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Heywood Reform 4 Prestwich CC 0

12/ 3/2008

LEAGUE-LEADERS Heywood Reform gave a great performance to defeat second-in-the-table Prestwich CC at the sports centre on Sunday morning.

With the Starkey Street football pitches in awful condition, Reform were unable to play their usual fluent football, adopting a more direct style to put the skids under the visitors.

For 30 minutes, both sides had to work hard to open opposing defences but it was clear that Reform had the extra class and it told in the 31st minute.

Lee Grogan had to be quick off his line to thwart a Prestwich attack then, seconds later, Matt Hogarth’s ball-winning tackle allowed Kieran McCulloch to split the visitors’ centre backs for the darting Kevin Bates to take possession, round the keeper and slip the ball into the net. It was clinical and put Reform into a 1-0 lead.

Prestwich rallied strongly but were met head on by a determined Reform back four, Rhys Reid, Bryan Blackledge, Kyle Warwick and Jack Nicholson taking no prisoners.

Referee Mick Govan had to be alert to control some fierce challenges, it was after all top versus second.

Reform’s all-round strength in all positions was beginning to have an effect and their second goal, just minutes before half time, epitomised that additional quality.

An offside decision halted a Prestwich attack and, from 70 yards, Rhys Reid launched the free kick into Prestwich’s penalty area. The bounce of the ball beat the defender, Weatherilt gained control but was brought down. Referee Govan was out of position but it was an easy decision to award a penalty which was drilled inside the post by Weatherilt, in his usual confident manner.

That confidence was seen throughout a second half of Reform domination, with added determination making it difficult for the visitors to create any goal-scoring opportunities.

Without hitting the heights Reform continued to force the pace and looked to hit the ball forward for Weatherilt and Bates to shoot on sight.

It wasn’t easy for the home team’s hard-working front two but, on the 70-minute mark the effort was rewarded.

Weatherilt, receiving the ball 30 yards from goal, turned and exploded a fierce left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. It was a bolt from the blue and a knife through the heart of the gallant Prestwich defence.

Scott Hardy and Matt Hogarth, who had worked tirelessly throughout, made way for Craig Winter and Ryan Carden and the changes soon paid dividends.

After Weatherilt, set up by Carden, had spurned a glorious opportunity of a hat trick, the leggy Carden raced down the left, turned inside and ripped a low drive past the Prestwich keeper, to give Reform a commanding 4-0 lead. It was a terrific goal and a terrific use of substitutes.

The goal finally ended the visitors’ resistance and Reform were able to enjoy a Craig Winter cameo for the remaining 10 minutes of the game.

The victory confirms Reform’s right to League leadership but, remarkably, the Tower Street club still has 12 games to play.

It will need a huge effort from the players but Reform have a squad who are thriving on the camaraderie, and the enjoyment that abounds within the club. All have the qualities to see the season through successfully.

The only thing which might put the ‘mockers’ on Reform’s season is the continuing poor condition of the sports centre pitches.

On Sunday, Reform entertain Knowsley in the quarter final of the Millenium Cup, kick-off 10.30am.

Players meet at the sports centre at 9.30am.