Oldham march on at Premier summit

FOOTBALL: WITH the vast majority of grass surfaces again being victims of the heavy rain during the week, 3G pitches again came to the rescue of some of the day’s key games. Some teams switched fixtures to enable games to go ahead.

There were no problems for Premier Division leaders AFC Oldham on their excellent pitch at Curzon Ashton, as they strolled to a comfortable 4-1 win over Bedians to move 11 points clear at the top.

Oldham missed several gilt-edged chances in the first 15 minutes, but eventually settled down to find their shooting boots.

Rochdalians and Moston Brook are two of the clubs in pursuit of the leaders, and in a close contest Rochdalians emerged with a vital 2-1 win.



RYAN Hobin was in superb form for Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League top flight leaders Rifle Range ‘A’ as they beat Chaddy End 4-1 in their Manchester County Shield semi-final clash.

Hobin pounced for a hat-trick, while Joe Francis was also on the mark.

Delighted Range boss Paddy McGuirk said: “It’s a great achievement to reach the County Shield final. We can’t wait to go and represent our league in such a big competition.

“We will be underdogs in the final against Charlestown (from Eccles), but we will enjoy it and give it our best shot.” A date and venue have yet to be chosen.

Meanwhile, deadly Ryan Higginson bagged a brilliant five-timer as his high-flying Oldham Tigers side crushed Manchester Swifts in Martin Buckley Division Two.

The Tigers won 8-2, as Danny Hawthorne (two) and Ben McDonald completed their tally. Lee Ryan and Joe Jackson scored for the Swifts.

Damian McKenzie’s sole strike was enough to see Springhead Libs ‘B’ through to victory against All Stars.

Albion won 4-3 at White Hart as Graham Parkinson, Jordan Burton, Liam Skinner and Darren Jibson scored for the visitors.

Niall Sultan led the scoring feats in the Jack Abbott Premier Division as he netted four times for Failsworth Athletic in their 6-2 triumph against Fitton Hill Rangers.

Danny Allott bagged a couple for Athletic, while Callum Franklin and Aaron Murdoch replied for Rangers.

Springhead Libs ‘A’ won their David Giblin Division One clash, 4-3 against Carrion Crow.

Adam Bray, Marcus Garnes, Dave Laryea and Nathan Jacobs registered for the Libs, while Jamie Shaw, Phil Hargreaves and Ian Burns replied.

Adam Cumpsty (two) and Mike King scored in Oldham GPO’s 3-1 victory against Limeside Athletic.

James Quinlan replied.

Rifle Range ‘B’ also won 3-1, against Saddleworth FC, as D Ault, A Morris and W O’Connell struck. B Carter replied.

Dominic Hallum bagged a terrific hat-trick for Dog and Partridge as they shocked leaders Westwood FC 5-1.

Jack Phillips and Chris Jepson completed Dog’s tally, while Al Amin scored for Westwood.

In the only Division Three game to survive the weather, High Crompton Victoria beat Blue Club 3-1 courtesy of goals from Nick Campbell, Anthony Jones and Tom Sellers.

Lee Proctor scored for the Club.