MARSDEN are on the march – but you won’t hear them shouting about it!
The Colne Valley side head into their sixth match of the West Riding County Amateur League campaign at home to Tyersal tomorrow (2.30) sitting top of the Premier Division with a 100% record.
And while club stalwart Steve Townend is happy to hail Gav and Ash Connor, the brothers in charge of team affairs at Fall Lane, he’s less keen to comment of Marsden’s chances of staying at the summit.
“It’s very early days, and while we’ve made a great start, that’s all it is,” said Townend, the club treasurer, who saw Marsden win 3-2 at Lower Hopton on Wednesday.
“We’ve got 25 more league matches and however many in cup competitions still to play, so we won’t be making too many predictions at this stage!”
What is certain is the contribution of the Connors, who have steadily rebuilt the Marsden side, guiding them to promotion from Division I two seasons ago and consolidation last time around.
“Both of them know the local football scene well, and Ash, who had a spell at Ashton United, still plays in goal,” explained Townend.
“They’ve built the squad up, with signings for this season including Jon Newiss, from Meltham, and Andrew Allison, from Golcar United, who have both been among the goals already.”
Allison grabbed two and Ian Poulain got the other goal at Lower Hopton, while elsewhere, defending champions Bay were held 1-1 at home to Albion Sports (Kitson Gayle netted).
Meltham won 4-1 at Hall Green with Tom Mathews (2), Sam Wardill and Chris Brammall on the mark, while Golcar won by the same scoreline at Huddersfield rivals Storthes Hall, with Keiran Ryan (2), Keith Sykes and Danny Senior sealing the points.
Two Chris Parker goals couldn’t prevent Kirkburton losing 3-2 at home to Ardsley Celtic.
While Marsden host Tyersal tomorrow, it’s Bay v Halifax Irish, Brighouse Town v Kirkburton, Golcar v Wibsey, Meltham v Lower Hopton and Ovenden v Storthes Hall.
In Division II, it’s Dudley Hill v Kirkburton Reserves, Steeton v Golcar Reserves, Storthes Hall Reserves v Rawdon and West Horton v Bay Reserves. AFC Emley host Campion Reserves tonight (7.00).
There’s a Third Division Huddersfield derby tomorrow between Huddersfield YMCA and Marsden Reserves.
AFC Emley’s first team are on Northern Counties East League First Division duty at Bottesford Town (3.00) aiming to build on Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Worsborough Bridge.
