Heighington FC U11s 9 – Washington Blacks U11s 0
Heighington got their new year off to a flyer with a great team performance and a well earned win. This game had everything from headed goals, penalties, chances, great saves and plenty of drama. However, no sign of rust after the Xmas break from this lot, they were out of the traps from the very first whistle. It was great to see our training paying off today as the lads passed it really well under pressure and in tight spaces, passing it in triangles with great movement and work rate off the ball. The lads pressed from the front and were solid at the back so credit to them. It was great to see the ball go backwards from time to time and keep possession too, something else we have been working on a lot recently. Once again the lads played for each other and with perfect attitudes, the game could have spilled over at times with some tired tackling and our boys taking a few knocks along the way, so, once again, credit to the lads for keeping their heads and not reacting, and doing it right …. they represented their club, coaches, team and parents very well.
Goals: Jack Collingwood 2, Lucas Faulkner 2, Bruno Clack 4, Jonah Wade 1.
MOTM: Mathis Gordon, singled out by the opposition manager after the match and it’s obvious why. He was a menace on the wing and was solid at the back, fantastic determination and work rate. Always gives everything.
MOTM: Jack Collingwood, his goals, assists and vision were superb and a perfect attitude to boot. Got behind his team well all game and was a constant danger to the opposition.
RFYL U13s Cup Round 3
Heighington U13s 3 – Washington United Gold 0
After what seemed a long break away from playing Heighington returned to action with a hard fought victory against a talented and aggressive Washington team.
Heighington began quickly, adapting well to the tricky conditions under foot and opened the scoring with a fine individual goal from winger Ollie Wallace, who beat his marker on several occasions before finishing low into the bottom corner of the goal. The rest of the half became an arm wrestle, with each side struggling to impose themselves on a soft pitch with chances at either end at a premium.
Half Time: Heighington 1 – Washington United Gold 0. Attacking their favourite end in the second half coaches Mike and Jamie were confident of a good second half performance but it was Washington who dominated possession for most of the opening period of the half, however, the Heighington defence ensured chances were kept to a minimum. Indeed, as the half continued, Heighington began to impose themselves and deservedly added a second through yet another Will Barker thunderbolt to add to his already impressive collection. With time ticking by Washington threw everything at Heighington but the rearguard held firm and allowed Dan Connolly to run through unopposed from the halfway line to score a third just before the final whistle blew.
MOTM: Olly Humphrey. It was universally agreed by all present that Olly won this accolade. The boy can do it all. Being asked to play in several positions throughout the match he was exceptional in each role. Equally pleasing was the discipline he showed despite being on the receiving end of several late tackles. An outstanding performance.