Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Venue: John Spence
Competition: Northumberland Football League Cup
Performance to be Proud Of
The Hawks delivered a performance embodying Team Spirit and Togetherness on Sunday, frustrating a strong North Shields side for long periods despite ultimately falling to a 2-0 defeat. While the result was not what the team desired, the commitment and disciplined execution of the game plan were a huge positive for the squad.
The Battle Plan
Heaton Hawks started with a disciplined approach, moving fluidly between a 4-3-3 and a deep-lying 4-5-1 structure when defending. This tactical flexibility was executed exceptionally well by the team, making the Hawks incredibly hard to break down.
“We battled for every ball and played good football when we could,” showcasing the team’s commitment to both the defensive effort and their preferred passing game philosophy.
The first half was a testament to the Hawks’ organisation, ending 0-0 at the break after successfully nullifying the Shields’ attack and maintaining concentration.
Key Moments
The second half saw the breakthrough for North Shields:
- 1-0 (North Shields): The deadlock was broken when Gosnold’s shot hit the crossbar, bounced down, and was adjudged to have crossed the line, giving the hosts a narrow lead.
- 2-0 (North Shields): Shields secured the victory following a corner delivered with pace, converted by the on-rushing Deverdics.
Hawks Spirit Shines Through
The Competitive spirit of the Heaton Hawks was evident throughout the match. Every player demonstrated a positive attitude and outstanding commitment, ensuring the scoreline remained respectable against a high-quality opponent. The ability of the team to frustrate the opposition and stick to the technical instructions highlights the strong squad unity and the growth of the team.
Overall: A performance full of effort, enjoyment, and unity. The Hawks can take immense pride in their tactical display and commitment on the pitch, continuing to build on their core values.