Highfield topple comeback kings

Photo: Chris Sunderland

Highfield United’s Jake Buckley (left) closes down Gary Chadderton, of Limeside Athletic ‘A’.

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Highfield United 4, Limeside Athletic ‘A’ 0

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: THE last time Limeside Athletic found themselves four goals down was in their recent MCFA Sunday Cup tie against Urmston Meadowside.

A remarkable comeback ensued and Mick Bleach’s side moved into the last 16 when they responded magnificently with five goals.

But they were unable to repeat the feat against Highfield United in an absorbing David Giblin division one of the D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League clash.

Absorbing was the operative word in terms of the rain that fell throughout the entire 90 minutes on to the shirts, socks and shorts of the players and officials.

And, of course, on to this reporter and photographer, Chris Sunderland.

Both Highfield and Limeside were promoted as runners-up and champions respectively last season from division two.

There were some keen battles between the two last term and, although Highfield hold the bragging rights for now, the scoreline didn’t reflect the goings-on during the rain-sodden match.

Limeside, in fact, had a glorious opportunity to go in front close to the half-hour mark when a penalty was awarded for handball offence against Clayton Palmer.

However, Highfield’s Richard Bennett made a superb double save to deny Carlton McKenzie from both the spot-kick and his follow-up attempt.

To the few hardy souls who braved the elements, it wasn’t so much Richard Bennett, more ‘Gordon Bennett’ in appreciation of the goalkeeper’s efforts.

Highfield, with the benefit of a full-strength squad at their disposal, punished Limeside for that miss within five minutes.

A flowing move ended with Neil Hardman drilling the ball home from the edge of the penalty area for the first of his two goals.

Highfield were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half and Martyn Gurr showed how it should be done after a foul on Keith Kurpas.

Hardman made it 3-0 with a deft chip after 71 minutes, before Kurpas completed the scoring with a 20-yards drive.

George Douse, Highfield’s assistant manager and surely one of the most enthusiastic people in the league, said: “It definitely wasn’t a 4-0 game but we took our chances in the second half.

“It was nip and tuck in the first half hour with both teams cancelling each other out and it was hard to see where the first goal would come from.

“It was a big game for us and we’re right back into the reckoning.”


HIGHFIELD United and Limeside Athletic ‘A’ are in the last 16 of the Manchester County FA Sunday Cup this weekend.

United entertain Eccles Sunday League premier division outfit Charlestown, while Limeside travel to play Procter’s FC.