Double agony for Limeside ace Buckley

Limeside King George 1, Moss Side 2

LIMESIDE’S Will Buckley suffered a broken shin as his side narrowly lost the final of the North-West Sunday Champions’ Cup at Abbey Hey FC.

Limeside, from the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League, were aiming to become only the second Oldham-based side to lift the trophy and follow in the footsteps of Church Inn (Royton) who were winners 35 years ago.

Warren Berry, Limeside’s player-manager, said: “Losing Will was a massive blow because he is a match-winner for us. It was a scrappy game, but we are all disappointed, gutted really. They were a more experienced side than us, but we had our chances and just didn’t take them.”

After weathering an early Moss Side storm, Limeside shocked the favourites when Andrew Stafford reacted smartly to fire the ball home from close range following a Leon Melia cross.

A few minutes either side of half-time provided the turning points in what was developing into an engrossing encounter.

Moss Side, pulled themselves level 60 seconds before the break, but four minutes after the restart, Buckley came off much the worse in a 50-50 challenge. An ambulance was rapidly on the scene to transport the unfortunate player to hospital.

Manchester Amateur Sunday League outfit Moss Side took the lead 10 minutes later and, despite a late rally from Limeside, held on to lift the coveted cup.