Dalians have the edge in trophy battle

WARDLEWORTH bowed out of the Chris Shyne Memorial Trophy following a 2-1 defeat to Rochdalians.

From the off, Wardleworth looked secure at the back, denying many advancements from Dalians, who looked to have an early grasp on proceedings.

Despite the run of play, Abdul Jabbar’s clinical finish meant that Wardleworth were ahead and moving towards their first win in two games.

However, the game was equalised with only moments of normal time remaining, when Dalians slammed home from distance.

Extra-time was a stalemate and with Penalties looming both sides made an extra push to try and clinch the win.

Wardleworth lost the ball cheaply in midfield and it was costly, Rochdalians broke through to snatch the winner.

Az Kahn, Wardleworth manager, said: “Overall, it was a good effort from both sets of lads.

“The game could have really gone either way but Rochdalians will be the side progressing to the next round.”

Limeside King George beat Heywood St James in The Newbold Tyres Premier Division with a 1-0 win.

After a first-half where both sides remained level and it was a further twenty minutes before the deadlock was broken. LKG skipper Scott Yates’ header put them 1-0 up and it was enough for the home side to see the game out.

Highfield made a major breakthrough in the race for the Newbold Tyres Premier League with a 3-2 win over Littleborough.

A frantic pace, renowned in this fixture, was installed from the start of the match with both sides playing flowing football.

The breakthrough came in the 14th minute after the ball fell to Brierley, who sent a pinpoint ball over to Danny Holmes, who smashed it into the unguarded net for a deserved lead.

Littleborough’s Taylor then fired an unstoppable shot past the despairing dive of the Highfield keeper to make it 1–1.

Boro took the lead against the run of play through a long shot, which flew into the top corner of the net from 25 yards.

Danny Holme’s strike then brought Highfield back into the game, catching the keeper off guard for the equaliser.

Both teams gave everything and even the spectators from both sides were applauding their play.

Highfield were really applying the pressure with 10 minutes left got their just reward with a brilliant team goal, which involved no fewer than nine players, this proved to be the winning goal.

Highfield’s Wayne Whitlow said: “Both teams were a credit to the league, with no bad challenges in the game.

“Just a word for the match official. He did an excellent job keeping up with play throughout the game keeping control throughout.

“One of the best forwards to play against us this season was Nathan Taylor, you could see the quality.”