High-fives for gutsy Heyside

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: FIVE points separated Heyside and Shelley before their top-of-the-table clash in division four of the Huddersfield and District League — and it was still five points at the final whistle.

But this was no bore draw as the championship contenders gave it their all in a thrilling 5-5 draw.

Heyside, in second place, were on course to narrow the gap after goals from Danny Cashin and Nick Campbell inside the opening 15 minutes.

But unbeaten Shelley hit back to enter half-time 3-2 in front, and they increased their advantage soon after the restart when the Heyside full-back put through his own net.

The hosts refused to give in and were on level terms thanks efforts from Scott Rowbottom and Campbell.

Shelley nosed ahead again from a free-kick and, with five minutes to go, Heyside looked to have it all to do.

The home side had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside, before they finally got their just rewards when James Taylor forced the ball across the line after a last-gasp free-kick had come back off the crossbar.

In the only other game involving a local team to go ahead, Diggle ‘A’ drew 1-1 at New Mill 94 in reserve division two.

Results —

Division one: Uppermill P Heywood Irish Centre FC P.

Division four: Heyside FC 5, Shelley 5.

Reserve division one: Diggle Res P Berry Brow Res P; Lepton Highlanders Res P Uppermill Res P.

Reserve division two: New Mill 94 Res 1, Diggle ‘A’ 1; Uppermill ‘A’ P Westend Res P; Upperthong Res P Heyside FC Res P.


Wash-out misery
AN eagerly-awaited local derby in the Lancashire and Cheshire League was a victim of the weather.

The division two fixture between hosts Santos AFC and Oldham Victoria was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

But an understrength Santos reserves showed great character to come from behind to draw 2-2 against their Govan Athletic counterparts in division ‘D’.

Meanwhile, the Lancashire and Cheshire League’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Carlsberg National Cup were dashed in emphatic style.

They were beaten 5-0 by an impressive Cambridgeshire FL outfit, who were three goals to the good after half-an-hour in the last-16 clash played at Maine Road FC’s ground.