High fives in Royton rout

Photo: PICTURES by CHRIS SUNDERLAND

MY BALL . . . Michael Cheetham (back), of Royton Town, challenges Walshaw's Luke Chapman during their Manchester League Premier Division clash.

FOOTBALL: 
 
Royton Town 5, Walshaw Sports 3
ROYTON Town's penultimate game of this season in the Premier Division of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League ended in a fine victory over high-flying Walshaw Sports at Glebe Street.

Three rapid-fire goals at the start of the second period inspired Town to victory following an even opening 45 minutes.

And it was the decision of assistant manager John Fitzsimmons - standing in for absent manager Phil Haigh — that helped turn the tide in Town's favour.

Fitzsimmons replaced defender Carl Dean with his attacking cousin Wayne at the break in an attempt to force the issue.

And how it worked, with goals from Remmi Williams and Josh Staniforth - the two 17-year-olds in Town's side - and Ian Hulme leaving Walshaw shell-shocked.

Fitzsimmons said: " I'm sure Phil will be pleased, but while we were on top for much of the game, we gifted them all their goals.



FC RADCLYFFE roared through to the D & J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League Challenge Cup semi-finals after beating Springhead Libs ‘A’ 4-1.

John Munson, Mark Terris, Lee Scanlon and Michael Hoggard were on the mark, with Scott Asthon netting the visitors’ consolation goal.

Highfield United and Anglers Arms must try again after drawing their quarter-final 2-2.

Steve Barrow struck twice as Coppice United ‘A’ edged through to the Jack Abbott Premier Division Shield final courtesy of a 5-4 victory over Chaddy End.

Limeside Athletic roared to a 7-5 triumph at the expense of Willow Tavern in the David Giblin Division One Shield semi-final, with Mark Shuttleworth twice hitting the target.



Rifle Range ‘C’ reached the Martin Buckley Division Two Shield final after a 5-2 defeat of Crompton Victoria, for whom Brian Lord and P Ashworth struck.

Aaron McDermott helped himself to a treble for Rifle, with Corey Weldon and S Leigh doing the rest of the damage.

Another high-scoring encounter saw Oddies win 5-4 at Red Star in top-flight league action.

Chris Taylor pounced twice for Oddies, while Nathan Dawson, Carlton Brierley and Mark Hill also got in on the act.