SSML Premier Division

Colney Heath 2 Royston Town 1

COLNEY Heath’s impressive recent form continued into the New Year as Jamie Eames’ late goal gave the Magpies an excellent win over high-flying Royston Town.

Heath had to do it the hard way, coming from behind to see off the Crows, but Scott Lacey and Wes Awad’s side now sit fourth in the Premier Division table, just four points behind Royston.

Despite both sides going nearly a month without any league action, the opening exchanges proved lively and proved a good advert for the league.

Goalkeeper Tom Blackman produced an excellent save to keep Royston out half an hour in as both sides returned to the dressing rooms level at the break.

The second period was only seven minutes old when Royston broke the deadlock thanks to a wonderful strike from Ryan Lockett.

The Crows hit Heath on the counter attack and although Steve Barker was on hand to head the initial cross clear, Lockett picked up the loose ball and hammered it into the top corner.

Lacey and Awad made changes for Heath welcoming back Ian Cooper from injury and the talismanic forward wasted little time getting involved in the action.

Royston defender Ross Collins kicked out at Cooper off the ball, an incident that was picked up by the officials and the referee duly gave Collins his marching orders. Heath seized the opportunity to get back into the game with Steve Barker heading home at the far post from the resulting free kick

The teams were soon evened up when Josh Humbert picked up a second yellow card but despite the set back Heath continued to push for a winner.

The home side’s perseverance was rewarded 10 minutes from time courtesy of Eames’ 12th goal of the season.

Cooper was again involved twisting his man on the edge of the area before laying the ball into Eames and the former Norwich youngster did the rest sitting goalkeeper Jorden Gibson on his backside before slotting the ball home.

The Magpies passed up the opportunity of a third goal late on when Kevin Ashwood was guilty of a horror miss from four yards but that did little to take the gloss of a fine victory for the Magpies.

“I can see why Royston are in the top three, they are a good side who play good football,” said Lacey afterwards.

“The players were blowing a bit in the first 20 minutes but it was a good game and a good advert for the league.”

After playing for most of the season without a recognised forward Lacey was delighted to welcome back Ian Cooper to the fold and the Heath manager hopes the striker’s return can help Heath have a successful second half of the season.

“We’ve not had a forward all. Phil Jackman, Ian Cooper and Kev Cooper were all injured in the first month and we’ve had to play loan signings or midfield players up front. Despite that we’re sitting near the top of the league and still in the cup competitions so hopefully it can be a good 2011.”

* Colney Heath are looking to expand into youth football and are looking to appoint managers at U7s and U8s level for the 2011/12 season.

Anybody who is interested should contact Nick Sanders on 07525783219. Ideally applicants will be qualified to FA Level 1 minimum. They will also need to have completed or be willing to complete a CRB check.

In addition the club is looking for players for the teams which are open to those in school years two or three.