It was an away day this weekend for Heswall FC First Team as we faced Rainhill Town at the Prescot Soccer Centre. Our hosts were sat one place above us in the table so a close game was on the cards with both teams looking to take the points.

We started the game on the front foot and went ahead on 20 minutes when Shay Roberts rose above a 6ft Rainhill centre half and flicked a header into the path of on running Nathan Johnston. Jonno took the ball in his stride and smashed home at the near post for his 12th goal of the season.

Things got even better for the Yellows when on 40 minutes Joe Ford was on hand to make it 2 – 0 with a fine finish; then Conor Hughes got in on the act when he smashed a 25 yard strike into the top corner and gave us a 3 – 0 lead going into half time.

We quickly extended our lead in the early minutes of the second half when Joe Ford expertly allowed a Rainhill clearance to hit him and bounce into the net, not the best goal of his career - but they all count and 4 – 0 it was.

A bit of complacency crept in and we gave away a soft consolation. Good work down the Rainhill left brought a cross into our box, which Man of the Match Chris McGowan hooked into his own net, Chris perhaps needs to buy himself some new contact lenses.

A fine away performance from the lads, which put us in fine fettle for our second trip to Chester Nomads this season, this time in the Pyke Cup Quarter Final.

Our Reserves were the home side as we welcomed local rivals Neston Nomads again. Games between the two clubs seem to come thick and fast in recent years with the boys in yellow having a good record against the plums.

The game started with Heswall in the ascendency creating a couple of half chances, but it was Neston that took the lead following some hesitancy in our defending, and the Neston striker was on hand to poke the ball home. We continued to push on and deservedly got back into the game through a fine finish from the edge of the box from Harvey Forster, who has shown great potential this season and is developing into an exciting young player.

The game had a couple of meaty derby style challenges with Kyle Ravenscroft and Sean Hogan dishing out some tough tackles, and we were soon ahead in the game when some fine individual work on our right side from Conor Egan gave him the opportunity to get a shot away which nestled in the back of the net.

The game petered out somewhat with us seemingly heading for victory, but credit to the Nomads, they stuck at it and, after some poor defensive work, the Plums grabbed a late equaliser and the points were shared, a fair result.

Both teams have the chance to go one better next week when we again welcome them to Gayton Park in the Quarter Final of the League Shield in a 1:30pm kick off.

Our Youth Team faced Euxton Villa on Sunday in the League Cup and came away with an excellent 2 – 0 win courtesy of two goals from Charlie Harland who continues to build himself a fine reputation as he enjoys a terrific season. Next week sees Vauxhall Motors make the short trip down the M53 as we welcome them to Gayton Park.

Our two U15 teams had contrasting fortunes this weekend with both in cup action. On Saturday our lads went down 2 – 1 to West Kirby United Blacks in a close game, while the Sunday lads won their game by the same scoreline, retaining hopes of a trophy this season as they did last year.

As a club we are always keen to engage new sponsors and work with local companies. We have a range of sponsorship opportunities and would ask anyone interested in getting involved with Heswall FC to get in touch with Club Chairman Robbie Matthews on 07919877135.