Heanor Town Hearts U7’s vs. AFC Chellaston Knights U7’s
Heanor Town Thunder U7's vs. Alvaston DFC Gullit U7's
Basford CFC Blue U8's vs. Heanor Town Titans U8's
G3A Sporting U9’s vs. Heanor Town Harriers U9’s
Heanor Town Hotshots U9's vs. Allenton United Pumas U9's
Springwood United Lightning U9's vs. Heanor Town Hurricanes U9's
Little Eaton Diamonds Phantoms U10's vs. Heanor Town Comets U10's
Spondon Dynamos Spitfires U10's vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10's
Bingham Town FC Girls U14's vs. Heanor Town Tornados U14's

Team of the Week:

Chester – U7 Hearts
Lucas – U7 Hearts
Jax – U7 Thunder
Louie – U7 Thunder
Roux – U7 Thunder
Oscar – U8 Titans
Declan – U9 Hotshots
Finley – U9 Hotshots
Jenson – U9 Hotshots
Jenson F – U9 Hurricanes
Jenson H – U9 Hurricanes
Isaac – U10 Comets
Theo– U10 Comets
Shay – U10 Hawks
Eva – U14 Tornados (HoJ Award)
Evie – U14 Tornados
Skye – U14 Tornados

Head of Juniors Award:

Whilst out on my travels to watch the U14 Tornados against Bingham, in what was a spirited performance by all, there was one player who stood out for me, and that was Eva Ward. Having to play in an unfamiliar position to give her team the best chance, she took it all in her stride, and it was unnoticeable to me that it's not her usual position. Eva covered every blade of grass up and down the left-hand flank and came off the pitch exhausted after giving the team everything she had at the end of the match. The HOJ award is focused on teamwork, effort, determination, and positive attitude, and with Eva demonstrating all of those elements and many more, it was an easy choice for me today. Well done, Eva. Thoroughly deserved, and I look forward to seeing you and the Tornados getting the results you deserve on the near future. - Head of Junior Football, Craig Peacey.

Match Reports:

Heanor Town Hearts U7's vs. AFC Chellaston Knights U7’s

Following a spirited display in the previous fixture, the Hearts were given the opportunity to follow up on this performance with a contest against an organised and well drilled Chellaston side.

As with every game this season, the Hearts boys were raring with enthusiasm, chomping at the bit to get the game underway.

The match started really tentatively, both sides looking to get a foothold in the game. Freddie had been given a defensive role, of which he has been accustomed to and wasted no time in commanding the back line to break up any further attacks from the advancing Chellaston side. Lucas had been given a more advanced position, occupying the right wing to great effect. Harvey started out on his stronger left wing, looking to move the ball and turn the Chellaston defence back towards their own goal. Chester was asked to shoulder the all-important central striker role, which using his speed and strength would cause multiple problems for the Chellaston defence. Charlie had been given goalkeeper duties for the first half and found himself unable to deal with two unstoppable strikes, giving Chellaston a two-goal lead early in the half.

As has been regularly the case, in the words of a 2003 Iain Dowie, the Hearts displayed that "bouncebackability" and spirit to claw themselves back into the game. Lucas managed to latch onto a long kick from Charlie in goal, which looped over the heads of everybody, which he calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

A few changes in personnel were then requested. Kit, Louie, and Oscar were introduced to the field to take the game to Chellaston. The game was levelled shortly afterwards as Chester managed to dispossess the outrushing defender before taking a touch out his feet and firing into the back of the net. Louie had been tasked with dropping into the defensive position and followed in Freddies footsteps, looking composed and assured, being strong in the tackle and releasing the ball well, to get the Hearts back on the attack. Oscar was dropped into the striker role, following his excellent performance the previous week and was his usual busy, menacing self.

The Hearts shortly afterwards took the lead, as some intricate play which started from Charlie in goal, made its way through nearly the entire team, before finding the feet of Kit who dispatched a curling effort into the far corner. Chellaston then showed they were to be no pushovers, equalising with another unstoppable shot, one which Iker Casillas would have struggled to get fingertips to (and he's rated 91 on FC24 so I'm told!!).

