Chaddy seal semi-final place

JUMP TO IT:Daniel Murray, of Chaddy End Old Boys, hurdles a Rifle Range ‘A’ challenge. Picture: PAUL Sterritt

Chaddy End Old Boys 2, Rifle Range ‘A’ 1

FOOTBALL: THE referee was the busiest man on the field at Chapel Road as Chaddy End Old Boys reached the semi-finals of the North-West Sunday Champion of Champions’ Cup.

No fewer than three red and 10 yellow cards were brandished by the official in a tense, tight and thoroughly-absorbing contest.

But this was not a match of malice between the two local giants of Sunday football and the cards, although deserved, were often as a result of over-exuberance and the desire to win.

Either way, I wouldn’t fancy having to complete the referee’s paperwork when he submits his reports.

A large crowd had gathered on a sunny morning in Hollinwood — latecomers would have missed Dominic Smalley’s smart finish after six minutes as he drilled home a low drive from the edge of the Range penalty area.

The next talking point came midway through the first half when Chaddy manager Danny Dorward’s comments to the referee saw him ordered from the touchline.

As the hosts clung to their slender lead, there was hope for Range when Chaddy’s Daniel Murray was dismissed for what was classed as violent conduct on the hour mark.

With three minutes remaining, Chaddy’s passage to the last four was sealed when the outstanding Tom Hughes swivelled on the angle of the Range box to fire an unstoppable volley into the top corner.

The day belonged to Chaddy as the final of one of Sunday football’s most prestigious cup competitions beckons.



ONCE more the weather was the winner as grass pitches were unplayable across the region, causing mass postponements in the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

Premier Division leaders AFC Oldham avenged their Rhodes Cup defeat by Old Stretfordians with a 3-1 win. They are an impressive nine points clear at the top of the table.

In the last eight of the Rhodes Cup, Mellor were taken all the way by Division One high-fliers Parrs Wood Celtic. Top-flight Mellor cruised into a 3-0 lead, only for Celtic to level things up with a remarkable comeback.

A shaken Mellor pulled themselves together and, although there were no further goals in extra-time, they won the penalty shoot-out 4-2. All other games involving local sides were postponed.