDERTONIANS have clinched third place in the Lancashire Amateur League premier division.



They wrapped up their season with a resounding 6-1 win over relegated Lymm.

A Steve Barrow goal, Scott Owen’s 25-yard drive, a Neil Sissons brace and a Rick Massey goal put Chadds in control, before Gary Jones (penalty) and manager Craig Stone, who came on as a late substitute, sealed victory.

Chadds’ fourth team are in cup-final action on Monday against Lymm at Daisy Hill FC (kick-off 7pm).

Failsworth Dynamos, meanwhile, recorded a 4-3 victory over Radcliffe Town to finish sixth in the premier division.

Steve Shalmani was on target as Oldham Hulmeians reserves completed their promotion-winning season in division six with a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wyresdale ‘A’.

Meanwhile, Hulmeians ‘B’ have finished bottom of division seven after a 5-2 defeat at Rossendale Amateurs ‘D’. Ashley Entwistle and Ross Pierce got the local side’s goals.

Results are —

Premier division: Chaddertonians 6, Lymm 1; Failsworth Dynamos 4, Radcliffe Town 3.

Division three: Mostonians Reserves 4, Rochdale St Clements ‘A’ 2; Tottington United 5, Failsworth Dynamos Res 0.

Division six: Bolton Wyresdale ‘A’ 1, Oldham Hulmeians Res 1.

Division seven: Rossendale Amateurs ‘D’ 5, Oldham Hulmeians ‘B’ 2.




Dominic so deadly



SANTOS, inspired by a Dominic Rathmill hat-trick, made it two wins on the bounce in division two of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.



They battled back from 3-1 down with half-an-hour to go to defeat Deans Youth 4-3. Substitute Ian Dunkerley got the other goal.

In division ‘C’, Wayne Beswick and Anthony Curran (two) scored for Santos reserves, who also came from behind to beat Old Stretfordians thirds 3-2.




Avro sights on fourth



AVRO could finish as high as fourth in the Manchester League premier division if they win their final game of the season on Saturday.



They currently sit sixth in the table after a 3-0 defeat of Elton Vale.

But they will jump two places with victory at Hindsford — a fine achievement in their first season back in the top-flight after promotion from division one.

Royton Town picked up four points from their last two games.

They recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at local rivals Hollinwood, before overcoming Chapel Town 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Town found themselves behind after half-an-hour against ’Wood.

There were chances at both ends in the all-action derby tussle, but it was the hosts who doubled their lead.

But Town refused to lie down and were gifted a goal when Michael Moss dispossessed the ’keeper before calmly slotting the ball home for his 20th goal of the season.

It was all-square at 2-2 moments later thanks to a wonder strike from substitute Andy Eastwood, who had a chance to complete a stunning fightback only to see his shot saved by the ’keeper.

Springhead, who are destined for second spot, defeated 10-man Leigh Athletic 2-1. See John Gilder’s Match of the Day.




Heyside prove extra special



TWO-GOAL hero Stephen Partington struck with seconds left on the clock to clinch Groom Cup glory for Heyside against Skelmanthorpe,.



The final, staged at Huddersfield YMCA, was poised for a penalty shoot-out until the hot-shot’s last-gasp intervention sealed a thrilling 3-2 success.

Heyside had the better of the opening stages and took a deserved lead through Carl Winstanley.

The Skelmanthorpe ’keeper prevented his side from falling further behind with a series of fine saves.

It was a different story after the break as Heyside found themselves on the back foot for long periods, but they looked to have weathered the storm until they conceded an equaliser with 10 minutes to go.

Skelmanthorpe went ahead in extra time after breaking the Heyside offside trap, but parity was soon restored thanks to Partington’s superb 25-yard strike.

Both teams went on to create chances but, with penalties looming large on the horizon, Partington came up with a late winner.

In the league, Heyside kept alive their hopes of avoiding the drop from division three with a 4-2 defeat of Upperthong.

Leading 3-0 at the break through Joe Mannion, James Taylor and Brett Kingsley, they allowed Upperthong to hit back with two quick goals.

But Carl Winstanley calmed Heyside nerves with a fourth 10 minutes from time.

Results and scorers are —

Groom Cup final: Heyside 3, Skelmanthorpe 2 aet;

Division three: Upperthong 2, Heyside 4.

Reserve division one: Diggle Res 5, Uppermill Res 1.

