Matthew is the best of British

SQUASH:

FAILSWORTH squash star Matthew Sidaway has made a major breakthrough by landing his first British title.

The 15-year-old Failsworth School pupil defeated Gloucestershire's Tom Ford in the British Under-17s final held at the Nottingham Squash Centre.

Matthew, the joint third seed, defeated top seed Oliver Holland (Nottingham) in the semi-finals.

Coached by former Oldhamer Nick Taylor, Matthew is a member of the Lancashire Health and Rackets Club in Middleton and the Manchester Squash Academy, based at the National Squash Centre next to Manchester City FC’s Eastlands stadium.

One of the country’s brightest young stars in the sport and a member of the England Academy, he receives funding from the English Squash Association.

Coach Taylor, himself a national champion in his age group, is delighted with Matthew’s progress.

Director of Jersey’s Squash and Racketball Association, Taylor is based on the island, but that does not prevent him from providing Matthew with expert tuition.

He said: “Matthew comes over here every couple of months and stays for four or five days during which time I give him advice which he then puts into practice when he gets home.

“I think it works better than day-to-day coaching and I have to say his school is very understanding.”