Comeback to no avail for never-say-die Diggle

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: DIGGLE returned from Lepton Highlanders in division one of the Huddersfield and District League with nothing to show for a gritty effort.

Steve Southern’s side, who were back in action after an enforced two-month break because of the weather, were beaten 3-2 by the reigning champions.

It turned out to be a titanic struggle despite Diggle trailing by two goals inside five minutes.

Unafraid by such a dreadful start, Diggle replied on the half hour through Wayne Broadbent.

The local outfit were level by half-time thanks to a fine piece of individual skill from Jeff Whittaker and Chris Moore’s close-range finish.

There was everything to play for in the second period, and it was Lepton who struck with a decisive third goal on the hour mark.

Diggle finished strongly and nearly equalised when Broadbent’s shot was pushed on to the crossbar by the ’keeper.

Meanwhile, Uppermill are up to mid-table in division one after a 4-2 win at Hepworth United.

Diggle’s second string enjoyed a 4-0 victory at home to Britannia Sports to stay top of reserve division one, while Uppermill had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw against Berry Brow.

Results —

Division one: Hepworth United 2, Uppermill 4; Lepton Highlanders 3, Diggle 2.

Division four: AFC Lindley P Heyside FC P.

Reserve division one: Diggle Res 4, Britannia Sports Res 0; Uppermill Res 3, Berry Brow Res 3.

Reserve division two: Heyside FC Res 1, Wooldale Wanderers Res 1; Uppermill ‘A’ 2, Meltham Athletic ‘A’ 1; Westend Res 2, Diggle ‘A’ 4.

Goal glut

HARLEQUIN were beaten 8-3 by Asia in an entertaining game in the Rochdale On-line Alliance premier division.

David Bates, Mark Silke and Andrew Simpson scored for Quins in a match played at New Barn.


fixtures
Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League, premier division: Atherton Town v Hindsford; Avro v Manchester Gregorians; Chapel Town v Elton Vale; Dukinfield Town v East Manchester; Royton Town v Prestwich Heys; Springhead v Old Alts; Stockport Georgians v Leigh Athletic; Walshaw Sports v Hollinwood; Wythenshawe Amateurs v Rochdale Sacred Heart. Division one: Breightmet United v Wythenshawe Town; Bury Amateurs v Wilmslow Albion; Fives Athletic v Monton Amateurs; West Didsbury v Beechfield United. Division two: Leigh Athletic Res v Springhead Res; Manchester Gregorians Res v Avro Res. Division three: Hollinwood Res v West Didsbury & Chorlton Res; Wythenshawe Town Res v Royton Town Res. Division four: Hollinwood ‘A’ v West Didsbury & Chorlton ‘A’.

Lancashire and Cheshire League, division one: AFC OIdham 2005 v Gatley. Division one: Deans FC v Oldham Victoria; Santos v Standians. Division ‘C’: Old Stretfordians 3rds v Oldham Victoria Res. Division ‘D’: Govan Athletic Res v AFC Oldham 2005 Res; Staly v Santos Res.

Huddersfield and District League, Barlow Cup, round two: Slaithwaite United v Diggle. Richardson Cup, round two: Diggle ‘A’ v Netherton Res. Quarter-final: Westend Res v Diggle Res. Division one: Shepley v Uppermill. Division four: Fenay Bridge FC v Heyside FC. Reserve division one: Uppermill Res v Kirkheaton Rovers Res. Reserve division two: Heyside FC Res v Mount Res; New Mill 94 Res v Uppermill ‘A’.

D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League. President’s Trophy: Bridge Inn v Rose of Lancaster (D Thomas). Challenge Cup replays (1.30pm): Lark v Famous King George (Z Eko); Khartoum Northern v Red Star (P Ryan). Challenge Cup, round three: High Crompton CC v Highfield United (S Leach); Limeside Athletic ‘A’ v Springhead Libs (D Heron); Lowerhouse ‘A’ v North Star (A Hibbert); Oddies v Royton Athletic (K Kelly); Royal Oak v Failsworth Athletic (D Partington). Jack Abbott premier division: FC Broadgate v Failsworth Dynamos (D Bradley); Royton FC v Coppice United (G Schofield). David Giblin division one: Fitton Hill v Wellington (D Hewitt). Division two: Oldham Utd v Crompton and Royton (M Schofield); Old Grey Mare v Rifle Range Royle Blues (M Rose); Lowerhouse ‘B’ v Limeside Athletic ‘B’ (D Wardle). Manchester County FA Sunday Shield semi-final, first leg (12.30pm at Chapel Road: Chaddy End v Langley Celtic.

Ashton Sunday League: Moston Labour Club v Charlestown; Kippax v Warwick United; Dog and Partridge v Golden Buck; Shaw Rovers v Home Guard.