With our First Team having a day off this weekend, it was all eyes on our Reserves as we welcomed Champions Elect Sutton Athletic - knowing that if they took three points they would claim the Third Division title.

While we wished them well, at the same time nobody wanted to see another club celebrate at Gayton Park, so the lads were fired up to try and spoil the party.

The game was a minute old when the ball was played back to the Sutton keeper who gave it a good whack downfield. It took a huge bounce off the dry surface - which also took the Heswall keeper by surprise and found its way into the net. A red face for our custodian of the goal, but a story to tell for the Sutton keeper as his red letter day 90 yard strike put them one up and flying.

However, as we all know, everything can change in a second in football. Will Fraser laid the ball off to skipper Jamie Steele out on the right hand side. He whipped in a superb cross, in keeping with his terrific performances this season, allowing Tyler Wilkinson to head home brilliantly and draw the Yellows level in a crazy opening few minutes.

We gave a good account of ourselves as the game went on and faced our visitors up where many have struggled this season. They are unbeaten to date, and showed their title winning credentials by once again going ahead with a scrappy goal.

The highlight of the game for Heswall was yet to come as top scorer Dan O'Halloran found himself 30 yards out and took aim, smashing the ball into the top corner for an absolutely outstanding goal, his 16th of a tremendous season for the striker. Dan continues to develop all the time and has consistently shown his ability to get goals.

With the three points up for grabs, both sides battled for the win with both keepers making superb saves in the second half. But it was Sutton Athletic who took the points and subsequently the league title, netting a third goal to begin the celebrations.

Another strong performance from our lads went unrewarded, but the signs are looking good for next season as Manager Ben Gore has built a strong side and one we are keen to see develop over the coming years as the players push for first

team places. We must congratulate Sutton Athletic on a deserved league title and wish them well in the maiden season in Division 2 next season. Next week our Reserves welcome South Liverpool Third Team to Gayton Park for a 3pm kick off. Our First Team have another week off, despite a raft of upcoming midweek fixtures. As the season draws to a close, we will soon be announcing a date for our end of season presentation day and will be seeking local companies to sponsor the individual awards. Awards cost £50 and come with the opportunity to be involved in their presentation. If you'd like to engage with your local club this way, I ask anyone interested to contact me, Club Chairman Robbie Matthews, at [email protected].