Escomb U14’s 0 – Heighington U14’s 3
Following a series of postponements Heighington were finally able to progress to the 3rd round of the cup with a very hard fought victory away to a physical Escomb side. Despite dominating possession, Heighington showed aspects of rustiness in the first half on a difficult pitch that made the game a real leveller. Heighington were, however, able to create some openings and both Jack Bell and Josh Drought were unlucky not to put Heighington in front before the break.
Half time: Escomb 0- 0 Heighington.
For much of the second half, the game became a midfield struggle and much of the sidelines believed it appeared destined for a penalty shoot out. Chances were at a premium with Escomb’s long ball tactics causing some issues for the Heighington rearguard. Gradually the outstanding Heighington midfield of Joel Evans, Jude Bartley and debutant Olly Taylor gained a stranglehold on the game and it was Olly who marked his first game with a wonderful strike from 25 yards leaving the keeper stranded. With Escomb becoming more open, it was inevitable that Heighington would score more and Lennon McCabe tapped in a second following great work from Josh Drought. With the game reaching a conclusion, another Heighington break led to the keeper fouling Kaden Smith..the resulting penalty was dispatched expertly into the top corner by Olly Humphrey. The Ref brought the game to an end and Heighington deservedly progressed into the draw for the next round.
Man of the Match: Olly Taylor. A superb debut was rounded off with a fantastic strike to open his account. Olly’s all round play was fantastic and he richly deserved the accolade.
Goalscorers: Olly Taylor, Lennon McCabe, Olly Humphrey.
A massive well done to all the boys for maintaining their discipline and respect in what was, on occasions, a highly charged fixture. Big thank you to our wonderful parents for their assistance in ensuring the boys did not lower their standards. Finally, a massive shout out to our sponsors Fracks Transport Ltd., Riley Accountancy, J Mitchell Roofing & Guttering Services and Wired Up Electrics.
Heighington FC U12 4 – Washington Golds U12 0
It was a strange game for the Heighington boys, in terms of football. We did not start well at all. We looked a yard or two off the pace, we couldn’t string passes together and we struggled big time to keep any type of shape in the first half. Periods like this have become more frequent recently and I suspect we will not get away with it for much longer when we begin to meet the top 4 teams in the coming weeks. A brilliant individual goal from Jack, from the left wing, opened the scoring which only papered over a very poor first half outing from our lads.
However, the boys did stick together, kept their heads up and we faired a little better in the second half, but not much better.
Mathis hit a thunderbolt early in the second half and Lucas calmly slotted home a penalty shortly after to put the lads 3 up. Another brilliant strike from Jack rounded off the scoring as the boys sluggishly secured their points.
I have to say, credit to the lads for today, they stuck together, kept going and also kept a clean sheet along with many other positives to take away. They won the match without playing well which is a sign of a good team but it will only get us so far. However, it was our quality what won the match today not our football. We are just not quite 100% at the moment which is the coaches responsibility, not the kids.
MOTM: James Henderson, worked his socks off all morning and looked like he enjoyed his football in various positions, including a great spell in CM. Very much played his part in the clean sheet.
MOTM: Mathis Gordon, a menace to the opposition with his fantastic workrate and effort, thumped in a fantastic goal which he thoroughly deserved.
Well done all involved, both sets of kids and coaches (Washy were superb visitors, great little side) both sets of parents. Big shout out for Adam Brown who reffed his first match today and did a great job despite being nervous. Also thanks to sponsors SASH Hardware.