Heighington U11 1 v Consett AFC Steelers 3
Heighington U11’s first competitive game, just a few weeks after their first ever training session, came against Consett AFC Steelers Reds and it was a close fought contest. Heighington started well and were unlucky to go behind, but great play down the left saw Connor deliver a fine cross that forced an error from the Consett centre back for a home goal. Heighington worked hard in the heat and had Consett under pressure often enough in a back and forth game. The boys in red and black threatened, with good transition from defence to attack, but it was to be the more experienced Consett’s day. A first league game, a first defeat, but lots of positives. MOTM: Noah for his committed running, strong tackling and dedication to the team’s cause.
Heighington FC U12 5 v Jarrow Crusaders U12 4
The Heighington U12’s Boys kicked off their new campaign in a higher division with a narrow victory over a great Jarrow team. The game was extremely hard fought, with both sides battling hard to take the points in the morning sunshine.
Heighington started very brightly but went a goal down after having the lions share of the play. Sammy found himself on the end of a cross with a fantastic header to equalise and Jonah Harrop took home a hat trick of goals to get our new signings off to a flying start. Jack Collingwood mucked in with a goal which proved to be the winner as Jarrow scored with minutes left. A nervy ending to the match for the Heighington kids and spectators but a thrilling match overall and a great advert for U12 football.
For me, Heighington deserved this victory in terms of football but seemed to make very hard work of things for themselves. We have not seen the best of this team yet, but they brought home an important 3 points on opening day, so credit to them. Now we have something to fight for and build on and our boys earned that today. Our approach and attitude was on point today with the lads really getting behind each other and never gave in once.
MOTM: Jonah Harrop, very strong on the ball today and three very well executed goals to boot. Has fit seamlessly into this team and looked dangerous all morning.
MOTM: Jamie Bennett, dug deep in the second half when we needed him the most, some crucial tackles and clearances at the very end which was as good as a goal for us today. Grew in confidence as the match went on. Big shout out to Chris Harper and the SASH Hardware gang for the fantastic support.
Heighington Whites 4 v Kader United 1
Heighington started the new season at home in the sunshine to a newly promoted Kader United. Kader started strongly scoring within 5 minutes to take an early lead. We definitely started slowly but after turning the tops inside out with the sun blinding the kits to clash, we started to play our football and soon found ourselves level with a brilliant left footed finish from Dan. This seemed to bring us to life and soon took the lead with Will Moffat scoring from a corner. Arthur Shotton added a third before the break after some clever work in midfield by Will, Aston and Lewis combining after Cruz won the ball back. At half time the message was, the next goal is the most important to kill the game off, the lads battled very well in the heat and got the next goal to give us a good first day win. Huge well done to the whole team today Theo, Charlie Murrey, Charlie Dobson, Kai Place and Olly Mansfield we’re solid at the back today well done lads. Finn, Chris, Cruz, Will, Wilko, Aston, Lewis, Arthur, Dan, Nathan McKenna and Noah battled very well in the morning sunshine. Great team effort, looking forward to next week.
MOTM: Charlie Dobson at right back, up against some big lads, played out of his skinfull of confidence and smashed everything back the way it came. Very impressive debut from the young man, keep it Charlie, well done.