REPORTS PAGE

Reports on pre-season friendlies

Malton & Old Malton 2nds 3 - 1 Heslerton         

Team :  R Woodhead,  R Flinton,  M Roach-Pearson, C Sanderson,  N Bell,  M Craig,  S Rackam,  S Oxendale,  P Tiffney,  J Lawley,  L Oxendale,                   Subs:   L Jack,   B Jack.

The result was a fair reflection on the game. Pete Tiffney scored on his Heslerton debut, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error. Rich Woodhead pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the score down against a strong Malton outfit. Craig Sanderson and James Lawley also impressed. Heslerton could have built on the one goal, the other good chances falling to Pete Tiffney who put in a workmanlike performance considering the time of the season. Manager Lee Jack was pleased with the outcome as the players took another step towards fitness.

Heslerton 0  -  0 Sherburn

Team: R Woodhead,  D Wharton,  J Wharton,  S Rackham,  N Bell,  K Lickes,  J Birkin,  S Oxendale,  T Wood,  L Wilson,  L Oxendale,                               Subs: S Stocks,  S Jack,  L Jack.

Sherburn had the better chances in a keenly fought match. Rich Woodhead was again in top form to keep the Sherburn strikers at bay. Heslerton however could have pinched a win with the best chances falling to Lewis Wilson and impressive debutant Travis Wood. Daley Wharton and Sam Rackham also impressed.

Scalby 7 - 0 Heslerton

Team: M Craig, D Wharton, J Wharton, S Rackham,  S Parker,  K Lickes,  R Anderson,  B Anderson,  S Oxendale,  M Roche-Pearson,  L Oxendale,  B Murphy Subs: L Jack,  B Jack,  R Flinton.

Heslerton had the better of the game for the first 10 minutes. Scalby opened the scoring on 15 mins with a free-kick that caught the keeper cold, from then on it was one way traffic. Scalby played some lovely football which Heslerton had no answer to. The lack of a recognised keeper was Heslerton's biggest downfall, however the efforts of stand-in Mark Craig cannot be questioned. Manager Lee Jack was somewhat disappointed the effort and application of the few recognised players in a somewhat weakened team but hailed the efforts of stand-in players Daley Wharton, Ben Murphy and Ben Jack. He was impressed with the effort of Kev Lickes. Also the two young strikers Lee Oxendale and Mathew Roche-Pearson who made adequate progress.

Weekly Reports

8th September    Heslerton 2 - 1 Edgehill Res

Team: K Lickes, R Flinton, L Oxendale, S Parker, N Bell, Andy Lickes, K Metcalfe, S Oxendale, T Wood, S Rackham, R Anderson Subs: M Roche-Pearson, L Wilson, C Sanderson, J Wharton.

Heslerton made amends for last weeks disaster against Star 2 b with a massive victory over Division 2 big guns Edgehill Reserves. This left assistant boss Sandy Jack beaming with joy as he got the better of his old club, while boss Lee Jack said his was one the biggest achievements he has had at the club. Kevin Lickes was the star of the show. The stand-in keeper playing his first ever game in goal came good on several occasions to ease Heslerton's keeper crisis, also scooping the man of the match award. Heslerton made the better start with strike duo Travis Wood and Sam Rackham linking-up well to cause Edgehill all sorts of problems at the back. A brilliant piece of skill by Simon Oxendale to set up Rackham with a great one on one chance was the best move of the first half, only for Rackham to fire straight at the keeper. Against the run of play however Edgehill took the lead through target man Dave Henderson on 23 minutes. He crashed a stunning left foot volley into the top corner from 18 yards leaving the keeper helpless. Heslerton went in at the break, undeservedly a goal down. After the break, Heslerton continued to push Edgehill and got their just rewards on 53 when Lee Oxendale sent Rackham clear for him to lob the keeper for his first goal of the season. After this the game levelled out somewhat but Edgehill struggled to find a way past a tight Heslerton back line well marshalled by the dominant Steve Parker. Shortly after, Heslerton constant battling made Edgehill crack again as the impressive Lee Oxendale converted a Ross Anderson corner to put the hosts a goal to the good. After this it was backs to the wall for the village side as Edgehill threw everything they had at Heslerton only to find Kev Lickes in goal in top form. With the effort of wing backs Lee Oxendale and the excellent Ross Flinton, coupled with tight marking by Nick Bell and Andrew Lickes, Heslerton didn't give much away in the way of clear cut chances. The late introduction of Craig Sanderson at the back shored things up a bit in what were nervy dying moments of the game. This was a true workman like performance by Heslerton who thoroughly deserved the win. They defended from the front with Travis Wood, Sam Rackham and Ross Anderson putting in an unbelievable effort which made the manager very proud, especially Anderson who is looking more and more like the classy player he can be. Kev Metcalfe and Simon Oxendale coped well in what was strong Edgehill midfield of Martin Coulson and Carl Hepples, showing that they are definitely equipped to the step up in standard.

