Our new Under 8s were against Reed Hall Sentinels. In the first half Bergholt Heath went into their opening game of the campaign full of optimism but also with some trepidation having never played together against other opposition. After a few minutes it was clear to all that it was going to be a fairly even contest, with both sides cancelling each other out. Reed Hall had the better of the early exchanges but some great defending and ‘keeping from Bergholt kept them at bay. In fact, the first clear opportunity came Bergholt’s way through a one-on-one but the shot was well saved on the line by the Reed Hall keeper. This save triggered Reed Hall into life and they broke the deadlock towards the end of the first half. HT 0-1.
The second half was once again a very even affair, however Reed Hall stretched their lead as they converted their chances and took a 3-0 lead. Bergholt had their own chances, firstly a scramble in the box lead to a good shot on goal but the keeper saw it through a crowd of players. The Bergholt crowd were hoping that at least they would see a first goal and it so nearly came in the last minute when the pressure the home team exerted nearly paid off. However the goal-bound shot, which had beaten the keeper hit a Reed Hall defender and deflected off for a corner. In the end that was the final goalmouth action and the final score ended 0-3. Well played to Reed Hall and well done to Bergholt Heath who did very well in their first ever game. Thanks to Pete for refereeing.
The Under 10s started this season off in the same manner as they played most of the the second half of last season, comfortably winning 2-0 away to Marks Tey in the West League.
The Under 14s, under a new manager this season but with the core of the team unchanged, were away to the League champions Cornard Dynamos. After Bergholt hit the woodwork 3 times in the first half, then for a 4th time in the second half, Cornard took the lead after hitting the woodwork for the first time, with the ball dropping kindly for their striker to slot the rebound in the net! 10 minutes later and it was 2-0 with a headed goal from a corner, although the Bergholt players were convinced it was a foul on the ‘keeper, who was being pulled back by a forward as he came for the cross. There was still time for Bergholt to hit the woodwork for a 5th time and then in a goalmouth scramble have 5 or 6 attempts on goal, the final one of which was blocked by a Bergholt pl ayer trying to jump out of the way! Final result: Cornard Dymamos 2 – 0 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt ‘man of the match’: Jamie Bowden.
Last but not least, our Under 18s kicked their season off at home – on the Poors Field – against Alresford. Despite only having the bare 11 players and starting the match at 2pm in 28C, Bergholt were comfortable 2-1 winners.
Next weeks’ fixtures Sunday 16th September:
- Gt Bradfords v Under 8
- Under 10 v Layer Colts KO 10am
- Under 14 v Long Melford KO 10.30am
- FC Clacton v Under 18