A great eight for Heyside

ON TARGET: Heyside's Mark Hopwood

HEYSIDE recorded their eighth Manchester League First Division win on the bounce despite an under par performance at Crompton House as they saw off Altrincham Hale 3-1.

In torrential rain, the high-flying local side found it difficult to get into their normal fluid stride and despite an early Gary Molyneux goal, toiled for the majority of a frustrating first half.

Mark Hopwood and Chris Ollerton also went close and Gary Schofield headed over with fellow defender Josh Briddon better placed.

Molyneux's game was over after only 20 minutes, however, following a Altrincham challenge which gave him a nasty-looking ankle injury.

Ironically, Hale then scored, following a break down Heyside's left-hand side. As the winger crossed the ball in, captain Reece Hursthouse lost his footing and the visiting striker finished comfortably past Brian Lord.

Heyside had to wait until the second half before they could re-take the lead and it was top scorer Hopwood who made it 24 for the season, following good work from brothers Daniel and Johnny Pauley.

Substitutes Brad Downing and Lyle Bogle both made immediate impacts on the game, and it was the latter who grabbed his third goal in his last two games from close range to make the last 20 minutes a little easier for Heyside.

With 10 minutes to go Hopwood had the opportunity to make it 25 for the season, when Ollerton was brought down in the box, but he smashed his spot-kick against the crossbar.

Heyside boss Geoff Howard said: "We weren't at our best and conditions were tricky, but again we've come up with the points and with 10 games to go, we're now in a great position to seize a promotion chance.

"It's exciting times for the club."

Also in Division One, Danny Gartside was on target for Uppermill in a 5-1 reverse at Heywood St James.

Only one local game survived in the Premier Division, and Royton Town may have wished it hadn't as they were thumped 3-0 at home by Walshaw Sports.

Results -

Premier Division: Royton Town 0, Walshaw Sports 3. Division One: Heyside 3, Altrincham Hale 1; Heywood St James' 5, Uppermill 1. Division Two: Hollinwood Res 2, Elton Vale Res 10.