Heyside secure promotion

FOOTBALL: GEOFF Howard’s mighty Heyside secured promotion to the top tier of the Huddersfield and District League for the first time in the club’s history with a 4-0 win at fifth-placed Cumberworth.

The opening goal summed up Heyside’s style of play this term under Howard, who joined the club last summer from Oldham Hulmeians.

From the kick-off, Heyside strung together 15 passes without the opposition touching the ball, before Rick Ollerton chipped the ball over the home defence for his twin brother Chris to race through and chip the goalkeeper. That strike put Heyside on the early road to a big victory.

A second nearly came soon after when a superb Josh Briddon pass was volleyed inches over the crossbar from the edge of the box by Daniel Dunn.

Gary Molyneaux was next to go close with a rasping left-foot volley from 25 yards that produced an outstanding save from the home ’keeper.

Heyside had to wait until the second period for another goal when James Leonard registered his 33rd of the season following good work from Ryan Barnes. It was 3-0 five minutes later when Leonard scored his second, this time from the spot after Chris Ollerton was fouled inside the box.

In the 75th minute a cross-cum-shot from Dunn was turned in at the back post and Heyside’s Division One status for next season was confirmed.

With three games to play, starting with a home clash tomorrow against KKS Spartans, Heyside need two points to guarantee the title.

Howard said: “I’m absolutely delighted not only for the players but also for Mick Cummins and John Norbury. They have worked tirelessly for this club for years and to see their dream of top-flight football materialise makes me very proud.”

In Division One, Diggle have endured a miserable week, with a 4-1 defeat at Newsome following up a 2-1 home reverse at the hands of Netherton.