Royton pour on the misery

SPRINGHEAD’S winless run extended to five matches after a 3-2 home loss to neighbours Royton Town in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.

This clash summed up the hosts’ season to date — they enjoyed long spells of possession and created clear-cut chances which were not taken.

They began brightly, causing Royton problems at the back and Mark Hopwood and Jack Barnes both went close to breaking the deadlock.

With 25 minutes on the clock Dale Jackman’s Manchester League cross was handled by Chris Fraser and Hopwood slotted home the resultant penalty for Springhead.

Jackman nearly doubled the lead for the home outfit, only to see his free-kick hit the bar.

Wayne Dean and Michael Moss looked dangerous for the visitors and it was Dean who restored parity five minutes before the break when goalkeeper Lee Milner failed to deal with a cross, allowing the striker to poke home.

On the stroke of half-time Dean was upended in the box and he tucked away the spot-kick.

Springhead saw plenty of the ball in the second period but were frustrated by the opposition.

Moss netted in the 81st minute, lobbing over Milner, before Barnes notched a late consolation for Springhead.

Avro enjoyed a 4-3 victory over Hindsford.

James Hampson struck twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Michael Barscott and Carl Jackson.

Phil Brown’s side have a slender one-point lead over East Manchester at the top of the table.

However, East Manchester have a game in hand, as do Hindsford, who are two points off the pace.

Brown believes the race for title glory will go to the wire this term.

“Anyone can beat anyone else in this division, so it is quite unpredictable at the top,” he said.

There was misery for Hollinwood in Division One.

Fred Hardicre’s side were beaten 4-0 at Beechfield United.

Results —

Premier Division: Avro 4, Hindsford 3; Springhead 1, Royton Town 2. Division One: Beechfield United 4, Hollinwood 0. Division Two: Rochdale Sacred Heart reserves 1, Avro reserves 3. Division Three: Hindsford reserves 2, Springhead reserves 2; Royton Town reserves 2, Beechfield United reserves 1; Hollinwood reserves 1, Pennington reserves 5. Division Four: Dukinfield Town ‘A’ 1, Royton Town ‘A’ 5.