Hebburn Town FC still a work-in-progress ahead of Gateshead friendly - Heywood

Hebburn Town FC captain Aidan Heywood believes the Hornets still have work to do in pre-season as they prepare to host National League neighbours Gateshead at the Trustmark Group Stadium on Tuesday night.

Daniel Moore’s men kicked off their preparations for a historic season in the National League North with an impressive 5-0 hammering of former Northern Premier League rivals Warrington Rylands last weekend before suffering a home defeat against Heaton Stannington in midweek. They returned to winning ways on Saturday when Heywood and a trialist found the net in a 2-1 victory at Northern League Division One club Carlisle City and they will step up their preparations for the competitive action when they face the Heed.

The former Shildon defender reflected on the win at Gilford Park and admitted his side struggled to find quality in the final third - but believes facing a test in baking hot temperatures will benefit the Hornets in the long run.

Speaking after the win in Cumbria, the Hornets skipper told the club website: “No disrespect to Carlisle City - but we should be beating them. They’re a good side, they worked hard and they made it hard for us. I do think if we had a bit more quality we could have and should have put a few more past them - but they made it hard and difficult for us and it’s going to happen this season. We had the ball a lot more than we might have during the season but it’s just getting used to those patterns of play. We did create a few chances, it’s just that final ball. The heat didn’t really help, it was a hot day, it was a good runout and it was good to get minutes into the legs.”

The Hornets squad will turn their focus towards Saturday’s visit to Northern Premier League East newcomers Morpeth Town once their friendly clash with Gateshead is consigned to the history books.

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