Mayall’s strike to no avail

EARLY joy turned to despair as Santos were beaten 2-1 by Standians in division two of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

The local outfit went ahead from an indirect free-kick, awarded after the goalkeeper had gathered a back pass. Jonathan Phillips flicked the ball to John Mayall, who fired home.

Richard Mason denied title-chasing Standians from the penalty spot, but could do little to prevent the equaliser just before half-time.

And the Santos defence was again caught napping after the hour mark as the hosts sealed their fourth win of the season.

Oldham Victoria’s woes continued as they lost their fourth game on the trot, 6-1 at Norris Villa.

A goal down after half-an-hour, they equalised through debutant Simon Burgess, but a second-half collapse condemned Vics to a heavy defeat.

AFC Oldham 2005 were knocked off top spot in division one after losing 1-0 at home to Stoconians.

Trailing 4-3 at half-time, Santos reserves eventually succumbed 9-4 at home to unbeaten Staly FC in division ‘C’.

Vics’ second string, who had the better of the chances against Old Stretfordians, went down to the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.