The manager changes the team 99 times out of 100, there aren't many who play almost every game but Tony Sergeant is one of them as he made his 150th appearance for Hesketh Bank this afternoon since his debut back in 1999, this is somewhat short of Tony Rothwells club record of 416. Tony has had brief spells with the reserve team but still remains a One-Club man since playing for the club as a youngster since the age of 6.

Irish international Mc Daid once again started in goal after an impressive performance in last weeks game. Daryll Grant partnered skipper Sergeant in defence alongside last years double winners Kevin Cox and Lewis Saunders. Midfielder Neil Hulme returned to the club after a short spell at St. Helens and took the role of centre-midfield alongside Adrian Rosada and Tommy Koth. Ayibongwe Mabhena partnered Will Threlkeld and debutant Yves Vama in a three man attack. Returning Richard Hill was named on the bench alongside Matthew Bowers, Rex Kimone, Gilbert Baffour and Aamir Toorawa.

Both teams kept the ball in possession and both pressed for the opening goal but were denied by both 'keepers. Coppull should of really taken the lead when their strikers low shot hit the right hand post. Neil Hulme and Tommy Koth master classed the midfield and were quick to deal with every free ball. Tony Sergeant and Kevin Cox both kept solid and the Coppull strikers didn't even have a peek on goal for the rest of the 1st half.

This did change in the second half as a brilliant double save from Mc Daid kept it 0-0 as he first saved a curling shot which was heading into the top corner and then somehow kept out a volley from 8 yards out. Coppull did however take the lead after right-back Grant was adjudged to have pushed down the United striker in the penalty area. The referee was quick to point to the spot and book Grant, an absolutely disgraceful decision to award a penalty as there was minimal contact in a shoulder to shoulder challenge. The taker made no mistake in sending Ruairi Mc Daid the wrong way to put his team in front.

Vama then struck the post with a 20 yard shot after being laid off by Hulme. Threlkeld then made way for Toorawa as Evergreen decided to go forwards to try and get a goal. Ayibongwe Mabhena was also subbed off in the second half and was replaced by debutant Gilbert Baffour.

With the clock on 90 minutes the referee signalled that there would be a minimum of 3 minutes added time. With the 3 added minutes now up, Coppull conceded a corner. With 'keeper Ruairi Mc Daid joining his 9 other team-mates in the Coppull penalty box for a Rosada corner, the corner was cleared straight back to Rosada who then swung in another cross which was headed straight to left-back Saunders, his shot then struck the hand of a defender and appeals for handball were turned down as substitute Richard Hill passed the ball to skipper Tony Sergeant who smashed in his 5th career goal in 150 games to give Hesketh Bank another vital point. Both Tony and all his team-mates celebrated the goal and were joined on the pitch by supporter Wiktor Pamfil who decided to run on the pitch when Sergeant equalised!!

Another great performance from the team. Hesketh Bank were hard done by a dubious penalty given against them but dug deep and were rewarded for their efforts.

Squad: Mc Daid, Grant, Sergeant(c), Cox, Saunders, Koth(Hill 75'), Hulme, Rosada, Mabhena(Baffour 64'), Threlkeld(Toorawa 59), Vama.

Subs Unused: Bowers, Kimone.
Scorer: Sergeant 93'

Booked: Grant 51', Hulme 68', Baffour 78'

Man of the Match: Tony Sergeant
Supporters Man of The Match: Ruairi Mc Daid

Next weeks game sees Eagley visit Hesketh Bank in a relegation battle. Kick-Off is at 3pm at Station Road. Match report written by Wiktor Pamfil.

Hesketh Bank AFC

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