The Magpies deliver on historic night of Floodlight Switch On

A bumper crowd of 300 plus spectators turned out on 24th February to watch history as Heacham FC played their first ever home league match under floodlights.

Ex Magpies and professional footballer, Colin Garwood, and former BBC sports correspondent, Chris Lewis, were on hand to switch the lights on to the delight of the crowd. Along with the opening of a club shop and various ground improvements, it is hoped the six floodlights, costing in the region of £70,000, mean the future is very bright for the local side who are seeking an eighth consecutive promotion.

From left: Chris Lewis, Colin Garwood and Dave Page (Chairman)

On the pitch, the players did not fail to disappoint, although they went about it the hard way, defeating local rivals, Swaffham Town, 2-1. Heacham have adapted to this level of football superbly, managing to overcome teams through patience, confidence and grinding out wins by simply outplaying their opponents. A sign of a good team. However, it was Swaffham who actually took a shock early lead, capitalising on a mix up in the home defence, when Josh Malin fired home. Heacham are made of stern stuff though and stuck to their game plan, controlling the game. They were rewarded with an equaliser from the ever reliable John Flanagan who latched on to a through ball and finished with aplomb. Fletcher Toll calmed local nerves by grabbing a second on the stroke of half time.

Fletcher Toll

John Flanagan

On a freezing evening, the weather took a turn for the worse at half time with sleet and hail raining down. Heacham were not to be denied and managed to contain their browbeaten opponents. Another three points, top of the league and owners of their own destiny. With just ten games to go this is no mean feat for the Magpies, playing at this level for the first time in their history.

Whilst the players have done their bit on the pitch under the careful guidance of manager, David Griggs, credit must also go to the back room staff and supporters who have all given their bit to propel Heacham to the summit of the Thurlow Nunn Division One. Whisper it quietly but promotion is becoming a real possibility.

Images: Ian Burt