Heighington Under 7’s hosted and won their first tournament on Sunday 17th May. The day started slowly for Heighington going down 3-0 against Darlington 21st All Stars. Man of the Match went to Tyler Woodward.
In the second game against Seaton Carew the boys regrouped and went 1-0 up through a Joe Neild penalty, Seaton bounced back with 2 quick goals before Neild equalised, Seaton then went 3-2 in front before Man of the match Maddox Harcus played through Theo Callaghan to even up the scores again. Then with the last kick of the game Neild swung in a corner with Callaghan finishing expertly at the near post, to win the game 4-3.
The final group game saw Heighington top the group with a 2-0 win over local rivals NAJFC with a rasping drive from man of the match Layton Collier and a solo goal from Tyler Woodward. This result set up a semi final with NAJFC.
The semi final got off to a great start for the hosts Joe Neild sending Theo Callaghan through on goal who side footed home via the post. NAJFC responded almost immediately with a great strike to make it 1-1. The game swung end to end with chances galore for both teams and the game went to extra time.
Oliver Paylor in the Heighington goal performed heroics making an unbelievable double save in the last minute of extra time to take the game to penalties. Joe Neild, Theo Callaghan and Tyler Woodward all put away their penalties with ease and the scores were tied at 3-3.
Oliver Paylor then saved before despatching his own spot kick. Man of the match Oliver Paylor then saved NAJFC final penalty to send Heighington through to their first cup final. Waiting for Heighington in the final were Darlington 21st All stars who had beaten Heighington in the first game of the day.
Heighington settled their nerves with 2 early goals from Man of the match Tyler Woodward and saw the game out with little alarm to win the cup.
Oliver Paylor won the player of the tournament trophy not only for his heroics in the Semi Final, but for doing a job for the team by playing in goal which he had never previously done before!
All of the coaches, parents and club are extremely proud of this amazing group of kids. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this tournament a success including all of the volunteers, referees, teams and parents taking part, and Kevin Stonehouse the former Blackburn, Huddersfield and Blackpool (amongst other clubs) player, and current Newcastle United and Welsh FA scout, who presented the trophies to all of the children.
Team left to right: (back row) Cameron (front row) Kenzie White, Maddox Harcus, Harvey Yale, Layton Collier, Tyler Gibbon, Oliver Paylor Tyler Woodward, Theo Callaghan, Joe Neild
