Uppermill move clear at the top

Photo: PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND.

CLOSING IN: Diggle players surround Uppermill’s Andrew Pheby.

FOOTBALL:

Uppermill 2, Diggle 1

Two Lee Rainford goals saw Uppermill move four points clear at the top in Division One of the Huddersfield and District League in a close-fought derby with Diggle.

Victory over their close rivals means Uppermill have now scored eight league wins out of eight this season.

The dream of winning a first Huddersfield League championship is within Uppermill's grasp.

The side raced to a fifth-minute lead when outstanding Diggle goalkeeper John Pooley denied a rasping Matthew Moores drive and the ball fell to Rainford to hook the ball home from six yards.

Diggle hit the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes, but Uppermill doubled their lead after 66 minutes as Rainford struck again. Diggle got a goal back with six minutes remaining, Danny Cheetham sliding home a Flynn cross from six yards.

This was a very good-natured game despite the rivalry between the clubs and watched by a crowd of more than 100.

Uppermill go to Swillington Saints tomorrow in the second round of the West Riding County FA Cup.



HOLLINWOOD’S run of good form came to an abrupt end following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of leaders Rochdale Sacred Heart.

It was always going to be a tall order against the only team in the division with a 100 per cent record.

Hollinwood paid the price for being slow out of the blocks, conceding within five minutes.

The top dogs doubled their lead after half an hour.

Hollinwood rallied after the interval but Rochdale capped a fine team move to make it 3-0, then added a fourth late on.