Howard's Heyside homing in on glory

ON TARGET: Heyside's Daniel Dunn (centre)

HEYSIDE returned from Chapel Town with a 2-1 victory and a huge three points as they continue their push for promotion to the Manchester League Premier Division.

Heyside, despite missing key regulars Reece Hursthouse, Josh Briddon and Johnny Pauley, turned in one of their best team performances of the season in a deserved win.

The local side's front three of James Leonard, Daniel Dunn and Mark Hopwood were very lively in the opening stages.

Chris Ollerton and Hopwood linked up in the 20th minute, and Ollerton's slide rule pass sent Dunn through and he slid his finish past the onrushing 'keeper.

Chapel Town were struggling to cope with Heyside's pace and 10 minutes later Leonard notched his 12th goal of the season.

In the second half, the heavy rain affected what was a good playing surface and chances were limited for both sides, though substitutes Rick Ollerton and Joe Hughes might have done better with half chances.

With four minutes to go the home side pulled a goal back, to make it a nervous last few minutes for the visiting side.

Heyside boss Geoff Howard said: "The first half was probably our best half of football all season - we were superb."

Also in Division One, Hollinwood drew 3-3 with Govan Athletic. Goalscorers were Yannick Lufakaylo, Abel Tsegay and Aleem Salim.

Chadderton's second string were beaten 4-1 at Manchester Central. Reece Skelton bagged the consolation goal.

In the Premier Division, third-placed Royton Town were stunned as they lost 2-1 at home against derby rivals Avro.

There was a real goal-fest in Division Two, with Town's second string winning 8-5 at Walshaw Sports.

Results -

Premier Division: Royton Town 1, Avro 2. Division One: Chapel Town 1, Heyside 2; Hollinwood 3, Govan Athletic 3; Manchester Central 4, Chadderton Res 1. Division Two: Springhead Res 1, Atherton Town Res 4; Walshaw Sports Res 5, Royton Town Res 8. Division Three: Springhead 'A' 4, Atherton Town 'A' 0.

FAILSWORTH Dynamos march on at the top of the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division table.

The reigning champions defeated Old Blackburnians 2-0.

Result -

Premier Division: Failsworth Dynamos 2, Old Blackburnians 0.