McAllister keeps lid on expectations

Manchester League preview
SPRINGHEAD manager Lee McAllister expects his side to be contenders for the Premier Division title when the new Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League season gets under way tomorrow.

But McAllister is keen to play down Springhead’s chances, having overseen a magnificent 23-match unbeaten run up to the end of the last campaign.

McAllister said: “It would be unfair to put too much pressure on the lads, but expectation levels have certainly risen.”

McAllister has added Martin Kitson, Ryan Bailey and Nick Fitzpatrick to the squad which finished so strongly last term. But he is without the services of injured quartet Scott Owen, Callum Grant, Dale Jackman and Kitson for the season’s opener at home to Leigh Athletic (2pm).

Buoyed by a 4-1 victory over Hindsford in the Norman Noden Cup — the league’s equivalent of the FA Community Shield — Springhead are at home again on Tuesday to Manchester Gregorians to Ashfield Crescent (6.30pm).



ROYTON TOWN, who finished eighth last season, begin their quest for honours at Stockport Georgians tomorrow, followed by the visit of Wythenshawe Amateurs to Glebe Street on Tuesday (6.30pm).



AVRO, who are still without a manager since the departure of Phil Brown at the end of last season, begin their campaign with two matches on the road — at Heywood St James tomorrow and then Old Alts on Wednesday evening.








Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle