Harton & Westoe U13’s 1- Heighington U13’s 10
Heighington produced arguably their finest performance of the season against a previously in-form Harton & Westoe who, up until the day, had been rapidly climbing the league table. The game was barely a few minutes old when the lively Lennon McCabe got the better of his marker and looped a shot over the keeper to give Heighington an early advantage. A second soon arrived when inform Olly Humphrey added to his recent goal scoring efforts with a fine finish from just inside the box following great work from Will Barker. A third soon followed when Joel Evans scored what would normally have been goal of the game displaying great footwork and balance to beat several players before slotting calmly into the corner for a fine individual effort. Great pressure and a fine pass from Jack Bell saw Olly Humphrey fouled by the Harton defence inside the box. Olly picked himself up and smashed the resulting penalty into the corner of the goal. Half Time: Harton & West 0 – Heighington 4.
The second half was only minutes old when another fine pass from Jack Bell found Olly Humphrey 30 yards from goal, looking up he saw the keeper off his line and showed remarkable confidence and ability to chip the keeper from that distance. Heighington were not finished and Ollie Wallace almost made it 6 after racing clear but his finish just rolled the wrong side of the post and narrowly wide. Heighington were rewarded when another attack landed at the feet of Lennon McCabe who rifled a shot off the underside of the cross bar to make it 6. A quick fire double from Olly Humphrey made it 8 before the popular William Lavis got in on the act. To their credit, Harton never gave up and forced keeper Harry Irvine to make two great saves before he was finally beaten when a free kick took a deflection off a Heighington head and nestled into the goal. Heighington weren’t finished and before the final whistle midfielder Jude Bartley scored another outstanding goal from distance to bring up double figures. The Ref brought the game to an end and, although the midfield and attack will take plaudits, both captain Olly Watson and Jensley Mondele were outstanding in dealing with the pace and physicality of the Harton frontline. Special mention too for full back Handley Ord, who was exceptional both in defence and going forward.
MOTM: Normally his five goals would ensure Olly Humphrey this accoloade but Olly would be the first to thank the efforts of his teammates in what was an exceptional team performance and one where highlighting individuals would be unfair, despite lacking numbers every player ran their socks off on what was a warm morning. Many thanks to our sponsors for their continued support, Fracks Transport, wired up Electrics and Tees Valley Trailers.
Whickham Whites U11 4 – Heighington U11 8
The mighty under 11’s made the long away trip to Whickham looking to push for the title in our last few games. We made a fantastic start, scoring within seconds of the game thanks to Lucas calmly taking his first chance. Jonah, who has been a beast in midfield lately, made it 2-0 to add to the great start. All credit to Whickham, who pushed and pressed and didn’t make it easy for us, soon got a goal back shortly followed by another one making it 2-2. We didn’t lose our mindset and soon Lucas grabbed his second to give us the lead again, soon enough he had his hat trick scoring direct from a corner and then his 4th of the match soon after. 5-2 and I had to take Matty off and put Jamie in goal 10 minutes before half time, poor Jamie had no chance with a good shot from the edge of the box by Whickham. James, having a run out on the wing, made 6-3 for a good end to the first half. Half time we had to regroup and calm it down and we needed to control the game which, all credit to every one of them, they did extremely well. Lucas scored again in the second half then Matty saved a penalty for Whickham to then score in the next attack making it 7-4. With the game now end to end and Whickham pushing for more goals, but we had Mitchell in CB and the lad was clearing everything. Tyler then scored a lovely goal towards the end with a brilliant back heel flick from a Lucas cross. This game had literally everything you could expect from grassroots football, one I’ll never forget that’s for sure. Issac, Jamie, Tyler, Matty, Jonah, Will, Bruno, Lucas, Mitchell, Mathis & James you have done Mark and I proud, not just today but all season, lads. Thank you to all the parents for the wonderful support.
MOTM: Lucas, five goals, an assist and gave everything for the team. Mitchell, solid at the back under pressure, played some great passes forward. Huge well done today lads not always easy but competing for a title isn’t easy either, very proud of them all. Keep it going lads.
Big shout out and thank you as always to Chris Harper and the Sash Hardware gang for our Match Kit sponsorship.