Reserve division two: Diggle ‘A’ 3, Shepley Res 5; HV Academicals Res 0, Uppermill ‘A’ 3.




At last! Dog can celebrate



AFTER 26 years of trying, Dog and Partridge’s wait is finally over.



They picked up their first piece of silverware in the Ashton Sunday League with victory in the Vic Marsden Trophy final.

Mick Burns’ side defeated premier division outfit Warwick United 2-1 at the Tameside Stadium.

Nick Heap and Ryan Rafferty put Dog 2-0 in front, and although United halved the deficit through a Lee Wolfenden goal it was too little too late.

Dog’s Mick Jones was named man-of-the-match.

Victory more than made up for Dog’s disappointing 2-0 defeat by Charlestown in the division one cup final.

Charlestown were outsiders on the day, but they belied their status thanks to efforts from Kevin Buckley and Chris Lomas.

In division one, Karl Atkinson scored a hat-trick for Home Guard in a thrilling 4-3 win over Anglers.




Holden goal lifts Angels



HEYSIDE Angels under-12s reached the final of the Oldham Girls League Cup after a goal from Sophie Holden clinched a 1-0 win over champions Droylsden.



Angels ’keeper Natalie Gregory saved a penalty.

Other results and scorers are —

UNDER-13S: Heyside Angels Inter 6 (Leoni Harland 4, Paige Rowland, Phoebe Dunne), Denton Town 5; Heyside Angels Clarets 1 (Beth Mellor), Harpurhey United 3.

UNDER-11S: Heyside Angels Inter 1 (Jade Hughes), Harpurhey United 0.

UNDER-10S: Heyside Angels Whites 1 (Emily Pennells), Oldham Athletic 7.




Tameside and District Mini-Soccer League



RESULTS and scorers from the Tameside and District Mini-Soccer League are —



UNDER-10S: Heyside JFC ‘A’ 1 (Jack Wallace), Dukinfield Youth ‘A’ 0; Heyside JFC ‘B’ 1 (Ronan Beckett), Dukinfield Youth ‘B’ 2; Chaddy End FC ‘A’ 2 (Robbie Wilkinson, Matthew Gibson), Hattersley ‘A’ 1; Chaddy End FC 6 (JJ Fraay, Connor Berry, Matthew Gibson 2, Charlie Brooks, Robbie Wilkinson), Dukinfield Tigers ‘A’ 1.




Manchester Youth and Mini-Soccer League



RESULTS and scorers from the Manchester Youth and Mini-Soccer League are —



UNDER-NINES: Heyside Juniors ‘B’ 2 (Joshua Daubney-Buckley, own goal), Failsworth West ‘B’ 2; Heyside JFC 2 (Joe Wilson, Adam Dunkerley), Northside ‘B’ 0; Chaddy End FC ‘A’ 2 (Kai Whitney, Marcel Chauhan), Failsworth West ‘A’ 1; Chaddy End FC ‘B’ 2 (Tom Bartlett, Callum Linehan), Moston Valley 3.

UNDER-10S: Heyside Juniors 0, Failsworth West ‘B’ 0.




Manchester Youth League



CHADDY End FC under-11s strolled to victory in the Manchester Youth League Cup final.



They swept aside Failsworth Rangers 9-0, with James Dwyer (three), Andrew Smith (two), Riley Hamill (two), Liam Hargreaves and Tom Nutall getting the goals.




Rochdale and Oldham Youth League



CHADDY End FC under-12s came out on top in a nine-goal thriller in the Rochdale and Oldham Youth League.



They overcame Rochdale Sacred Heart 5-4, with Callum Buckley, Sam Haran (two), Tom Maloney and an own goal doing the damage.

Maloney scored twice for the under-12s in a 2-2 draw against Alkrington Dynamos.

Other results and scorers are —

UNDER-15S: Oldham Town 0, Chaddy End FC 6 (Aidan Ball 4, Curtis Ingham 2); Heyside Juniors 3 (Aidan Ball 2 Curtis Ingham), Chaddy End FC 3.



Other results

RESULTS and scorers are —

Chaddy End FC ‘A’ 2 (Alfie Slattery, Declan Mills), Pro Sport Strikers 0; Chaddy End FC ‘B’ 2 (Lewis Oldham, Josh Hardman), Moston Brook 4; Chaddy End FC ‘C’ 2 (Jayden Harewood, Dylan Walmsley), Midway 0; Chaddy End FC ‘A’ 1 ( Lewis Oldham), Northside 1.