Stanton Ilkeston Lions U7's vs. Heanor Town Hearts U7's
Spondon Dynamo Pumas vs. Heanor Town Thunder U7's
Heanor Town Hurricanes U9's vs. Heanor Juniors Dragons U9's
Heanor Town Comets U10's vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10's
Heanor Juniors Panthers U11's vs. Heanor Town Flames U11's

Team of the Week:

Harvey – U7 Hearts
Oliver – U7 Thunder
Tyler – U9 Hurricanes
John – U10 Comets
Heath – U10 Hawks
Keagan – U11 Flames

Match Reports:

Stanton Ilkeston Lions U7's vs. Heanor Town Hearts U7's

The football then produced from the Hearts was nothing short of breathtaking, passing the ball around between themselves with real confidence, leaving first half keeper Oscar nothing more than a spectator. Lucas was as solid in defence as he has showed all season; winning tackles and controlling every ball that came his way to distribute out to a teammate every time.

The attacking threat of Harvey and Freddie was relentless, Harvey going close to adding a second with a rocket of a strike, which came crashing back off the cross bar. Harvey then picked up on a loose ball and this time made no mistake, firing another powerful effort from range (halfway line according to Harv’s), which this time flew past the Stanton keeper to double the lead.

Charlie and Kit were introduced, and both carried on in the same vein as their teammates with some superb passing play and a real desire to win the ball back quickly. The woodwork then came to Stanton’s rescue once more, before Kit claimed his rewards from pressing early and winning the ball back high up the pitch, he kept his cool with an extra touch and then struck another well-placed shot into the bottom corner to extend the Hearts lead.

Stanton hit back after dispossessing Charlie out on the left. However, it came as he was encouraged to test the Stanton players by running at them, no criticism whatsoever for trying to brave on this occasion.

Stanton then came out for the second half and improved instantly; however, they were met by a very determined keeper in Harvey, who produced a string of impressive saves.

Oscar, Charlie, and Chester were continuing to chase every ball down, with the latter almost producing a carbon copy of his earlier solo wondergoal. Charlie then had the goal gaping in front of him from a great ball in from Oscar, but the bounce was awkward, and he fired his effort high over the bar… (if only headers were permitted).

Freddie and Lucas continued to defend like a prime ‘Rio and JT’, with Harvey producing a further couple of unbelievable saves to see out a goalless second half for both teams.

A fantastic performance from the Hearts from the first minute to the last, a milestone performance in many ways, with the little green shoots of what will be a very good football team, really starting to appear.

Player of the Match – Harvey Ward, really had his shooting boots on in the first half, with a couple of ferocious strikes, and unlucky not to get more than the one goal. The award is probably more warranted for his second half performance between the sticks.. he never lets us down when asked to play in goal, and today was no different.

Massive well done, Harv’s!

The U7 Hearts are proudly sponsored by Blue Stream Academy www.bluestreamacademy.com and Cytec Solvay www.solvay.com

Spondon Dynamo Pumas U7's vs. Heanor Town Thunder U7's

It was a great game against a highly rated team who have recently been promoted and held the best team in the league, Belper, to a draw last week.

Spondon took an early lead with two fantastic strikes. The second from a half volley from the halfway line. They were full of confidence and getting the ball forward early, but Harvey held firm at the back.

The Thunder boys gifted Spondon the ball far too frequently in the opening exchanges, lacked a bit of energy, and didn't quite work their way into the game.

Heanor pulled a goal back from a deliciously whipped corner from Jax, which was flicked on by Frankie. It ricocheted off the post and into the back of the net.

This revitalised Heanor and the Thunder boys became a pressing nightmare for Spondon, who simply could not keep the ball for 5 seconds without Jax, Louie, Frankie, or Shay nicking it off them. Frankie was fouled on the edge of the box just before half time and up stepped Jax to curl a delightful free kick into the top corner.

The second half carried on as the first finished, with the Thunder winning their individual battles. Spencer, Frankie, and Louie all want close.

The Thunder pressed on, and Spondon could not get a foothold in the game. The best player on the field was Spondons keeper, which is a testament to how much control Thunder had in the second half. Spondon had a chance on the counter when the ball fell kindly for them in the box, and unfortunately for us, they took that one chance and buried it. This was the last kick of the game.

Very proud. Despite the defeat, this was comfortably our best performance yet. The boys worked so hard for each other and did not deserve to lose.

Special mention for Jax, who is becoming a set piece specialist and worked his socks off despite illness.

MOTM was Oliver Burnell, who mopped up around his box well and distributed the ball brilliantly when in net, again, despite illness and a stinking cough that unfortunately ended his game prematurely.

