Heanor Town Hearts U7’s vs. Darley Sports Roma U7’s
Heanor Town Thunder U7’s vs. Holbrook Sports U7’s
Heanor Town Harriers U9’s vs. Beaufort United Blue U9’s
GAD Khalsa Milan U9’s vs. Heanor Town Hurricanes U9’s
AFC Chellaston Giants U10’s vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10’s
Pelican Colts White U11’s vs. Heanor Town Flames U11’s
Priory Celtic FC Girls U12’s vs. Heanor Town Diamonds U12’s
Heanor Town Sambas U12’s vs. Medan Vale Colts FC U12’s
Heanor Town Falcons U13’s vs. Sneinton Town U13’s
Heanor Town Lions U13’s vs. Aspire FC Black U13’s
Heanor Town Oaks U13’s vs. Rainworth Juniors FC U13’s
Heanor Town Unity U13’s vs. Long Eaton United Yellow U13’s
Allenton United Allstars U13’s vs. Heanor Town Warriors U13’s
Heanor Town Saints U14’s vs. Darley Sports FC Bayern U14’s
Heanor Town Tornados U14’s vs. West Bridgeford Colts Mambas Girls U14’s
Heanor Town Black & Whites vs. Allestree Juniors Wolfsburg U15’s

Team of the Week:

Freddie – U7 Hearts
Harvey – U7 Hearts
Spencer – U7 Thunder
Stanley – U9 Harriers
Charlie – U9 Hurricanes
Ellis– U9 Hurricanes
Oscar – U10 Hawks
Archie – U11 Flames
Kelsey - U12 Diamonds
Laya – U12 Diamonds
George – U12 Sambas
Finley – U13 Falcons
Isaac – U13 Falcons
Alfie A – U13 Oaks
Riley – U13 Oaks
The Whole Team– U14 Tornados
Sam – U15 Black & Whites

The Head of Juniors Player of the Match – Ashton Vallis of the Heanor Town Harriers U9’s.

In an intense match which had the balance of the league title hanging over it, the whole team battled with everything to keep the title in reach. Non more so than, Ashton. Constantly high energy levels with a professional work rate to match, moving the team forward as well as tracking back and putting it all on the line to earn the Harriers the victory. The key moment was in the dying moments, when he battled and won the ball back in his own half, looked up, then played a lovely chipped ball forward into the path of his team mate who ran free and set up the winning goal. An excellent performance and wonderful example of a Cubs Club graduate moving on to team football and blossoming. Well done, Ashton. – Craig Peacey, Head of Junior Football.

The Head of Juniors Player of the Match – Alfie Holmes of the Heanor Town Oaks U13’s.

In an Oaks win where he also scored two goals, it would be easy for me to award him for this alone. But Alfie’s game is more than just scoring goals. From his central ‘number 10’ role, Alfie drove the Oaks forward, picking out passes, tracking back to help his defenders, all whilst confidently encouraging his teammates with great communications throughout to help the whole team go on to secure the win. Well done, Alfie. Keep up the great work. – Craig Peacey, Head of Junior Football.

Cubs Clubs Stars of the Week:

Congratulations to this week’s stars of the week, Kaylen, Tommy, Imogen, and George.

Match Reports:

Heanor Town Hearts U7's vs. Darley Sports Roma U7's

On a bitterly cold November morning, the Hearts went up against Darley Sports Roma. The return of Freddie Matthews saw them boast a fully fit team for the first time in nearly a month, and the boys were all raring to go, and put on a performance to warm up the on watching parents and spectators.

As in recent weeks, the Hearts were once again faced with some of the county’s best players at this age group. However, the amazing spirit on show was clear for all to see. Kit, Lucas, and Freddie were stringing some lovely passing football together, with Louie, Charlie, and Oscar pushing forward to try and find the opening goal. Chester was continuing with his recent fine form, letting the Darley boys know he was there with some tireless pressing and chasing down of the opposing players.

Darley had been frustrated by the goalkeeping performance of Harvey, who had produced a couple of unreal saves early on, but he could do nothing to prevent the opening goal which rocketed past him and into the net from distance.

The effect of conceding a few goals in recent weeks seems to momentarily knock the Hearts confidence, as Darley went on the hunt and added two further goals before the half-time break.

