McGuirk’s men too hot for Westwood

Photo: Tim Bradley

EYES ON THE BALL: Westwood’s Abul Hussain (left) and Rifle’s two-goal man Ryan Hobin.

Rifle ‘A’ 6, Westwood 0

FOOTBALL: HOT-shot Johnny Munson bagged a hat-trick as Rifle ‘A’ were comfortable winners against Westwood in the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League Jack Abbott Premier Division.


Both sides were beset by unavailability and injuries and Rifle ‘A’ manager Paddy McGuirk sensed a difficult game ahead.

“We didn’t really play well and we knew we might struggle against a well-organised Westwood team,” he said. “We got off to a flyer with an early Ryan Hobin goal, but we struggled in the first half. I think the scoreline flattered us a bit.”

Westwood manager Nurul Hoque said: “We had a few people out missing but that is not an excuse and all credit to Rifle.

On a gloriously sunny afternoon at Clayton Playing Fields, it was Hobin who opened the scoring for Rifle after 41 seconds, courtesy of a smart finish. What followed was 44 minutes of uncertainty from Rifle in the face of some dogged resistance from Westwood.

Quality shone through in the end, with Munson the leading light as Rifle maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign.

As for Westwood – despite this scoreline – this has been a hugely encouraging start to the club’s first season in the top flight.