Heaton Hawks 5 Heddon United 2

It was a classic game of two halves at the weekend as the Hawks had to dig deep to defeat a determined Heddon United in the cup.

Heaton started strong, seizing an early lead through a sensational long-range strike from Liv that flew into the net. However, despite enjoying almost total possession, the momentum swung. Heddon capitalised first on a corner, with Tasha Wilson heading home the equaliser, and then took a shock lead just before the break. A misplaced challenge right on the edge of the box saw a penalty awarded, which Rhiannon calmly slotted away, making the half-time score 2-1 to Heddon. This was certainly not the scenario the Hawks, who pride themselves on controlled possession and playing from the back, had envisioned.

The introduction of Beth, Lou, and debutants Lucy and Soph at the interval immediately changed the dynamic. Soph wasted no time in grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck, smashing in a brilliant equaliser to level the score. Lucy looked sharp and dangerous, quickly making her mark by putting the Hawks ahead, a goal that finally seemed to knock the stuffing out of a tiring Heddon side that had defended doggishly until that point.

With the game now entirely one-sided, both debutantes capped off memorable performances. Lucy and Soph added further goals to complete a decisive second-half turnaround, securing a 5-2 victory.

While perhaps not the Hawks’ finest display of fluid, passing football, a cup win is a cup win. The team showed great Team Spirit and resilience to progress!