Bennett bags a brace

FOOTBALL: SPRINGHEAD were almost made to pay for poor finishing as they surrendered a two-goal lead before finally beating neighbours Hollinwood 4-2 in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.

It took only six minutes for Springhead to take the lead at Chapel Road, Mark Hopwood chipping the goalkeeper from 25 yards.

Twelve minutes later prolific target man Richard Bennett doubled the advantage with a deft lob.

Hollinwood gave themselves hope when they pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time.

Their opponents saw a number of chances go begging after the restart, and Lee Wolfenden equalised for Fred Hardicre’s side after an hour.

However, Bennett fired his 19th goal of the season with 20 minutes remaining, and substitute Josh Walker pounced eight minutes later to seal a hard-earned victory.

Hollinwood defend the Manchester FA Challenge Trophy on Saturday with a repeat of last season’s final, against Beechfield United at Chapel Road, in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, leaders Avro were held to a surprise goalless draw at home to struggling Prestwich Heys.

Avro are now level on points with Hindsford, but they remain top due to their superior goal difference.

Royton Town earned a 2-2 draw at Bury Amateurs in a mid-table clash.




LEADERS FC Royton roared to their eighth victory in 10 matches as they swept aside Fitton Hill 4-0 in the D & J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League Jack Abbott Premier Division.



R Quinlan, C Ginniver, D Halliwell and G Hall were on target for FC Royton.

T Hughes bagged a brace for second-placed Chaddy End in their 3-0 triumph at Rifle Range Reds. A Beckett joined him on the scoresheet.

Chaddy End are six points behind FC Royton, but have three games in hand.

S Barrow was at the double as Coppice ‘A’ defeated Oddies Athletic 3-2. N Butt got the other goal for Coppice.

In a mid-table clash, High Crompton saw off FC Broadgate 3-0 courtesy of a C Ryan brace and N Campbell’s strike.

Failsworth Athletic lost 3-1 at home to Red Star, for whom R Hobin pounced twice and C Beamish also scored (see John Gilder’s Match of the Day).






In Division Three, Springhead Lib ‘A’ versus Northside was abandoned after 85 minutes due to an alleged goalmouth scuffle, with Springhead Lib ‘A’ leading 6-2.



The matter is now in the hands of the Manchester FA.