Football in the sun was the order of the day yesterday, and as temperatures soared Heswall FC's First Team braved the heat of cup-tie action.

Mallaby were the visitors to Gayton Park, looking to end our pursuit of retaining the Howarth and Gallagher Bowl.

Joe Ford's return to form continued with another two goals.

After a lean spell Joe has burst back into goal scoring action with seven in his last four games, showing how lethal a marksman he is.

Jordan Deer scored our third with a wicked cross that the opposition keeper will want to forget.

Final score, 3–1, and we go into the draw for the next round - though it's back to league action on Tuesday as we take the short trip to Wallasey to face Ashville Reserves.

Our Reserve Team travelled to Rainford United and had a day to forget, going down 7–1 in a real horror show!

An early goal put us ahead, only for a red card after 10 mins to leave us a man down and set the tone of the game from then on.

Our opponents sniffed blood and delivered a clinical performance that took Heswall apart. Apart from Rainford's play there was little else to enjoy on the day - and we must turn it round on Tuesday as we welcome Ellesmere Port Town Reserves to Gayton Park.

Manager Nathan Brooks will be looking for a response from the lads who will surely want to banish the demons of a heavy defeat.

Our Youth Team faced an away day to Litherland Remyca in the morning game and, despite two goals from Ellis Jones, we went down to a 4–2 defeat. The toll of so many games in a short space of time has ravaged the squad with eight players out injured.

Gaffer Rob Davies has been nursing the lads through games and, with a number of fixtures still to come, it's going to be a tough job. However, the lads are putting themselves on the line and showing great character, a testament to them and a real credit to our club.

Given the turnover of games recently, we must thank our staff, managers and players for their commitment to Heswall FC.

We wholly appreciate the sacrifices and commitment shown by all involved. Clubs at our level are built on the work of volunteers and we are always keen to welcome anyone who wishes to support the work we do.

If anyone wishes to get involved and help out then please get in touch with me, Chairman Robbie Matthews, at [email protected].