Stand-in Milner makes his mark

Puckersley's Anthony Diffy evades Highfields Martin Gird

MATCH OF THE DAY

Puckersley 3,

Highfield United 1
STAND-IN goalkeeper Mark Milner proved to be a match winner — or should that be match saver — as Puckersley overcame Highfield United in D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League David Giblin Division One at Cathedral Road.

Milner, who is normally a defender, had only appeared between the sticks once before for Puckersley and was the natural choice again owing to regular goalkeeper Michael Smith's unavailability.

With the match delicately poised at 1-1, Milner pulled off a series of vital stops when Highfield were at their most rampant.

On another day, plucky Highfield might have had considerably more to show for their efforts in front of goal.

But Milner managed to use almost every part of his frame to deflect, deny and leave Highfield downhearted.

Anthony Duffy, who together with Sam Widdall manages the Puckersley side, said: "I think Highfield would be disappointed they didn't get something out of the game because we were below par.

"They had a 20-minute period in the second half when they dominated the game.

“But Mark in goal stopped everything they threw at him with some good saves."

But Highfield were guilty of indifferent finishing too — even Tommy Greally struck an upright with a penalty in what was virtually the last kick of the match.

Highfield manager Steve Palmer reflected: "At one point we looked like we were going to run away with it, but their 'keeper kept them in it."

Puckersley were first off the mark when Duffy's low 12-yards drive from a Richard Street flag-kick flew into the roof of the net via the boot of a Highfield defender.

Martyn Gurr levelled matters close to the hour mark with a neat far-post finish following good work from Greally.

Dave Yates restored Puckersley's lead after 76 minutes with a glorious long range effort, before Highfield's Clayton Palmer was dismissed shortly afterwards for a second yellow-card offence.

With seven minutes remaining, it was 3-1 to Puckersley as Street converted Duffy's measured cross after displaying a fine first touch to control the ball.

PUCKERSLEY: Milner, Yates, Hodson, Alldred, Dawson, Duffy, Wade, Lawton, Street, Trainer, Ruddock. Subs: Widdall, Harrison.

HIGHFIELD UNITED: Crompton, S Palmer, Ollerton, Hursthouse, Moran, Corbett, Kurpass, C Palmer, Greally, Gurr, Monks.

Referee: J Townsend.