Boss Howard hails ‘outstanding’ Town

MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT: Royton’s Alan Beckett (centre) is in the thick of the action against Hindsford.

Royton Town 3, Hindsford 1

FOOTBALL: ROYTON Town leapfrogged Hindsford to move up to second place in the Premier Division of the FBT Manchester League.

This was another thoroughly convincing display by Town, whose 3-5-2 formation worked wonders against fellow title hopefuls Hindsford.

But there was an early scare when Hindsford grabbed the lead in the 19th minute. Town manager Mark Howard’s formation kicked in after that, with Kyle Harrop outstanding in midfield.

Town have been the league’s bridesmaids for some years now – though smart bridesmaids after finishing fourth for two seasons. Can Howard’s men go one better this time?

The Town boss said: “Prestwich Heys have established quite a bit of a lead. but I believe 100 per cent that we will finish no lower than second.”

Following the early shock against Hindsford, Town bounced back 10 minutes before half-time when a Craig Schuman cross to the far post was headed back across goal by the ever-consistent Alan Beckett for Joe Jacombs to sweep the ball home.

Danny Gilmartin edged Town ahead on the hour mark following a goalmouth scramble, before Arron Scholes fired the ball home in the 80th minute after good work by Carl Caffrey to make it 3-1.



IT’S derby day tomorrow week, when Town go to Springhead for an eagerly-awaited Gilgryst Cup

last- eight tie at Ashfield Crescent. Town are also looking forward to a Lancashire Amateur Shield

semi-final against Poulton at AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground on January 19