Brown keeps his eyes on the prize

FOOTBALL:

AVRO progressed to the semi-finals of the Gilgryst Cup courtesy of a 3-1 win at AFC Bury.

James Hampson, Chris Young and Lee O’Brien were on the mark.

Boss Phil Brown said: “We are delighted to have reached the semi-finals as we had our eyes on this cup from the start of the season.”

Avro are joined in the last-four by neighbours Springhead, who beat visitors Dukinfield Town 2-1 after extra-time.

In difficult conditions the hosts controlled the majority of the game without ever being at their best.

Dukinfield had come to make life difficult and chances were at a premium.

The one clear-cut chance of the first half fell to Scott Owen who, with only the goalkeeper to beat, fired straight at him.

Springhead’s Paul Stevenson was given the chance to break the deadlock after 70 minutes when Matt Dell was fouled in the penalty box, but Stevenson’s spot-kick was saved.

Josh Walker looked to have won the game with 10 minutes remaining when he smashed home following a goalmouth scramble.

But in the dying seconds a cross was not dealt with and Town levelled matters.

Halfway through the first half of extra-time Scott Owen curled in from 10 yards to clinch victory.

However, there was no such joy for holders Royton Town, who lost 5-1 at East Manchester.

There was no Manchester League Premier Division action at the weekend due to local cup commitmens and several postponements caused by waterlogged pitches.