By „long lead“, do you mean the ca. 10 yard training lead? If so, I think I‘d go back to using that for a bit and carry on practising recall the way you‘ve been doing so far. Walking the other way isn‘t always possible I agree but I think it is actually pretty effective but ofcourse you can only do it if its safe to put the distance between you. Alternatively, if you can find a place where its safe to do so, you could try hiding, - sometimes the shock of having thought they‘ve lost you will jolt them into keeping an eye on where you are.
It is a tricky one, because each situation is different - if Humphrey‘s got his nose on a spot and just won‘t budge when I call then I tend to just walk up without saying anymore, although clearly letting him know I‘m not pleased, put his lead on and carry on walking. We practice recall continually during every walk so that I can recall, treat or play and then be able to send him off again, if you only recall when its necessary and each time it means he‘s got to go back on lead, then he‘s not going to be so keen to come first time. Humphrey‘s two and half now but I think its something that needs continual practice, a lifelong.
I really do think its only Joey‘s age though, you sound as if you‘ve done agreat job so far and he has infact understood the concept, its just a matter of staying consistent now and trying not to let him get away with anything. Be exuberant about every fast recall
, and praise every other recall - however long it takes, never repeat the call and never scold for failure - best of luck!