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Heywood Reform 3 Knowsley 2

19/ 3/2008

A GREAT opportunist hat trick, including a last-gasp winning goal from Craig Winter dragged Heywood Reform into the semi-final of the Millenium Cup, at the sports centre on Sunday.

It might be said the locals were fortunate to progress. Indeed Knowsley were strong and organised and, for the most of the 90 minutes the likelier winners. But credit to Reform for battling to the finishing line and Winter’s fairy-tale ending.

A poor playing surface, a brisk cold wind and a few injuries didn’t help the home team’s cause and, despite the advantage of a blustery wind, Reform laboured to contain the visitors, who were clearly up for it.

Knowsley displayed great strength and determination in defence, clearing their lines in a no-nonsense fashion and attacking when claiming possession in Reform’s half.

The Heywood outfit’s failure to master the conditions led to frustration among the players and indecision in defence saw Knowsley take a 38th minute lead.

John Tatton shot wide when well placed as the home team responded then, two minutes later a corner brought a much-needed equaliser.

The kick, well taken on the left by Kevin Bates, arrived at head height into a crowded area, Tinker flicked on and Winter was first to react, prodding the ball home to level the scores at the break.

Reform started the second half without the influential Rhys Reid who had struggled for 45 minutes with a thigh injury. He was replaced by Matt Hogarth, himself carrying a groin strain.

Positional changes saw Kyle Warwick move to a more comfortable right back, Jack Nicholson settle in at centre back and Tatton take up the left-back berth.

It was hard work for Reform as Knowsley used the wind far better than Reform had done and keeper Lee Grogan was constantly alert to balls flying down the middle and throw-ins from wide angles.

The home team’s forward play, though, was more controlled and a clear penalty appeal was turned down in the 55th minute. Scott Hardy fired wide from a good position, before Knowsley cashed in on a defensive error to take a 2-1 lead.

The industrious Kevin Bates made way for Ryan Carden and within minutes the change paid dividends. The pacy Carden outstripped his marker and drove a low cross into the six-yard box. The ball rebounded from an off balance Hardy and the predatory Winters hammered home.

The conditions, Knowsley’s ability and resilience were a constant threat but Reform’s back four fought furiously to stay in the competition.

A Grogan save and a brilliant block by Warwick kept the score at 2-2 before, in the 89th minute, the latter’s through ball split the defence and Winter steered a crisp drive into the net for the deciding goal. A late Tinker tackle ensured Reform a narrow victory.

It was heartbreaking for the visitors who, without doubt deserved a better ending. They had their chances but fell to Winter’s late blast.

ON Sunday Heywood travel to Prestwich CCFC. All players meet at Reform Club at 9.30am.

This week’s winning numbers on the Tote are 18 and 7. Two

winners receive £20 each.