Third spot in the bag

THE end of a successful season was one of the many talking points at AFC Oldham's successful sportsman’s dinner at Smokies. They raised more than £3,500, helped by an auction. Pictured with one of the items, a signed Manchester United picture, are chairman David Giblin (left), club secretary Bob Rowlandson, guest speaker Geoff Miller (chairman of England cricket selectors), MC Michael Bradshaw and club development officer Andy Rowlandson.

FOOTBALL: AFC Oldham 2005 finished in a respectable third place in the Lancashire and Cheshire League division one despite losing 4-3 at Old Stoconians.

The visitors opened the scoring through a Grant Marshall header before Callum Franklin doubled the lead after a mazy dribble prior to the interval.

Stoconians pulled one back soon after the restart, but when Franklin’s free-kick flew into the net the points looked safe for the Oldham side.

However, lapses in concentration led to the hosts scoring two goals in quick succession before another strike in the last minute gave them victory.

In division ‘D’, AFC Oldham seconds strolled to a convincing 5-2 demolition of Old Stretfordians.

Manager Lee Rostron drafted in some fourth team players and it paid dividends when young Adam Smith headed them into the lead.

Aaron Murphy doubled the advantage before Stretfordians goals either side of the break levelled matters.

Geoff Blackburn’s solo effort restored AFC Oldham’s lead.

Chris Hudson’s brace finished the job.

Santos reserves’ cemented sixth place in division ‘D’ without even kicking a ball because opponents Denton West End reserves couldn’t raise a team.


Santos Vets take on a Santos XI at Hopwood Hall College tomorrow (noon kick-off).