Fuller’s fearless stars lift the title
Date published: 14 May 2010
Photo: Darren Robinson
HERE WE GO: Oddies FC skipper Mark Hill (left) and Coppice United counterpart Sheheryar Rashid pose with the Challenge Cup in front of their team-mates and officials before kick-off. INSET: Oddies manager Dave Pullen dressed as Tango man because his team, who normally play in orange, changed for the final. Photos by Darren Robinson.
FOOTBALL: AWESOME Avro held their nerve to beat Leigh Athletic on the last day of the season and, in doing so, lifted the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division title for the first time.
They went into the game one point behind leaders Wythenshawe Amateurs, who had already completed their fixtures.
Goalless at the break, the entire campaign couldn’t have been more finely balanced.
But a Lee O’Brien effort and two Mike Barnesgott screamers after the interval saw Avro seal the silverware.
Even a saved O’Brien penalty at 2-0 didn’t shake the spirit of the new champions as they battled on to title glory.
Boss Rob Fuller said: “The news is still sinking in to be honest.
“Leading up to the match, the nerves were jangling so we just wanted to get on with it.
“But after our comeback the week before against Elton Vale (Avro won 3-2 after trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining) I suppose there was the feeling that we were destined to finish top of the league.
“The celebrations took us into Manchester for drinks and we didn’t really stop until Sunday evening, but I think everyone involved with the club deserved to let their hair down.”
Fuller has already turned his attention to next season.
He added: “We have managed to secure most of the current players’ services for the next campaign.
“Our under-19s side won the treble in the Tameside League so obviously the future looks bright, there are a lot of good youngsters coming through the ranks.
“Some of them are getting involved with the first team.
“But obviously we never like to stand still and are always keen to strengthen the squad, so if anyone is interested they can call me on 07595 486425.”
Elsewhere, on the last day of the premier divison season, Hollinwood smashed 10 past Chapel Town, who managed a consolation goal.
Springhead enjoyed a positive end to their campaign after earning a 1-0 win at Atherton Town.
In division two, Springhead reserves took all three points with a 1-0 triumph over hosts Hindsford reserves.
Hollinwood reserves travelled to Bury Amateurs reserves and battled to a 3-3 draw in division three.
Other results are —
Premier division: Atherton Town 0, Springhead 1; Leigh Athletic 0, Avro 3; Old Alts 6, Stockport Georgians 0; East Manchester 4, Elton Vale 3; Hollinwood 10, Chapel Town 1; Rochdale Sacred Heart 0, Dukinfield Town 4.
Division three: Bury Amateurs reserves 3, Hollinwood reserves 3.
Midweek results-
Division two: Hindsford reserves 0, Springhead reserves 1.
Curse lifted!
United avenge defeat
THE Coppice United silverware jinx ended last night when they won the D & J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League Challenge Cup with a 4-2 defeat of Oddies at Boundary Park.
Coppice, who lost three finals last season - one of which was against Oddies - went behind to a Chris Crothers goal early on.
But a Danny O'Connell brace and goals from Yasser Ali and Faisal Khaliq won it.
Crothers scored a late consolation.
Limeside Athletic lifted the President’s Trophy after a 5-2 victory at the expense of Rose of Lancaster.
Rifle Rangers Royal Blues beat Old Grey Mare 6-1 to clinch the division two shield.
