Spurned chances prove costly

FOOTBALL: SPRINGHEAD were left to rue several missed opportunities as they were held to a 1-1 draw at AFC Bury in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.

Josh Walker and Richard Bennett both saw chances go begging early on and, for all their possession, the visitors drew a blank in the first period.

The deadlock was broken by Springhead one minute after the restart when Mark Hopwood unleashed an unstoppable shot from the far corner of the penalty area.

But the lead was short-lived — Bury levelled from a corner almost immediately.

Hopwood missed a one-on-one chance moments later and Owen Minnock, Jack Barnes and Bennett should have found the net.

The game finished all-square, meaning Springhead have lost just once in eight games.

Royton Town slipped to their third successive defeat, going down 1-0 at Wythenshawe Amateurs.

Influential midfielder Ian Hulme exited the field after just five minutes after sustaining a dislocated shoulder.

Chances were few and far between but Ammies netted the winner for the hosts after 43 minutes.

Elsewhere Paddy Garmary pounced twice as Avro edged out Dukinfield Town 4-3.

He was joined on the scoresheet by James Hampson and Callum Jackson.

Avro boss Phil Brown said: “We were shaky at the back but some of the younger players

featured and they need the experience.

“A few of the senior lads have gone down with injury or suspension of late so others with less game time under their belts have stepped up.

“The only way for them to learn is to get minutes on the pitch.”

Division One action saw Hollinwood lose 4-3 at home to Pennington.