Range prevail in ‘El Classico’

FOOTBALL: RIFLE Range ‘A’ have set their sights on more silverware after beating nearest rivals Limeside King George 4-1 in what is now widely known as the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League’s ‘El Classico’.

This time, going head-to-head with Limeside in the Jack Abbott Premier Division Shield semi-final, Rifle got off to fine start. After piling on the pressure early on, they were rewarded with a goal from prolific striker Nathan Eastmond as he broke clear to beat the Limeside ’keeper.

After the break Limeside dragged themselves back into contention when Leon Melia found himself free at the back post to poke home from close-range.

In the 70th minute Eastmond broke clear down the left after some good work from Chris Pauley and unleashed the goal of the game from 25 yards.

Damien Schofield went close with a header that came back off the inside of a post, but sub Jermaine Steele wasn’t to be denied as he took on three defenders before slotting home to make it 3-1.

Top scorer Ryan Hobin fired home his 50th goal of the season to round off another excellent victory for Rifle.

In the Premier Division, Danny Allott (two) and Niall Sultan registered for Failsworth Athletic as they beat struggling Jolly Carter 3-1.

Rifle Range ‘B’ secured third place in David Giblin Division One as they won 4-0 at Springhead Libs ‘A’.

RIFLE Range ‘A’ lost 4-1 in the Manchester County FA Sunday Shield final against Charlestown CYC on Tuesday night at Curzon Ashton FC.

Range were 2-0 down against the Eccles Sunday League outfit just after half-time when Leighton Stephenson was brought down in the box and Ryan Hobin scored from the penalty spot. As Rifle pressed for an equaliser, they were stunned by two late goals.

GEOFF Howard’s final game in charge of Oldham Hulmeians after four years in charge was a disappointing one as the Maroons lost their Lancashire Amateur League Division One clash 7-1 at Bolton Wyresdale.

Nathan Tayo followed up his own saved penalty as he bagged Hulmeians’ goal in the first half. The Maroons finished fourth in the table.

There were better fortunes in Division One for Chaddertonians, who romped to a 6-1 home win against Ainsworth.

In the Premier Division, Failsworth Dynamos drew 0-0 at Old Blackburnians.