A right Royal comeback

JOHNNY HARRISON’S late, late goal maintained a 100-per-cent record for Rifle Range Royal Blues in division two of the D&J Builders (North West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League.

Rifle Range Royal Blues 5, Famous King George 4

This was a game well worthy of its ‘Match of the Day’ billing, with one hat-trick, two penalty saves and a thrilling three-goal comeback.

And of course, there were nine goals in a feast of entertainment on Clayton playing fields.

What a pity, then, that someone had to lose.

It was also a shame for King George’s Mark Hopwood, who bagged a fine treble but still finished up on the losing side.

Range trailed 4-2, but three goals in a frantic 13-minute spell settled the issue in their favour.

But the outcome could have been so different if only Hopwood hadn’t been denied from the penalty spot by Range ’keeper Chris Jeffreys, three minutes into the second half with the scoreline 2-1 in King George’s favour.

King George are enjoying life in the Oldham Sunday League in this, their debut season and, despite this setback, are still handily placed in the table.

Harrison’s last-gasp winner ensured victory for Range and, after finishing third last term, they are confident of making the step up this time round.

Club official Stephen Hubbert boldly predicted: “I’m absolutely certain we’ll get promoted this season.”

Of the match itself, Hubbert added: “It’s a shame that somebody had to lose and I feel a bit sorry for King George’s Frankie Byrne, who had a great game.”

Byrne himself said: “Lapses of concentration cost us and Range were clinical.”

In the midst of Range’s comeback, Andrew Oakes saw his 81st minute spot-kick saved by David Blair.

Although pleased with his contribution to a thoroughly entertaining encounter, Blair said: “We are enjoying our football and I am hoping we will finish above halfway.”

GOALS: Rifle Range — Proctor (44), Oakes (62), Leigh (77, 87), Harrison (89). King George — Hopwood (42, 72, 75), Lambert (10).

RIFLE RANGE ROYAL BLUES: Jeffreys, Quick, Leigh, Harwood, Milner, Oakes, Harrison, Holmes, Andre, Knagg, Proctor. Subs: Tickle, Schofield, Kershaw, Marshall, Jebb.

FAMOUS KING GEORGE: Blair, Jackson, Brown, Fleming, Hindley, Byrne, Lambert, Lawrence, Pauley, Hopwood, Roche. Subs: Cross, Lowe, Fotheringham.

Referee: G Schofield.