Manchester League Premier Division

HIGHFIELD UTD...1

ROYTON TOWN...0

IN hot conditions befitting this year's European Championships in Portugal Highfield entertained the newly-crowned Manchester League Premier Division champions - Royton Town.

Any ideas that the champions would take their foot off the pedal after securing their crown were completely off the mark as they competed for every ball but found, in Highfield, a side also prepared to battle for every crumb all over the field.

Coming second best does not now feature in the Highfield mindset!

With sweeper Chadwick missing on the day, Stuart Upritchard stepped up to partner centre-back Berry while midfielder Ryan Bailley was missing after picking up a knock in midweek.

Rob Higham got his first full start of the season and they also welcomed back Brendan O'Shaughnessy who had one of the best games ever in a Highfield shirt.

Highfield started the quicker of the two sides with their midfield contesting every loose ball and 50-50 tackle.

They knew that they had to combat Town's free-flowing midfield play, in particular playmaker Edgehill, who has been the catalyst for Town's successful season.

The tempo of the match was extremely quick considering the hot conditions, and concentration from both sides was paramount.

However, Town were first to drop their guard in the 17th minute when keeper Fitzsimmons, attempting a clearance from a pass back, only found Tom Stubbs just inside Town's half.

He controlled the ball and literally ran at Town's backpedalling defenders before stroking the ball past the helpless Fitzsimmons to put Highfield 1-0 up.

Town's response was swift with Hulme, their mercurial winger, causing all sorts of havoc for Highfield's back line.

On one occasion Morris managed to get on the end of a Hulme cross, but fortunately his goalbound effort was cleared off the line by full back David Pickering and the scoreline stayed 1-0 at the break.

The second period continued in the same vein, with the game ebbing and flowing towards both goals.

Highfield continued to keep up the tempo of the game with not one player prepared to give up the ghost.

There was the occasional scare in the Highfield rearguard, when both Taylor and Morris had good chances to put Town level, however, Highfield stood tall and took everything that they had to throw at them...and more.

Five minutes from the end, Stubbs could and should have added to the scoreline.

After getting on the end of through ball from midfielder Craig Cowgill he drew Fitzsimmons off his line and his side footed shot went narrowly past the post.

The Gladwish Land Sales Man of the Match Award this week goes to all 14 players on duty against the champions.

Tomorrow, Highfield's first team squad travel to Wilmslow Albion for their last league fixture of the season.

A win could leave Highfield finishing up in sixth place.

The boys from Bury will be looking to finish on a high and complete what has been an amazing second half to their season. All players should meet at Seedfield Sports Centre at 12.30pm.

Highfield's second string had a convincing 4-2 home win over Springhead Reserves last Tuesday evening. Shaun Griffiths and Steve Chadwick both scored twice. They finish off their season tomorrowwith a home league tie against Hindsford Reserves. Squad meet at 1.15pm.