Heswall FC: Happy Monday - two great victories

Above: a gallery of images by Bob Shaw and Dave McNamara

Wirral District FA Cup competitions were the challenge for Heswall last night as the First Team replayed the abandoned game at Vauxhall's in the Senior Cup.

The Yellows started well despite conceding a penalty after five minutes which was brilliantly saved by Casey Shakeshaft. Goals from Graham Mort and Jordan Deer put us 2–0 up at the Syncreon Arena.

Then what seemed like a cruise to victory was changed by two late wonder goals from Vauxhall's, levelling the score at 2–2. Our lads kept going and, with penalties looming, Paul Lindfield continued his knack of scoring important goals when he netted a fine winner to send Heswall through to the Quarter Finals to face local rivals Neston Nomads.

In the Wirral Amateur Cup, the Reserves faced Chester & Wirral League club St Saviours. The Savs have finished second in the premier division, so a tough game was expected. In the first half Heswall dominated, creating a number of chances with Jason Bull going close with two acrobatic attempts and the Savs keeper making several good saves. However, we went in at the break goalless.

In the second half, Savs pushed on and created a few chances themselves with Josh Brooks in the Heswall goal making one tremendous save, demonstrating his reputation as a top class keeper.

With 20 minutes remaining, Heswall made the breakthrough with a through ball putting Kieran Donoghue one on one with the keeper. Kieran held his nerve and finished superbly to put the Yellows 1 up, a proud moment for watching Dad, Phil.

The Savs battled back and equalised late in with a great strike from their number 9, a looping volley into the net, but this only served to inspire our lads and they kept pushing for a winner. In injury time, a cross headed back across goal by Big Adam Chwalko allowed Lewis Boardman to nod in the winner with seconds remaining and triggered great scenes of celebration. A goal made by two of the best lads around.

The drama of the game didn't end there as from the kick off, the Savs centre back decided he was going do it all himself and ran at us, and only solid defending and determination prevented a late equaliser. The final whistle blew and Heswall Reserves were through to the final to face Ellesmere Port FC.

A first final as Heswall Reserves Manager for Nathan Brooks and his management team Dave Hird and Josh Hart. These gents work so hard in not only getting results but also developing players to go and play first team football. The spirit within the camp is a testament to an incredible job, and they should be hugely proud of their work this season. As a club we have been delighted and impressed in equal measure.

The date and venue of the final will be announced soon and we would love to go along with a crowd to support our lads as they challenge for silverware, so we invite you all to come along and support your local club.

We are blessed with a great group of players and so grateful for their commitment and the sacrifices they make to wear the Yellow shirt. They deserve success, so here's hoping come the end of this strange old season there will be a promotion and a couple of cups on the table at Heswall FC.