Jackson quick on the draw

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: DIGGLE claimed derby-day glory with a 1-0 win over a rejuvenated Uppermill side in division one of the Huddersfield and District League.

Steve Southern’s men began brightly and were a goal to the good within five minutes of the start, Mark Jackson rifling home a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Diggle had an effort disallowed moments later and, for the opening 20 minutes, were in complete control.

But a young Uppermill team gradually gained a foothold in the game and played some neat and attractive football.

The second half was played at a frenetic pace, but chances for both sides were few and far between, although Bev Mayall, for Diggle, hit the crossbar late on.

Heyside maintained their push for promotion from division four with a 5-2 defeat of Rastrick CC.

In front through a Michael McCabe effort, they went on to create other opportunities, but they were pegged back a minute before half-time from the penalty spot.

A Scott Rowbottom strike early in the second period put Heyside back in front, but a mix up in defence allowed Rastrick to draw level again.

Jake Warburton restored Heyside’s lead, before further goals from Scott Bloor and McCabe clinched victory.

In reserve division one, Diggle’s second string swept aside Shepley 6-0. And to complete a fine afternoon for the Diggle club, the ‘A’ team defeated Mount 2-0 to maintain their unbeaten record in reserve division two.

Heyside reserves came from behind to draw 1-1 draw against Upperthong, who went in front in the early stages of the second half.

The local side piled on the pressure and they were rewarded in the last minute when Matthew Nokes found the net.

In the Works League, Jeff Grace (two), Steve Darraugh and Phil Klich were on target for Uppermill fifths in a 4-1 win at Kirkheaton.


Murdoch hits the headlines

AARON MURDOCH set the ball rolling for AFC Oldham 2005, who recorded 5-2 win over Alkrington Dynamos in division one of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

He wrapped up a comfortable victory with the fifth goal following a double from Alwayne Thompson and a Matt Dickinson effort.

Santos hit back from the previous week’s defeat at the hands pacesetting Deans FC with a 4-1 win over basement boy Manchester Rovers.

Martin Green, sporting a pair of new boots, put Santos in front, but they were reprieved moments later when Rover missed a penalty after James Stockton was pulled up for hand ball.

The local outfit added a second through Jonny Phillips, but Rovers reduced the deficit after capitalising on a mistake in defence.

However, Santos clinched a third win from their last four games thanks to further goals from Mathew Fitton and Phillips.

Oldham Victoria went a goal down after 15 minutes at home to Droylsden Amateurs, but recovered to draw 1-1.

Paul Arrowsmith equalised in the 70th minute, firing home 25 yards as his side dominated the remainder of the match.

A hat-trick from leading scorer Richard Rawsthorne and a goal apiece from Tremain Blair, Ashley Prince and Marc Brady clinched a 6-1 victory for Vics reserves at Mellor thirds in division ‘C’. It was their biggest win of the season.

AFC Oldham reserves could only call upon 11 players — manager Lee Rostron was in the line-up — but they still swept aside Mellors fourths 7-2 in division ‘D’.

Ace marksman Chris Hudson (three, including a penalty), Geoff Blackburn (two), Ross Elliott and Pete Smith did the damage.

But Santos were beaten 4-2 by Irlam Steel thirds.

Nick Heap bagged a treble for AFC Oldham thirds in a 4-1 defeat of Newton thirds in division ‘E’ — substitute Danny Fitzpatrick was also on target — and Ryan Higginson scored all four goals for AFC Oldham fourths in a 4-1 defeat of Aldermere fourths in division ‘ F‘.

Results —

Division one: Alkrington Dynamos 2, AFC Oldham 2005 5. Division two: Manchester Rovers 1, Santos 4; Oldham Victoria 1, Droylsden Amateurs 1. Division ‘C’: Mellors 3rds 1, Oldham Victoria Res 6. Division ‘D’: AFC Oldham Res 7, Mellors 4ths 2; Santos Res 2, Irlam Steel 3rds 4. Division ‘E’: Newton 3rds 1, AFC Oldham 2005 3rds 4. Division ‘F’: AFC Oldham 2005 fourths 4, Aldermere fourths 1.