Oldham lose in seven-goal thriller

FOOTBALL: EARLY pacesetters Whalley Range being without a game, the Lancashire and Cheshire League Premier Division pack took full advantage to close the gap.

Rochdalians enjoyed an emphatic 5-0 win at Newton to overtake Range and lead the division by two points. Near neighbours Castleton are enjoying their first taste of top-flight life and joined Range with a win at Chorltonians, who could only manage a consolation strike from Matt Dodd.

Mellor were also in ominous form in a comfortable 4-0 win at South Manchester.

Last season’s title challengers AFC Oldham lost their second successive game though, going down 4-3 at Bedians.

Bedians charged into a 4-1 lead with goals from Julian Patterson (two), Stuart Madew and James Seggie.

Oldham came back well in the last 15 minutes but missed chances to snatch a share of the spoils late on.



AVRO were in good form as they secured an impressive 2-0 victory at Chapel Town in the FBT Manchester League Premier Division.

There was a thrilling 6-5 victory for Royton Town as they knocked Thornton Cleveleys out of the Lancashire Shield.

In Division One, Jordan Stepien, Merv Davies, Joel Longmore, Mick Brickell and Tommy Bunn were on target for Uppermill in their splendid 5-2 home win against Heywood St James.

Hollinwood were held to a 1-1 home draw by Boothstown.



THERE was Lancashire Amateur League top-flight disappontment for Failsworth Dynamos as they slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against local rivals Mostonians.

Oldham Hulmeians took a terrific 4-2 win at Hesketh Casuals in Division One, but Chaddertonians crashed 4-0 at Farnworth Town.