Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 29th January
With both the Under 8s and 10s on their winter break, the under 12s were the only team playing last weekend.
BHYFC U12s vs Rowhedge Juniors
After a two-week break due to cancellations, Bergholt faced table-topping Rowhedge Juniors with a depleted team as illness struck Jameson and both Baker brothers during the week beforehand. Despite the rustiness of the lack of games, it was Bergholt who, as in the first game between the teams earlier in the season, took the initiative, and with it the lead, when leading scorer Oscar pounced on a loose ball in the Rowhedge box.
Rowhedge then started to mount their own attacks but the defence and James in goal were blocking everything or the shots were going just wide. From a freekick from an offside decision (one of many for Rowhedge in the first half), James’s clearance went straight to Eddie on the left wing. He took the ball well, burst down the touchline and crossed for Oscar to smash home a superb half-volley.
Chances came and passed for both teams – again Bergholt defending resolutely with Aaron’s big headers a feature before finally they succumbed with the last kick of the half as the Rowhedge striker finally stayed onside and burst through the defence. His shot was partially saved by James but the ball bobbled under him and agonisingly crept over the line. HT 2-1.
Exceptional Football in Second Half
The second half once again saw both teams play some exceptional football. With James P and Thomas L being more of an influence down the Bergholt wings, Freddie giving his marker headaches, Tommy pulling the strings in central midfield and Eddie being his defensive partner, they gave the league leaders a real shock when a ball over the top saw Bergholt’s smallest player Freddie outjump the onrushing Rowhedge keeper and his header looped over the stranded keeper and Oscar was on hand to pounce for his hat-trick.
This shock to the Rowhedge system woke them up and within a few minutes were level when Bergholt failed to clear their lines twice. At 3-3 and with Rowhedge’s tails up, the Bergholt team didn’t buckle and steeled themselves once again. After some skilful play on the left, a cross from James was not dealt with by the Rowhedge defence and once again the Bergholt man of the moment, Oscar was there to smash the ball into the net for his and Bergholt’s fourth.
Bergholt then had 12 minutes to defend their lead and hang on for a magnificent win. Rowhedge, though, are not top by luck and they threw everything at Bergholt. Despite the best efforts of the home team, Rowhedge once again netted two, the latter with three minutes to go giving Bergholt no real chance to equalise. FT 4-5.
A fantastic game of football. Although Bergholt will be disappointed with the result, in reflection they will realise how well they played and have confidence for the remainder of the season.
Bergholt Heath player of the match: Oscar Ponder – four wonderful strikes from the hotshot. (Bravery Award goes to Freddie Cornes for twice putting his head in where it hurts!!)
Fixtures 5th February 2017
- U8s Away to Halstead
- U10s No match
- U12s Away to Wivenhoe Town Reds