12^th September   Duchess 3 – 1 Heslerton

Team: N. Bell, R. Flinton, L. Jack, C. Sanderson, D. Forbes, S. Parker, J. Lawley, S. Oxendale, J. Wharton, S. Rackham, L. Oxendale. Subs: K. Metcalfe, M. Roche-Pearson.

Duches had the better of the first half and went into the lead after 20 mins when the in form Ian Laing capitalized on some bad marking and raced clear to leave stand-in keeper Nick Bell helpless. The second goal came 5 minutes later when Bell was lobbed. The third again came from a Duchess corner when Danny Haigh raced to the front post and scored a header into the roof of the net with ease. Jordan Wharton forcing a fantastic save from Duchess player-boss Scott Wardman was the only highlight in a poor first half for the visitors. Heslerton came out fighting in the second half and the introduction of  Kev Metcalfe for the injured Simon Oxendale turned things around. Heslerton created plenty of chances in a second period which they definitely had the better of. Unfortunately not enough of these tested the keeper. Wharton got his just rewards with 15 mins left as he beat the keeper to a bouncing through ball to sent the ball over the keeper and into the net. Duchess held firm however and thoroughly deserved the win. Had Heslerton played for the full 90 mins it may have been different. Danny Forbes was the star man for Heslerton at centre-back in what was a very physical game.

19^th September   Heslerton 0 – 4 Newlands Park

Team: D. Lamb, R. Flinton, L. Oxendale, C. Sanderson, K. Lickes, N .Bell, K. Metcalfe, J. Lawley, J. Wharton, S. Rackham, M. Roche-Pearson. Subs: S. Oxendale, L. Jack, T. Wood,             L. Wilson.

 Newlands did most of the pressing in what was a gritty first half for Heslerton. Some good defending and outstanding goalkeeping from Dave Lamb, signed as cover for Rich Woodhead, kept them in the game. Sam Rackham missed Heslerton’s best chance in a one on one situation early on. The first half set the tone as Newlands continued to push and Lamb kept pulling off some stunning saves. Heslerton were finally broke down on 65 mins when the ball went over everyone in the box only for Sam Smart to connect at the back post with a neat volley from close range to put the visitors a goal to the good. Newlands then took control. The second goal was a classic strike from the edge of the box leaving the keeper no chance. The third was a bad defensive mix up. The forth was a rare mistake by the otherwise impressive Lamb as he ran underneath a free kick. Heslerton are finding league life hard but manager Lee Jack is still adamant that with the return of several key players they will still be a force to be reckoned with. Mr consistent Ross Flinton won the man of the match award as his fantastic forms rolls on. Dave Lamb kept the score on single figures. Matthew Roche-Pearson also turned in his best performance of the season.

 22^nd September    Heslerton 0 – 7 CCS Sports (Bridlington)

 Team: R. Woodhead, R. Flinton, L. Jack, C. Sanderson, N. Bell, S. Parker, K. Metcalfe, J. Lawley, T. Wood, S. Rackham, M.Roche-Pearson. Subs: J. Wharton, R.Anderson.

Heslerton welcomed CCS Sports in this East Riding Intermediate Cup Preliminary Round match. They also welcomed back keeper Rich Woodhead. Woodhead was a little ring-rusty but was definitely not helped by his team mates. Lee Jack said this was probably the worst performance he has seen by his team in his time as manger. CCS Sports were a very skillful  and youthful oufit. Heslerton never turned up. The Bridlington side were 3 goals up at half time. Heslerton’s defense failed to cope with most things thrown at them. The midfield was none existent. The strikers failed to get into the game due to partly lack of effort and also lack of decent service. CCS were a good side, but not beyond Heslerton had the effort been there.

 29^th Spetember  Heslerton 0 – 3 Edgehill Res

Team: R. Woodhead, R. Flinton, K. Metcalfe, K. Lickes, N. Bell, B. Duffil, R. Anderson,  T. Wood, J. Lawley, S. Rackham, J. Wharton. Subs: M. Roche – Pearson, L. Wilson, L. Jack.

Heslerton entertained Edgehill Res in the first round of the league trophy. Lee Jack went into this this game with a very depleted squad and had to play several with knocks against a very strong Edgehill outfit. He was pleased however to welcome back Ben Duffil who is now in the army and has been influential over the past two seasons. The effort was certainly better than last week but Heslerton still need key players back if they are to challenge in this standard. Heslerton clung on with Rich Woodhead in great form pulling off some high class goalkeeping which left the visiting team in awe. After 30 mins though the inevitable happened as Glen Gibson was quickest to react putting Edgehill into a well deserved lead. Edgehill doubled their advantage to go into the break two up. Heslerton did however have three good chances to score with Travis Wood and Ross Anderson the main orchestrators. The village side faded a little in the second and when they lost Kevin Lickes to injury, they lost their shape. Edgehill however only managed to add to the score sheet once more despite long periods of pressure. This was mainly due to Rich Woodhead who turned in a man of the match performance on only his second appearance of the season. Lee Jack accepted that it was a slight improvement but concedes that fringe players must start taking their chances while they have the chance, or risk missing out on the squad in future weeks. Kev Metcalfe made a decent contribution at left back. Kev Lickes impressed in midfield. James Lawley worked hard when up front. The biggest plus apart from Woodhead was the performance of Nick Bell at centre half who has struggled in recent weeks since his transition from the Beckett side. Duffill also had a steady game and Travis Wood’s commitment was never in question.

