Heighington U11’s 4 v Durham City Diamonds 1
Heighington U11’s 2 v Newton Aycliffe Junior Whites 7
No league game for the Heighington boys today so it was a double header of friendlies to keep us entertained. A good opportunity to get the full squad a run out and plenty of minutes under their belts. Some fantastic football on display by all teams and some great goals to boot. Plenty of positives to take away and also plenty to work on in the training ground. I think our lads will sleep well tonight. Some tired legs out there at the last whistle after two hours of football.
Well done to all involved today, both our referees Gary Oyston and Mal Dickensen, all three sets of fantastic parents and, of course, all the kids who served up two great matches. Big shout out to the opposition coaches, Paul Davison and Steven James Smith, thank you and well played, good luck for the rest of the season.
Thanks to our Sponsors SASH Hardware, as always, Chris Harper.
Heighington U13’s 0 v Deerness Valley U13’s 3
It was a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’ for Heighington who failed to build on their cup performances with a disappointing league defeat to Deerness Valley.
The game kicked off in pleasant conditions and initially Heighington controlled possession and took the game to the opposition without creating any clear openings. In a rare foray forward the Deerness attacker was tripped on the edge of the box. A wicked deflection from the free kick gave Deerness an undeserved opener, however with the very next attack, a foul in the box led to a penalty for Heighington but they were unable to take advantage and restore parity. Careless play from Heighington in midfield allowed Deerness to further increase their lead when possession was lost in midfield, a ball over the top was met with a thunderous strike to give Deerness a two goal advantage going into the break.
Half Time: Heighington 0 Deerness Valley 2
Coaches Mike and Jamie hoped some stern words at half time would put some fire in the bellies of the Heighington players but the game petered into a midfield tussle with both sides creating little in the way of clear cut chances. As the game ebbed away a break from Deerness resulted in a foul in the penalty box. The Deerness substitute converted to put the game out of reach for Heighington.
Heighington play in a very competitive league and today was an important reminder to the players that they need to perform at their best every week to gain results. Many thanks to our sponsors Fracks Transport Ltd, Wired Up Electrics and Tees Valley Trailers.
MOTM: Olly Humphrey. Olly was outstanding in both midfield and defence today. Olly is so highly respected by everyone associated with this team; coaches, parents and fellow players. He is usually asked to play a variety of positions but that is testament to his versatility and ability. Today he was exceptional in both snuffing out the dangerous Deerness attackers and launching attacks from deep with his wand of a left foot.
Heighington FC 0 v Willington WMC 0
(Heighington win 6-5 on penalties)
Quarter final, against a good Willington side, sees the lads advance to the semis after a tough game. Willington controlled the game from the first whistle, but we dug in and managed to grind out the win.
Special mention to Adam Scott, who was absolutely sensational in between the sticks making save after save. Couldn’t kick the ball for toffee but we’ll take it if he’s making saves like that every week.
And a special mention to Dan O’Connor, stepping up with the winning penalty and having the minerals to stick it top stanch.
Penalty Scorers: Sean Carr, Louis Whensley, Martin Butterworth, Lee Gray, Luke Catchpole, Dan O’Connor.
MOTM: Adam Scott.