Heap of talent on show for Limeside

LIMESIDE King George’s Dean Henry shields the ball from Damian Gilks, of Red Star.

FOOTBALL:

Limeside King George 6, Red Star 0
LIMESIDE underlined their title aspirations with an emphatic win over fancied Red Star at Limeside Park in the Jack Abbott Premier Division of the D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League.

On an afternoon more suited to water-based activities — or ducks for that matter — Limeside paddled their way to victory with consummate ease and, in doing so, sent out a message to the rest of the league that they are serious title contenders.

And, although player-manager Warren Berry admitted to being surprised by the outcome of the match, he said: "We had a lot of chances and it was a fair score — I certainly wouldn't bet against us for the title.

"It was a great win but I didn't expect that before kick-off."

Star of the Limeside show was striker Joe Heap, a stand-out player whose ability to go past opposition players with ease was a more or less constant and telling factor.

Of Heap, Berry added: "In my opinion Joe is too good to play in this league.

“It is no surprise that he has got the man-of-the-match vote in our last three matches."

It was Heap who set the rout in motion after 16 minutes with a cross-cum-shot that took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

Heap got his second five minutes later when he slotted the ball home from 16 yards.

And then Heap turned provider at the midway point of the first period when his astute pass picked out Leon Melia, who side-footed the ball home from just outside the Red Star penalty area.

It wasn't all one-way traffic though, as shell-shocked Red Star came out for the second half with all guns blazing.

Anyone who had turned up at that stage would have found it hard to believe that Limeside were already three goals to the good — not that many did turn up on what was an awfully wet and windy afternoon on Limeside.

They weathered the Red Star storm and further goals from Brad Tindall with a free-kick, a Wayne Ware header and a Gary Chadderton close-range effort sealed the victory.

Red Star player-manager Chris McDonald said: “Limeside deserved it and they are a great side with quality all over the pitch.

"It was one of those days for us but next time we play them we'll give them more of a game."