⚽ Frightening Frankie Davies
⚽ Mad Jax Price-Hood
MOTM - Oliver 'The Cat' Burnell

Heanor Town Hurricanes U9's vs. Heanor Juniors Dragons U9's

Given the recent wet weather, the first encounter between these two local Heanor sides was moved to a 3G venue, for what was expected to be a close encounter, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The game started with some end-to-end football, both sides clearly pleased to be playing after two weeks of waterlogged pitches, and loads of hunger and great battling were on display.

Ellis Bestwick was the first to test the Dragons keeper after latching onto a super through ball, shielding off the defender to get his shot away, forcing a great save.

An unfortunate handball was to create a free kick opportunity for the Dragons to open the scoring, and it was executed with an excellent finish.

The game remained very close, with some good moves from both sides, but a hard press from Elijah Graham presented an opportunity to slot home a neat finish.

Half time was almost upon us when from nowhere, not one but two, quick-fire long-range efforts were sent sailing past a helpless Charlie Colson in the Hurricanes goal, both coming with a “You don’t save those!!” strap line, to send the Dragons in ahead and the Hurricanes slightly shell shocked, after what had felt like a solid half.

After a small pep talk, the Hurricanes came out 2nd half absolutely blazing and put in a superb display.

Finley Shaw, Tyler Higgins and Max Appleby we’re all rock solid at the back for Heanor and barely put a foot wrong throughout, some excellent blockages, tackling and top-notch distribution from the back was a pleasure to watch.

Jobie Edmonds-Jackson was instrumental in central midfield, blocking lots of moves and progressing the play forward for Heanor, and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after a goal mouth scramble.

Elijah continued to be all over the pitch as usual, and pulled one back with another solid finish after great Hurricanes move, almost ripping the back of the net out to get the Hurricanes back in the game with ten minutes or so left.

Charlie Colson, in the Hurricanes goal, was ready for any more long-range attempts and had a brilliant second half making some excellent saves to keep Heanor in it.

Another burst of energy from Elijah saw him execute another superb finish after a great run down the right flank to create the opening, to draw the game level and complete his hat trick.

On another day the Hurricanes could have taken all 3 points, with Will Johnson who had done a great job leading the line for most of the game was agonisingly close to sealing it right at the death after a great ball in from Ellis on the left, but Wills astute finish just travelled the wrong side of the post by a whisker.

An enthralling game finished all square and a real spectacle for both sets of parents on the sideline.

Parents player - Tyler Higgins, had a great game at the back, started some super moves with his confident passing, and made an awesome last-ditch tackle to save a certain goal. Well done, Tyler.

Coaches player - the whole team, every single player was brilliant today, showed buckets of fight and battled to the end, with some great football too, well done to them all.

Heanor Town Comets U10's vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10's

With the horrendously wet weather disturbing fixtures once again this week, both the Comets and Hawks were eager to get playing. So much so, we arranged this friendly to let off some football energy.

The Comets squad for the day had trusty keeper, Isaac Swindell, in goal, with the rest of the team not necessarily playing in their usual position, with the Comets using the opportunity to rotate trial positions. Outfield players available were Blaine Walker, Harry Peacey, John Rutherford, HHC, Theo Henshaw, Kian Tipton, Jack Hobster, Olan Brown, and George Martin.

The Hawks similarly set out with number 1, Jake Powles in goal, with outfield players Heath Housden, Logan Dyjas, Carter Rogers, Isla Brock-Thompson, Alan Dlugosz, Rex Reed, Oscar Barrett, Logan Riley-Holmes, and Shay Debrouwer.

The match started with the Hawks passing the ball around well, looking to release play down the wings. The Comets stuck to their game plan and stayed solid, waiting for the opportunity to burst forward.

Isaac was on top form in the Comets goal, comfortably commanding his area and goal. This was only to be matched at the other end of the pitch, where Jake was putting his body on the line for his team, saving numerous attempts.

John was playing in a new defensive position, in part due to his performance there in the Gregg Cup. His determination and strength held him well, and he took to the new role perfectly marshalling the Comets' defence.

Comets midfielder Theo released a lovely through ball for George to run on to. His shot managed to thumble through goalkeeper Jake's great diving save, for Olan to emphatically smash it into the back of the net. ⚽️

The Comets know that the Hawks never give up and had to stay resolute to keep them at bay. Heath picked out numerous long-range passes down the wings for Oscar and Shay to each test the Comets defences. Logan RH also got in on the action, forcing Isaac to have to make brave saves.

Numerous changes for both teams as the game went on. Isla came on and straight away challenged for the ball with all her courageous determination. This girl never does anything in halves and sadly injured her leg in the process. A quick rest was needed for the Hawks' hard tackling defender.

Both sets of defences were standing strong. Logan D seemed to be everywhere at the back for the Hawks, similarly, matched at the other end by the Comets number 2, Blaine. HHC, John, Harry, Carter, Isla, and Heath all helped in spells to show how strong our U10's are defensively.

