Above: more pictures by Bob Shaw

The wheels came off the yellow bus last week as both our Reserves and First Team crashed to defeat.

A week ago, on Friday evening, our Reserve team travelled to Bootle FC to face their second string in the West Cheshire 3rd division.

An early goal from Jamie Steele put the yellows ahead as he capitalised on a goalkeeper error, finishing with some aplomb - but the home side equalised within a few minutes.

In form skipper Nathan Johnston was the man to put us ahead with a fine strike from outside the box. "Jonno" has started the season in fine fashion with nine goals so far and a string of superb performances in a more attacking role, showing how effective he is while also leading from the front as skipper.

A very good performance was scant reward after Bootle scored three late goals to take the points under the lights. The lads can be pleased with the level of performance and take that intensity into the next game away to Mersey Harps on Saturday.

We will be hoping for a better outcome to the game this season after a debacle involving floodlight issues on our last visit to the Harps. This possibly accounts for the 1pm kick off!

While our Reserves were pleased with the performance on Friday night, our First Team didn't quite hit the same levels on Saturday at home to Redgate Rovers, going down 2–1.

After a bright start and several good chances missed, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with a scrappy goal. The goal spurred Redgate on and minutes later they doubled their lead and went in at half time with a two goal advantage.

The second half didn't get much better for Heswall despite a good goal from Shay Roberts who battled through the defence and finished well. Shay continued his good performances with his fifth goal of the season, his first in adult football after coming through our youth team, a pathway we continue to develop and provide an opportunity for the young lads to make the step into the senior game.

This week sees our First Team welcome unbeaten FC Bootle St Edmunds to Gayton Park. Our visitors have an enviable record in West Cheshire football, having not tasted defeat in the league since joining three years ago, enjoying back to back promotions along the way.

Our lads will be looking to end that run and rekindle the spirit of the cup win against the Bootle side last season, leaving us as one of the few teams to be successful over them.

A quick reminder of our upcoming Legends Night at Heswall FC on 30th October. We extend an open invite to anyone who has a story to tell about days gone by at Heswall FC, whether you have worn the shirt and graced our hallowed turf, or you have been a supporter, we would love you to come along, share your experiences and celebrate the history of this great club.

If you've never been involved and had no engagement with our club then please swing by, get to know us and be part of our story in the future. As I say, we have an open door and would love new people to get to know Heswall FC, watch some real football and enjoy the craic.