Beamish rescues a point

A PULSATING derby saw Royton Town and Springhead battle to a 4-4 draw in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.

Full-back Dave Ashworth gave visitors Springhead the lead after 10 minutes with a close range strike.

After Michael Moss narrowly missed a good opportunity for the hosts, Springhead increased their lead five minutes before the break through a Jack Barnes screamer.

And it looked all over as a contest after an hour when Adam Monks sprung the offside trap and coolly finished.

But five minutes later Michael Cheetham reduced the arrears after slamming home from six yards, and it was game on 10 minutes later as Moss converted a one-on-one chance.

Springhead restored their two-goal cushion when Mark Hopwood capitalised on a defensive error, prior to Carl Beamish giving Town hope with seven minutes left on the clock.

And Beamish was the hero when he grabbed the equaliser in the dying minutes, pouncing quickly after Danny Taylor’s free-kick struck a post.

Leaders Avro enjoyed a 3-1 win against Monton, but in Division One Hollinwood lost 3-1 at Elton Vale.

Results —

Premier Division: Avro 3, AFC Monton 1; Royton Town 4, Springhead 4. Division One: Elton Vale 3, Hollinwood 1. Division Two: Prestwich Heys reserves 0, Avro reserves 6. Division Three: Atherton Town reserves 1, Royton Town reserves 1; Pennington reserves 0, Springhead reserves 1; Hollinwood reserves 5, Salford Victoria reserves 2. Division Four: Hollinwood ‘A’ 6, Prestwich Heys ‘A’ 0; Royton Town ‘A’ 1, Stockport Georgians ‘A’ 1; Springhead ‘A’ 4, Walshaw Sports ‘A’ 3.