Shaw’s hat-trick guides Hulmeians to victory

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: JONNY SHAW netted a hat-trick as Oldham Hulmeians beat third-placed Radcliffe Boys 6-4 in division two of the Lancashire Amateur League.

Shaw’s opener, plus strikes from Steve Shalmani and Simon Toms, gave the home side a deserved 3-1 half-time lead.

But Radcliffe hit back to level it at 3-3 and, even after Toms put Hulmeians back in front, the visitors equalised once more to make it 4-4.

However, two goals from Shaw in the last 15 minutes settled the contest in favour of Hulmeians, who remain ninth.

Meanwhile, Ross Pierce, Chris Howard and Gary Melia were on target for Hulmeians Reserves in their 6-3 defeat at Thornleigh Reserves in division five.

In division seven, Hulmeians ‘A’ won a mid-table encounter against Bolton Wyresdale ‘B’ 3-1 thanks to Marvin Watson, John Morton and Mark Flight.

CHADDS 1st team entertained lowly Bolton Wyresdale and recorded a 2-0 win.

They struggled to break down a resolute Bolton defence which kept them at bay for 70 minutes. However, substitute Dave Ashworth caused problems for Bolton with his pace and set up Steve Barrow for the first goal.

Dave Ashworth was then fouled in the area but the spot-kick was missed before Mark Kearns settled matters late in the game to secure the points for Chadds.

The second team beat Mostonians 5-2 in an open game with many chances. Damian Hardman and Adam Duxbury gave Chadds a 2-0 half-time lead and three further goals from Chris Duxbury sealed the win.

Chadds ‘A’ won for the eighth game in succession to remain second in Division 4 by beating Mancunians ‘A’ 3–0 (Mark Hendstock, Jordan Scholes and Dale Myers).

The ‘B’ team drew 2-2 at unbeaten Broughton Amateurs ‘A’, recovering from 2-0 down with goals from Adam Flint and Chris O’Toole.


Rochdale Online League

HARLEQUIN ground out a hard fought 1-1 draw at home to Fothergill & Whittles in the Premier Division.

Having won 9-1 the previous week, Fothergills would have been confident of victory against struggling Harlequin but it was the home side who started the better and took the lead when striker Si Butler found the top corner after a strong run and cross by David Bates.

Quins continued to counter-attack well and could have increased their lead but for wayward finishing. And they were punished when Fothergills grabbed an equaliser.


AFC ROYTON slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against close rivals Castleton 2nd in the second division.

In a keenly-fought game, Royton opened the scoring after five minutes when Shane Stott outpaced the Castleton defence and beat the onrushing keeper from the edge of the box.

Castleton then scored the goal of the game with a long-range effort to make it 1-1 at the break.

The second half was an even affair until Royton overplayed on the edge of the box and presented Castleton their second. Throwing caution to the wind, Royton were again found wanting in defence and conceded once more.


Santos stage thrilling fightback

SANTOS AFC face the top three teams in the second division of the Lancashire and Cheshire League on consecutive weekends - and they responded tremendously to the first challenge with a spirited 5-4 win against second-placed Standians.

Following a dismal run of defeats, it was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Santos and things didn’t get much better when they found themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes.

Adam Taylor was brought on early to replace the injured Paul Marsh in midfield and Santos managed to haul themselves back in the contest with a goal from Matthew Fitton after good work from Jonathan Phillips.

However, the hard work was undone within minutes when Standians grabbed another goal to put them 3-1 ahead.

This might have signalled a collapse, but Santos continued to play some good attacking football, prompted by the midfield of Phillips, John Mayall and John Bland.

Following a great cross from Phillips on the left the ball was neatly headed at the back post by Martin Green to Adam Taylor who slotted the home to make it 3-2 at the interval.

With Standians becoming increasingly uncertain, it wasn’t long before Santos grabbed the equaliser when the ball was pulled back to Fitton whose shot flew into the back of the net.

Standians upped their game and managed to grab their fourth goal due to slack marking.

But Santos refused to buckle and staged a remarkable late rally as Mayall grabbed an equaliser before Green volleyed home the winner with five minutes remaining.

Now they hope to show that same spirit this weekend when they travel to third-placed Heaton Mersey.

The Reserves were beaten 3-2 at Staly FC.