2pm 20 April 2019
Manchester League, Division Two
Astley and Tyldesley 3 Middleton Colts 1 (att 19)
I was in two minds where to go today, but eventually settled on game that had nothing riding on it but would allow me to recomplete the Manchester League.
Astley and Tyldesley and Middleton Colts were both playing their final matches of debut seasons in the league, and have had contrasting fortunes. Middleton finished champions, but clearly had a summer break on their minds as they lost to lowly Astley.
It must have been hard playing on a very warm afternoon, and there was little of note in a goalless first half. The home side edged in front after about an hour, and before long had extended their lead to 3-0.
They should have scored more, but Middleton had the consolation of the game's final goal. The visitors were reduced to 10 men by injury before the end, but even with 11 they rarely got out of first gear.
Astley and Tyldesley play at Gin Pit Village, an area where the first houses were built to accommodate workers at Astley and Tyldesley Collieries. The mines are long gone but the miners' welfare club remains a social and sporting hub.
The football pitch, which isn't railed of even roped off, is in a tree-lined playing field behind the well-appointed cricket ground. The cricketers attracted a bigger crowd than the footballers, but it was a day when the conditions were better suited to their sport.
Manchester League, Division Two
Astley and Tyldesley 3 Middleton Colts 1 (att 19)
I was in two minds where to go today, but eventually settled on game that had nothing riding on it but would allow me to recomplete the Manchester League.
Astley and Tyldesley and Middleton Colts were both playing their final matches of debut seasons in the league, and have had contrasting fortunes. Middleton finished champions, but clearly had a summer break on their minds as they lost to lowly Astley.
It must have been hard playing on a very warm afternoon, and there was little of note in a goalless first half. The home side edged in front after about an hour, and before long had extended their lead to 3-0.
They should have scored more, but Middleton had the consolation of the game's final goal. The visitors were reduced to 10 men by injury before the end, but even with 11 they rarely got out of first gear.
Astley and Tyldesley play at Gin Pit Village, an area where the first houses were built to accommodate workers at Astley and Tyldesley Collieries. The mines are long gone but the miners' welfare club remains a social and sporting hub.
The football pitch, which isn't railed of even roped off, is in a tree-lined playing field behind the well-appointed cricket ground. The cricketers attracted a bigger crowd than the footballers, but it was a day when the conditions were better suited to their sport.
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