Springhead sink champions-elect

SPRINGHEAD produced one of their finest displays of the Manchester League Premier Division season as they defeated champions-elect Prestwich Heys 4-2.

’Head took the lead after six minutes when Dave Ashworth’s run and cross was met by Matty Russell, who finished neatly.

Prestwich enjoyed more of the possession, but the home side looked more potent in attack.

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Two minutes before the break Heys found themselves level when winger George Powell was pulled back, and he stepped up to slot home the resultant penalty.

’Head nearly regained the lead immediately as Leighton Stephenson saw a terrific effort crash against the crossbar.

The second half saw Prestwich go in front when a shot deflected pass ’Head ’keeper Kris Ventress.

This kick-started the home side into life and after a good spell of pressure they equalised when a cross from Nathan Eastmond was finished by Stephenson.

The same pair combined again for the outstanding Stephenson to make it 3-2.

Three minutes later the game was put to bed. This time it was Eastmond who provided a fine finish for a deserved win.

Second-placed Royton Town failed to capitalise on Prestwich’s defeat as they were stunned 3-0 at home by Walshaw Sports.

Avro won 2-0 at home against Atherton Town, while Uppermill lost 2-0 at Boothstown.

’Mill lost 6-0 at home against Rochdale Sacred Heart in midweek.

Chadderton’s second string have won back-to-back games in Division One.

A 3-2 home win against Leigh Athletic followed a 2-0 success at Elton Vale.

Hollinwood ‘A’ thumped Dukinfield Town ‘A’ 7-2 in Division Three. On the mark were Mark Shaw (two), Michael Shepherd (two), Brad Connell, Tobias Heys and Sam Coleman.

Results –

Premier Division: Royton Town 0, Walshaw Sports 3; Avro 2, Atherton Town 0; Boothstown 2, Uppermill 0; Springhead 4, Prestwich Heys 2. Tuesday: Avro 0, Dukinfield Town 1; Uppermill 0, Rochdale Sacred Heart 6. Division One: Elton Vale 0, Chadderton Res 2. Tuesday: Chadderton Res 3, Leigh Athletic 2. Division Two: AFC Monton Res 4, Avro Res 3; Hollinwood Res 0, Wythenshawe Ams Res 2; Royton Town Res 4, Manchester Gregorians Res 3. Division Three: Atherton Town ‘A’ 2, Royton Town ‘A’ 7.