Victoria bow out

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: OLDHAM Victoria gave as good as they got before eventually bowing out of the Manchester Amateur Cup at the second-round stage.

The Lancashire and Cheshire League outfit were beaten 5-3 by Dukinfield Town, from the Manchester League.

Vics belied their lowly status in division two by taking a second-minute lead through Ben Makovecz.

But Dukinfield hit back to level, before going in front on the half-hour mark.

Vics refused to throw in the towel and equalised through Jamie Lord, only for Dukinfield to restore their narrow advantage.

The tie was back in the balance after an equaliser from Anthony Morris but as Vics tired in the closing stages, their opponents scored twice to book their place in the last 16.

AFC Oldham 2005 are also went out with their heads held high.

They were beaten 2-0 by Bedians, who went in front from the penalty spot, but had to work hard to keep a clean sheet against a lively Oldham attack.

Meanwhile, Santos AFC were unfortunate to come away from VIP with only a point in their division two encounter.

Paul Marsh missed an early chance for the local outfit, who went behind moments later.

Santos rallied and drew level when Marsh made no mistake this time after good work by James Stockton and Chris Hadfield.

But their hard work was undone soon after the restart when VIP regained the lead.

Santos’ heads did not drop and they equalised through substitute Steve Cass, whose shot took a slight deflection and looped over the ’keeper’s head.

They then went in search of the winner, with Adam McKinney striking a post and Stockton heading over.


Charity action

A SEVEN-A-SIDE football tournament on the 3G surface at Chapel Road forms part of a day of activities to raise money for the Help For Heroes charity.

There will also be pool and darts knock-out competitions at the Golden Buck, as well as a truck pull and tug of war involving the Territorial Army.

It all takes place on Sunday, December 27, along with auctions, raffles and entertainment.

Help For Heroes, which was launched in 2007, helps to provide better facilities for injured British servicemen and women.

For more information and to enter, contact Mark Howard on 07702 118738.