As temperatures plummeted this week and Storm Arwen battered the Wirral, it was cup action for Heswall First Team as we welcomed Newton to Gayton Park, looking to take the first step towards glory in the Pyke Cup.

The Yellows started well and had the ball in the net through Joe Ford's smart finish - only for the referee to indulge in some VAR style consultation with the assistant ref and decide to disallow the strike for offside.

Just moments later a clear penalty was denied after another chat between the officials deemed that the visiting keeper's challenge on Shay Roberts was fair.

The first half ended with the scores level and both teams looking to sharpen up in front of goal. It was the visitors who took the lead early in the second half when a shot was well saved by home keeper Joe Collister, only for the ball to bounce into the net off onrushing defender Andy Cook.

The setback seemed to spur the Yellows on and, after some great play down our left hand side by Nathan Johnston, returning following a three game ban after a recent red card, the ball bounced around and fell at the feet of Matty Morris who calmly smashed the ball home to bring the scores level.

As both teams looked to get a winning goal but without either keeper having much to do, it was Heswall who went ahead when Shay Roberts was again left on the floor by the Newton keeper as he shot at goal, and a penalty was awarded which Chris McGowan despatched into the bottom corner to deservedly put us 2 –1 up.

Some resolute defending from our lads was rewarded when the final whistle went and a place in the next round was ours when we will face Chester Nomads.

It was a very good result and performance from our boys, and the return to form continues with our fourth game undefeated.

We are hoping the momentum continues as Newton are back with us on Saturday as we return to league action.

After the success of our Christmas Day Hamper Appeal last year when we were able to provide a hamper with all the ingredients for a hearty Christmas dinner to 30 families who were experiencing hard times, we will be doing something different this year by running a Toy Appeal.

We are asking for donations of new and unwrapped toys which will be donated to children who may not receive a present otherwise. No child should ever wake up on Christmas morning without a gift to open, and we are keen to do our bit to ensure the magic of Christmas extends to a few more families this year.

When you do your Christmas shopping, please consider buying an extra present for a youngster and drop it into the club on Saturday, or contact me, Robbie Matthews, on 07919877135, and we can collect your donations. Any help will be greatly appreciated.