Honours even in the game against second placed Withington today as the teams fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw as Heyside were pegged back from a 2 goal lead by Rangers for the second time this season.
After an early escape when Withington blasted a penalty awarded for handball over the bar, Heyside took the lead midway through the first half as Louis played the ball to Matty who held the ball up superbly before turning the defender and keeper to present Aaron with the simplest of chances to stroke the ball first time into the empty net.
As usual when called into action George made a super save to keep his team in front and at the other end Jake was agonisingly close to scoring his first goal of the season as his long range shot smacked against the crossbar before rebounding away to safety with the keeper hopelessly beaten.
Into the second half and with Lennon, Joel and Jake again defending superbly it looked as though we might gain our first victory of the season over the Withington side having drawn our previous 2 league meetings and losing narrowly in the cup semi final. The prospect of victory looked even brighter when Aaron scored his second goal of the game with a fantastic individual effort.
Withington had other ideas though and fought back much to their credit to even the game up at 2-2.
Overall this was a very good display once again from Heyside who if anything probably deserved to win the game having had chances to put the game beyond Withington. At times the wrong option was chosen when trying to do too much rather than by passing and letting the ball do the work. We were also unlucky not to be awarded a free kick right on the edge of the box as Aaron was brought down just as he pulled back the trigger for a shot on goal.
A win and a draw against our nearest rivals today was a great outcome and extended our lead at the top of the table to 10 points with only 16 left to play for – well done both teams.
MOM: Against tough opposition this was a great result today boys – again from 1 to 8 outstanding. Matty again worked tirelessly up front and provided a superb assist for the first goal and deserved his second award of the season. Ryan and Jake ran themselves to a standstill along with their team mates and all continue to improve week by week.