The first half was not finished with goals as Lucas then broke away, taking the ball from the halfway line, before calmly slotting the ball off the inside of the post to claim his second of the day. Chellaston was not finished in the first half either and managed to sneak an equaliser on the stroke of half time. Excellent first half for the neutrals.

The second half began fairly frantic, both sides looking to regain the lead. It was to be, however, Chellaston, who would begin the second half the brightest and taking a deserved lead, Heanor unfortunately not out of the blocks from the break.

Uncharacteristically, the Hearts struggled to gain much momentum in the second period, Chellaston increasing their lead by two, shortly after. Heanor responded, however, and much like our previous week’s performances, there was great optimism from the coaches that this would spur the team on to keep the game really close.

A loose pass from the Chellaston defender, who had been magnificent all game, fell to the feet of Charlie, who danced his way through three challenges, before releasing Chester who grabbed his second of the game with a lovely, placed finish into the far corner. The Hearts pushed for an equaliser but were pegged back, as Chellaston regained their two-goal advantage. Sadly, this was to be all she wrote, the referee blowing for full time.

A great game for the neutrals, plenty of excellent finishes, and a deserved brace for both Lucas and Chester. The Heanor Ultras were uncharacteristically quiet, perfectly observing the Silent Support Weekend campaign. Expecting this to change next week with the usual chanting and flare usage!

Seriously though, not our best performance by any means, but the Hearts go out every week and play with spirit, enjoying their football and being competitive in all games they play, regardless of opposition. This is what we strive for as coaches. The result is a distant third place, behind performance/learning and, most importantly, enjoyment. We are so lucky to have the team and players we have, who will all go on to have very bright football careers.

Players of the Match

Chester Brown - worked hard all game, chased down defenders, looked to get in behind, and fully deserved his brace. Both goals were expertly taken. Chester looks to get on the front foot every game, running at the opponents and finding the passes at the right times. Well done, Chez.

Lucas Baldwin - another couple of goals for Lucas, again fully deserved. A couple of very clever finishes, too. Lucas showed his versatility today in slotting into the right-wing position before reverting back to his accustomed defensive role. Both of which he looked steady and assured all game. Well done, Lucas.

We go again next week as we look to respond against a tough Duffield Dynamo Cyclones team.

Heanor Town Thunder U7's vs. Alvaston DFC Gullit U7's

Outclassed but never outfought.

Heanor came into this game in great form, unbeaten since the 1st game after the Xmas break.

Gullit have recently been promoted from group 6, are highly physical, as the Thunder boys can attest to following our cup tie earlier in the season and have recently been outperforming some of the best local teams in Tournaments.

The Thunder started on the front foot and looked disciplined during the opening stages. The boys looked to move the ball around and find teammates in advanced positions, but Alvaston held firm and looked dangerous on the counter.

The Thunder were caught out twice before the break, Alvaston expertly finishing from the edge of the box, both efforts completely unsavable.

Tactics and formations were tweaked at half time in an effort to protect the keeper from Alvaston’s' dangerous counters.

Heanor started the second half positively and looked much more solid. The additional protection in defence gave the Thunders more offensive players confidence to push on and press high.

Louie and Spencer distributed the ball from deep and time after time found the likes of Frankie, Jax, and Oliver Booker in great positions, although we were thwarted by great goalkeeping, and a little indecisiveness when through one on one.
The corners racked up and dead ball Jax got us back in the game with a trademark goal direct from the corner.

In truth, we then let Alvaston off the hook by changing back to our original system in the hope of getting the Thunder boys in more advanced positions. Alvaston duly capitalised on a lack of defensive numbers and mistakes by hitting us on the counter twice late on to take the game away from the Thunder.

A great effort, the scoreline didn't reflect the game with Alvaston, just that little bit more decisive in front of goal.

Goal scorer - Dead ball Jax

Triple MOTM today as it was too difficult to split them... Jax, Louie, and Roux.

