Heacham FC secure partnership with Searles Leisure Resort and Heacham Manor Hotel

Heacham FC welcomed local rivals Dereham Town in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division on Tuesday, 13th August.

Pre-match, Heacham FC announced a key sponsorship deal with Searles Leisure Resort and Heacham Manor Hotel, who will be sponsoring all first team games this season. The company was represented at the match by Paul Searle, Carolyn Johnson and Damian Skelton.

Heacham FC Chairman, Chris Dear, is extremely proud and delighted at the same time with the alliance, saying, “Searles Leisure Resort and Heacham Manor Hotel are well established leading businesses in the local area so we are really pleased to commence a partnership with them”.

Paul Searle said, "Searles & Heacham Manor are thrilled to be Heacham FC’s 1st team match day sponsors for this season. We have been following their excellent progress over the recent seasons and very much admire the work the management of the club and the team have achieved. Our business operates in Heacham and we are therefore very privileged to be able to support the local club and community in this way. Come on The Magpies".

Aaron Watson, Gordon Chilvers (Double G Clothing), Ben Dear (Capt.) and Paul Hunt (Manager)

On the pitch, both teams fielded slightly weakened teams due to suspensions and injuries. Dereham, who have ex Norwich City striker, Grant Holt, in their midst started the brighter, with the home side again relying mostly on counter attacks. In fact, it was the composed Holt, playing at centre back, who kept any initial Heacham skirmishes at bay.

Grant Holt in action 

The first key incident in the match didn’t arise until the 18th minute when Ely based referee, Rhys Taylor, awarded a penalty to the visitors for handball. However, after consulting with his assistant, he correctly rescinded the decision. As a consequence, the already vociferous away fans then turned on the officials and, in the 25th minute, the game was temporarily halted due to the increasing abuse, with a particular homophobic comment forcing the referee to take action. Fortunately, the guilty party was pinpointed, politely asked to leave the grounds, which they wisely did, before the match could continue. There is no place for this kind of behaviour at any level in any sport and credit must go to all the officials, both on and off the pitch, for dealing with the matter effectively.

Referee Rhys Taylor during the match

Refereeing is a thankless and difficult job. Even when they get most of the decisions right, they are subject to criticism from the penalised teams and supporters. Whilst no referee is infallible, todays officials got the key decisions right and should not be exposed to the abuse which the away supporters subjected them to this evening. It also has to be noted that the home fan's behaviour was impeccable.

As the game resumed it looked to be petering out into a stalemate as the break neared before the game suddenly exploded into life. Firstly, Holt, who else, managed to glance a goal bound effort into the net as Heacham keeper, Aaron Watson, was left stranded, giving the visitors the lead. Heacham responded immediately from the resulting kick off when Joe Jackson broke away and curled in an equaliser from the edge of the box, much to the delight of the home support.

Heacham goal scorer, Joe Jackson

The second half began much like the first as both teams tried to play football but seemingly cancelled each other out. In the 65th minute, Holt was booked for back chat to the referee and subsequently sinned binned, giving the home side belief. However, they failed to build upon their numerical advantage. The away team’s strength in depth on the flanks was starting to reap dividends and so it proved as, in the 75th minute, a mix up in the Heacham defence freed up James Moore to score with ease to make it 2-1 to Dereham. Now with the momentum, the away side soon added to their tally when Mac Gee slotted in to make it 3-1 minutes later. Heacham manager, Paul Hunt, introduced changes late on but the damage had been done.

Whilst early results may infer it could be a long season for The Magpies, patience might just be a virtue as Hunt continues to gel old, new and young whilst challenged by key injuries and suspensions. Positivity must also be taken from the impressive performances of Ben Dear, Jack Prentice and Toby Hilliard who are going to prove key this season. Harvey Pightling, 16, who was handed his first start at this level, looks to be an exciting and talented prospect possessing a composed old head on young shoulders. Hunt is remaining positive, saying, “we have certainly had a baptism of fire to start the season. However, despite an awful injury list, I and the team remain positive that we will turn the corner”.

The sponsors named the ever lively Nathan Davies as the home side’s man of the match. The attendance was an impressive 274.