Rivals battle it out

FOOTBALL: AMATEUR football gets back into full swing this weekend — apart from the D & J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League, in which teams have postponed matches to watch the Manchester derby.

The pick of the action comes in the Huddersfield and District League Division Four when 3D Dynamos and Moorside battle for bragging rights in a local derby at New Barn playing fields, Shaw, (2.15pm kick-off).

Both clubs are in their first season in the Huddersfield League, but it is Dynamos who are the form team of the two with only one defeat in their last seven matches.

Dynamos' manager Mark Perry said: "It is a pity we had the Christmas break because we were going well, but we go into the match with confidence.”

Revenge will certainly be on the cards for Moorside, who crashed to a 6-2 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Dynamos top scorer, 12-goal Andy Lees, is in a squad of 17.

The Moorside squad includes 40-year-old goalkeeper Franny Sutherland, who also opens the batting for Moorside in the Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

Sutherland, who signed for the football team just over a month ago, earned praise from manager Chris Beech, who said: "Franny has made a difference since he joined us and it is great to have him on board." Fifteen-goal Connor Grimsley is in the Moorside ranks.



In Division One, second-placed Uppermill travel to play Netherton, while Diggle are also on the road with a trip to Berry Brow.



Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League action sees Avro entertain Chorltonians in the second round of the Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy at the Lancaster Club (2pm).



In the Premier Division, seventh-placed Royton Town play host to AFC Monton at Crompton Cricket Club (2pm), while Springhead will fancy their chances at basement boys Prestwich Heys.

In-form Hollinwood go to Woodley Sports reserves in a six-pointer clash close to the foot of the Division One table.

Chaddertonians and Failsworth Dynamos are both away from home as they take on Rossendale Amateurs and Little Lever respectively in the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division.

Top-flight Lancashire and Cheshire League action comes at the Tameside Stadium as AFC Oldham host Old Ashtonians.