Basford CFC Blue U8's vs. Heanor Town Titans U8's

The Titans were at a familiar ground this weekend, having played Basford a number of times over the last 12 months, with every game being very competitive, and today's game was no different.

Defensively, the Titans worked tirelessly today, with Jude, Podge, Jacob, and Seth all working their socks off to protect the Titans' goal and never gave up. They were all strong in their tackles, never missed a ball, blocking powerful shots, and always looked to play forward when the opportunity came.

In midfield today was a combination of Hasan, Little Charlie, Big Charlie, and Noz. Each and every one of them were fantastic. Desire, work rate, attitude, and confidence with and without the ball was on show. They all worked as a unit to not only attack and create chances but always work back to help the defence out. They never stopped from the first to the last whistle. They also never let their heads drop when decisions went against them.

Leading the line was Sam today, and he carried on from where he left off last week, driving the team forward and not giving the opposition a moment to settle when in possession. He got another goal to his name when he saw an opportunity and expertly bent the ball into the far bottom corner, directly from a corner.

The Titans second goal today came through Podge, who’s great movement in the box helped him create a bit of space and he managed to flick the ball into the net from another dangerous corner from little Charlie, which is becoming his trademark.

MOM – GK Oscar – he was the standout performer today, having by far his best game in a Titans shirt. His confidence has been growing over the last few weeks, and it all came together for him today. He made some excellent saves, but the most impressive was his handling. He never dropped a ball and, against some powerful efforts from the Basford forwards, a great performance from him.

G3A Sporting U9’s vs. Heanor Town Harriers U9’s

Finally, after weeks without a game, the Harriers were back in action, starting their Division 2 campaign after being promoted. After more wet weather, the Harriers home pitch was called off, so both teams agreed to switch the fixture.

Playing on a massive pitch, the game was underway. For the first 5 mins, the Harriers struggled with the size of the pitch, and going up a level, it was clear the standard of the opposition was high.

After a while the Harriers settled into the game and started to impose themselves onto the opposition and were soon rewarded after some great work from Kaiden Charlton, who provided the assist for Alin Dragu to fire the Harriers into the lead.

G3A came straight back. Some hesitant defending at the back allowed G3A to equalise.

The Harriers were having to rotate the team at regular intervals due to the size of the pitch, but the Harriers were more than matching their opponents. Midfielders Harry Haslam, Charnley Bolton, and Ashton Vallis played some lovely football at times, looking to get the ball down and play.

G3A continued to show their quality, particularly down the wings. But, when they managed to create chances, the Harriers GK Leo Edge was up to the task making some great saves, backed up by some excellent defending by Alex Taylor, Stanley Taylor, and Riley Thacker.

Half time came, and the Harriers had the chance to catch their breath after putting in so much effort in the first half.

The second half was underway, and both teams were playing their part in a very competitive game. Louie West was introduced to the Harriers' attack and showed some brilliant attacking runs with the ball, giving the Harriers another option in attack.

In a tight game, it was the Harriers who struck next. A brilliant long throw from Kaiden Charlton put Alin Dragu in on goal, who composed himself to fire the Harriers back into the lead.

Soon after, G3A hit back to pull the scores level. And then, in the final minutes, after a lapse in concentration at the back, the Harriers were punished, and G3A scored what proved to be the winner.

This was a harsh way to lose the game when a draw would have been a fair result. It’s a lesson to the Harriers that any little mistake at this level will be punished.

All in all, I'm super proud of the boys, and they showed they will be a match for anyone at this level. Well done to all the Harriers players.

MOM - Kaiden Charlton. Tireless work for the team up and down the wing, even when not feeling great, and two great assists. Well done, Kaiden.

The Harriers are proud to be sponsored by JCB TC Harrison.

Heanor Town Hotshots U9's vs. Allenton United Pumas U9's

In a thrilling encounter between Allenton Utd Pumas and Heanor Town Hotshots, the game unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. With the absence of a referee, the coaches took charge, dividing the duties evenly.

