Heswall FC: only one game could be played last weekend, and that was marred by a shortage of match officials who've had enough of disrespect

There was no game at Gayton Park at the weekend because the Heswall Reserves clash with Willaston was postponed due to several players coming down with symptoms which were unpleasant but thankfully not COVID-19.

It was a shame not to play, but the upside was that the hallowed turf of Heswall FC could take a break before winter kicks in and grass growing stops until the spring.

Meanwhile, our First Team travelled through the tunnel to face Marshalls FC in West Cheshire League Division 1, now playing at their new home at Heron Eccles Football Hub after many years playing at I M Marsh University Campus - while boasting a team built predominantly from players doing their studies.

The day got off to a very disappointing start when we were informed by the match referee that we would not be using assistant referees due to a shortage of them in the higher leagues.

It seems some have had enough of idiotic behaviour by a minority of people at games, and It is surely time for things to change when it comes to the way we treat our match officials.

To disagree with a decision is understandable, but some people go too far. Referees are suffering verbal and even physical assaults on a regular basis, so it is hardly surprising some choose a relaxing Saturday afternoon instead of being the targets for hostile and downright abusive - and even criminal - behaviour.

Many powerful voices are loudly claiming that the powers that be in football need to take action and, while I agree, I also feel that clubs need to grasp the nettle now, take responsibility, and work proactively with the authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of officials.

Everyone involved in football, whether a player, supporter, manager or committee member, needs to be educated and taken to task about their attitudes and conduct.

This issue is not solely confined to football - there are far too many people who seem to get a kick out of being aggressive and think it's clever. It isn't. And it upsets me to think that unpleasant attitudes, poor conduct, negativity and hate wiill drive away good people the grassroots game sorely needs.

Rant over. Once we did get the game underway, Heswall FC started brightly and had a few decent chances with Danny Dixon going close with a 25 yard snapshot, and Nathan Johnston getting agonisingly close to a fine cross from Shay Roberts.

With 20 minutes on the clock, it was the hosts that went ahead as our attack broke down high up the pitch and the team in green attacked down our left hand side. The ball was clipped into the net to put us a goal down.

This seemed to spur the lads on and having been the better side throughout, we received a free kick 25 yards out which Dean Nunn and Danny Dixon placed as the Marshalls wall stood tall. It was that man Dixon who took the free kick, scoring with a fine strike into the top corner to level the score.

We went in at half time with the game all square, but in the second half Marshalls retook the lead with a header from a corner when their big skipper, unmarked in the six yard box, was able to head home.

Despite Heswall remaining the team in the ascendancy, it was Marshalls who put the game to bed as one of their subs made his presence felt, winning a header which put their striker through on goal. He finished well to make it 3–1 and end the game as a contest.

Despite the result, the performance was much improved and there were many positives. Nathan Johnston had a terrific game and is looking at home in the First Division after his recent step up from the Reserves.

Both the First and Reserve teams are in action next week, with the Firsts facing local side Ashville FC, while the Reserves travel to Eastham to face Poulton Vics Reserves.

A little reminder for you all of our Legends Night on Saturday 30th October. Please come along and share your stories of Heswall FC with some of the finest players in our history, former managers and people who have given their time and energy to the club.

We invite anyone to come along and get involved, have a drink and see what grassroots football is all about, and we'll really enjoy making you all welcome.