Joy turns to despair as Hulmeians let it slip

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: IT was a case of what might have been for Oldham Hulmeians, who lost 2-1 at second-placed Hesketh Casuals in division two of the Lancashire Amateur League.

The local side started confidently and went in front after 20 minutes when Chad Lyons finished from close range.

Further chances came and went for Hulmeians before their Southport-based opponents equalised on the stroke of half-time.

And it was the hosts who claimed the points from a set-piece midway through the second half.

A triple substitution paid off for Chaddertonians reserves, who were struggling to break down a stubborn Bury GSOB outfit until goals from replacements Adam Duxbury and Paul Kearns sealed a 2-0 win.

Chadds firsts left Old Boltonians empty handed despite being the better side.

The division one pacesetters started strongly and went ahead midway through the first half, but Chadds were level moments later through Scott Owen’s drive from the edge of the penalty area.

The visitors then dominated proceedings, but were unable to turn their pressure into goals and Bolts clinched victory late on.

Failsworth Dynamos had better luck against Radcliffe Town, Terry Qualters (two), Danny Hopwood and Lee Ashton getting the goals in a 4-1 win.

Meanwhile, in division five, Hulmeians reserves came from behind to win 2-1 at Lymm ‘A’ through Gary Sykes and Ryan Rafferty.

And Chadds ‘B’ swept aside their Old Mancunians counterparts 7-0 in division six. Jak O’Dea (three), Adam Flint (two), Mark Flint and Danny Darwood did the damage.

Hulmeians ‘A’ inflicted a first league defeat on Horwich RMI ‘A’ with a 3-2 victory at Tate Street in division seven, but the club’s ‘B’ team had a day to forget at table-toppers Broughton Amateurs ‘B’, losing 5-0.

Results —

Premier division: Old Boltonians 2, Chaddertonians 1; Radcliffe Town 1, Failsworth Dynamos 4.

Division one: Mostonians 1, Broughton Amateurs 3.

Division two: Astley Bridge 1, Mostonians Res 4; Chaddertonians Res 2, Bury GSOB Res 0; Hesketh Casuals 2, Oldham Hulmeians 1.

Division three: Failsworth Dynamos Res 3, Rochdale St Clems ‘A’ 4.

Division five: Lymm ‘A’ 1, Oldham Hulmeians Res 2; Mostonians ‘A’ 1, Old Boltonians ‘B’ 0.

Division six: Chaddertonians ‘B’ 7, Old Mancunians ‘B’ 0.

Division seven: Broughton Amateurs ‘B’ 5, Oldham Hulmeians ‘B’ 0; Oldham Hulmeians ‘A’ 3, Horwich RMI ‘A’ 2; Radcliffe Town ‘B’ 1, Mostonians ‘B’ 4.