Late show pockets points for ’Head

SPRINGHEAD left it late again in the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League premier division.

But whereas their last-gasp goal against Old Alts earned a share of the spoils two weeks ago, Paul Stevenson’s 90th-minute penalty clinched a 2-1 win at Rochdale Sacred Heart.

Springhead will count themselves slightly fortunate to come away with the three points after an entertaining encounter.

The Ashfield Crescent outfit started brightly, with Richard Bennett and Stevenson denied by excellent saves.

But Heart took command in the second half and their pressure paid off when they nosed ahead.

The goal sparked Springhead into life and they drew level with 15 minutes to go, Ryan Shaughnessy doing brilliantly to set up Steve Harrison for a fine finish.

The game was in the balance until, with only seconds remaining, Bennett was brought down and Stevenson held his nerve to despatch the spot-kick.

Hollinwood are up to third place after a 3-1 defeat of local rivals Avro.

Paul Bennett’s side had scored their three goals — Phil Salt (penalty), Anthony Robinson and James Snowdon were on target — before Daniel Grimshaw replied.

Royton Town gave as good as they got against a strong Wythenshawe Amateurs outfit but had nothing to show for their efforts in a 2-0 defeat.

Michael Moss and Will Mellor went close early on for the hosts, only for high-flying Wythenshawe to take a 34th-minute lead.

Fraser Hatton had an effort cleared off the line for Town, but the visitors sealed all three points with a second goal after the break.

The introduction of Wayne Dean lifted Town, but they were unable to break down Wythenshawe’s sold back line.

Results —

Premier division: Atherton Town 2, Leigh Athletic 3; Elton Vale 1, East Manchester 1; Hindsford 1, Chapel Town 1; Prestwich Heys 0, Stockport Georgians 2; Rochdale Sacred Heart 1, Springhead 2; Royton Town 0, Wythenshawe Amateurs 2; Walshaw Sports 0, Manchester Gregorians 2; Hollinwood 3, Avro 1.

County Cup: Dukinfield Town 11, Bentley (Crewe) 0; Govan Athletic 1, Old Alts 3;

Division one: Breightmet United 3, Fives Athletic 2; Bury Amateurs 2, Wythenshawe Town 1; Heywood St James 2, Beechfield United 2; Monton Amateurs 6, Salford Victoria 0; West Didsbury 5, Pennington 0.

Division two: Avro Res 2, Monton Amateurs Res 1; Springhead Res 6, Rochdale SH Res 1;

Division three: Manchester Gregorians ‘A’ 1, Royton Town Res 2; Wythenshawe Town Res 5, Hollinwood Res 5.

Division four: Bury Amateurs ‘B’ 1, Hollinwood ‘A’ 7.

o SPRINGHEAD reserves, featuring a hat-trick from Mark Hopwood, thumped their Rochdale Sacred Heart counterparts 6-1 in division two, while Royton Town reserves climbed to second place in division three after a 2-1 win at Manchester Gregorians.

Danny Hicks and Anthony Boyle were Town’s marksmen.


Royton show fighting spirit


AFC ROYTON came from behind to beat Sun Inn 3-2 in division two of the Rochdale On-line Alliance.

A header from Ryan King, a Marc Sneyd effort and a third from Carl Lawton made up Royton’s tally after Sun had taken an early lead.