Winning start for new manager Devy

Diggle's Martin Mayall (right) shields the possession from Moldgreen's Chris Thomson.

Diggle 2, Moldgreen 0

FOOTBALL: RICHARD Devy took charge of Diggle for the first time and declared the experience as "enjoyable" as his side overcame Moldgreen

2-0 in the Huddersfield and District League Division One at Churchill playing fields.

Devy, who has taken over the managerial reins from Steve Southern, added: "It wasn't a total shock when Steve was thinking about stepping down, but something of a shock when he did.

"I managed the second team two seasons ago when I was injured and we won the Reserve Division One title.

"It has always been in my thoughts to manage and to get a win in my first match was very enjoyable."

Devy (38) has been associated with Diggle Football Club for the past 18 years, scoring 148 first team goals in that time.

And although he would still like to reach the milestone of 150 goals now that he is fit again, Devy added: "I will possibly name myself as a substitute but the younger lads will get the chance to play."

And that is exactly what happened against Moldgreen - Devy being an unused substitute - in a game that was won extremely comfortably by the hosts.

Devy said: "Our preparations didn't go exactly as planned because of a mix-up over changing accommodation, but that didn't derail anything greatly.

"If we had come off at half time 5-0 up, Moldgreen couldn't have complained."

Diggle had to settle for two goals, the first one coming after nine

minutes when Paul Swallow evaded his marker to head home at the far post following a Mark Lees cross.

The second goal came after half an hour. A long throw-in from Wayne Broadbent found its way into the Moldgreen net off the head of one of the opposition defenders.


Steve Southern has spoken about his decision to step down as manager of Diggle after four years.

He said: "It is probably best all round, but I like to think in that time we created not just one strong team but three, and Diggle also became probably the most respected club in the league.

"I take my football serious which is often self-defeating because football isn't that serious.

"My expectations of amateur footballers have always been high, but the Diggle people are

wonderful.

"I can now devote more time to managing 3D Dynamos under-11s, for whom my 10-year-old son Cameron plays."




SANTOS pulled off a giant-killing in the Rhodes Cup by beating Lancashire and Cheshire League Division One side Moston Brook 3-2.

Division Two outfit Santos sealed the away victory in extra-time.

Steven Cass gave the visitors the lead after 20 minutes, before slack defensive play led to an equaliser.

Santos regained the lead after the break courtesy of Matthew Fitton’s seventh goal of the season.

The hosts levelled matters in the last minute, but Cass struck again in the first half of extra time to win it.

Santos reserves of Division ‘C’ were unlucky not to pull off an even greater upset when they were edged out 2-1 at Spurley Hey, who are two divisions above.

The home side took the lead in the Wray Cup contest with a deft lob before Levi Morris missed a penalty for Santos.

The visitors equalised shortly after the break, with Morris making up for his earlier error by poking the ball home from close range.

Santos were caught by a long ball which led to Hey’s winner.