Poacher Lloyd does the business

Photo: Paul Sterritt

ACTION STATIONS . . . Springhead’s grounded Chris Ebdon makes a tackle.

Springhead Libs 2, Carrion Crow 3

FOOTBALL: TONY Lloyd scored two priceless goals to maintain Carrion Crow’s promotion push in the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League David Giblin First Division at Snipe Clough.

Both teams were on the brink of exiting Division One and, following the outcome of this match, they still are. Libs need to win their remaining games to stay up, while Crow’s Premier Division destiny is in their own hands.

Crow player-manager Lee Harrison is philosophical about his side’s chances: “Last season we were offered promotion after finishing third but wanted to get to the top flight on merit. Should we finish third again and be offered a place in the premier division, our philosophy won’t change but we would take the place.”

Destination maintenance was carried out by the tried and trusted boots – and instincts – of Lloyd, whose double-strike of six-yard box goals set Crow flying inside the first 12 minutes.

Libs didn’t give up their division one status without a fight, as shown by Scott Ashton’s sheer determination to scramble the ball home from close range after 51 minutes.

It was turning out to be a goal-poacher’s afternoon, with that theme continuing after 81 minutes as Calum Beckett found himself in the right place at the right time to convert a sweet Danny Fitzhugh cross from six yards out to extend Crow’s lead.

Libs weren’t done yet, however, as Adam Smith fired home from eight yards to reduce the deficit once more.