As temperatures dropped further, the Hearts were now really starting to have to dig deep as Darley found a further gear and added another unstoppable strike from range. The Hearts picked themselves up again and responded tremendously well. Oscar and Chester continued to chip away, with Harvey now switched to the left side of midfield, looking to drive at the Darley defence and get his team up the pitch.

Despite so much effort from every single individual, their determination couldn’t find a way past the Darley rearguard to really test their keeper. Perhaps a sign of a dip in confidence that has crept in amongst the boys as a collective. Unsurprising for a team so young and who have faced the run of opponents they have in recent weeks. As always, the attitude from every single one of the Hearts boys was exemplary. No matter the result or score, they stick together!

Player(s) of the Match - Harvey Ward & Freddie Matthews. The award goes to two players today, firstly to Harvey for what was quite simply a masterclass performance in goal in the first half, and a fearless second half - defending bravely and looking to test the Darley defence going forward. Well done Harv’s, superb mate!

Lastly, but by no means least, the award goes to Freddie. A really frustrating few weeks has seen Freddie miss training and the last two games due to illness. Despite the time out, he returned today with great determination and defended brilliantly, also a keen eye to find the right pass, trying to play football the right way. Was then brave enough to want the keeper gloves in the second half. Always smiling regardless, brilliant to have you back Freddo! Well done, mate.

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

Heanor Town Thunder U7's vs. Holbrook Sports U7's

The dominant Thunder, growing in confidence! They're now starting to become the team that nobody wants to play against in group five.

Evident from kick-off was the Thunder Boys' willingness to press the opposition into making mistakes. Holbrook showed that they are a good footballing side with a couple of talented individuals who would not be out of place 2 or 3 groups above, but they were afforded no time on the ball due to Louie, Jax, Frankie, Roux, and Shay fighting for every loose ball like their lives depended on it.

Holbrook was forced to play the ball out of play several times in the first half due to the Thunders chasing every ball. Six first half corners were testament to this. Dead ball Jax, his eyes wide with excitement, also went close twice with long-range free kick efforts.

A loose ball in the box following a set piece led to a goal mouth scramble, which resulted in Oliver Burnell forcing the ball over the line via a heavy deflection for the lead.

Holbrook kept going and looked dangerous on the break, but Frankie's intensity paid off, forcing a mistake at the back, and burying the ball past the impressive Holbrook keeper to go in at half time two up.

Holbrook came out with more determination in the second half and started competing more for the 50/50s. Great effort by the Holbrook boys to match the Thunder in the second half.

Hard work nearly paid off for them, as they looked almost certain to pull a goal back when clear through. Spencer had other ideas, though, and pulled off the save of the season, getting down low and somehow keeping a corner bound effort out.

Normal service resumed shortly after. Oliver Booker went close, the corners racked up, and Shay dominated the midfield, tracking back to win the ball and then turning defence into attack with driving runs on several occasions.

Harvey decided to go on an adventure from defence, skipping past the whole Holbrook team and shooting agonisingly wide.

The game ended. Two clean sheets in a row now, and all the Thunder boys exhausted following a tremendous effort.

MOM - Spencer Neville. Hard choice this week, but Spence led by example and deserved the trophy solely for his Gordon Banks-esque effort. Well done, Spencer. Super proud to have you as captain!

Heanor Town Harriers U9’s vs. Beaufort Utd Blue U9’s

On home turf, the Harriers faced Beaufort Utd in the final league game of the season, knowing a win could see them crowned league champions.

With this in mind, the Harriers looked up for this game even before a ball was kicked. The game started at a fast pace, with the Harriers playing on the front foot. They threatened Beaufort's goal on several occasions with great link up play between Charnley Bolton, Alin Dragu, and Harry Haslam. On a heavy pitch, the ball just wouldn’t fall for the Harriers at the right time.

Credit to Beaufort, they had now started to look a threat, particularly on the counterattack, as the Harriers pushed high up the pitch looking for that all-important breakthrough. If not for an unbelievable last-ditch tackle from Riley Thacker, the Harriers could have been behind at the break against the run of play.

The Harriers started the second half in the same manner they played the first, pushing hard for the breakthrough. A great run and cross down the left from Charnley Bolton resulted in the ball falling to Harry Haslam on the edge of the box to smash the ball into the top corner.

The game continued to be played at a frantic pace, and after a lapse in concentration from the Harriers' backline, Beaufort broke through and levelled the score.