Right from the kick off, Allenton Utd Pumas showcased their attacking prowess, putting constant pressure on the Hotshots' defense. Despite the resilient efforts from Hotshots' goalkeeper, Finley Kerry, who made several remarkable saves, Allenton managed to break through and take the lead with a couple of goals, one controversially due to a missed handball by the ref.

However, the Hotshots didn't back down. They displayed great passing from the back, with players like Otis, Cameron, and Remy holding the fort. Brayden Walsh injected energy into the team, driving them forward relentlessly. Jenson Hadfield's link-up play with Declan up top created promising opportunities, while Asher Walton's lightning pace posed a constant threat down the left flank, delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
Leighton Carter made some descent runs on goal, linking up well with through balls played by Jenson Hadfield.

Despite Kian Taylor pulling one back for the Hotshots in the first half, and Declan Walsh adding another with his slick footwork in the second half, the Hotshots couldn't overturn the deficit. Despite their efforts and some questionable referee decisions, they fell short.

Managers Player of the Match, Declan Walsh - for his well-taken goal and tireless work rate off the ball.

Supporters Players of the Match, Finley Kerry, and Jenson Hadfield - Kerry's exceptional saves kept the Hotshots in the game, while Hadfield's relentless energy and positive impact on the team's attacking play couldn't be ignored.

Despite the disappointment, the Hotshots look forward to regrouping in training and bouncing back stronger in the next fixture.

Springwood United Lightning U9's vs. Heanor Town Hurricanes U9's

The Hurricanes were eager to get back into action and bounce back after a disappointing result last week.

It was the national FA silent support weekend, where both coaches and supporters show their support with applause only, and it was good to see the lads step up and make in game decisions without any instructions and also make and learn from their mistakes too.

This week the opponents were Springwood who to date, the Hurricanes have yet to play, so we knew it was going to be a tough test against a strong team in the newly formed Division 3 of the DJL football hub league.

Straight from the off, the Hurricanes were at Springwood with some real fire in their belly after the pre match team talk, and the coaches enjoyed giving their vocal cords a rest, quickly storming into a two-goal lead.

The first is from an excellent move between Jenson Fletcher, Ellis Bestwick, and Elijah Graham, with Jenson slotting in from Elijah’s final ball into the box. This was quickly followed by a brilliant speculative effort from Jenson once again, catching the Springwood keeper off guard as the ball nestled into the back of the net.

A lesson to be learned from the lads here, as they seemed to then relax and let Springwood back into the game, with a couple of bits of hesitation at the back, the coaches biting their tongue wanting to shout, “Get rid!!!”, presenting two glorious opportunities to Springwood, and they took them both to level the game up. All part of the process of learning and useful experience for next week.

The introduction of Max Appleby saw the Hurricanes go back ahead almost instantly, though, with Max showing confidence on the ball to create a shooting opportunity, and he slotted it away nicely.

Springwood was soon back level though, after successfully converting what can only be described as a dubious penalty decision from a perfectly timed tackle in the box from Finley Shaw to make it all square at half time.

Springwood knew they were up against equal opposition and used the half-time to reset. The Hurricanes were keen to carry on a great first half performance.

The second half was a close affair once again, both teams creating chances with some nice passing football. Charlie Colson, in goal, made a few nice saves in the second half but was unable to stop a well worked goal from Springwood, which put them ahead.

Tyler Higgins had a great game at the back, blocking some good moves from Springwood, and Jenson Harrison back from illness from the last few weeks, put in a great shift, too.

As Heanor pushed for the equaliser, a high back line was caught out, with the Hurricanes caught sleeping leaving Springwood’s lone striker unmarked, allowing her to slot home with a great finish to put the game almost out of reach.

Heanor weren’t done though, Elijah and Finley both working up and down in midfield, chasing back to win the ball for Heanor, allowing Ellis and Jenson Fletcher on the wings to get the ball up the pitch. An excellent run and cross from Jenson down the right wing saw Ellis come close to pulling one back, and Will Johnson too who showed some excellent work rate up top and out wide, on another day could have got his goal.

