Reserves League Round-Up This Week

Dark Lane, Rossendale United

Blackpool missed their chance to move to the top of the table as they went down 2-0 away at Rochdale in a match played at Dark Lane, the home of Rossendale United FC. Youngsters Joe Thompson and Ben Wharton claiming the goals in the first-half for the 'Dale with Ciaran Donnelly coming the closest to pulling a goal back for the Seasiders as his shot hit the post in the 75th minute.

Fourth-placed Tranmere were surprisingly heavily defeated 3-0 at home to rock-bottom Chester, the game being played at Rivacre Park, the home of Vauxhall Motors FC. Ex-Forest Green man Alex Meechan opened the scoring for City in the 33rd minute with further goals from Chris Holroyd just after the hour mark and Francis Smith with 21 minutes left sealing all three points for the visitors.

Bury missed a chance to close the gap on the top four as they were defeated 2-1 at home to Wrexham in a game played at the Inn2gether Stadium, Radcliffe Borough FC. Jamie Reed grabbed the first goal of the game for the Red Dragons after 11 minutes with Trinidadian Josh Johnson doubling the lead for the Welshmen with just six minutes to go. The Shakers made matters interesting when Jake Speight scored almost straight from the restart but the visitors were able to hang on for all three points.

The only draw in the division this week came at Irongate, Bamber Bridge where Preston North End were held 1-1 by Manchester City. Paul Dickov, returning from a toe injury, was a surprise inclusion in the Citizens side but even his presence couldn't stop the Lilywhites opening the scoring in the 63rd minute through Brett Ormerod. A young Sky Blues side kept their heads up though and their hard work was rewarded when Ian Daly grabbed a late leveller with three minutes left on the clock.

As we know United condemned Oldham to only their second league defeat of the season when a single goal from Gary Madine secured a narrow 1-0 win over the Latics on Wednesday afternoon. The Blues face another tough game next Wednesday night when they make the trip to Rivacre Park on the Wirral to play title-challenging Tranmere.


Results in the division this week :

Bury 1-2 Wrexham
Carlisle 1-0 Oldham
Preston 1-1 Manchester City
Rochdale 2-0 Blackpool
Tranmere 0-3 Chester


Fixtures in the division next week, all 7pm kick-off :

Wrexham v Oldham (Mon)

Blackpool v Chester (Wed)
Oldham v Bury (Wed)
Tranmere v Carlisle (Wed)


Updated Reserve Team Table : Click here


United's Reserve Team Results : Click here