Shock defeat hits title hopes

AMATEUR FOOTBALL:

AVRO have suffered another setback in their quest for the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division title.

In one of the shock results of the day, they slumped to a 2-1 reverse at relegation threatened Prestwich Heys.

Leaders Manchester Gregorians also tasted defeat, losing 3-2 at home to Wythenshawe Amateurs.

Avro, with two games in hand, are six points adrift of top spot.

Hollinwood had something to shout about at the other end of the table.

The basement boys kept alive their hopes of avoiding the drop with a morale-boosting 3-1 at local rivals Royton Town in midweek.

It was a good response from Fred Hardicre’s side, who were beaten 6-2 by Dukinfield Town last weekend.

Tom Dale scored Royton’s consolation on Tuesday night.

The Glebe Street outfit also slumped to defeat three days earlier, losing 2-1 at home to Bury Amateurs.

Christian Fraser scored for Royton — a spectacular effort from inside his own half.

Ravaged by injuries and unavailable players for both games, Royton fielded an untried selection of youth team players who, although not lacking in talent, found it tough going at Manchester League level.

Springhead, like Royton, are too close to the drop zone for comfort after losing 4-2 at Walshaw Sports.



AFC OLDHAM’S hopes of a top-two finish in Division One of the Lancashire and Cheshire League received a boost in midweek.

They defeated Deans FC 3-1, which followed on from an 8-2 drubbing of Burnage Metro.

Oldham, with two games in hand, trail Chorltonians by 12 points.

In Division Two, Oldham Victoria overcame Aldermere 2-1, but Santos were beaten 3-2 by Rochdalians reserves.

Santos second string lost 2-1 at Division ‘C’ leaders Parrswood Celtic reserves.






CHADDERTONIANS enjoyed a fine 3-0 win at third-placed Old Boltonians in the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division.

Despite a fine early strike from Rick Massey, Chadds were on the back foot for most of the opening half.

Darren Hoolican increased Chadds’ lead soon after the restart, before a late goal from Neil Sissons sealed a fine victory.

Chadds’ second team, with goals from Adam Duxbury, Jordan Scholes and Nick Hartley, fought out a 3-3 draw with local rivals Oldham Hulmeians in Division Two, but Chadds’ ‘A’ team were beaten 1-0 by Bolton Wyresdale reserves in Division Three.