Heighington U13s 3 v Escomb Warriors U13s 1
A recent spate of illness left the Heighington squad threadbare for this tricky fixture against an improving Escomb side who have recently produced some impressive results. Heighington were missing five key players for this fixture and were dealt another setback when they lost inspirational skipper Olly Watson to an injury early in the game.
Heighington took the lead early when excellent approach play from Nic Connor presented an opening for Will Barker to thunder home with a sweet finish from just inside the box. A second soon followed when Olly Yale beat several players on the right wing before delivering an excellent cross that was calmly finished by Dan Connolly. Heighington then came under some pressure but the defence, superbly marshalled by Jensley Mondele, Will Lavis and the outstanding Olly Humphrey, made sure that efforts were kept to a distance and easy for keeper Harry Irvine. It was, however, Escomb that scored next just on the half time whistle. A free kick from a wide area was volleyed superbly at the back post into the roof of the net.
Half time: Heighington 2 – Escomb 1.
The second half began brightly for Heighington with the excellent midfield combination of Jude Bartley and Nic Connor prompting and probing at every opportunity. Heighington looked a threat with every attack and the Escomb defence struggled to deal with the width and incisiveness provided by Lennon McCabe and Dan Connolly. Upfront Will Moffat did a superb job in an unfamiliar role; holding the ball up and proving a real handful to the Escomb defence. Chance after chance was either spurned or saved by the impressive Escomb keeper until finally Dan Connolly wrapped things up with another calm finish for his second of the game. An excellent performance moving Heighington into second position in the league
Final score: Heighington 3 – Escomb 1.
Man of the Match: It would be very unfair to single out any individual in what was an outstanding team display. This group of boys continue to shine and yet again show that they can deliver when their backs are against the wall. Every single player contributed to a great team display against tricky opposition to ensure their promotion charge continues. Many thanks to the continued support from parents and our sponsor Fracks Transport Ltd.
Heighington U11s 7 v Sunderland RCA U11s 1
As flu and illness had spread through the Heighington ranks this week, the boys knew they were in for a tough game, without any substitutes. Heighington created chances from the off but it took a Jonah Wade strike, from just outside the box, to settle the nerves. Heighington kicked on before Jack Collingwood quickly added another 2 intricate goals to his ever growing goal tally. Our captain, Lucas Faulkner, led by example by scoring and battling for everything. Will Farrow bagged himself a hat trick which included a sublime free kick which thundered against the inside of the post and into the net.
Isaac Morgan, James Henderson, Mathis Gordon, Tyler Keyes all absolutely deserve to be mentioned for fantastic effort and couldn’t have given any more for their team, this game was not just about goals…. it was about hard work. A quick shout for Matthew Brown – a solid performance with a great penalty save to back it up, despite him feeling the cold he kept going til the end.
MOTM: Tyler Keyes was a menace in defence and thwarted many opposition attacks. Also looked very dangerous on the wing with good judgement of passing.
Opposition MOTM: Will Farrow, another hat trick to remember, played in almost every position – unbelievable engine on him today.
Thanks to everyone involved, the Sunderland RCA coaches, parents and team, referee and, of course, my fantastic footy family.
Thanks as always to our match day sponsor Sash Hardware, Chris Harper, your support is very much appreciated.