Heanor were keen to get back in action after the Christmas period after finishing last year on a high with arguably the best performance of season.

We came up against a new Mickleover team who we knew nothing about. With our trusted keeper Finley Kerry out of action, the Hotshots were already on the back foot even before the first whistle blew.
So up stepped Kian Taylor, who was the first to step up and say he’d take one for the team and put on the gloves.

Heanor started very brightly. Everything Mickleover threw at them, they certainly replied. Playing out from the back, Asher Walton was a menace all game down the left hand side, never scared to accept the ball from the keeper and take players on whilst Camron Rogers did a great job at the back winning vital challenges and living up to his name ‘Crucial Cameron’ as we’ve seen over the years.

Mickleover, although somehow managed to nick a sly goal after the heroic performance by Kian Taylor in net, who kept out some pretty amazing shots. Heanor pressed forward with Remy Beecher on the right, who worked hard and carried the ball forward well when he had it and also made some great tackles. As did Brayden Walsh on the left, who gave it his all. You wouldn’t believe this lad is playing a year up. Great footwork at times from this young lad.

Jenson Hadfield made a great start to the game. His determination to win the ball is great to watch.

The fox in the box Leighton Carter stepped on the pitch and had two good chances in front of goal but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Declan Walsh had great opportunity’s to score and really tested the Mickleover defence with his outstanding footwork.

In the second half, we had to change personnel in goal and up stepped Cameron Rogers to take one for the team, and he didn’t disappoint pulling off some cracking saves.

Our only goal came when Mr consistent, aka Kian Taylor, taking off the gloves and doing what he does best, driving the team forward and scored a great left foot shoot that nestled into the bottom right hand corner.

The Hotshots' tales were now up, and we started to see what these young lads can do. Some magic from Dec Walsh on the left-hand side who slid Hadfield in for easy finish and got brought down in the box. Nail biting stuff with 5 minutes to go. Hadfield stepped up to take the penalty and what a great penalty it was I don’t think he could of put it further from the keeper if he tried, but an absolute worldy of a save from the Mickleover keeper kept them in the game. Hats off to their keeper.

After that, Mickleover hit the Hotshots on the break and scored a scrappy goal with 5 seconds to go.

It's a horrid feeling, but that’s football. We dust ourselves off, and we go again. The next game is against Little Eaton, where we will be looking to at least match our good solid performance today.

Man of the match, Kian Taylor. Great game in between the sticks, even better performance out of them. The way he won the ball back for his team, his efforts, and his sublime goal.
Parents player, Asher Walton. He defends, he attacks, this lad has it all. Without his presence on the pitch, we could have so easily been 4-0 down in the first half.

Heanor Town Football Club

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