Jenson Harrison made it a nervy last few minutes for Springwood as he connected with a loose ball outside the box and confidently guided it with the side of his foot into an opening in the Springwood goal. But shortly after, the referee blew his whistle to put an end to an overall very entertaining game, and one the Hurricanes can be proud of, well done, lads. We go again next week.

Parents Player – Jenson Harrison, put in an excellent shift at the back with loads of running after a few weeks out, and scored a great goal, too. Well done, Jenson.

Coaches Player – Jenson Fletcher, some excellent work down the right flank throughout, along with a tidy brace to add to his tally. Well done, Jenson.

Little Eaton Diamonds Phantoms U10's vs. Heanor Town Comets U10's

After a couple of defeats, the Comets were looking to get back to winning ways and the starting line-up for the Comets started with our shot stopper Isaac Swindell in goal with John Rutherford and HHC in front of him in defence, Theo started in a lone midfield role with Olan Brown on the right wing, George Martin on the left wing and our goal machine Jack Hobster up front, starting with a 2-1-2-1 formation. Waiting patiently to make their impact was Harry Peacey, who was returning from sickness, EM, Blaine Walker, Kian Tipton, and Sonny Jackson.

It was a very bright start to the game with both teams getting stuck in and lots of end to end attacking The Phantoms were looking strong in midfield stringing some lovely passes around the Comets, Theo was working very hard in the lone midfield role chasing everything down and blocking the passing lines of the Phantoms. Some strong defending and some great hold-up play from HHC, and John was keeping the Phantoms attack at bay early on. Olan and George were making some lovely runs down the wings causing the Phantoms defence all sorts of problems and Jack was finding some lovely space in the middle of the box, but the final ball just wasn't falling right for the Comets and the Phantoms were able to clear the ball quite comfortably.

Very early on, it was clear to see that it was going to take some wonderful bit of football for either of these teams to break each other down with the tackles in midfield and defence being solid. 15 minutes into the game, and the match still being fairly even, it was time to make a few changes and freshen up the Comets side, so on came Harry and Kian into midfield forming a solid duo to try and take control of the game, EM and Blaine came on at the back to form a solid partnership in defence and on came Sonny onto the left leaving ourselves without a striker playing a 2-2-2 formation.

The changes helped the Comets as we could now see more control in midfield, both Harry and Kian were making some great tackles winning the ball back for the Comets and then playing some lovely passing football working it around the Phantoms in midfield. Some of the final passes just seemed to be a little bit short by the Comets, with the coaches urging the players to make the final pass that little bit stronger. The Phantoms were proving to be difficult to break down and also playing some lovely counterattack football, creating some chances of their own. Their efforts were saved by our shot stopper, Isaac, who was also very brave in coming out to collect the ball from the Phantoms through balls. A big kick up the pitch, and the whistle blew for half time.

A very evenly matched half for both teams. After a team talk from the manager, we knew this game was there for the taking, but it was going to take some excellent football in order to break the Phantoms' defence.

A few changes at half time with HHC and Harry starting in defence, with Theo coming back on into the lone midfield role, Jack gave Olan a rest and came onto the right wing, George on the left wing and John out of defence and into the striker’s role switching back to the 2-1-2-1 formation.

This meant that Theo had plenty of running to do in that lone role and was doing it tremendously, making some great tackles winning the ball back and looking for our wingers. We said it was going to take some great football to break down the Phantoms defence and in the 34th minute of the game, George picked up the ball on the left side of midfield and played an excellent through ball down the middle to find John opening up a gap for himself in the Phantoms defence. John, now one on one with the keeper, calmly slotted the ball hard and low to the keepers left, putting the Comets deservedly ahead.

The Comets knew they had to stay switched on as the Phantoms were not going to go down without a fight. Some excellent passing football and some great dribbling from the Phantoms attackers were starting to open up the Comets defence a little bit, but the hold-up play was great from HHC and Harry in defence, but the clearances were falling to the feet of the Phantoms. With some lovely passes out to their wingers, they were able to deliver some terrific balls into the Comets box and some more great shots to test Isaac, who was proving that he didn't want to be beaten today with some more brilliant saves.

