Sacred Heart beat too fast for off-colour Town

Photo: Tim Bradley

GET IN . . . Town's Wayne Dean scores an early goal

Royton Town 2 , Rochdale Sacred Heart 5

RING-rusty Royton Town crashed out of the Manchester League's Gilgryst Cup competition at the semi-final stage to a vibrant Rochdale Sacred Heart side at the Oldham Academy North.

Town got off to the perfect start when Wayne Dean struck after just four minutes, but Heart led 2-1 at the break and looked much the stronger side.

An injury to Lee Mullen sustained during Heart's second goal certainly didn't help matters and, in reality, it was very much an uphill struggle for Town from that point onwards.

Town official Dave Whitehead said: "Our lads didn't look as fit as Sacred Heart, but this was our first competitive match for three weeks and it showed. They have been playing regularly.

"We made too many mistakes at the back and at the end of the day our season has fizzled out."

FAVOURITES

Gareth Morris returned to the Town side after a lengthy absence through injury, and arguably could have done with a few more competitive games before heading into this one against a Heart side who are favourites for the Manchester League's Premier Division title.

The indomitable Dean was the most alert as he slid in to convert a Carl Caffrey free-kick to give Town that early lead.

But Heart showed their class - and extra match fitness - to race into a 4-1 lead by the 68th minute.

Hope for Town came in the shape of a 12-yard strike from Michael Moss five minutes later, but it was too little, too late for Town as Heart secured their final appointment with their fifth goal with just six minutes remaining.

Whitehead added: "We were having a fantastic season and went on a 13-match unbeaten run, but then we lost six on the trot.

"It has been frustrating after we had performed so well earlier in the season."

ROYTON TOWN: Mullen, Riley, Ashton, Schofield, Morris, Gilmartin, Stafford, Dean, Moss, Caffrey, Payet. Subs: Lamb, Melvin, Glynn, Wilkinson, Nolan.

STAR MAN: Wayne Dean (Royton Town) Involved in everything - never gave up.

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