Pictures courtesy of Bob Shaw

It was Pyke Cup action at Gayton Park this week as we welcomed Vauxhall Reserves, and after a heavy defeat last time we were determined to put that right. 

The game started well with both teams attacking, and it was the Motors who took the lead with a well taken goal from Jack Darlington. With them playing well we struggled to create many clear cut chances and half time came with us one down. 

Into the second half and, despite an improved start, it was Jack again as he netted well to give them a two goal lead. It was both a pain and a pleasure to see Jack back to his best. He's a great lad and a top player, one we have missed since his departure in the summer.

The Yellows kept their heads up and, led by the returning Christian Lewis, we pushed forward and got our reward when attacking down our left side the ball was laid off to the edge of the box for Ethan Mort to beat a man, get the ball out of his feet and place one into the top corner to reduce the deficit and drag us back into the game. 

Now our tails were up too and we kept pushing on and, after a bit of a scramble in the area, the ball fell to that man Christian Lewis to tap it home and draw us level and deservedly so. It was a brilliant moment for Chris, only coming home to us this week from Vauxhalls, and it was a delight to have the big dog back in the middle of the park.

The game continued in the same vein with chances created and missed, and ended 2 - 2. The first period of extra time came and went and with us hitting the post from Lewi Shaw, and we fancied ourselves to get the win - but with penalties looming, a moment of genius won the game for Vauxhalls when Jamie Eaton teed himself up after a cross from the right, playing the ball up before a superb overhead kick flew into the top corner, a goal worthy of winning any game and fair play to the lad. 

It was a tough one to take for us but the comeback showed what we are all about and the improvements continue. We know if we maintain performances like this one then points will be won. Well done to Vauxhalls, and good luck in the next round fellas.

In the Shield our Reserves faced an unusually strong Capenhurst Villa Reserves and were on the end of a hiding, going down 8 – 1. Not our finest day by any means and one we need to learn from and move on quickly from.

The Heswall FC Player of the month winner was announced yesterday and the deserving winner was Ethan Mort. Three appearances this month topped off with a fine goal on Saturday. Ethan is a great lad and is showing his class while developing all the time, and we look forward to more outstanding performances from him.

Our First Team is on the road on Saturday as we travel to face Rainhill Town at Prescot Soccer Centre; while our Reserves take on Ellesmere Port Town Reserves at Gayton Park. Both games kick off at 2pm.