Heslerton 0-4 Edgehill Res

Team: R. Woodhead, R. Flinton, K. Metcalfe, K. Lickes, N. Bell (c), M. Craig, M. Roche-Pearson, S. Parker, J. Lawley, S. Rackham, T. Wood.   Subs: S. Oxendale, L. Wilson.

 Heslerton were again unlucky enough to be drawn against high flyers Edgehill Res in another cup. This time it was the S&D Junior cup. Heslerton started off with some woeful defending and went in at the break two down after posing very little threat ot the visiting side. The second half was much the same but late on Heslerton did produce some decent moves mostly involving Simon Oxendale, Travis Wood and the tireless Matthew Roche-Pearson. All in all it was again a disappointing day for the village side. Mark Craig was named man of the match for his display at centre back in his first game of the season after being banned from last season. Ross Flinton was again Mr Reliable and Kevin Lickes put a lot of miles in with little support. Heslerton continue to struggle as they await the return of many players out due to bans and injuries.

Heslerton 0-5 Filey Town Res

 Team: R. Woodhead, R. Flinton, L. Jack, K. Metcalfe, N. Bell, M. Craig, L. Wilson, S. Parker(c), M. Roche-Pearson, S. Rackham, J. Wharton.                   Subs: A. White, J. Lawley, B. Jack.

Heslerton manager Lee Jack saw this game as the one that could kick start their season and was confident of a result. Once again this was not to be. The result however, was not a fair reflection of the score line. Heslerton dominated proceedings early on with Steve Parker at the centre of most things good. Good work down the left from Jordan Wharton and Lee Jack created a chance for Lewis Wilson. Wilson hit a volley from inside the box when it struck a defenders arm and the ref gave a penalty. Heslerton seemed to have got what they deserved only for their luck to follow suit. Steve Parker’s penalty was saved by the keeper. Heslerton continued to press Filey but when first team striker Gareth Sygrove raced clear after a long ball the outcome was inevitable, 1-0 Filey, Sygrove very rarely missing when given the chance. The game then leveled out and it was Sygrove again who notched just before half time to leave Heslerton feeling deflated at the break. Heslerton’s body language told the story of a side down on its luck in the second half as Sygrove continued to boss proceedings adding another 2 in the second half. A rare misjudgment Heslerton stopper Rich Woodhead saw Filey score direct from a corner. Boss Lee Jack felt sorry for his troops but at the same time conceded that a 5-0 score line was unacceptable and that changes will be made in coming weeks if availability allows. Mark Craig was again named man of the match as he continues on the road back to fitness. Also the ever improving Matthew Roche-Pearson continued his good form with another hard working display.

Eastfield Hotel 1-3 Heslerton

Team: R. Woodhead, R. Flinton, L. Jack, K. Lickes, N. Bell, M. Craig, M. Roche-Pearson, S. Parker (c), T. Wood, S. Rackham, L. Wilson. Sub: J. Wharton.

Things were starting to get desperate as Heslerton have failed to score in their last six games and were without a win in 7. The scoring statistic only lasted for 15 seconds into this game when a good move between Travis Wood and Sam Rackham resulted in the latter putting the visitors a goal to the good. After enjoying the best of the first 10 mins Eastfield Hotel finally found their feet as Heslerton were caught napping on a couple of occasions and inevitably conceded an equalizer as Jim-Bob Binnie capitalized on some poor marking to finish neatly. After this Heslerton woke up, as the game turned into an end to end affair. Rich Woodhead as usual gave nothing away in the Heslerton goal and this boosted the defenses confidence as things began to sure up at the back for Heslerton. At the other end, Travis Wood and Sam Rackam caused all sorts of problems twisting and turning but to no avail. The sides went in at the break 1-1 which was a fair reflection. After the break though, Heslerton turned on the style. Steve Parker started to dictate things in the middle of the park. While his partner Kevin Lickes was dominant in breaking up the play and stubbing out any threat from the home team in an impressive man of the match display. Heslerton got their reward on 55 when the Mark Craig’s powerful header from a Kev Lickes corner gave the village side the advantage. A goal well deserved by Craig who has impressed since his comeback. Heslerton continued to surge forward as Easfield’s frustrations grew in a well bossed midfield. Travis Wood and Sam Rackam were a constant threat all game with Wood having several opportunities to open his Heslerton account. It looked like a goal would elude Wood but on 75 Steve Parker’s neatly taken free-kick was converted by Wood with a back-post header to give him his first Heslerton goal. Even after this Heslerton’s dominance continued with Ross Flinton and Matthew Roche-Pearson a thorn in Easfield’s side as they surged down the right hand side. Centre back Nick Bell also had a better day after a run of poor form but his character shone through on this occasion. A good team performance all round by Heslerton who move up another place in the table with Forge Hotel and Ayton propping up the table.