Double blow for Hulmeians

Star Man: Chris Ollerton of Hulmeians. All-action effort from the midfielder.

Oldham Hulmeians 2, Blackrod Town 2

FOOTBALL: Hulmeians’ promotion hopes in the First Division of the Lancashire Amateur League are over after they were held to a draw by Blackrod at Tate Street.

That, coupled with North Walkden’s win at Roach Dynamos, meant Hulmeians will have to win their last match against Bolton Wyresdale to stand a chance of finishing third.

To add to Hulmeians’ woe, manager Geoff Howard announced he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Howard, who has spent six fruitful years at the club as player-manager and manager, leaves the Maroons on good terms.

Blackrod took advantage of Hulmeians’ uncertainty with two goals in four minutes around the midway point of the first half.

But Hulmeians hit back superbly, scoring twice within three minutes just past the hour mark to earn themselves a point.

First, Chris Ollerton’s smartly-taken volley from a Gareth Hill cross was

worthy of a match-winning goal.

Then, Ollerton turned provider when he set up Daniel Dunn to score from close range.



LANCASHIRE Amateur League outfit Failsworth Dynamos have enjoyed back-to-back victories this week.

Dynamos roared to a 5-2 Premier Division win at Little Lever SC, and backed that up with a 3-1 First XI Cup success at Accrington Amateurs.



AVRO did FBT Manchester League Premier Division leaders Royton Town a favour when they held Dukinfield Town to a 2-2 draw. Dukinfield are one of the teams chasing Town for the league title, but they are now three points behind the leaders, though with a game in hand.

Town play their final fixture tomorrow at Avro, but they can still be pipped to the title by Hindsford, Prestwich Heys, AFC Monton, Dukinfield and Stockport Georgians, who all have games in hand.

Monton beat Springhead 2-0.

In Division One, Uppermill beat Beechfield United 2-0 and Hollinwood bagged a morale-boosting 2-0 verdict against Breightmet United.

Chadderton’s second string continue to struggle. They were thumped 6-1 at home by Leigh Athletic.