Sunday 20th December: Wideopen Wanderers v. Heaton Hawks

The Wanderers played their first match in over 9 weeks when they faced Heaton Hawks at Lockey Park.
The home team had been decimated through injury and coronavirus, and were down to 11 available players on the day.
The game started with Heaton in the ascendency, and they took the lead in the third minute when a scuffed shot just beat the despairing dive of Sam Woodward in the Wanderers’ goal.
Following the early setback, the Wanderers grew into the game and enjoyed some decent possession without creating any clear cut chances.
The Wanderers were dealt a further blow on 33 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty to Heaton after Cameron Hedley was adjudged to have fouled an opposition player.
Sam Woodward made a fantastic save however Heaton reacted quicker than the home team and the rebound was tucked away from close range.
This seemed to affect the confidence of the Wanderers and Heaton added a third goal before halftime when a cross from the right was finished from inside the box.
Halftime score: Wanderers 0-3 Heaton Hawks.
The discussion between the home players at halftime focused on setting a target for the second half. The main aim was to keep a clean sheet, and to win the second half.
The second half began at a great pace, and the Wanderers created a number of chances and competed for every ball.
The game changed on the hour mark however when Leo Kirsopp and a Heaton defender were both shown straight red cards after a scuffle following a foul on the Wanderers striker.
The Wanderers were rewarded for an excellent second half performance when Mason Storey scored from just inside the six yard box. The home side continued to defend well and were unfortunate not to grab a second goal when Charlie Macdonald’s strike from just inside the box was well saved by the Heaton goalkeeper.
The game finished with the Wanderers once again in the ascendency and all 11 players can be proud of the way they played and the effort they put in.
Final score: Wanderers 1-3 Heaton Hawks.
Goalscorer: Mason Storey.
Man of the Match: Ethan Cole.