Sides set their sights on final

FOOTBALL:
TWO of our local sides are in Gilgryst Cup semi-final action this weekend, with Springhead hosting East Manchester at Ashfield Crescent and Avro travelling to play Stockport Georgians.

While Avro will hope to build on their recent Manchester County FA Challenge Trophy final success against East Manchester, Springhead manager Lee McAllister is acutely aware of a backlash from tomorrow's visitors.

McAllister said: "We won 1-0 at East Manchester a few weeks ago and you are always fearful of a

backlash, especially since East Manchester lost out to Avro in the Challenge Trophy.

"There is plenty of incentive for us to reach the final of the Gilgryst Cup as we have been there twice before but never won it."



SPRINGHEAD’S fine recent run continued as they moved into the top five with a hard-fought

1-0 victory over Gregorians at Ashfield Crescent in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division.

The first-half saw ’Head in the ascendancy, causing the Gregorians baclkine a number of problems.

Decent chances came and were not taken by Paul Stevenson and Richard Bennett.

That pressure eventually told when Stevenson’s pinpoint pass found Bennett, who finished superbly into the top corner from a tight angle after 35 minutes.

In the second period Gregs try to force ’Head back although they offered very little in the way of a threat and it was always the local side who looked more like adding to their tally.

Avro went down to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of West Didsbury & Chorlton, while Royton Town defeated Stockport Georgians 2-1.

In Division One, Hollinwood edged to a 4-3 triumph at Fives Athletic.