Hotshot swaps goals for gloves

PAUL McMinn, of Oldham GPO, tries to win the ball from Highfield United’s Jake Buckley in the David Giblin Division One clash.

Highfield United 6, Oldham GPO 1

JAKE Buckley's hat-trick sent Oldham GPO packing and lifted Highfield United to the top of the D and J Builders (North West) Ltd David Giblin Division One, following a 6-1 victory at the Royton and Crompton 3-G.

Another key man for Highfield was goalkeeper Richard Bennett, who is more accostomed to regularly banging in the goals, than keeping them out.

Delighted Highfield manager Steve Palmer said: "After the disappointment of last season when we narrowly missed promotion to the Premier Division, it is good to now be top of Division One.

“We fancy our chances of making it this time round.

"We were cruising at 3-0 and then they got a goal back, but then our goalkeeper made a great save as GPO pressed."

Bennett (19), was standing in for regular Highfield goalkeeper Matt Wheelton, who had to sit out the match through injury.

And he looked like a natural between the sticks, providing United with a calming influence at the back.

Palmer said: "Richard played in goal for us for much of last season and I reckon he is as good a goalkeeper as he is a striker.

“His save came at a crucial point in the game."

Highfield's cause was helped by the 66th minute dismissal of GPO's Paul McMinn for a second yellow card offence, posted by referee Mick Rawes.

Palmer added: "After they went a man down, we battered them and got another couple of goals.

“We thoroughly deserved the win."

Bennett said: “I play in goal because I'm exhausted after playing on Saturday.

"As a striker, you gamble a lot, whereas goalkeeping usually involves short passes or punts forward.”

Looking ahead, Bennett said: "Family comes first in my life (Bennett has a young son), but when the time is right I'd be more than happy to play at a higher level and commit myself to the demands that follow."

Highfield have now won all their games at home this season on the artificial playing surface at Royton and Crompton School.

It evokes memories of the 'plastic fantastic' success of the Joe Royle-led Latics' era of the late-1980s and early 90s.

Goals: Highfield - Buckley (pen 5, 29, 68), Hardman (38, 73), Moss (70). Oldham GPO - King (43).

HIGHFIELD UNITED: Bennett, Dove, Hursthouse, C Palmer, Gurr, Stott, Kurpass, Gidley, Buckley, Hardman, Moss. Subs: S Palmer, Ollerton, Corbett, Oldham.

OLDHAM GPO: Lomas, Ryder, Conroy, Kessell, McMinn, Fleming, Fallon, McDonnell, Gray, Wood, King. No subs.

Referee: M Rawes.