Race takes twist

Diggle’s Danny Tomlinson (right) takes on Hepworth's Matthew Earnshaw.

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Diggle 0, Hepworth United 0

Southern left to rue stalemate

DIGGLE’S aim to finish in second place in the first division of the Huddersfield and District League wavered in a goalless draw against lowly Hepworth United at Churchill playing fields.

Second spot is still very much within reach but, in a totally-one-sided affair, Diggle just couldn't put away the many goalscoring opportunities that came their way.

Diggle manager Steve Southern said: “This must go down as one of the most one-sided games in history and if the score would have been 5-0 or 10-0 to us then nobody could have complained.

“Hepworth came to stifle us but a lack of quality in the final third of the pitch meant that we missed a procession of opportunities by players who would normally put them away.

“It is still in our own hands with one match to go.”

For the club as a whole, this has been one of the best seasons in Diggle's history.

The second team, under the leadership of Adi Bottom, are champions of reserve division one. It was a Keiron Mayall goal that gave the side a memorable 1-0 victory over Britannia reserves in the final of the Richardson Cup.

The club’s season of accolades doesn’t even end there.

Diggle thirds are also champions - managed by Howard Johnson and Alex Marsh, they have conquered all before them in reserve division two (see below).

Southern added: “It is fantastic for the club and things are improving year on year.

“Much of the club's success is a tribute to club stalwarts Richard Devy and Mark Smith.”

Squad —

DIGGLE: McWatt, Jones, Broadbent, Rainford, Cheetham, Martin, Tomlinson, C Moore, Jacobs, Whittaker, K Mayall. Subs: Hewitt, Swallow, Godard.


Fixtures for the weekend

Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division: Leigh Athletic v Avro; Old Alts v Stockport Georgians; East Manchester v Elton Vale; Hollinwood v Chapel Town; Rochdale Sacred Heart v Dukinfield Town. Division two: Dukinfield Town reserves v Avro reserves. Division three: Bury Amateurs reserves v Hollinwood reserves.
Lancashire and Cheshire League division one: Stoconians v AFC Oldham 2005. Division two: Oldham Victoria v Heaton Mersey. Division ‘C’: Oldham Victoria reserves v Chorltonians fourths. Division ‘D’: Denton West End reserves v Santos FC reserves. Monday, Division ‘D’: Moorside Rangers reserves v Oldham Victoria reserves.

D&J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League, Jack Abbott Premier Division: Failsworth Dynamos v Coppice United (Z Eko).

President’s Trophy (at Chadderton FC): Rose of Lancaster v Limeside ‘A’ (M Schofield). Division two shield final (at Chadderton FC): Rifle Range Royal Blues v Old Grey Mare (M Rawes).

Huddersfield and District League division one: Uppermill v Hepworth United. Reserves division one: Diggle reserves v Uppermill reserves.