Following a dismal run of defeats recently, we could have been forgiven for allowing the doom and gloom to set in at Heswall.

However, we refused to wilt under the pressure and the lads came out fighting this week as the First Team entertained Capenhurst Villa on Saturday.

Having started the season well, Villa were sitting in third position going into the game and will have arrived confident of taking the points - but the yellows started strongly with Danny Dixon missing a great chance in the first minute. Cape came back at us and we had Joe Collister in goal to thank for a smart save low down after a good strike across goal.

Heswall, by far the better side, threatened every time we went forward, with Dean Nunn a constant threat from set pieces, one wicked corner being palmed out from under the bar by the Cape keeper.

On 20 minutes, from another delightful corner from Nunn, it was Matty Beaman who rose highest but couldn't keep the header down as it sailed over the bar.

Referee Wayne Kinnear had his first big decision to make on 35 mins when Danny Dixon beat the offside trap and sprinted through on goal only to be brought down as he entered the box. The man in black decided the Cape defender had got the ball and awarded a corner, a decision we were completely bemused by and still disagree with...

Just before halftime, Heswall created another good chance as Shay Roberts, lively throughout, broke free and shot across goal only to see the drift narrowly wide with Joe Ford unable to get a touch at the far post. This was the story of the half as we couldn't get the goal our performance deserved.

Into the second half the story was the same as Heswall attacked in numbers and were awarded a free kick out on the right flank. Dean Nunn whipped in a great ball onto the head of Louis O'Brien, celebrating his 22nd birthday, who put it away with a fine header to cue some great scenes amongst the lads.

As the game went on we held onto our lead without our keeper being tested too much. It was the Yellows who had the ball in the net again as that man Dean Nunn put another fine free kick for Danny Dixon to head across goal and Shay Roberts to nod home to seemingly make it 2–0 - only for the joy to be short lived when the assistant referee raised his flag to rule the goal out for offside.

The game fizzled out somewhat and Cape didn't really create much to get an equaliser. A late volley well wide of the goal was the best they could muster before the referee blew for time and Heswall had put the recent results behind them and gained a valuable three points.

The win was a just reward for the lads who have never lost the desire and spirit to win games of football, and a great day for the management team who have worked tirelessly to turn our form around. They deserved their post-match beer for sure.

Our Reserves had also come unstuck in recent weeks with a couple of disappointing defeats, so a trip to face local rivals West Kirby Reserves was the ideal type of game for the lads to rise to the challenge.

A terrific team performance was rewarded with goals from Ben Muirhead, Jamie Steele, Danny Kendall and Conor Egan, perhaps exorcising the memory of our last encounter with the same opponents when he left the field needing facial surgery.

It's great to see how the young lads in the Reserves are developing both individually and as a team, and it won't be long before more of them follow former skipper Nathan Johnston in challenging for a place in our First Team.

On Sunday, it was the Cheshire cup for our Youth Team, hot on the heels of their fine victory in the Roadpeace Cup hosted by the LFC Foundation. We travelled to Stockport to face Hazel Grove United in the first round, the tie initially being booked in for last weekend at Gayton Park, but forced to postpone due to the heavy rain.

Our lads rose to the occasion and put in a performance worthy of the prestigious competition, with goals from Rory Alldis and a brace from Rocco Ceraolo giving us a fine 3–1 win and the opportunity to face Crewe Arrows in the next round.

After a tricky start to the season, these young lads are riding the crest of a wave after a trio of wins. The Youth Team have been a very welcome addition to Heswall and we are all delighted with the way they have performed and the way they represent Heswall FC.

As a club, we are always keen to support our local community and, following the success of our Christmas Hamper appeal last year, when we donated 25 fully stocked Christmas Dinner hampers to families in need over the festive period, we will be running a food donation service again this year.

We will be asking players, supporters and local people to donate food we can then provide to local services supporting local communities. Should you wish to donate any food items or offer a financial donation then please contact the club on [email protected].

Many thanks.