Hopwood takes a leaf out of Vardy’s book

FOOTBALL: MARK Hopwood struck for the 11th game in a row as Heyside endured torrential rain and gale-force winds in beating spirited Heywood Irish 3-1 in Huddersfield League Division One.

Visiting Heyside had to dig deep to maintain second place in the top flight. Gary Molyneaux, Hopwood and Michael Ward all fired efforts over the bar in a tough first half-hour.

Daniel Dunn struck the crossbar with a well-struck free-kick, before Heyside’s persistence paid off just before the interval when Ward reacted quickest to a rebound and stroked home from close range.

The home side started the second half brighter and levelled on the hour mark when a free-kick was glanced home.

But within a minute, Heyside were back in front as Gary Molyneaux rifled home a left-foot strike.

With 10 minutes to go, Hopwood struck to complete his own Jamie Vardy-style scoring sequence.

He latched onto a Danny Cashin through-ball to make the points safe.

Moorside were thumped 4-0 at Lepton Highlanders in Division Three.


AVRO’S FBT Manchester League Gilgryst Cup hopes are over for another season after they were beaten

2-1 at home by top-flight rivals Manchester Gregorians.

The other scheduled quarter-final derby tie between Springhead and Royton Town was postponed.

In Division One, Hollinwood continue to struggle as they were thumped 8-2 at home by East Manchester.