Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

OVER the past three weeks it has become apparent that Highfield couldn't buy a win even if it was advertised on e-Bay.

A combination of schoolboy defending in the first of three away games over the festive period at Dukinfield Town, saw them slump to a deserved 3-0 defeat.

A lack of communication and poor defending from set pieces combined to seal their fate. Gladwish Land Sales Man of the Match went to Carman.

They then had a opportunity to make amends when they took on league leaders Royton Town in their own back yard.

Highfield's performance on the day was not at all bad but when they didn't get the rub of the green in certain areas confidence started to seep away.

A error, defending a quickly taken free kick, saw the home side take the lead before conceding another just before half time.

To their credit, Highfield set off a blistering pace in the second period with both Stubbs and Lomax going extremely close.

More chances went begging but to cap it off, Town scored on two breakaways.

Nevertheless, they didn't give up the ghost and on the whistle, Lomax won a penalty which he duly converted earning him the Gladwish Land Sales Man of the Match award.

Further misery was to follow in their next game, away to local side Breightmet United.

Finding themselves 2-0 down at half-time, Highfield were yet again quick out of the blocks at the start of the second period.

Having clawed their way back into the game with goals from Stott and substitute Jarrett, it appeared that Lady Luck was beginning to shine on them in their first game of 2004.

That feeling became even stronger when the home side's centre forward was dismissed for a second bookable offence with 15 minutes to go.

However, that old curved ball was lying in wait for Highfield, and with only four minutes of time remaining, they failed to deal with jinking run from Breightmet's only recognised striker and with his second, deflected, attempt on goal, settled the match 3-2. The Gladwish Land Sales Man of the Match was again Lomax.

Highfield United Reserves played out a 4-4 draw at home to Stand Athletic Reserves, with Clarke contributing a brace.

It's D-Day at Seedfield Sports Centre tomorrow when Highfield take on local rivals, Elton Vale.

Both sides will be desperate to win this local derby being rooted at the bottom end of the table.

Highfield do have two games in hand over their neighbours, but at this stage of the season it's all about picking up points when you can.

It should be an absolute cracker and kicks off at 2pm.

Highfield's second string are in league action, away to Old Standians Reserves. Both squads are requested to meet at Seedfield Sports Centre no later than 12.30pm.