Rhodes Cup exit for plucky Vics

OLDHAM Victoria gave as good as they got before finally succumbing 7-4 to division two rivals Deans FC in the second round of the Lancashire and Cheshire League’s Rhodes Cup.

Trailing to an early goal, Vics hit back to lead 2-1 thanks to Jordan Lever and Jamie Lord efforts.

Static defending allowed title-chasing Deans to level shortly before half-time, and Vics found themselves behind five minutes after the restart.

The local outfit, who are at the wrong end of the table, restored parity when Nathan Wrigley kept a cool head from the penalty spot.

But the home side’s concentration began to waver and Deans scored four goals in a 10-minute spell to put the tie beyond Vics.

The hosts still managed a fourth late on through Jimmy Humphries.

The tie between Govan Athletic and AFC Oldham 2005 was postponed.

Meanwhile, Santos again failed to capitalise on a good start as they went down 3-1 to Moorside Rangers in division two.

A fine goal from Reece Mills was their reward for some excellent early play, but it only served to stoke up their opponents, who levelled when ’keeper Tommy Keating fumbled a shot.

The second half was an entertaining encounter and Santos created several chances — John Mayall fired just wide and Martin Green went close with a header — but it was Rangers who went in front courtesy of an own goal.

Paul Marsh and James Stockton were denied by top-class saves and Santos pushed forward, they conceded a third on the break.

Santos reserves, including five goals from Dominic Rathmill, swept aside their Heaton Mersey counterparts 11-0 in the Wray Cup.