Superb Heyside secure promotion to top flight

ON THE RUN . . . Royton Town's Grant Riley in action against Rochdale Sacred Heart

HEYSIDE secured promotion to the Manchester League Premier Division thanks to a thrilling 3-2 away win at in-form Salford outfit Beechfield United.

The local outfit, now in pursuit of a debut season title, went in front when a Daniel Dunn corner found Jordan Hindley and he nodded home from close range.

The home side levelled five minutes later, but the league leaders were soon back in front.

Hindley cleverly dummied a Dunn pass and top scorer Mark Hopwood drilled the ball home from 18 yards.

With five minutes of the first half to play, rampant Heyside made it 3-1.

Another Dunn set piece found big defender Josh Briddon and he headed home from close range.

The second half was a different story as the home side flew out of the blocks and pulled a goal back with half-an-hour still to play.

Hopwood almost made it 4-2 late on, but his strike hit the crossbar.

Delighted Heyside boss Geoff Howard said: "Promotion to the premier is a superb achievement - it'd be the icing on the cake if we can seal the title now."

Heyside currently lead Prestwich Heys reserves by three points, but the Manchester side have three games in hand.

Ellis Forshaw and Aidan Stephenson scored for Uppermill in a 5-2 defeat at Altrincham Hale.

Chadderton's second string lost 2-1 at Breightmet United, while Hollinwood went down by the odd goal in nine when hosting Pennington.

Springhead secured an impressive 3-1 Premier Division victory at Manchester Gregorians.

Both our local sides went out of the Gilgryst Cup competition at the semi-final stage.

Avro lost 2-1 at home to AFC Monton, while Royton Town lost 5-2 at home against Rochdale Sacred Heart (see Match of the Day).

Results -

Premier Division: Manchester Gregorians 1, Springhead 3. Division One: Altrincham Hale 5, Uppermill 2; Beechfield Utd 2, Heyside 3; Breightmet Utd 2, Chadderton Res 1; Hollinwood 4, Pennington 5. Division Two: Springhead Res 0, Hindsford Res 2. Division Three: Irlam Steel Res 8, Heyside Res 0. Gilgryst Cup semi-finals: Avro 1, AFC Monton 2; Royton Town 2, Rochdale Sacred Heart 5.