UNSWORTH stumbled to a second consecutive defeat on Saturday, against promotion hopefuls, Breightmet.

The previous week, carelessness and lack of concentration cost them a victory over a poor Whalley Range side, when a comfortable win was on the cards.

This time, they can count themselves unlucky as, despite the Bolton side's lofty position and high ambitions, Unsworth should have got at least one point from this match, or even snatched a win.

It was surprising that the Hillock pitch was passed as playable as it was in poor conditions and resembled a battle-ground rather than a football field. This was a hard-fought physical game, and as Unsworth had beaten the visitors two weeks previously, Breightmet were determined not to give Unsworth another double this season.

While Breightmet enjoyed the lion's share of possession, Unsworth were quicker on the breaks, causing problems with the visitors' flanks. In the opening minutes, Mike Hunter came close to scoring. If the visitors could force corners and long-range efforts, Unsworth produced clear-cut chances with Jordan Ashton, who had a superb match, causing them problems. However, at the interval, it was all square and fair.

Unsworth had to survive an onslaught from Breightmet as they tried hard to make inroads into the home defence. Fifteen minutes in, the constant pressure produced a goal. A badly cleared clearance fell to Harper on the right and his cross fed onto the head of centre-half, Phil Heap who steered the header home unchallenged.

Not for the first time this season, Unsworth showed their best and roared back into the game. For the next half-hour they pounded their visitors. Such was their domination, it was obvious to a reasonable sized crowed that an equaliser was all but ready.

The best chance fell to Paul Lyons who failed to convert Ashton's cross at the back post. Hunter also came close with a free-kick, and just when a goal was almost there, the pitch undid them. Goal-keeper, Karl Hassall, misplaced his clearance as the ball bobbled. As a result, it fell to Goodinson who was brought down by the young 'keeper and the referee had no choice but to show him red.

As Unsworth pressed, and deep into injury time, Aldred broke clear to score a second for his side who breathed a huge sigh of relief knowing it had been their day.

Team: Hassall, Gallagher, (Welch), Brimelow, Morley, Harrington, C. Lyons, Whitby, Lynch, Ashton, P. Lyons, Hunter, (Truelove). Subs: Rushton, Healey, Kitson. Referee: Mr P. Hines-Blackburn (Salford).

It was not the end of the year Unsworth had planned but they finished it far stronger than they started, their first steps into the Manchester League has been a struggle giving them a position second from bottom.

Now, with a stronger squad, new management and back room team, and the continued support of Unsworth Football Club (Juniors), the new year looks much brighter. A position of finishing in the top half of the division looks to be a certain bet, and with more squad strengthening, a good solid base can be built for next season.

Despite recent defeats, the overall performances have been promising and Unsworth are no longer a pushover. Overall, the club is showing good strength all round. The junior sides are all in the top half of their respective leagues, some topping them and remaining unbroken.

This Saturday, Unsworth are away to basement club, Old Alts. The Unsworth men had to come from behind to beat them at the Hillock recently so a hard and physical battle is expected. That result kick-started their best run of the season so a good start to the year is expected.

Manager Nick Woods still has Simon Hannan missing, but Phil Smith is expected to be fit after missing last Saturday with an ankle injury.

The league is unsettled at the moment with current leaders, Highfield, showing signs of wobbling. There is a pack of six clubs who could all claim promotion. This is a very competitive division and next year should be a very interesting one.

AIR MILES MANCHESTER LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE

UNSWORTH...0

BREIGHTMET UTD...2