Heswall FC: a dark night under the lights for the Firsts, and a disappointing day for the Reserves

It was a tough game for us coming back after the break as we travelled to face Newton on Friday night. 

We started the game slowly but were able to frustrate Newton with a strong press all over the pitch denying them room to play. Both teams had half chances, but it was Newton who took the lead when some typical sloppy defending from us gifted them a tap in. 

We gave it a good go and got back into it when quality play from us gave Ethan Mort a shot at goal from outside the box and he took it really well for his second goal of the season. We stuck at it and kept Newton at bay and limited them to half chances as we reached half time level. 

The second half was a different story as their star player started to get on the ball and make things happen for them. We didn't help ourselves though as poor defending led to two quickfire goals to put them clear at 3 - 1. We actually stepped it up a bit now and Kie Hughes missed a great chance with the keeper saving at his near post. We kept pushing which inevitably cost us as Newton broke to score a fourth, and in what was now an end to end game we created four good chances which we failed to put away - the same old story as we struggled to keep them out and couldn't take our chances. 

Newton showed why they are in the mix for the title as they netted two more to finish 6 - 1. 

There's no denying we are in trouble and we have to do the basics better. It's going to be a tough end to the season but we are confident we will have enough to stay up. The lads have to show their steel and work hard, train well and show what it all means to them.

The Reserves welcomed Helsby Reserves to Gayton Park knowing wins are required to climb the table, but it was another frustrating encounter as goal-scoring opportunities came and went, our forward players guilty of wasting a number of chances. 

Given our current predicament it should come as no surprise that it was Helsby who were clinical in finishing probably the only two chances they created to take a 2 - 0 win and the points back down the road.

We appreciate the situation we find ourselves in and will leave no stone unturned in trying to put things right, secure wins and put points on the board as we look to finish the season with a flourish.