This Harriers team are made of strong stuff, though, and they didn’t let their heads drop, but with the time ticking, the Harriers had to go for it, so changed formation to a more attacking shape. With the ever-dependable defence of Alex Taylor, Stanley Taylor, and GK Leo Edge, the Harriers knew they could go for it. Pushing hard from midfield was Ashton Vallis, running himself into the ground with tireless effort. The same for Stanley Taylor, who had now been pushed up in midfield.

The Harriers attacked again, and following a shot from Alin Dragu, a Beaufort defender handled the ball in the box. Penalty to the Harriers. Bravely putting his hand up to take the spot kick was Charnley Bolton, who hit a great penalty only to see the keeper somehow tip it onto the bar.

Running out of time, the Harriers needed a goal and, with minutes left, a great through ball from Ashton Vallis put the charging Stanley Taylor through on goal. He rounded the keeper and squared the ball from a tight angle to Alin Dragu to win the game for the Harriers, much to the delight of all the Harriers' parents and fans.

This was an epic game from the Harriers, full of heart, desire, and determination.

As the other result at the top of the league went against the Harriers, they finished joint top and will now go into a play-off match to decide who the champions will be.

MOM - This was a tough one as there were 8 players worthy of this. But, with a gut busting run to force the winning goal after all that effort during the match, Stanley Taylor just edged it. Well done, Stanley.

The Head of Juniors player of the match went to Ashton Vallis. It was a brilliant game from Ashton, full of energy and determination. Every time he got knocked down, he bounced up and battled with everything he had. Well done, Ashton.

Onto the deciding game next week. Whatever the outcome, we are all incredibly proud of this team. The Harriers are proudly sponsored by TC Harrison JCB.

GAD Khalsa Milan U9's vs Heanor Town Hurricanes U9's

The Hurricanes were back in league action this week as the weather was kind for a change, against an enthusiastic but threadbare GAD Khalsa side.

Heanor we’re favourites going into the game and started the better team, unlucky with a few chances going begging early doors before breaking the deadlock after around 10 minutes, with Jenson Fletcher getting his first of his 3 goals on the day.

After that, it was one of those days with the floodgates opening up, and Heanor demonstrating some good quality passing and teamwork, evident with multiple Heanor players getting on the scoresheet. Elijah Graham, Ellis Bestwick, Max Appleby, and Will Johnson all with braces for Heanor.

Finley Shaw and Charlie Colson both registered their first goals for the club later on, and Jenson Harrison also slotted home for his first of the season, after stepping out of his mainstay defensive duties in the second half.

Tyler Higgins and Jobie Edmonds-Jackson both contributed to a great performance with some solid defending and passing throughout.

Well done to Heanor for an overall great performance, and also to GAD Khalsa, who kept fighting right to the end.

Parents Player - Charlie Colson. Stood in goal for long quiet spells with no complaints and then came out in the second half and scored a superb volley from a corner to register his first goal for the Hurricanes. Well done, Charlie.

Coaches Player - Ellis Bestwick. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game, showing loads of simple pass and move football throughout, and scored a couple of excellent goals. Well done, Ellis.

AFC Chellaston Giants U10's vs. Heanor Town Hawks U10's

We are the winning Heanor Town Hawks.

After showing their battling qualities in last week's 1-1 draw, the team needed to dig deep and show the same desire and effort again today.

With a fully fit team, the Hawks were looking sharp and took a well-deserved lead. Unfortunately, it was short-lived, and the Giants soon found themselves back on level terms.

That seemed to get the opposition going, and the Hawks were unlucky to go in losing at halftime.

Although the Hawks were trying to play some footy, the Giants were kicking them all over the pitch. Myself and Gaz tried to rally the kids and get them to believe and stick to the plan.

The second half was as tough as the first, and with little protection from the ref, the Hawks kept going and were splitting Chellastons' defence open time and time again. We knew we just had to keep trying to play, and no matter how much the other team tried, they simply couldn’t bully this Hawks side.

Our hard work was rewarded with another through ball leading to a Hawks equaliser, which was quickly followed up by another well taken team goal.

