HIGHFIELD UTD...3

MONTON AMS...1

Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

FRESH from their 4-0 hammering of Wilmslow last week Highfield were thirsty for blood from the off against third-placed Monton Amateurs on Saturday.

And once again it was Tom Stubbs who almost broke the ice only 20 seconds from the kick-off.

A long clearance from the kick-off went deep into the Ammies' half and Stubbs harrassed the visitors' defence until the ball broke to him but his shot lacked venom.

The deadlock was broken after 15 minutes when the tenacious O'Shaughnessy won the ball and delivered a powerful cross to the front post.

Stubbs and Montoon defender Lomas lunged at the ball but it was the ever-lively Dave Malius who was on hand to fire past Smith.

Highfield continued to keep their foot on the gas and on the half hour Malius again was in the right place at the right time to convert after good work from Roberts.

Any ideas the home side may have had at it being 'game over' at 2-0 were firmly quashed when the visitors began to apply themselves more after the break.

They created a brace of early half chances but, fortunately, defenders Chadwick and Keegan were on hand to snuff out any dangers created by visiting strikers Hardman and Butcher.

The game picked up pace in the remaining 20 minutes of the half and the Ammies reduced the arrears when Lomas poked the ball home following a corner from right-back Cullen.

But Highfield wrapped the game up for good when, following a good run by Malius, Stubbs fired past Smith for their crucial third goal.

The only downside to the day was the dismissal of O'Shaughnessy and Monton's Lomas with six minute remaining.

The pair had clashed in the centre-circle for what was nothing more than "handbags at ten paces" however the referee having booked both players earlier in the game decided both should walk.

The result was a job well done for Highfield and, more importantly, was their third successive victory and if they can sustain this form a mid-table position will be the target.

The Victor Gladwish Land Sales Man of the Match award went to David Malius.

Highfield's second string enjoyed a free Saturday due to adjustments to reserve cup fixtures. Tomorrow they entertain Whitworth Valley reserves at Seedfield, kick-off 2.30pm. The first team travel to Irlam Mitchell Shackleton aiming to make it four wins in a row.

Both squads are requested to meet at 12.30pm. Training at Seedfield every Thursday evening 8.30pm to 9pm.