ELTON FOLD...4

SPRINGHEAD...2

ON a day when football comebacks made headlines at the highest level, Fold staged their own version of how to give the opposition a two goal half time lead before recovering to win the game.

An exceptional second half fightback culminating in a splendid hat-trick from Paul Owen saw Elton clinch the points, although they had to wait until stoppage time before the

result was sealed.

Both teams started the game with unenviable records, Springhead having had seven players sent off in eight games while Fold had conceded five penalties in seven.

But whilst the Lees side managed to finish the game with a full complement it was Elton who added to their record on the quarter hour mark when centre back Steve Dearden was adjudged to have handled in the box and Lee Blackshaw tucked away the resultant spot kick. It was no more than the visitors deserved as they were first off the blocks and Blackshaw almost added a second with a free kick that bent round the wall but also round the post.

But he didn't have to wait long to increase his team's lead for when Dearden surged up field in the 32nd minute and lost possession there was no firm cover in place, so when the ball was quickly played up front it put Blackshaw clear and as Fold 'keeper Steve Crossley was caught in no man's land a simple lob into the unguarded net put Springhead two up.

Fold had if not quite a mountain, certainly a steep hill to climb at the interval.

No flying teacups in the Fold dressing room though, just a belief that they could still get something out

of the game and that belief soared within forty seconds of the restart when Dearden rose highest to head John Armstrong's deep corner back across goal and Owen was free to head home from three yards.

This was the catalyst that sparked the revival and the turn around in the balance of play was astonishing as Fold now threw everything at the Springhead goal as the visitors hardly got out of their own half for the remainder of the match.

The equaliser came in the 62nd minute and it was fitting that Armstrong should score it as the young winger had been a constant source of trouble for the opposition and when Mason blocked Bray's run on the edge of the penalty area the ball ran free to Armstrong some thirty yards out and he cleverly chipped the backtracking 'keeper and defenders and saw the ball nestle in the net. A tactical switch then saw Owen pushed up front from midfield, a move that paid rich dividends when he gave Fold the lead in the 74th minute, neatly tucking the ball away following good approach work between Bray and Armstrong.

Dearden was then only inches wide of goal with a powerful header from a corner and Mason pulled off another fine save to deny Bray yet again. But Owen made the victory secure in the last minute when he was put clear and he rounded Mason before walking the ball into the net to put

the final touch on a remarkable comeback.

TEAM: Crossley 6, Burke 7, Doran 6, Dearden 6, Keegan 7, Myerscough 6, Rayner 6, Owen 8, Armstrong 8, Bray 7, Price 7 Subs: Lang (for Myerscough, 65 mins) 7, Slater (for Price, 75 mins) 6, Smith (for Bray, 84 mins)

The reserves went down 7-2 at champions Wythenshawe Amateurs reserves.

Keith Ingham and Steve Doran were the scorers.

There's a potential tasty local 'derby' tomorrow when Breightmet United, a division below Fold in the Manchester League, are the visitors for a Lancashire Shield Second Round tie.

The game will kick-off at 12 noon to avoid clashing with the England v Greece game later in the afternoon.

The reserves have a league fixture at Wilmslow Albion reserves, kick-off 12.30pm.