Only one team turned up wanting to play football today, and no matter how much the opposition tried to frustrate us today, the Hawks went toe for toe with them and gave as good as they got. Onwards and upwards as ever. COYH

Well done to this week's MOTM, Oscar Barrett, who always gives his all and is a real asset for this Hawks team. He gave everything he had today and has the bruises to prove it. Well done, lad, keep up the good work. You're a star.

Priory Celtic FC Girls U12's vs. Heanor Town Diamonds U12's

The Diamonds made the short journey to Kimberley to face Priory Celtics with promotion already secured, but a win would see them crowned champions of the division in what has been a fantastic first season for all the girls.

With four absentees, the Diamonds lined up with Jodie in goal, Tammy dropping into right back with Kelsey and Layla making up a defensive three. Laya and Kathryn in central midfield flanked on the wings by Lois and Izzy, with Lucy up front. No subs to call on meant the girls had to dig deep and work hard if they were to get the win.

The Diamonds were well up for the challenge and started on the front foot with some neat early passing and found themselves ahead in the first five minutes thanks to a well taken finish into the bottom corner from Izzy.

This set a standard for the remainder of the first half with the Diamonds dominating possession and going close to doubling the lead on a few occasions with Lucy and Laya going close. Kelsey then found herself with acres of space as she picked the ball up in midfield, drove forward into the final third, and rifled a cracking effort that just went wide of the post.

The first half came to a close with the Diamonds in control. A fantastic first-half display, with special mention to Kelsey for her strong defensive display.

No changes made at half time with no subs to come on, the formation and positions remained the same and the Diamonds were reminded that they were 30 minutes away from taking top spot in the league and encouraged to keep up the great work from the first half.

The Celtics did come out fighting with some tough tackles early on in the second half, but the Diamonds remained composed, defended extremely well and once again began to control possession in the middle of the park and looked extremely comfortable on the ball.

Laya was working her socks off all over the pitch and was rewarded with a goal inside three minutes of the restart, coming from a well worked cross into the box that doubled the Diamonds lead. Leading goal scorer, Lucy, capitalised on a poor goal kick five minutes later and neatly slotted the ball home to put the Diamonds in complete control of the game.

Laya thought she had doubled her tally but had a goal ruled out as the flag was up for a marginal offside decision. Undeterred, Laya did get her second of the game with a real poacher's effort to put the game out of reach of the Celtics. Lucy rounded off the goals with her second of the game ten minutes from time with a lovely dribble inside from the left to poke it beyond the Celtics keeper. It could have and probably should have been more, but the Diamonds were well deserving of the comfortable win.

Kelsey was awarded the parents' player of the match for both her defensive and attacking display. Laya was handed the managers' player of the match for covering every blade of grass and for her well-deserved two goals.

A fantastic effort from all the girls in tough circumstances with no subs and some of them not feeling their best with a win that means the Diamonds finish top of the table and earn promotion to Division 2 which is a fantastic achievement for their first season together as a team.

Everyone associated with this remarkable team could not be prouder.

With special thanks to Matthew Walker, who proudly sponsor the Diamonds.

Heanor Town Falcons U13's vs. Sneinton Town U13's

A very cold and frosty morning saw Heanor Town Falcons, fresh from some solid performances, take on Sneinton Town, who were sitting comfortably 2nd in the table with only one loss to their name all season.

Despite being light on players available with only one substitute, the Falcons were in good spirits, and after a warm-up, including some attacking, pressing and tackling drills, were ready to take on the challenge.

Immediately after kick off, Sneinton were showing their intentions, pressing forwards and winning 3 early corners one after another, the collective Falcons defending was resolute with solid clearances by Riley Dawes. Straight on the counterattack saw Alfie Sherwood open up his strides down the right flank, working past two Sneinton players before winning a throw-in, in a forward position. The throw, after several touches, fell to Leo Sinclair, who saw his shot blocked by some solid Sneinton defending.

Sneinton made the most of a counter opportunity, a quick release from their keeping saw them romping forwards with only a great tackle from Josh Benson stopping them in their tracks and drawing a corner. Unfortunately, the corner led to a loose ball 8 yards from the Falcons goal with a Sneinton player able to get a touch and neatly place the ball in the back of the net.

The Falcons pressed straight from the restart, winning a corner within minutes. Alfie sent in a lovely ball, only for the Sneinton keeper to rise very well and collect the ball, keeping it away from the eagerly waiting Falcons forwards.

