James boasts a perfect record

FOOTBALL:

HEYSIDE Juniors goalkeeper James Lord has received a

special award after being ever-present in nine seasons of junior football.

James started with the club at under-eights and this season was in the under 16s side which were runners-up in the Rochdale and Oldham Youth League.

He never missed a game and also managed to score at least one goal a season when getting the odd part of a match as an outfield player.

The ever-present record earned him the under-16s Martin Buckley clubman award, he won the manager’s player of the year and just missed out on a treble success when pipped to the players’ player by midfielder Joe Freeman.

James put in a string of fine performances including a brilliant display in a County Cup defeat which prompted the match official to describe it as the best goalkeeping show he had seen at junior level in 25 years of refereeing.

James also received a framed shirt as one of five players to be with the team from start to finish. The others were James Allen, Paul Mawson, Daniel Robertson and Stefan Whaley.

Heyside chairman Steve Grice said: “James’ record of not missing a game is remarkable and he deserved the special recognition.”