Pilkington on target for title at last

Feb 5 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE only honour Pilkington have won in 15 year’s membership was to finish runners-up in Division Two in 1995-96.

But the cupboard could be a little less bare come May with the St Helens side now well in the running for the First Division title after Saturday’s tight 4-3 victory over Gamesley at Ruskin Drive.

With most other matches postponed, Pilks moved level with leaders Greenall Padgate St Oswald thanks to the marksmanship of Andy Smith (2), Ian Frazer and a late winner from Tony Scott after Gamesley had rattled in three goals through Brian Capper, Matt Minshull and Brian Arrowsmith.

Styal remain third despite dropping a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Trafford, who are now managed by ex-Witton Albion star Brian Griffin. Craig Massey, Johnny Thornton and Dave Graham scored for Styal, two points behind the top two with two games in hand of Pilkington. Aaron Kelly, Rico Colulu and Phil Nolan replied for Trafford, all six goals coming in the first-half.

The remaining matches in the division were called off.

Second Division leaders FC United of Manchester Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw at Grappenhall Sports, for whom Danny Sisson scored his 17th goal of a profitable season.

Lee Ellis replied for United, who have 48 points from 21 games. Club AZ are in second place on 35 points from 15 games.

Another fixture which defied dreadful conditions was at Billinge, where the Wigan side beat Golborne Sports 2-0 with two goals from Andy Ledger.

RESULTS: Division One: Trafford Res 3 Styal 3, Pilkington 4 Gamesley 3. Division Two: Billinge 2 Golborne Sports 0, Grappenhall Sports 1 FC United of Manchester Res 1. Reserve Division: Rylands 2 Billinge 2. Crewe & District League Cup quarter-finals: Congleton Athletic 5 Winnington Avenue Res 0, Tarporley Vics Res 1 Curshaws 2. Premier Division: Winnington Avenue 1 Manchester University 0. First Division: Malpas Res 5 Sandbach Town 4.