The following 15 minutes of play saw a very open end to end match, the Falcons keeping their lines and drawing several offside calls, as well as some good driving forwards of their own. During this period, Frazer Neville pulled off an impressive double save, Isaac Martin with some fantastic runs and tackles, linking up with Noah Gill and Deacon Costin on several occasions, Harvey Smith’s endless energy causing Sneinton problems, along with a sublime through ball from Max Renshaw to Alfie which almost saw the Falcons draw level.

The leveller, though, was not to come, despite a period of very even play with both teams having chances, it was Sneinton who would increase their lead. This period of play saw some uncharacteristic traits, including a poor clearance, an own goal compounded by a fantastic Sneinton shot from outside of the box ended the first half with the Falcons unfortunately down.

The second half showed some true Falcons strength and positivity, providing a much better performance. This started with some great forward pressing, involving Isaac charging through the middle and pulling off a shot forcing a Sneinton save. Alfie had some blistering runs down the right, delivering some impressive crosses, and a lovely sprint forward from Finley Wadsworth following a perfectly weighted through ball from KM leading to the Sneinton keeper rushing out to collect the ball.

Despite some really positive Falcon’s play, it was Sneinton who once again found the back of the net following a very quick counterattack. However, showing true Heanor Town Falcons tenacity, the heads did not drop, the effort continued, and the attitude was resolute. This was finally rewarded when Finley made an emphatic run as part of a Falcon’s fast breakaway and cooly slotted the ball home to claw one goal back.

The positivity continued, but the experience of a good footballing team was to prove too much, and despite several further good attacking plays, the Falcons could not increase their tally. The game finished with Sneinton Town the winners.

The Falcon’s must not forget how far they have come this season. For large periods of play during the match, Heanor were on par with a team sat comfortably in 2nd place. There is so much more to come from this team. Well done, Falcon’s!!

Player of the match – Finley Wadsworth.

Heanor Town Tornados U14's vs. West Bridgeford Mambas U14's

The Tornados welcomed the Mambas formally known as Edwalton to Aldercar for their first home game in 2 months. The Mambas knowing a win would seal them the division 1 title.

Collins, Rawson, and MacDonald were unavailable whilst Ward was injured, so it was a squad short on numbers, and then to make matters worse, Goodwin had to pull out during the warmup feeling unwell. So, it was backs against the wall stuff with only 11 able to play.

Zakulec was in goal with Suess dropping into defence with Jones, Shields, and Last. A midfield of Franklin, Prince, Smith, Hull, and Captain Pearson supporting Johnstone up front. The girls were asked to give their best and to try and put the Mambas under as much pressure as possible.

The game started with the Tornados able to cause some problems up front with Johnstone and her running worrying the Mambas defence and Hulls powerful running, meaning there were some last-ditch clearances. Pearson was magnificent all game in midfield, ably supported by Smith, who left it all on the pitch running and chasing after everything.

The scoring was opened when the Mambas striker pounced on a loose ball to give Zakulec no chance. Then Hull let fly with a shot that the keeper saved well. Her next effort wasn't struck as sweetly but fell right to Johnstone, who made no mistake with her finish. A goal the Tornados more than deserved.

Almost straight from the kick off, the Mambas were awarded a penalty that Zakulec got a hand to and was unfortunate not to keep out. The Mambas then got one more before the half-time to perhaps undeserving to lead by 2. But that's the luck that the Tornados have had all season.

At the halftime break, there was nothing but praise from the coaches for the effort and desire the 11 girls were showing. Nothing more could be asked of them.

The second half was a mirror of the first, really. Jones, Shields, Last, and Suess all played their hearts out to keep the Mambas at bay with Franklin and Prince impressing once again on the wings to try and push the home side forward. There is only so much pressure you can absorb, though, and the Mambas got 5 second-half goals. Some with good play and others with good fortune.

Hull did have time to test the keeper with some shots, but as the final whistle came, the score for the visitors was harsh, but they aren't the division champions for nothing.

The Tornados now bid a farewell to division 1, but that is not something to be despondent about, more something to look forward to as division 2 should bring some closer games against some new opposition which all of the Tornados girls and supporters should look forward to as the season continues.

Coaches' player - every girl who played today deserved the award, so that's what they got....it wasn't fair to not award them all for the effort put in.

Team proudly sponsored by:
J&A Engineering
Broadbents Solicitors