Jimmies goal blitz against Boothstown
HEYWOOD St James reserves enjoyed victory in an entertaining clash against Boothstown.
Such was the speed and creativity of the play either side could have taken an early lead. Brett Rostron and Luke Woodall were outstanding in midfield as was Blake Roberts and Martin Cosgrave up front and it was surprise that the avid Jimmies supporters had to wait until the 25th minute for the first goal to arrive. When it did it was a beauty.
It came after good work by Cosgrave, who fed left back Josh Brown who with time and space delivered a pinpoint cross that was powerfully headed home by Roberts.
Jimmies piled on the pressure and doubled their lead just five minutes later.
Again it came from Cosgrave’s movement on to a through ball, a quick dummy round the keeper and a shot from close range that struck a covering Boothstown defender’s arm. Without hesitation, stand-in referee Jason Rostron awarded Jimmies a penalty and dismissed the Boothstown defender.
Cosgrave duly despatched from the spot to put Jimmies 2-0 ahead.
At 0-2 behind and down to 10 men Boothstown continued in their attacking play but were again hit on the break, Roberts running onto a smart through ball from Cosgrave to drive his second goal of the game.
To their credit, the Boothstown players continued to play attacking football and shocked Jimmies by scoring twice within five minutes.
With the score then at 3-2 and with Jimmies rocking, central defenders Joel Nixon and Andy McGuinness had to produce outstanding performances to turn back the tide.
Jimmies’ situation was eased in the 70th minute. Wes Hunt, cutting in from the left and on his right foot was just about to pull the trigger when the ball was smashed from his swinging boot by a Boothstown defender – the ball flashing past an astonished Boothstown goalkeeper for a very unfortunate own goal!
With a two-goal advantage Jimmies looked home and dry and matters got worse for the visitors as Hunt and a Boothstown player were sent off after a brief flare up.
With time running out Josh Brown put the icing on
Jimmies cake when he struck a glorious left foot shot into the top corner to close an entertaining match with a 5-2 win that was slightly flattering with the gallant visitors bemoaning their luck whilst leaving the field.
Meanwhile, the changing facilities are back to normal at the Phoenix Ground, Shepherd Street, home of Heywood St James Football Club.
Formed in 1882, “Jimmies” as they are fondly known took possession of the Shepherd Street site around year 1900 and have catered for open aged football ever since.
Full Members of the Manchester FA and currently competing in the Premier Division of the Manchester Football League Jimmies have,over the years,coached players to the heights of EFL with Craig Dawson and David Buchanan being the two most recent “stars”
A most memorable moment in the Club’s history is that the great Duncan Edwards played his first competitive match against Heywood St James when turning out for Manchester United Colts at the Cliff in the early1950s.
Over the years Jimmies have had their ups and downs and are presently just one of two amateur club’s currently playing football in Heywood on a Saturday afternoon.The most recent set back came last September when the Club’s changing rooms were destroyed by fire-the reason is thought to be arson and vandalism.
Thankfully Heywood Fire Brigade were on the ball their quick response preventing the flames spreading further.
Since then the Club has been without electricity and water and have been grateful to the understanding of visiting Clubs and match officials
Last week saw the reconnection of both services in time for the reserves match against rivals Boothstown.
A club spokesman said: “On behalf of all at Heywood St James AFC, I would like to thank all friends of the Club for their help over the last six months, their help in restoring the Club by way of donations and labour and Heywood Fire Brigade for their speed in extinguishing the fire.”