Bennett’s eyes on trophy prize

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: HOLLINWOOD manager Paul Bennett showed his humility when looking ahead to his side’s Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy final against Beechfield United next Thursday at Salford City FC (7pm).

Bennett, who has proved a hit as manager since taking over from Mark Howard, said: “I feel a bit overwhelmed to be honest, but I’m looking forward to it a lot.

“It feels good, because this is my first final as manager of Hollinwood.”

Bennett’s side overcame Manchester League premier division rivals East Manchester in a two-legged semi-final.

And revenge could well be on the cards for Hollinwood when they come up against Beechfield United from the league’s division one.

Just over a year ago, Hollinwood were humbled by Beechfield in a first-round tie in the same competition.

Bennett added: “We can’t just turn up and think we’re going to win, because they’ll be giving it their best shot.

“We will have to play to the best of our ability.”

Bennett, whose side meet Walshaw Sports in the Manchester League’s Gilgryst Cup following victory over Chapel Town (see separate story), will select his side from a squad of 15.

Hollinwood (from): Hulley, Booth, Blundell, Hamlin, Connors, Cook, Yates, Snowdon, Salt, L Murray, D Murray, Beckett, Robinson, Jepson, Brooks.



Oddies swoop to end United’s hopes
COPPICE United, last year’s beaten finalists, suffered an early exit in the D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League Jack Abbott premier division shield. 

Bottom-of-the-table United, who had the unenviable record of losing in the final of three competitions in season 2008/09, were beaten 3-1 by Oddies Athletic.

In the David Giblin division one shield, Limeside Athletic ‘A’ defeated promotion rivals Bridge Inn 3-1, while Red Star overcame Parkside 8-4.

There was a surprise in division two shield as second-bottom Old Grey Mare defeated mid-table Crompton and Royton 2-1.

In the league, FC Broadgate have joined High Crompton CC at the top of the premier division.

Broadgate were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Failsworth Athletic, while High Crompton were beaten 3-2 by Lowerhouse United ‘A’.

Chaddy End recovered from the disappointment of losing to Langley Celtic in the Manchester FA Sunday Shield.

The reigning premier division champions overcame Failsworth Dynamos 4-3.

Highfield United were unable to take advantage of Fitton Hill Rangers’ shock defeat division one.

United, in second place, lost 1-0 at Rose of Lancaster, while Rangers succumbed 3-2 to Westwood.

In divsion two, Rife Range Royal Blues stretched their lead to 12 points after an 8-2 win at Royal Oak.

Results and scorers —

Jack Abbott premier division shield: Khartoum Northern FC P FC Royton P; Coppice United 1, Oddies Athletic 3.

David Giblin division one shield: Bridge Inn FC 1 (M King), Limeside Athletic ‘A’ 3 (D Hendry, W Ware, C McKenzie); Red Star 8 (C Beamish 4, J Dean 2, C McDonald, M Booth), Parkside 3 (S Scoltock, B Fothergill, M Morris).

Division two: Crompton & Royton 1 (R Bailey), Old Grey Mare 2 (A Morris, S Uren); Northside FC 3, Lowerhouse United ‘B’ 3; Oldham United 3, Lark Inn 3; Springhead Libs FC 6 (L Stephenson 4, L Everett 2), Limeside Athletic ‘B’ 0.

Premier division: FC Broadgate 1 (C Tetlow), Failsworth Athletic 1 (M Olive); Chaddy End 4 (A Beckett 2), Failsworth Dynamos 3 (L Mack, Dillon 2); Lowerhouse United ‘A’ 3 (I Burns 3), High Crompton CC 2 (A Smith 2).

Division one: Westwood FC 3 (Miah, Rahman, Uddin), Fitton Hill Rangers 2 (S Grimshaw, D Scanlan); Rose of Lancaster 1 (L Scanlan), Highfield United 0.

Division two: Royal Oak 2 (Nolan, Jarvis), Rifle Range Royal Blues 8 (Leigh 3, Oakes 2, Noicely, Knagg, Harwood).