Sunday football round up - Plough go ten points clear

Despite the appalling conditions with gusting winds and driving rain and hailstones, more than half the Sunday League programme still went ahead. However, only one Premier Division game survived, Gallows v Success to the Plough.

With the considerable advantage of the very strong wind behind them in the first half, Plough went onto the attack right from the start and had at least two good chances to open the scoring and failed before Burg’s free kick hit the back of the net with great power.

Gallows were hanging on hoping the wind advantage in the second half would help them into the game, however, completely against the run of play they levelled just before half time due to good work by Chris Ainley who crossed for Whitehead to score with a well taken header.

Despite the disadvantage of the wind in their faces, the second half started much as the first with Plough going forward and Gallows seemingly content to hit on the break, a tactic that cost them dearly when Burg hit a low shot that Power in the Gallows goal did well to save, but Helm was first to the loose ball to give Plough the lead for a second time.

Substitute Jimmy Needham put the game safe for Plough with his first touch as he met a corner at the far post.

With the game safe it was a case of how many Plough would score and they went on to score another two; Burg a header from a corner and Tim Astley from close range with a header. Burg failed to complete his hat-trick when he missed a penalty.

Success to the Plough, ten points clear at the top having won nine out of their last ten games and drawn one, are looking good to lift the Premier Division title.

In the First Division, with leaders Broadway Celtic’s game postponed, Catholic Club took full advantage closing the gap to just three points with two games in hand following a rout at home to Marston Tavern.

North Star kept in touch with the top two seeing off a struggling Italia side.

Similar story in the Second Division, with the leaders Copperpot Reserves game called off and second place FC Dale taking full advantage to close the gap, though they were run very close by The Star.

The third and fourth place clash saw Turks Head win a crucial victory over Wardleworth to keep their promotion hopes alive, they are now just three points behind the third placed team with a game in hand.

DC United won comfortably against Whitworth Valley; Longshaw and Nuttall with two goals each and Benson with one goal for DC.

The shock result of the day was bottom placed Old Bricklayers recording only their second win of the season, and a comprehensive win it was, beating Bay Horse 5-2.

Leaders of the Third Division Rochdale Nomads eventually prevailed against a stubborn Blue Ball team, but only just, the winning margin one goal of five.

Second placed Catholic Club Reserves kept up the pressure with a very comfortable win over Red Lion, whose improved form at the start of the year appears to have deserted them.

The third and fourth placed clash went the way of Norden who outplayed Boundary Park to pull three points clear of their close rivals; Williams with a hat-trick for Norden, Ariane scoring the solitary Boundary Park goal..

Woolworth’s, who could yet figure in the promotion battle if they win their numerous games in hand, kept another clean sheet to beat Dale Dynamos by a solitary goal.

Old Bulls Head put up a spirited battle against Rochdale Online at Springfield Park, scoring first early in the second half through K Blackburn. The goal  brought out the best in the Online team and new signing Nick Brooks levelled for Online before Paul Sanderson scored Online’s winner. Bulls Head did have chances to level but a goal line clearance by Journeaux and a superb save by Online keeper Nick Blackburn - deputising for regular keeper Makin - plucking a goal bound shot right out of the top corner, ensured  Online took the three points.