Spondon Dynamo All Stars U7’s vs. Heanor Town Hearts U7’s
Heanor Town Thunder U7’s vs. Alvaston DFC Guillit U7’s
Heanor Town Hotshots U9’s vs. Chesapeake Apaches U9’s (friendly)

Sadly, all other fixtures were called off due to waterlogged pitches.

Team of the Week:

Albie – Mini Cubs Club
Riley – Mini Cubs Club
Teddy – Cubs Club
Ronnie – Cubs Club
Charlie – U7 Hearts
Chester – U7 Hearts
Frankie – U7 Thunder
Asher – U9 Hotshots
Jenson – U9 Hotshots

Cubs Clubs Stars of the Week:

This weeks session saw the redevelopment of our winter indoor sessions. Well done to all that came and enjoyed the fun and games. Thank you ever so much to Full Power Fitness for allowing us o use your facility.

This weeks stars were Albie and Riley in the Mini Cubs session. Teddy and Ronnie were the stars of the Cubs Club Session. Well done to all.

Match Reports:

Spondon Dynamo All Stars U7's vs. Heanor Town Hearts U7's

The Hearts boys were back in action today following a break last weekend. A ridiculously tough run of fixtures and results had seen the Hearts early season confidence and form derailed somewhat, but they were as eager to get back out on the pitch and put in a performance today, as ever!

All Stars hit first, though, early on with an unstoppable free kick past Charlie. They soon doubled their lead with a low effort into the bottom corner.

The Hearts could have been forgiven for rolling over going two goals behind so early on, but this group have a fighting spirit, and they came back out swinging.

Some exquisite flowing football followed. Oscar went driving forward towards goal but was tripped as he looked to take aim on goal. Harvey unleashed a pile-driver of a free kick, which came crashing back off the bar. Oscar then went close again, hitting the post. It was now all Hearts, Kit, and Freddie were winning their individual battles and keeping the pressure on the All Stars defence with great vision and passes forward.

A long pass forward from Charlie found Louie, who went pounding in on goal, the keeper failed to deal with the ball thanks to the perseverance to press from Louie and he got his rewards as he finally struck to get the goal which the Hearts had truly deserved.

Lucas then rattled the woodwork once more much to the despair of the Hearts coaches and spectators. The game could have been out of sight by halftime had it not been for the frame today!

Charlie had watched on from between the sticks and was like a coiled spring itching to get amongst the action as he took his position on the left side of midfield for the second half. He wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet with a terrific left-footed finish, which flew past the All Stars keeper.

All Stars struck back to retake the lead, but it was a temporary setback as the Hearts retook a full stranglehold of the game.

Charlie turned provider whipping in a lovely cross for Harvey to swivel and smash his effort against the post, this time the ball came back to the feet of Harv’s who remained alert to tap home the rebound.

Charlie then found himself with time on the ball just over halfway. He skipped past the incoming challenge and slotted home his second of the day.

Moments later, he picked out Louie, who went racing through on goal to notch his second of the day with another brilliantly taken finish.

Chester had been relentless with and without the ball, not once being deterred by the bigger All Stars defender who simply couldn’t handle the energy that Chester had. His determination down the right-hand side ended with the ball falling at the feet of Charlie, who calmly rolled the ball forward before setting himself to sweep home another delightful finish into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick.

An all-round brilliant performance from every single Hearts player. Back to their best today, pressing the opposition superbly well, fighting for each other all over the pitch and looking lethal going forward with some fantastic goals scored, and many chances created.

Player(s) of the Match - Charlie Middlemiss & Chester Brown.

Charlie was unstoppable today, ending a frustrating few weeks of illness and a dip in form with a masterclass in finishing and a couple of equally good assists.

Chester continued with his superb form today and deserved to win the recognition along with Charlie for his sheer grit and determination. He’s been the most consistent performer these past few weeks and is improving week after week.

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. Alvaston DFC Guillit U7's

The Thunders were full of enthusiasm entering the next cup round against Alvaston, having had the game postponed last week due to the bad weather.

Alvaston was a well organised team from the off, showing the strength and build of what you'd believe to be much older players. The Thunders were forced to work hard, particularly in midfield, with Louis and Oliver Burnell running the miles early on.

Alvaston found their players well and created a chance to bury the ball into the Thunder goal. Despite the goal, Harvey remained solid in defence, stopping Alvaston’s quick advances and being resilient to their hard playing.

Big kicks up the pitch gave Frankie opportunities to break and drive the ball forward, which gave the Thunders the belief they needed.

With the work rate high, Shay and Jax supported the midfield and put the tackles in where required, with Shay going millimetres shy of scoring when the ball bounced off the post.

After half time, Oliver Booker equalised with another break and a thumping goal. Spencer took defensive duties again with tackles needed thick and fast.

Alvaston went ahead, scoring twice more with quick passing and leaving the Thunders a little exposed. Another few unlucky scrambles for Thunders meant the ball was cleared off Alvaston's line three or four times, denying the Thunders further goals.

Against the play, Alvaston created a sudden break down the side of the pitch, resulting in another hard shot for their final goal. Jax came off after getting a second clattering, and Oliver Burnell prevented a further goal by pushing the ball round the edge of the post before Shay, Louis, and Frankie drove forward again. A final flurry of Thunder corners still couldn't find the back of the goal.

A really brutal exhausting game with bad luck for the Thunders not to be closer. All the lads worked hard against a very tough team, but they could hold their heads high they didn't give in.

Player of the match - Frankie, for continuously having the right attitude to drive forward and lift the team even when play was against them.

Heanor Town Hotshots U9's vs. Chesapeake Apaches U9's (friendly)

Heanor Town Hotshots made a return after three weeks with no game due to the weather postponements, but we managed to secure a venue to play our match against Chesapeake. The debut of the Hotshots' new away shirts added to the excitement, setting a buzzing tone for the game.

Jenson Hadfield's commanding presence from the first minute set the pace, infusing the team with energy. The midfield trio, led by Declan's skilful manoeuvres and Kian's robust play, consistently drove the team forward with Jenson Hadfield closing players down and maintaining possession. Cameron Rogers showcased versatility, transitioning seamlessly from defence to the centre of midfield.

Asher Walton's confidence shone as he navigated through opponents, contributing to the team's attacking prowess. Finley Kerry's goalkeeping heroics ensured the Hotshots remained solid at the back.

Remy's adherence to his role on the right wing, taking on players and delivering crosses, added valuable contributions. Young Brayden's persistent effort proved to be a constant challenge for Chesapeake.

While chances were missed and defended well on both ends, the Hotshots emerged confident with a promising performance.

With a rematch against Chesapeake next Sunday, the team looks forward to building on their success.

Man of the match - Jenson Hadfield. Really did give a captain's performance from the first minute till last.

Parents player - Asher Walton. Defended well, attacked well, he had everything today.