Willow make Anglers weep

FOOTBALL: ANTHONY Stott scored a late, late winner as Willow Tavern claimed the bragging rights in the Failsworth derby against Anglers Arms at Curzon Ashton 3G.


With every other fixture in the Midas Plumbing Oldham Sunday League falling foul of the weather, the derby went ahead thanks to a late thaw which made the surface in Tameside playable.

But this was a scoreline few could have predicted as mid-table Willow turned the form book on its head against the division leaders.

Anglers’ manager Anthony Smith was perplexed at the final whistle having seen his side spurn a succession of chances.

Smith said: “In the first half we should have had five or six and the amount of possession we had was unbelievable.

“Credit to Willow, though, for their determination and the way they kept battling away, but how we have came away with nothing is beyond me.”

It is derby time again this weekend for Anglers as they travel to play Failsworth Athletic at Hopwood Hall.

Smith added: “We are four points clear at the top but Athletic have two games in hand so it is a crucial match for both clubs.”



FOR the first time, the appointment of referees to games is now out of the hands of the Oldham Sunday League.
The Manchester County Football Association has taken over this duty, resulting in Derrick Hewitt stepping down as referees’ secretary.

Hewitt decided he did not want to continue with the league or to stay on as a committee member.

The new system is a trial for an unspecified period and will also apply to four other leagues.

League vice-chairman Steve Diggle said: “Manchester County FA will appoint referees from other areas as well as Oldham so we should never be short of match officials.

“We hope it turns out to be a positive move and I see no reason why it shouldn’t be.”