A few more fresh legs saw Blaine and EM come on in defence again, with Kian coming on to play the lone midfield role, Olan back on the right, Sonny back on the left and John staying upfront. The Phantoms were still picking the ball up in midfield, but Kian was covering the area very well, closing everything down and getting stuck in to win the ball back. With it being silent supporters’ week this week, the Comets were excellent at talking to each other on the pitch today, staying very organised in their positions and marking players when defending. The runs down the wings from Olan and Sonny were brilliant, getting balls into the Phantoms box, but their keeper was also very commanding in making some great saves of his own and collecting the ball when needed.

Time was running out for the Phantoms who were trying their hardest to get back into the game, throwing attack after attack at the Comets but the saves from Isaac were outstanding and the defending from EM and Blaine was equally as good clearing the lines on many occasions.

With just 2 minutes left to play Jack was brought on to replace John who had an excellent second half upfront, Theo came on for some fresh legs in the lone midfield role and Harry came on to replace Blaine for some fresh legs at the back.

The Phantoms were now throwing absolutely everything at the Comets. Some lovely play down the left-hand side and 2 really powerful shots were made from the attacker and Isaac was forced into a great double save keeping the Comets in front and unfortunately getting hurt in the process, but like the warrior Isaac is, he got back up and shook it off for one final Phantoms corner. Everyone for the Comets was back defending. A great ball into the box and the ball was bouncing around everywhere in a very scrambled box, and one final shot went wide and every Comets player punching the air knowing the defending was excellent as a team.

The goal kick was taken, and the referee blew the final whistle. The Comets had battled hard and earned themselves a victory. They worked very hard as a team again today showing that they can talk to each other on the pitch and stay very organised when needed, the grit and determination from the Comets today was brilliant handling some very good and dangerous Phantoms attacks.

Goal scorer - John Rutherford, 34 mins.

Supporters Player of the Match - Isaac Swindell.

Managers Player of the Match - Theo Henshaw.

Isaac most definitely kept us in the game today with some tremendous saves. His talking was excellent to his defenders, letting them know when they could leave it for him to calmly collect, and Isaac was also very brave when closing the Phantoms attackers down, making himself big and not being beaten in goal keeping another clean sheet. Well done, mate.

Theo's work rate and energy today were amazing. He covered the whole of the pitch, making some wonderful tackles, helping to cover in defence when the defenders were out of position due to closing the Phantoms down. Also, some excellent passing football in the midfield linking up with his teammates and moving into some great spaces, closing the passing lines of the Phantoms, too. Well done, mate.

Thank you to the supporters for staying quiet on silent supporters’ week. I know how difficult this can be, but the players certainly adapted to the atmosphere and pulled together as a team to get the job done.

Thank you to the Comets sponsor, Matthew Walker, from the whole of the Comets family.

Spondon Dynamos Spitfires U10's vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10's

The Hawks unlucky again.

The Heanor Town Hawks were facing Spondon Dynamo Spitfires, and with a fully fit squad, the team was eager to get back to winning ways.

Getting used to being back playing on the new 3G pitches has been proving to be tricky for the team, and although they’ve been playing some nice football and giving their all, they’ve just lost their mojo and confidence over the last couple of games.

The Hawks started well and took the game to Spondon in what was a very even first half. The teams were well matched, and a swift counterattack saw Spondon catch Heanor out of shape n take a slender lead into the break.

Again, Heanor came out battling and trying to play their football, but a loose ball was pounced on by the opponents which saw Spondon double their lead, in what was a hammer blow to the Hawks, and at a time when the team was looking to force an equaliser, it gave Spondon a bit of breathing space.

The Hawks kept going, and a brave bit of goalkeeping forced the team into making a change as our number 1 got a knock for his efforts.

Spondon we’re ruthless at the death, and a couple of late goals saw the score line flatter them. Heanor played well again, and if they could have taken the lead, I’m sure it would have been a totally different match.

