Hollinwood humiliation

Photo: Chris Sunderland

EYES ON THE BALL: Hollinwood’s Gary Nolan (left) tracks James Langin, of Leigh Athletic.

Match of the Day: Hollinwood 3, Leigh Athletic 11
Football: HOLLINWOOD secretary Ken Evans has leapt to the defence of team manager Fred Hardicre in the wake of a humiliating 11-3 defeat at the hands of Leigh Athletic in Division One of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League at Chapel Road.

Evans said: "We want Fred to stay at the club because of his overall commitment to the cause. Amateur football depends very much on people like Fred and at this time it's about keeping his spirits up.

"Let me say that all is not doom and gloom at Hollinwood Football Club, because our other sides are doing very well. We have just got to keep going."

Despite a late rally towards the end of last season, Hollinwood, with virtually a scratch side following a mass exodus of players, were relegated from the league's top flight.

Hollinwood had three players — Reuben Abreu, Gary Nolan and Louis Green — dismissed in the match against Leigh for alleged violent conduct with Hardicre's side leading 3-1.

After going a goal down after nine minutes, Hollinwood fought back in style with goals from Abreu and Lloyd Palmer. Abreu then saw red, but Hollinwood extended their lead to 3-1 before the break after Jake Hardicre, the manager’s son, netted.

Their capitulation began in the game's last third, with Leigh capitalising mercilessly to demoralise the home outfit.

Hardicre said: "I don't think the first two sendings-off were warranted and when you you go down to eight men it is always going to be difficult. We were dominating at that stage and it effectively killed us off. I inherited a scratch side when I became manager and this season it has been like having a scratch side again.

"We have got about 30 players here but getting the same side out twice is a nightmare because of their other commitments like university, college and jobs. But I am still very much up for it."