Underdogs in cup-tie glory

HOLLINWOOD and Springhead, who fill two of the bottom three places in the Manchester League Premier Division, caused quite a stir in round two of the Gilgryst Cup.

Basement boys Hollinwood, with only one win to their name so far this season, defeated Prestwich Heys 3-1 in extra time.

Springhead, who were without a victory in their previous five games, overcame mid-table Bury Amateurs 2-0.

Hollinwood booked a quarter-final ticket thanks to efforts from midfield pair Lee Wolfenden and Kane Radcliffe and an own goal.

“We had a lot of chances in the first half and should have had it wrapped up,” said manager Fred Hardicre.

“Prestwich equalised with about five minutes to go, but we didn’t let our heads drop and stepped up a gear in extra time.”

Dominant Springhead produced a performance which belied their season so far.

The outstanding Richard Bennett put Springhead in front, and it would have been two but for a post denying Murray Hill.

Gareth Shaw missed from six yards after more fine work by Bennett.

But the tie was settled when Paul Stevenson, after collecting possession midway inside the Bury half, went on to unleash an unstoppable shot beyond the ’keeper.

Royton Town made it three local teams in the last eight.

The Glebe Street outfit went through 5-4 on penalties after the tie against Stockport Georgians finished 2-2.

It was a good effort from Town, who lost skipper Christian Fraser in the first minute.

Georgians drew first blood just after the half-hour mark, but Town equalised with 18 minutes to go when the excellent Will Mellor lashed the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

Georgians were back in front moments later, only for Jason Titterington to convert an Alan Beckett cross with the end of the 90 minutes in sight.

Beckett slotted home Town’s first spot-kick, but with Lee Mullen saving Georgians’ initial attempt, the way was left clear for Michael Moss, Titterington, Mellor and Fraser Hatton to send Town into round two.

Avro were unable to complete a full house as they went down 3-1 at Walshaw Sports.

Results —

Gilgryst Cup, round two: Hindsford 1, Dukinfield Town 2; Leigh Athletic 1, Wythenshawe Amateurs 5; Royton Town 2, Stockport Georgians 2 — Town 5-4 on pens; Springhead 2, Bury Amateurs 0; Walshaw Sports 3, Avro 1; Manchester Gregorians 0, East Manchester 2. Hollinwood 3, Prestwich Heys 1 aet.

Open Trophy: Elton Vale Res 3, Springhead Res 1; Prestwich Heys Res 4, Hollinwood Res 0.

Division Two: Avro Res 3, Leigh Athletic Res 2.

Bridgewater League Cup: Bury Amateurs Res 1, Royton Town Res 0.