It was League Cup action for both our senior sides on Saturday as our First Team travelled to Chester Nomads in the Pyke Cup, and our Reserves welcomed Neston Nomads to Gayton Park in the League Shield, both ties being at the Quarter Final Stage.

Following a 1 - 1 draw for the Firsts on the opening day of the season, a close game was expected as the game got underway. Heswall started poorly and deservedly went behind in the first 10 minutes, the setback only serving to kick us into gear as we took control of the game in difficult, windy conditions.

On 25 minutes Shay Roberts broke through only to be clattered by the Nomads' goalkeeper rushing from his goal with no chance of winning the ball. The free kick to the Yellows was subsequently curled home into the bottom corner from 25 yards by Nathan Johnston. Jonno continues to show his class with a string of superb performances and goals.

Just five minutes later, that man Jonno turned provider with a delicious free kick whipped in and expertly headed home across the keeper into the far corner by striker Joe Ford. Just like this time last season, Joe seems to be hitting a purple patch in front of goal.

Into the second half, and the Yellows were comfortable with Nomads rarely threatening Joe Collister in the Heswall goal.

Striker Danny Dixon came off the bench and put in a great shift, closing down and giving the Nomads backline no time to rest. On 75 minutes he got his reward when Man of the Match Nathan Johnston squared the ball for Danny to slot home and confirm our place in the Pyke Cup Semi Finals.

A tremendous away performance from Andy Cass's men and a richly deserved win. We were later drawn to play Mossley Hill Athletic on 5th March for a place in the final.

In the League Shield Quarter Final, our Reserves under new gaffer Ben Gore faced Neston Nomads for the second week running and, after cruelly being denied the win last week by a last minute equaliser, our lads were keen to get the result with a semi-final place at stake.

We started really brightly, creating chances and dominating the game, so it came as no surprise when Dan O'Halloran put the gloss on a fine move by slotting home to put us one up inside 15 minutes. We continued to bare our teeth and took the game to our opponents, going further ahead when birthday boy Conor Egan flicked a header into the net from a near post corner to double our lead.

Into the second half and the story was the same. Top scorer Dan O'Halloran netted again to make it 3 – 0 with the Yellow's cruising.

However, as is often the way in football, the game was far from over. Neston were awarded a penalty following some haphazard defending, but - big stopper Finn Collins made a great save low down to his left.

The drama was unfolding thick and fast and the away team were awarded a second penalty which was calmly slotted home - and it was game on at 3 – 1. Neston then began to push us back and a second goal came soon after and the Nomads' tails were up.

As the game went on, a Neston equaliser was a real possibility, and Heswall did little to help themselves when Will Fraser needlessly got involved in some handbags with a grounded Nomads player. The result was a somewhat harsh red card, with no sanction on the opposition player…

The game entered its final moments and, with the Neston keeper up field for a couple of corners, the boys in Yellow held firm and took victory to advance to the Semi Final when they'll face league leaders Sutton Athletic.

Next week sees our First Team on the road again as we face Ellesmere Port Town, and the Reserves host Mersey Harps at Gayton Park, both games kicking off at 2pm.

Please come along and support the lads. Entry to Gayton Park is free and the bar will be open serving hot and cold drinks - including a great offer of two bottles of beer for just a fiver.

This is surely the best deal in the town - and both kids and dogs are all very welcome.