Heath take 3 points in first win of 2020

The Heath got back to winning ways on Saturday (25th Jan) with a hard fought 1-0 win over Wellington in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, securing our first win, goal and cleansheet of 2020. The Heath made a few changes to the line-up with Dan Winstone returning at right back, alongside Nathan Hewitt and Matt Binding in central defence and Harry Goldspink at left back ahead of Ollie Jones in the Heath goal. Lewis Hedges, Kristian Lee and George Boon provided a midfield 3 with Captain Joe Woodley sitting infront of the back 4 and Enis Akgun partnered up-front with the returning Charlie Knight. Ash Kendall, Ross Moorhead and Ben Allen were on the bench. Strikers Matt Huxley and Ethan Tucker both picked up injuries in the defeat away at Bradford Town, Matt's injury likely resulting in him sadly missing the rest of the season.
The Heath had the perfect start when, after a bright opening, we took the lead on 2 mins when George Boon found himself on the right wing and crossed into the box to find Matt Binding who flicked a header into the far corner of the net, his second goal of the season and the first Heath goal of 2020 and the new decade. The Heath continued to press the visitors in the opening 20 mins, having the majority of the play without carving out any clear cut chances. Wellington finished the first half positively, starting to stretch to Heath midfield and back 4 without testing Ollie Jones in goal so Heath took the 1-0 lead into halftime.
The Heath started well again in the 2nd half and on 49 mins a great break down the left flank ended up with a ball into the box finding Lewis Hedges in space and with time, but he saw his side foot effort fire just wide of the post. Midway through the half Wellington started to get possession in midfield but the Heath's defence was holding firm and the visitors were looking vulnerable to a Heath break-away with Enis Akgun and Ben Allen (who'd replaced Charlie Knight) just waiting for a break to use their pace. On 72 mins Wellington had a free kick 25 yards out and their deflected effort on goal forced a spectacular save from Ollie Jones in the Heath goal, an absolute worldie to deny a Wellington equaliser. The Heath used their remaining substitutions to introduce fresh legs in midfield, with Kristian Lee and Lewis Hedges being replaced by Ross Moorhead and Ash Kendall to add some steel in an effort to close out the game. Ollie Jones produced an equally fine save 15 mins later when a Wellington cross into the box was met with a diving header but Ollie at full stretch tipped the header out for a corner - another world class save. On 92 mins the Heath finally got their chance for a break-away and George Boon found himself with the keeper to beat from just inside the area, but his first time shot was deflected away by the Wellington keeper. The was the last action of the game, with the Heath picking up a valuable 3 points and keeping a well earned cleansheet. After the game Joe Woodley was presented with the Man of the Match award from manager Andy Black, just pipping Ollie Jones, Matt Binding and Dan Winstone. An excellent team performance, with everyone working so hard from 1-11 and the 3 subs all playing their part. After the game, the Heath Vice-Chairman, Nick Davis, presented both Kristian Lee and Matt Binding with bottles of bubbly for scoring the final goal of the decade (Kristian) and our first goal of the new decade (Matt) - well done lads. And well done everyone for a big 3 points.
We're back in action next Saturday (1st Feb) when we welcome Westbury United to Springfield in the league, 3pm kick off.
UP THE HEATH!