Stand-in Curley lends a hand

HEADS-UP: James Curley (centre) wins an aerial challenge in his more familar role as a striker.

FOOTBALL:

STRIKER James Curley showed he is a Jack of all trades when he donned the goalkeeper’s gloves and saved a penalty to clinch shoot-out glory for Rifle Range ‘A’ in the D & J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League President’s Trophy third round.

Drawing 2-2 with David Giblin Division One outfit Puckersley at the end of normal time, Jack Abbott Premier Division side Rifle sent on forward Jermaine Steele in place of regular stopper Matthew Taylor, who ruptured shoulder ligaments, with Curley switching to goalkeeper.

It came at the end of 90 minutes, in which Danny Trainer scored twice for Puckersley and Dale Jackman and Dominic Hallam netted for Rifle.

On to the spot-kicks — Rifle scored five penalties and Puckersley, after four successful conversions, crashed out of the competition after a fine save from the stand-in.

Curley also plays in the Vodkat North-West Counties League Division One for Oldham Boro, whom he has joined from Chadderton.

“James has filled in between the posts for us before, we can always rely on him,” said Rifle manager Leon McGuirk.

Crompton Victoria, of Division Three, progressed after a surprise 5-3 win at Division One side Legends Bar, while there were also wins for Fitton Hill, Anglers, Limeside King George and Highfield United.

Martin Buckley Division Two action saw Rifle Range ‘B’ see off previously unbeaten Limeside Athletic 5-1 thanks in no small part to Ryan Fagan’s hat-trick. It was the 17-year-old striker’s fifth treble in six outings. Ian Burns and Wayne O’Connell did the rest of the damage, with C Tyrell grabbing Limeside’s consolation goal.