Onwards and upwards as ever, with lots of positives and good performances today.

Well done to today’s MOTM, Shay Debrouwer. This lad always gives his all and is always looking to get the team forward with some nice passing. Well done, mate. Keep up the good work.

Bingham Town FC Girls U14's vs. Heanor Town Tornados U14's

The Tornados were back in league action to face Bingham. The team was against it from the off with Grace C, Layla, and Freya unavailable, and then Sienna and Flick both unwell, so having to pull out. The Tornados must be the unluckiest side in the county as this was now the third time this season that they would only have the 11 available.

Julia was in goal with a hurriedly makeshift defence of Evie, Issi, Captain Grace L, and Eva (with two of them playing in unfamiliar positions) in front of her Scarlett, Lilli, and debutant Skye made a midfield three, whilst Esme, Nelly, and Sharna were the front three.

The game started at a fast pace and the Tornados did well for the opening spell but then mix-ups came into the game and the hosts scored five unanswered goals that were slightly fortunate as the Tornados were still trying to sort themselves out. The game was probably over there and then but the team were asked to show what they were made of and started to do just that.

Nelly had a golden chance but blazed over whilst Esme and Sharna were creating problems. Scarlett, Lilli, and in particular Skye were getting stuck in to push the team up the pitch with Nelly ending the half breaking through and tucking home. The goal was what they had deserved. The defence got stronger as the half went on with Evie, Issi, and Grace L putting it all on the line, and Eva was excelling at left back. Julia stood no chance with any of the Bingham goals.

At the halftime break, the side were asked to keep doing what they had done in the last moments of the first half and show what they could do with the ball. With no subs, it was clear energy had to be conserved as much as possible whilst remaining competitive.

The second half was much better from the Tornados, and they created chance after chance whilst remaining tight at the back. Julia was on her toes to gather the ball when it came through, and the Bingham strikers shot wide on the few occasions the ball did beat her.

Evie, Issi, Grace L, and Eva were much more solid as the half went on whilst Lilli, Scarlett, and Skye took the battle to the hosts. Nelly again shot over when it looked easier to score, and then Sharna uncharacteristically for this season missed when put through one on one and it looked like it was another one of those games.

Then Sharna broke down the wing to put in a lovely cross towards Esme, who made no mistake to get her first goal to jubilant scenes. The hosts got one more, but it was Sharna who finished the scoring by lobbing the keeper with a beautiful goal.

If the Tornados had took their chances, they might have come away with the victory and chance conversion is something to work on, but the fact that they went and won the second half with only the bare minimum shows that these girls can give sides tough games and the coaching team are hopeful with the return of a few players that it will be the Tornados celebrating soon.

Coaches Player - Skye. Any player could have got the award today, but Skye had a superb debut

Players player - Evie. Got stuck in and played some great balls down the line to start attacks

Head of Juniors Player - Eva. A remarkable game being asked to slot in at left back and looking like she has played there all season. Brilliant stuff

Team sponsored by
j&a engineering
Broadbents Solicitors

"Having been around the Tornados training this season, it was very surprising as an outsider why the results weren't coming the Tornados way as there's a lot of talent within the team. James is very right. The luck just doesn't seem to be falling kindly for the Tornados. That being said, I truly enjoyed the experience this game served up as viewing. It had everything. Goals, work rate, determination, it was great, and I'm proud of them all for not giving up and putting the game to Bingham. One player who stood out for me was Eva Ward. Having to play in an unfamiliar position to give her team the best chance, she took it all in her stride, and it was unnoticeable to me that it's not her usual position. Eva covered every blade of grass up and down the left-hand flank and came off the pitch exhausted after giving the team everything she had at the end of the match. The HOJ award is focused on teamwork, effort, determination, and positive attitude, and with Eva demonstrating all of those elements and many more, it was an easy choice for me today. Well done, Eva. Thoroughly deserved, and I look forward to seeing you and the Tornados getting the results you deserve on the near future. " - Head of Junior Football, Craig Peacey.