Heyside's title charge is checked by Central

ON THE MARK AGAIN: Mark Hopwood (right)

HEYSIDE missed a glorious opportunity to take one step closer to the Manchester League Premier Division title as they squandered a host of chances and missed a second half penalty as fifth-placed Manchester Central left Crompton House with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

The home side, unbeaten since the end of October, took the lead when Gary Schofield nodded a powerful header towards goal and on the way in, Mark Hopwood flicked the ball home to register his 26th of the season.

CROSSBAR

Hopwood then hit the crossbar as the home side threatened to overrun their fellow promotion-chasers.

Schofield narrowly headed wide, while a stinging Brad Dowling free-kick was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

Just after the break James Leonard had a great opportunity to notch his 13th goal of the campaign, but despite rounding the keeper, he could only place his shot wide of an empty goal from three yards out.

Despite all of Heyside's superiority they couldn't find the second goal and on the hour mark, a Central free kick was deftly flicked past Brian Lord for the equaliser.

Late on Johnny Pauley was brought down in the box, following a typical surging run. He picked himself to take the penalty, but side-footed a poor effort low to the goalkeeper's right and he saved comfortably.

Heyside boss Geoff Howard said: "Despite being hugely disappointed that we didn't win, we played another promotion rival off the park and that in itself has to be acknowledged."

Elsewhere in Division One, Chadderton's second string were soundly beaten 4-2 at home Heywood St James'.

Results -

Division One: Chadderton Res 2, Heywood St James' 4; Heyside 1, Manchester Central 1. Division Two: Avro Res 3, Wilmslow Albion Res 2; Hindsford Res 4, Springhead Res 2; Rochdale Sacred Heart Res 7, Hollinwood Res 2; Royton Town Res 5, Wythenshawe Ams Res 2. Division Three: Atherton Town 'A' 2, Heyside Res 6; Irlam Steel Res 4, Springhead 'A' 3.