By STEVE SMITH
SALE FC held off a second-half comeback by Old Elthamians to win a gripping clash at Heywood Road.
Tries from James Williams and Dan Birchall, combined with the imperious boot of Chris Johnson, ensured the hosts led throughout.
Sale, who had lost their two opening games of the season, started brightly and took the lead with a try from debutant Williams after 13 minutes. Johnson confidently added the extras.
The away side struck back when Bryan Hotston finished a simple chance out wide on 26 minutes but seconds later Johnson extended Sale’s lead with his first penalty fo...