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Three games, three victories in hectic week for Reform

30/ 4/2008

IT was business as usual last Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday as Heywood Reform’s quest for the Bury and District SFL’s premier division title was boosted by three wins from three games.

Tuesday’s game at Huntley Mount was all over after Chris Nuttall banged in a hat-trick in the first 14 minutes. And, despite conceding the customary goal before half time, goal-hungry Mike Weatherilt banged in three goals in an eight-minute spell to blow away the opposition.

Simon Carney, who was prominent throughout, knocked in Reform’s other goal following good work by Tatton and Jack Nicholson.

Reform entertained Holcombe at the sports centre on Thursday and posted a 6-0 victory thanks to those players who had been working away turning up to help the cause.

A change in the weather meant a dry and bumpy playing surface which led to ‘ping-pong’ football – Reform being drawn into a long-ball game which is in stark contrast to their usual approach.

With the ball bouncing erratically and making dribbling nigh on impossible, Reform had to graft and accept that misplaced passes and mis-hit shots were inevitable. But, in the 15th minute, a neat one-two between Nuttall and Weatherilt allowed Craig Winter the opportunity to dart forward and stab the ball home.

The pace of the game was amazing with Holcombe always threatening with the ball over the top.

Reform relieved the pressure with a typical Tatton goal. It came after Simon Carney’s dribble ended with Tatton hitting a 40-yard effort towards the Holcombe goal. The ball caught on the wind, deceived the keeper, floating into the top corner to double Reform’s lead.

The second half saw Reform assume total control with three goals in five minutes effectively putting the result beyond doubt. Kyle Warwick’s firm header from Nuttall’s corner was followed in similar fashion – Weatherilt heading home Simon Carney’s flag kick.

Substitute Jamie Bamford joined in to ensure Weatherilt’s effort was over the line, before completing the scoring with a fine finish from three yards.

The 6-0 victory put Reform in good heart for the journey to Elton Vale on Sunday but, on the day, Reform were hit with a number of absentees.

Hogarth, Hardy and Winter all failed fitness tests, McCulloch and Tinker were unavailable, while a half-fit Rhys Reid joined Mikey Grogan on the bench. The superb Elton Vale pitch was drenched with persistent rain as Reform ripped into their 10-men opponents – Nuttall clipping the crossbar in the first minute.

Chances came and went for the visitors as they created havoc in and around the box. Fifteen minutes into the game, an Elton defender handled the ball in the penalty area, Mike Weatherilt converting from the spot.

When Chris Nuttall doubled Reform’s lead six minutes later it appeared the job was done. From that point, though, the visitors abandoned the basics, were in too much of a rush and became frustrated.

It’s terrific to play football at pace, it’s exciting and watchable but when the passing is off target out comes the phrase ‘headless chickens.’

While not labelling Reform with that title, the players sometimes lose their composure and patience.

Reform led 2-0 at the interval but suffered a setback early in the second half as Elton Vale nicked a goal. They then began to dominate as Reform failed to fire.

A super stop by Lee Grogan preserved the visitors’ lead and, at last, Chris Nuttall’s persistence and willingness to chase a lost cause was rewarded in the 72nd minute as he rounded the keeper to score.

Elton were not done and a firmly struck shot looked to be heading for the top corner until Grogan pulled off the save of the year.

The pitch was taking its toll on the players and several looked leg weary. Reid replaced the hard-working Steve Delnon and with 15 minutes remaining Mikey Grogan took over from the injured Blackledge. Nicholson was outstanding in defence with Kevin Bates and Ryan Carden tireless in midfield.

Carden capped a fine performance with an opportunist goal to put Reform 4-1 ahead.

The highlight of the game came from the last kick. Carden’s pass sent Nuttall away down the left. The winger’s cross was aimed for the far post where Grogan, running in at full steam, drove the ball back across the keeper and inside the post.

It was the 16-year-old’s first goal for Reform and his first in senior football, made even more memorable by his team’mates’ rush to congratulate him.

It put the seal on a difficult but successful week for Reform and Reform secretary Dennis Booth was pleased with the commitment of his squad. He said: "It was a difficult game, played at a high tempo.

"The ball fizzed around on the flat, wet surface and the players often chased it. However, it was pleasing to see the desire to succeed is still there, despite having to play almost every other day. And, of course, the Mikey Grogan goal was extra-special."

Reform still have five matches to play. But, with Halfway House, Sunday’s opponents having dropped out of the league, this may be reduced to four.

Tuesday’s scheduled match against PSV Hangover wasn’t played, Reform being awarded a 1-0 victory.

Tonight Reform face SC Bury at the Sports Centre and next Tuesday they have a Challenge Cup semi-final against Cheers Bar, kick-off 6.30pm at Heywood Sports Centre. That leaves Cross Keys (a), Huntley Mount (h) and Cheers (h) in the league.

If Reform win Tuesday’s semi-final the final will be played on 18 May, kick-off 10.30am. Players are asked to check with secretary Dennis Booth regarding arrangements for Sunday.