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Shock loss

27/ 3/2008

GREGORIANS lost top spot in the Manchester League’s Premier Division after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat against AFC Blackley.

The game, which had been switched to Platt Lane, saw Gregs twice come from behind during an even first half thanks to Curtis Braithwaite’s header and a Paul Regan penalty.

Blackley plugged away and netted the only goal of the second half to put a dent in Gregs’ title hopes as they were overtaken at the top by Irlam.

However, Gregs have six games in hand on the new leaders and should be able to reverse positions without too many problems.

They were boosted by a defeat for Wigan Robin Park who remain the principal threat to Gregs’ hopes of lifting silverware.

Gregs’ seconds were held to a 1-1 draw by Walshaw SC, Tom Jackson providing the Gregs point-saver.

Their A team’s title hopes took a dip as they went down in their top-of-the-table clash with Rochdale Sacred Heart by the odd goal in five.

Jamie Ross-Stephenson and Danny Nelson were the Gregs marksmen

Wythenshawe Amateurs’ last lap of the season is proving frustrating as their inability to hit the back of the net again cost them dearly when they suffered another 1-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Springhead.

The gloom at Longley Lane was intensified as the seconds went down 2-1 to Irlam.

In division one, Manchester Juniors put their recent blip behind them by returning to winning ways with a 4-2 defeat of lowly Fives Athletic.

The opening goal came in the first attack of the game, Chris Wright claiming the important touch.

Fives then drew level against the run of play as a flighted free kick deceived the injured Adam Aldred and the visiting centre-forward was able to fire home the equaliser.

Wright put Juniors ahead again during the second half, only for Fives to level for a second time after a mix-up in the home defence.

Juniors retook the lead when Ric Rowe converted at the near post on 65 minutes before Chris McMahon completed the scoring five minutes later with a solo effort, dribbling the ball past the Fives keeper.

West Didsbury and Chorlton only had one of their three teams in action, losing 4-2 in their encounter against Avro’s seconds.

Pictured: Gregorians see AFC Blackley score the winning goal in their game

Picture by fryer-foto.com