Above: Pictures by Bob Shaw and Barry Betts

On Saturday Heswall First Team had an early opportunity to avenge a recent league defeat by promoted FC Bootle, as we took the next step to retaining the Haworth & Gallagher Bowl at Gayton Park.

Following the recent heavy rainfall, it was touch and go if the game would be played or fall victim to a waterlogged pitch. After hours of work with the roller and the forks, the pitch was returned to great condition and the game was on.

An early goal from the in-form Joe Ford set the tone as Heswall put in a very good performance that stifled our opponents. A second goal from Joe and a Paul Lindfield strike either side of a goal from the visitors gave The Yellows a 3–1 win.

Hotshot Joe Ford was Man of the Match after his two goals and a tremendous all round performance.

The next round comes quickly as we face Mossley Hill Athletic Reserves on Saturday at Gayton Park with a place in the final at stake.

Kick-off is at 3pm. Our lads are keen to retain the trophy and are working hard to finish the season well. Promotion is still in our hands, and we are still flying in two cup competitions.

This interrupted and strangest of seasons could be one to remember for Heswall FC.

This week brings home games for our Youth Team on Tuesday as they face Marshalls in the divisional plate competition, while the Reserves are in action on Wednesday evening as we welcome Bootle Reserves to Gayton Park in the league.

We are now very close to being able to welcome supporters back to Gayton Park, so we extend an open invitation to anyone who enjoys a good game of football.

Please come and support your local club. The bar will be open and hopefully the sun will be shining, so what better excuse do you need to swing by and enjoy the action with a beer and plenty of pleasant people excited by being back together again.

We really look forward to welcoming faces familiar and new.