AIR MILES MANCHESTER LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Hollinwood...1 Unsworth...3

UNSWORTH'S recent run of good form continued as they dispensed with struggling Hollinwood in some style at Mabel Road last Saturday.

Despite Hollinwood's lowly position they are still a well-organised and strong side and on a large pitch it was never going to be easy.

Unsworth were without Ian Harrington, Mike Hunter, Jordon Ashton, Steve Campbell and Dave Healey and Paul Johnstone. They recalled Sol Whitby and his touch and passing was the highlight of the afternoon.

The Oldham side's decision to play three at the back was their undoing, as they were unable to contain a fast and slick Unsworth side when moving forward.

Some neat interpassing saw Paul Lyons break free after he cooly took the ball on past the keeper and defender to slot home on 23 minutes.

Five minutes before Lyon's opener, Hollinwood were awarded a penalty, but Scott Smith's low shot was superbly saved by Karl Hassell in the Unsworth goal.

Hollinwood lived dangerously as Unsworth's dominance was beginning to turn into a rout, but missed chances went unpunished.

To their credit, Hollinwood came out in the second half showing more determination and enjoyed a good 20-minute spell.

It was during this period that referee Nisbet gave another penalty, now if the first one was doubtful, this one was nowhere near, but this time Mark Bailey made no mistake with his spot kick.

Unsworth are made of sterner stuff these days, and simply raised the tempo, stakes and gear and regained control of the game.

On the hour, good work from Kitso found Whitby whose long-range, dipping shot left Travis in the Hollinwood goal with no chance.

Unsworth were now rampant and Hollinwood were on the ropes. Quick-thinking by Truelove saw his free-kick put Paul Lyons clear and he made no mistake from close-range to seal the points.

Near misses from Kitson, Lyons, Smith and Whitby in the latter stages failed to add to the scoreline and show just how strongly Unsworth finished this game.

UNSWORTH: Hassell, Rushton (Kitson) Brimelow, Morley, Truelove, Whitby, Lyons C, Lynch, Smith, Lyons P, Gallagher. Substitutes: Gibbons, Welch, Crampton.

Tomorrow Unsworth have a tough trip to Bolton side Breightmet United. Unsworth should be boosted by the return of Harrington, Hunter and Ashton and will have recent signing Simon Hannon in the squad.

Unsworth manager Nick Woods was delighted with the signing of Hannan. "Signing a player of Simon's experience and quality shows just how much improvement we have made to attract a player like him to join us," said Woods.

Breightmet play at Moss Park, Breightmet off Bury Road (kick-off 2pm).

WESTHOUGHTON RANGERS U15s...0

UNSWORTH U15s...4

UNSWORTH's good form continued with their first double of the season -- and their first clean sheet.

They took control with goals from Brendan Cranshaw and Nathan Kennedy, giving them a two-goal lead at the interval.

In the second half, midfield pair David Morley and Ben Barker took a firm grip on the game, with Barker crowning a man of the match display with two second half goals.

This Sunday, manager Charlie Lynch has a selection headache as Mike Lynch, skipper Luke Smith and Luke Fiddler return to the squad for the home game against Elton Fold at the Hillock (kick-off 10.30am).