Aigburth FC 1–2 Heaton AFC: the draw streak breaks

Match report

Heaton AFC arrived at Aigburth with a reputation for sharing points around like a generous uncle at Christmas. Fourth in the table, drawing everything in sight. Aigburth, 15th and in decent nick, might have fancied their chances. The earlier meeting between the sides was a 0-0, which told you all you needed to know.

It took Heaton a quarter of an hour to puncture the theory. Cyril Basildon, who spent the afternoon doing a passable impression of a man with eyes in the back of his head, slipped the ball through for Sjaak Bisschop. Bisschop, more accustomed to laying on goals than taking them, finished with the calm of someone who had done it all before. He hadn't, really, but it looked convincing.

The second goal was the sort that makes half-time oranges taste like ashes. Basildon again, this time from a set piece, and Blaise Mahieu rose like a man who had been practising his leap in the garden. 45th minute, on the stroke of the break. Aigburth trudged off wondering what had hit them. Heaton, to their credit, had been clinical. To their opponents, it was typical really.

Aigburth emerged with purpose. Husbandry, perhaps. On 57 minutes, Thomas Birtwistle met a Marius Beaumarchais cross with a header that gave the home crowd something to shout about. Birtwistle had spent recent matches setting up goals for others: this time he kept it for himself, turning a potential trudge into a contest.

The last half hour had urgency but little else. Heaton defended as though points were currency. Aigburth pushed, pressed, and occasionally panicked. It finished 1-2, which flattered neither side particularly but suited Heaton down to the ground.

Still, the points move them on, and the pursuit of those above them continues.

We go again tomorrow. Aigburth will need to rediscover their earlier form quickly, because in this league there is no time to stew on what might have been.