The game seemed to open up with chance after chance for both teams. HHC was in fine form, standing strong in defence and clearing his lines. He also picked out a lovely pass to forward Jack, who couldn't get it past Jake to double the lead. Olan also ran on to a chance but couldn't keep his shot down. Alan then wriggled his way through the Comets defence and hit the post before Shay's shot went just wide for the Hawks. Without much delay, Harry found a pass forward to Jack, who was under great defensive pressure from Hawks defender Carter. Jack managed to lay it back for Kian to blast the ball towards the goal from 20 yards with it agonisingly skimming the outside of the post. Rex then had a driving move forward, seemingly forcing himself and the ball past the Comets midfield, his shot then being blocked by John into the path of Oscar, whose shot also took a deflection wide.

What a great spell of football shown from all!

With the Comets just ahead, the Hawks battled for everything. No more than Logan RH, who never gives up on anything. Isaac came to gather what was a 50/50 opportunity, with Logan determined to get the ball for his team. Isaac bravely got his hands to the ball first but suffered the impact of the challenge. Both Logan and Isaac were hurt, the latter taking the worse of it. Isaac soon picked himself back up, though, and pounded his chest like the juggernaut he is and got straight back into the action.

The game played out with the Comets edging the close battle.

Overall, we all won! We all got the taste of football despite the best efforts of mother nature (and council 'pitch inspectors'), trying to stop us. Excellent by all involved.

Comets Player of the Match - John Rutherford. New position but same old John. He puts his all into everything and is growing in confidence and ability in each match.

Hawks Player of the Match - Heath Housden. The newest member to the Hawks family, although you wouldn't be able to tell. Settled in with a confident performance with a bright future.

Heanor Juniors Panthers U11's vs. Heanor Town Flames U11's

The continuous wet weather looked to extend the Flames' lengthy spell from Saturday morning action until the kind offer of a friendly with our neighbours, Heanor Juniors Panthers.

Having not faced any of the Heanor Juniors sides in a proper fixture since our U7s days, this was an eagerly anticipated derby, with an opportunity for school friends and players who represent both clubs to be on the pitch together.

The Flames looked to get the ball down and utilise the 3G surface to their advantage early on. However, a combination of not finding the killer pass and some last-ditch Panthers defending frustrated the Flames, despite some really promising attacking moves.

The back three of Harry, Joe and Elden were looking assured and confident with their passing at the back, but Panthers had pace up top and went close to opening the lead with a quick counterattack break, testing stand-in Flames goalkeeper Bobby to make the save.

Isaac, Kaeden and Kian started to link up well though, Kian going agonisingly close to opening the scoring, but somehow and uncharacteristically missing from all of two yards… thankfully he saw the funny side, as did the rest of his teammates!

It was now constant Flames pressure, and Kaeden picked out Isaac with a simple lay off for the skipper to drill an inch perfect side footed strike inside the far post from the edge of the area to finally make the breakthrough.

Moments later, debutant Cole broke through to double the lead with a great finish, leaving the Panthers shell shocked. A long clearance from Keagan then found Rico, who timed his run to perfection before dinking a quality finish over the onrushing Panthers keeper.

To their credit, the Panthers struck back with a quality goal on the stroke of half time, a brilliant through ball from midfield and an equally good strike gave Bobby no chance.

The Flames were reminded at the break to move the ball quickly, and they made an instant reaction with a good move down the right-hand side, finished off brilliantly by Archie who had been tasked to play further forward.

The Panthers were still looking up for this game, though, and they finally found a way past the impressive Keagan to pull a goal back from close range.

As demonstrated in their league matches, the Flames don’t let such setbacks deter them from going in search for further goals. It was time for Kayden Coope to get on the scoresheet with a bullet of a left footed strike, which went flashing past the helpless Panthers keeper. He then doubled his tally minutes later with a similar finish to extend the Flames unassailable lead.

With Panthers getting frustrated, the physical presence of Joe, Keagan, and Elden were being tested in defence, which they responded with a ‘no-nonsense’ approach dealing with everything thrown at them. Isaac had to be as strong in midfield. However, he brushed off every challenge and shirt tug, to maintain command in the middle of the park.

The strong rearguard gave the Flames attackers the opportunity to add further goals, Archie with another well taken finish to show he really has developed a keen eye for goal. He then completed his hat-trick with the last kick of the game, an arrow of a finish finding the net via both posts, arguably the ‘finish of the day’.

A confident and mature Flames performance today with some fantastically taken goals. A big thank you to Heanor Juniors Panthers for arranging the fixture and giving us the opportunity to play football.

Player of the Match - Keagan Ruddy. Continuously improving with every minute of action, starting to read the game very well and is a defensive brick wall to get around. Well done, Keagan!

A massive thank you to our sponsor for the U11 Flames - Parallel Parents www.parallelparents.com