RFYL League Cup Semi Final
Heighington U13s 4 – 1 Southmoor Juniors
Heighington deservedly progressed to their first final with a convincing victory against a previously undefeated Southmoor Juniors side.
Right from kick off the attitude, desire and commitment matched that asked from coaches Jamie and Mike. Heighington started on the front foot and didn’t take their foot off the pedal throughout the contest. Chances came and went before in-form striker, Ted Brain, calmed the sideline nerves with a calm finish following superb wing play from Lennon McCabe. A second soon followed when Joel Evans created space for Will Barker to turn superbly and finish into the corner to make it 2-0. Heighington created several more chances and Jack Bell was unlucky to see his rasping effort shudder the crossbar. Just before half time Heighington scored a fantastic third. Fine work down the right saw Will Barker in space, he floated a curling cross to the back post which was met powerfully from the head of a diving Ted Brain to send Heighington clear going into the break.
Half Time Heighington 3 – 0 Southmoor Juniors.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the previous half with Heighington dominating possession and creating chances from their industrious midfield, superbly marshalled by the outstanding Joel Evans. Southmoor pushed more players forward in the search of breathing some kind of life into the tie, but were denied by a resolute Heighington defence, when this rearguard was penetrated keeper Harry Irvine pulled off a great double save to keep Southmoor at bay. Southmoor did grab a late lifeline, following a free kick, but the game was put to bed when the lively Lennon McCabe again created for Will Moffat to calmly volley home and send Heighington into the final. The scenes amongst the players at the final whistle showed just how far the team has come in the space of a year and the unity within the group. Massive thanks to our opponents Southmoor Juniors who kept going right until the end but Heighington were not going to be denied today. Many thanks to the parents, friends and family members who showed up to support the team. Special thanks to Mike and Jamie who took the team on during a difficult summer.
Man of the Match: Ted Brain and Joel Evans. Everyone played their part today in a magnificent team performance but both Joel and Ted really stood out. Joel has been a superb addition to the team. Joel does everything really well and ensures that standards remain high amongst the team. Asked to play in an unfamiliar role he dominated the game; breaking up play and starting attacks. He was brilliant and showed that being flash isn’t the only way to catch the eye. Teddy was a beast today. I have seen Teddy play for a number of years and he is really on top form playing his best football. Ted was a handful throughout the game, the Southmoor defence just couldn’t deal with his power. He scored 2 great goals, his second will live long in the memories of the watching crowd.
Many thanks to everyone involved in making this a special day for the team especially our sponsors Fracks transport ltd, Wired Up Electrics and Tees Valley Trailers.
A final awaits the boys!