FC Oswestry Town starting to make a move

“Defensively we’re looking strong as a back five, and the lads are starting to understand each other now,” said manager Matt Burton, after victory against a side who began the day in third.

“We weren’t great in the first half, but after we tweaked a few things, we dominated the second half.”

Liam Parry broke the deadlock on his 18th birthday when firing home on the hour after Dave Howarth had squared, and top scorer Howarth sealed victory with a last-minute penalty after Mike O’Reilly was brought down.

Earlier in the week, the Oswestry side secured a creditable 0-0 draw against high-fliers Rylands, with Howarth going closest to winning it when heading against the bar.

Town are now up to seventh in the table, one place behind St Martins who were edged out 1-0 at title-chasing Wythenshawe Amateurs.

The Saints gave it a real go in the second half, having three efforts cleared off the line, but their south Manchester hosts held out to cement second place in the table.

Dan Stevens’ side fell behind on 22 minutes when Jordan Burton cut in from the left before driving his shot into the bottom corner.

The visitors had their chances, with Shawn Melusi having an effort saved, with Harrison Millington blazing the rebound over, while Dave Easthope put a free-kick just wide moments later.

The Saints finished strongly but could not convert several promising openings on a frustrating afternoon.

Ellesmere Rangers notched first league win of the season when prevailing 1-0 at Alsager Town, Joseph Imlach getting the all-important goal on eight minutes.

Despite victory at the 16th attempt, the Rangers remain four points adrift at the foot of the standings.