Hardicre happy as run continues

FOOTBALL:
BAD weather conditions caused the majority of local amateur football to be postponed.

Of the games that did survive, Hollinwood beat Wilmslow Albion 3-1 in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Division One.

Reuben Abreu netted a first-half double and, after the visitors scored from a rare attack, Neil Rennie made sure of the points to secure the home outfit’s fourth successive victory.

Hollinwood manager Fred Hardicre said: “We played some good stuff and we should have had even more names on the scoresheet. I think 3-1 flattered Wilmslow Albion.

“It was only 2-0 at the break when we should have been out of sight. I think that probably gave our opponents a glimmer of hope. They had a good 15-minute spell after the restart and managed to pull back a goal. But we pressed on and got the all-important next goal, which was deserved.”

Christmas is not being welcomed with open arms in the Hardicre household this year as the Manchester League schedule comes to a halt until January 7, when Hollinwood travel to Woodley Sports reserves.

He continued: “It is such a pity that Christmas has arrived when we are on a four-match winning streak!”

Hardicre expects a difficult encounter at Woodley but is confident of victory.

“We beat them at home and the difference between the two sides was our physical advantage, especially when we whipped in corners and free-kicks,” Hardicre added. “They are a very young side but it should be a good game because they play passing football as well. But they are quite a small team so hopefully history will repeat itself and we get another three points.”