Delight and despair for Rifle hot-shots

FOOTBALL: RIFLE ‘A’ have secured the Midas Plumbing and Heating Oldham Sunday League Jack Abbott Premier Division title thanks to a 2-1 victory at Fitton Hill.

The win – courtesy of strikes from Joe Francis and Luke Butler – means Rifle maintained their superb 100 per-cent record in the top flight and they cannot now be caught.

But Paddy McGuirk’s men were out of luck on Wednesday when they lost the Manchester County FA Challenge Shield final 5-2 against Moss Side. Nathan Eastmond and Osman Bushara scored consolation goals.

In midweek, Fitton Hill defeated Oldham GPO 5-0 as Mark Hope (two), Kane Radcliffe (two) and Callum Franklin registered. Fitton Hill followed up with a 9-0 crushing of Westwood. Radcliffe (three), Aaron Murdoch (two), Franklin (two), Troy Radcliffe and Ian Knapman were on target.

Heyside were held 2-2 at home by Coppice United. Josh Briddon and Chris Ollerton netted for the hosts.

Legends Of Lees are on the brink of clinching the Martin Buckley Division Two crown after they crushed Oldham XI 7-1. On the mark were Leighton Stephenson (four), Rick Wild, Paul Badby and Gaz Armstead. Tom Breza replied.

Alt Athletic are still flying high after they hammered Streetbridge 7-0. Ste Barrow (three), Liam Tupman (two), Kristin Ogo and Eddie Aspin were on target.

Alt won a midweek clash 4-2 at home against Horseshoe. Barrow (two), Tupman and Paul Flint scored in that game. Daniel Jackson and Matt Horst replied for Horseshoe.

Rochdale Rangers and Blue Club drew 3-3. Davis Murakatete, Idi Lulaca and Jackson Mpela scored for Rangers, while Michael Wild (two) and Ben Foster netted for the club.

Oldham XI sunk Streetbridge 4-0 thanks to Tom Breza, Paul Stevenson, Jamie Clarke and Jack Holmes.

David Giblin Division One action saw Carrion Crow edge out FC Failsworth 1-0.

In knock-out action, Failsworth Athletic secured their place in the President’s Trophy final, where they will meet Coppice United.

Athletic beat Westwood 5-4 on penalties after their last-four tie ended 1-1.

Coppice beat Limeside King George 2-1 as Azuka Otutu and Muzaffet Ali scored. Leon Melia struck for King George.