Springhead pegged back in title charge

HAT-TRICK MAN . . . Heyside's Chris Ollerton

SPRINGHEAD had to be content with a 1-1 draw at Old Alts as their pursuit of the Manchester League Premier Division's top two - Wythenshawe Amateurs and Rochdale Sacred Heart - continued.

Alan Beckett was on target for the local side at Crossford Bridge.

Springhead face the ultimate test tomorrow as they head to south Manchester to take on Wythenshawe Amateurs.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Michael Moss and Craig Wilkinson were on target for Royton Town in a 2-2 draw at Walshaw Sports.

Fifth-placed Town host rock-bottom Wilmslow Albion tomorrow. Town are just two points adrift of Springhead in the table.

Avro suffered a 3-1 defeat at Stockport Georgians.

In Division One, Heyside went joint top of the table thanks to an emphatic 7-0 victory over Breightmet at Crompton House.

A frantic opening 10 minutes saw James Leonard strike a post, before Breightmet responded with an effort which bounced back off Brian Lord's crossbar.

Chris Ollerton soon opened the scoring, rounding the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The same player struck again from close range.

The home side stretched their lead when good work from top scorer Mark Hopwood saw him set up Leonard.

Johnny Pauley made it four in the second half, before defender Gary Schofield got in on the act.

Substitute Lyle Bogle struck, before Ollerton sealed his deserved hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Hollinwood were beaten 5-2 at home by Beechfield United, while Uppermill lost 2-0 at leaders Prestwich Heys' reserves.

Results -

Premier Division: Old Alts 1, Springhead 1; Stockport Georgians 3, Avro 1; Walshaw Sports 2, Royton Town 2. Division One: Heyside 7, Breightmet Utd 0; Hollinwood 2, Beechfield Utd 5; Prestwich Heys Res 2, Uppermill 0. Division Two: Avro Res 4, AFC Monton Res 2; Royton Town Res 8, Elton Vale Res 7; Springhead Res 5, Hollinwood Res 1. Division Three: Boothstown Res 4, Springhead 'A' 0; Heyside Res 4, Govan Athletic Res 3.