Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 18th December

The boys started the final weekend before Christmas by enjoying Leisure World to themselves for the annual festive do.  All three teams, the development school and their families were welcome to attend.

BHYFC U8s & U10s

Back on the field the next morning the Under 8s had yet another high scoring draw.

The 10s finished the first part of the season with a good victory against Stanway Villa Yellows.

Both the 8s and 10s now go into their ‘Winter break’. Matches will resume in February, but I’m sure both Andy and Danny will keep the boys training hard in January ready for the second half of the season.

Reed Hall Sentinels vs BHYFC U12s

For the final game of 2016 and the last before the two-week Christmas and New Year break, Bergholt were away to table-topping Reed Hall Sentinels.  The night before the boys had enjoyed their Christmas party at Leisure World and most also enjoyed a post-swim McDonalds so their manager was a little worried that they might be slow out the blocks this week.  He had no need to be concerned, as is the case when the team face one of the top teams, they raised their effort from the very first kick of the match.

Speed Merchant

With speed merchant Antoine on the right side of the Reed Hall team, much of the play was directed that side of the pitch.  Despite that, Joe was coping extremely well and restricted him to one clear opportunity, which he screwed wide, before the visitors struck first blood.  A ball, floated over to the Bergholt right, was flicked on by Thomas into the path of Tommy who powered through the Reed Hall defence and slammed the ball into the roof of the Reed Hall net.

This goal then spurred Reed Hall into action and the equaliser soon followed.  At one-all the game continued to ebb and flow and the action was end to end, with Jameson having the best chance for Bergholt before with the clock running down to half-time, a through ball saw Joe and the Reed Hall striker chase the ball down.  Joe got to the ball first but unfortunately for him his clearance bounced off the strikers chest and fell into his path and his shot into the corner of the net gave James no chance.  HT 1-2.

Second Half

At half-time the Bergholt manager gave his boys instruction to use the right-hand side of the pitch as Freddie, on the few opportunities he got on the ball in the first half, was having success.  They did this well and Freddie got more into the game and from one of his crosses Oscar nearly got the equaliser with a far post header.  He then had the ball in the Reed Hall net but was adjudged offside in one of several marginal offside decisions going against Bergholt.

Unfortunate Incident

With both sides cancelling each other out, it was a very tight and enjoyable game.  Then an unfortunate incident somewhat soured the match.  Reed Hall threw the ball onto the pitch and with the ball at their midfielder’s feet, the Reed Hall coach shouted loudly “Hold”.   This shout stopped every player on both teams in their tracks before the hosts realised that there was no injury or other reason to stop the game and the swift pass into the box saw the striker get their third.  This action incensed both the Bergholt players and management team.  Although the coach apologised, saying he only meant to tell his players to hold the ball up, the damage was done.  Bergholt heads dropped and they soon conceded a fourth.  It was thanks to Theo’s brave block that this was not worse for Bergholt.  FT 1-4.

An Excellent Game

These last two goals took the gloss off what was an excellent game.  A super performance once again from Bergholt against one of the league’s top teams.  Hopefully they can continue this form in the new year.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: James Laver – some excellent saves, sweeping and kicks.