Jimmies edge out Heyside at Phoenix Park
HEYWOOD St James AFC First Team made it three wins from their last four games when they powered to a thrilling 3-2 victory over close rivals Heyside at Phoenix Park last Saturday afternoon.
With captain George Powell back in the side after missing two games through injury and Brad Sullivan returning fully fit, Jimmies fielded a strong side against opponents well known for their physical style of play, strong and direct going forward.
Jimmies could have gone ahead as early as the second minute when the lively Sullivan latched onto a forward pass but his on target shot was blocked and the danger was cleared.
Displaying great vision and movement, Jimmies enjoyed the better of the play and deservedly went ahead after 15 minutes when Adam Howe gained possession wide on the right and his superb delivery across goal was turned past the Heyside keeper into the net.
With Jimmies in front the visitors retaliated and after swift attacking from both sides it was the Heyside outfit who caught Jimmies cold with a long ball over the top to level the score at 1-1.
The second half belonged to Jimmies with George Powell and Reece Malone pulling the strings in midfield and feeding Jimmies front players with the service required, encouraging Sullivan to take on the Heyside defence and create openings for the Jimmies attack.
A superbly delivered free kick from George Powell led to Jimmies regaining their lead in the 65th minute-the onrushing Jack Martin’s perfectly timed run connecting with the ball and powering it into the back of the Heyside net.
Jimmies dominance led to a third goal and again Brad Sullivan was involved-allowing a through ball to find Connor Gately to run on and slot the ball home.
The visitors pushed forward but Jimmies defence was strong and disciplined and despite
Heyside reducing the defecit with a disputed offside goal the hosts held out comfortably to cap a great team performance. Man of the Match goes to Reece Malone who was magnificent in midfield hardly putting a foot wrong and showing great composure in his use of the ball.