When things aren't going to plan and the going gets tough, the fight or flight mechanism kicks in and we either defend our corner or we run and hide.

It's reassuring to say that while results aren't going in Heswall FC's favour at the moment, the lads are fighting and battling hard to turn our fortunes around.

Ashville were the visitors to a wet and windy Gayton Park on Saturday, and a good showing from them ensured the points returned to Wallasey - despite a sterling performance from our lads in Yellow.

The game was a feisty encounter with some crunching tackles, including one from Ashville's evergreen Gary Jones, a veteran of 500+ football league games, which was punished by a yellow card; and a similar tackle from Nathan Johnston which, although actually winning the ball, was punished with a red.

However, it was a fair decision. There was no malice or intent in the challenge, but it was late and deserving of the punishment. That said, I am sure Ashville will consider themselves lucky that the aforementioned foul didn't receive the same treatment.

There is a strong belief in our lads that their efforts will be rewarded with wins soon enough. They are a good quality group of talented players, working very hard, and hurting at recent results - so we keep the faith and go again next week as we welcome third placed Capenhurst Villa.

Our reserves also tasted defeat on Saturday as we went down 4–2 away to Poulton Vics reserves at Levers. Despite goals from Conor Egan and Cal France, we couldn't bring the points home.

As with our first team, we are confident that these young lads will also pick up some wins soon. With an average age of 18, they are learning on the job in their first season in adult football. They are a hungry and ambitious group who need to retain their belief and confidence as they strive to climb the table, where they currently sit in 10th place.

The reserves take the short trip to West Kirby next week to face their opposite numbers at Marine Park. In recent years this fixture has had its fair share of controversy with red cards and lots of incidents, but we will be looking to let our football do the talking and get back to winning ways.

We continue to leave our door wide open to volunteers who would be interested in supporting Heswall FC in any way.

Everyone has something to offer, so if you wish to come down and be part of your local club then please get in touch with me, Chairman Robbie Matthews, on [email protected]