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Promotion in sights

8/ 5/2008

WHALLEY Range took a massive step towards promotion to the Lancashire and Cheshire League’s Premier Division following a 5-1 win at home to their closest rivals Old Strets.

After looking comfortable at 3-1 with goals from Wes Stafford and a brace from Rob Kinsella, they nearly paid the price for some sloppy defending which almost gifted the visitors a way back into the match.

That prompted manager Colin Glendon into changes which resulted in a goal scored by the hard working Caldwell to ease the nerves both on and off the pitch. Paul Farrell completed the scoring from the penalty spot, leaving Range requiring a point from their final match to gain promotion.

There was not much good news for Burnage Metro as all four of their teams in action failed to register a point.

The first team went down 4-2 at home to mid-table Newton Heath, Loz McHugh and Paul Scholes netting for Metro, the seconds went down 3-2 against Hollingworth despite goals from Chris McGreavey and Craig Worthington, the fourths were well beaten by Old Chorlts, while Mat Gittens and Russell Hoyle scored as the division E team lost 3-2 against Newton.
Division D action at Whalley Range saw Hutchinson, Thompson and Franklin score for the home side in a 3-3 draw with visiting Ashtonians.

Gatley took advantage of Rhodes Cup winners Hollingworth OB, who after winning the final on Thursday night, could not match Gatley on the day as the visitors ran out 7-2 winners.

Last Thursday’s final saw Hollingworth clinch the Rhodes Cup against Old Trafford in dramatic fashion at Curzon Ashton’s Tameside Stadium.

Hollingworth going in front with an early goal from Robert Hartsthorne only to find themselves 2-1 thanks to goals from Old Trafford’s Ozabain and Williams.

Despite chances at either end, the game was always likely to have a spot of drama as Hollingworth pressed for the equaliser which came in the final minute through Jamie Cross, sending the game into extra time

There was no let up in the drama and action as both side scored extra time goals with substitute Damien Healey netting for Hollingworth and a superb solo goal from Old Trafford’s Pete McGuire looked to be taking the final to a penalty shootout.

However, the final sting in the tail came with seconds to go as Hartsthorne got the winner for Hollingworth as they got their name on the Rhodes Cup for the first time in the club’s history.