Avro braced for points deduction

MINE’S A TREBLE . . . Avro forward Danny Grimshaw, who scored a hat-trick in his side’s 7-2 victory at neighbours Hollinwood.

AMATEUR FOOTBALL:

AVRO are in danger of losing their Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division crown — just days after retaining it.

A 7-2 victory at neighbours Hollinwood, coupled with closest challengers Manchester Gregorians’ shock 2-1 loss to Leigh Athletic, sealed top spot for Phil Brown’s men.

Even a surprise 2-1 defeat to Hollinwood in midweek looked irrelevant as they had won the league by one point.

But the Manchester County FA have opened an investigation after Avro admitted using an ineligible player last month.

Midfielder Matthew Edge, who came on for the final three minutes of a 4-1 win against Wythenshawe Amateurs, should not have featured after being sent off in a Sunday league fixture.

If found guilty, Avro face a three-point deduction — which would see them finish second or even third, should Stockport Georgians win their one remaining fixture.

Avro secretary David Moxon said: “Matthew should not have played, but at the time we had no idea he had been sent off for his other team.

“If we are stripped of the title we will definitely appeal.”

A spokesperson for the Manchester League said the investigation is “ongoing” and offered no further comment.

The defeat to Hollinwood now seems costly, as a win would have ensured the title even with a three-point deduction.

On the mark in the 7-2 triumph were Danny Grimshaw with a hat-trick, Paddy Garmory (two), James Hampson and Paul Gregson.

Elsewhere, Royton Town suffered a pair of 2-1 defeats, at the hands of Hindsford and Dukinfield Town respectively.