Stephenson’s scoring run continues

LEIGHTON Stephenson’s sensational goalscoring streak continued as he grabbed a fourth hat-trick in five games as Springhead secured a 4-3 success at Rochdale Sacred Heart.

The FBT Manchester League Premier Division’s hit-man now has 14 goals from six games.

It should have been plain sailing for ’Head as they raced to a three-goal lead in the first 20 minutes, only to be pegged back by the home side.

Springhead were in front after only two minutes when Stephenson rounded the goalkeeper for his first goal. It was 2-0 after 10 minutes when Stephenson unleashed an unstoppable drive.

The game should have been as good as over when good work by Jonny Pauley found Stephenson, who easily completed a first-half hat-trick.

’Head were now threatening to run riot as Stephenson hit a post with another effort, while Pauley had one cleared off the line.

But Rochdale battled back and gave themselves a lifeline five minutes before the break when fine work from their forward saw him slot past Osman Bushara. The second period was a fairly tepid affair until the 75th minute when Heart scored from close range. They then completed a superb comeback when their substitute fired in from 25 yards.

This kick-started the visitors back into action and with five minutes remaining it was Ryan Hanson who snatched victory as he cut inside the full-back before curling home into the top corner.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Avro secured a 1-0 win at Hindsford, while Royton Town were held 2-2 at home by Elton Vale.

Town travel to neighbours Springhead this weekend for what promises to be a mouth-watering local derby. High-flying Hollinwood bagged a routine 2-0 Division One home win against Heywood St James.



FAILSWORTH Dynamos are up into fourth place in the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division table thanks to a 5-0 thumping of Horwich Victoria.

In Division One, Chaddertonians returned home from Hesketh Casuals with an impressive 3-2 victory.


REES Holden scored the only goal of the game for AFC Oldham as they dented Castleton’s hopes of narrowing the gap on the Lancashire and Cheshire League Premier Division leaders.

In Division One, Tintwistle Athletic enjoyed a convincing 4-0 win at Santos.