AIR MILES MANCHESTER LEAGUE

Division One

Wythenshawe Town...0 Unsworth...2

UNSWORTH continued their good form with a superb win at promotion-chasing Wythenshawe Town, boosting their own hopes of a high finish.

This match was switched to Town's Ericston Park, which suited Unsworth's quick pass-and-move style and for the opening period of this match the visitors were quick to assert their authority.

Strong at the back and in the middle of the park and well supported by both flanks and with the always dangerous Paul Thomson up front, the home side were going to have to raise their game if they were to maintain a promotion push.

Constant Unsworth pressure and a succession of corners failed to produce any breakthrough, but on 20 minutes superb work by right-back Pete Morley allowed him to release a perfectly timed and weighted through ball to Thomson who raced on into the penalty box to coolly slot home into the corner past O'Rourke in the Wythenshawe goal.

It was no more than Unsworth deserved and they continued to pressure Town.

Despite a few Wythenshawe counter-attacks, Unsworth's mean defence, once again brilliantly led by Truelove and Harrington, shut the door on any opportunities.

If Truelove and Harrington are the rock that sound defences are built on, then full-backs Morley and Dale Brimelow are the added bonus, not just for their defensive chores, but also their ability to get forward and support play.

It was Morley who made the first and Brimelow the second, cutting into the midfield from left back, his through ball once again found Thomson, who this time smashed his shot past O'Rourke for a deserved second.

Wythenshawe came out in the second half at full steam and knew that an early goal would be needed if they were to get back into the match, but Unsworth reduced them to long-range efforts and when called upon Karl Hassall in goal was equal to anything thrown at him.

It would be fair to say Unsworth were not as effective as in the first half, but it would be equally fair to say they probably didn't need to be and despite chances to increase the scoreline it was that excellent first half display that really did the damage in what was another good day for a rapidly improving Unsworth side.

UNSWORTH: Hassall, Morley, (Gallagher), Brimelow, Truelove, Harrington, Whitby, (Rushton), C. Lyons, Hannan, Thomson, Welch, (Hunter), P. Lyons. Subs: Healey, Kitson.

Unsworth travel again tomorrow when they visit basement club Old Alts.

The Sale side cannot be taken for granted and it took a late Dale Brimelow goal to snatch the points at the Hillock earlier in the season, so there will be no complacency from Unsworth.

Manager Nick Woods will have midfield general Simon Hannan missing, so there could be a spot for Kevin Gallagher, but, hopefully, striker Chris Smith should be back after missing last Saturday with a bad strain.

Woods was more than happy with his side's performance against Wythenshawe, saying: "The support I have had from the likes of assistant manager Tony Welch, player-coach Steve Truelove and the players, has been fantastic.

"We have come a long way this season, but there is still more hard work to be done. Overall, everyone is more than satisfied" he added.

Unsworth will be boosted by a physio for the remaining matches and for next season. Further details on 07950 102307.