Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 16th February
As has become the norm in recent weeks, there was just one match that beat the weather last weekend, but this time it was the turn of the Under 15s who took on Stanway Rovers in the twice postponed away league fixture – but due to the continued water logging at both Stanway School and Spring Lane, the match was played at Shrub End.
Stanway Rovers vs BHYFC Under 15s
Having had virtually a full squad available every week but without a match for over a month, the first game for 5 weeks saw Bergholt able to field the bare 11 players due to a combination of injuries and holidays. Within 30 seconds of the kick off it looked like it was going to be a long and arduous afternoon when a long wind-assisted ball over the top of the Bergholt defence saw the defender clear the ball against the on rushing striker and the ball balloon into the net with Connor helpless.
1-0 to the home team.
Stanway then laid siege to the Bergholt goal but some resolute defending with the Bergholt players all refusing to lay down, saw them weather the storm and come back into the match.
After around 15 minutes a break down the left saw Luke cut into the box, beat his man and finish right footed beyond the Stanway ‘keeper for the equaliser. It was now Bergholt’s turn to up the tempo and they won a couple of corners in quick succession and from the second they took the lead when from Max’s kick Jamie stabbed towards goal and Sam took no chances by rifling the ball into the net from close range.
Bergholt then held Stanway at arms length for the remainder of the half, although it took a fine one handed save from Connor to see Bergholt through to half time with a 2-1 lead.
With the managers’ words of “keep up this level of performance” ringing in their ears, the Bergholt players continued taking the game to Stanway in the second half. In fact it was a good 15 minutes into the half when Stanway had their first attempt on goal, that was a long range shot that was wide. With about 10 minutes remaining, a shot form Max was only parried by the ‘kepper and Luke was on hand to power the loose ball into the net for his second and Bergholt’s third of the day. Although Stanway forced a few corners, the Bergholt goal was never in serious danger and the 11 players looked more likely to add a fourth than Stanway were to come back into the game.
The final whistle went to signal a 3-1 win to Bergholt in what is probably their best performance of the season.
Bergholt Heath man of the match: Ciaran Donnellan – an all action non stop midfield display.
Next weeks fixtures Sunday 23rd February:
- Under 9 – No game
- Under 11 vs Stanway Villa Reds KO 11am
- Heybridge Swifts vs Under 15 Open Cup R2