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Diggle down defending champions

10/ 1/2007

DIGGLE FC'S first team returned to Huddersfield and District Football League action after seven weeks off with a 2-1 victory against second-placed Heywood Sports.

Although they pressured their visitors from the start, Diggle fell behind inside the opening 10 minutes as Heywood took the lead with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

However, the home side overcame their recent lack of activity, pushing their opponents backwards as Neil Rennie hit the bar, Paul Cullington's volley was pushed wide and Warren Edwards' tap-in was disallowed for a foul.

Their pressure eventually paid dividends when Danny Tomlinson drove home a 25-yard equaliser after Rennie's neat footwork.

Diggle continued to surge forward and they took the lead on the half-hour when full back Neil Hamilton completed a mazy run with a long-range shot into the top left-hand corner.

The second half proved as exciting as the first with Heywood showing why they won the title last season, forcing Diggle into a strong defensive display to keep them at bay.

Although Diggle were unable to add to their tally, they saw Rennie have a goal disallowed and Steve Scoltock denied a chance by an offside flag.

The club's day was capped by 4-2 and 6-2 wins for the second and third teams.