Tag: fixtures

Unfortunately Bergholt Heath’s Under 8s run of consecutive defeats continued at their away trip to Halstead. The first half was a very even affair, with the only difference between the teams being in the “Goals For” column. Halstead scored twice before Thomas Haworth’s corner was deflected into the net by the defender on the Halstead goal line for Bergholt’s second goal of the season.  Bergholt went into the second half full of optimism but were once again susceptible to counter-attacks and Halstead added three more to make the final score 5-1 to the home team.

The Under 10s also saw their superb run at the start of the season come to an end at home to pre-season title favourites Clare Town Lions.  Despite putting in a battling rearguard action against a fast flowing Clare attack, the visitors ran out clear 5-0 winners.  Hopefully back to winning ways next week!

The Under 14s were also at home to Wivenhoe Youth, looking to get back on track after last weeks poor showing. The team looked much sharper this week with some neat passing football cutting the visitors open time and again, but it took a break from the back by Sam Clark, who finished with a powerful drive into the far corner from just inside the area, to break the deadlock mid way through the first half.  Within minutes of the second half starting, Bergholt were 2-0 up, James Holden chasing a long high through ball, and out jumping the central defender to head over the ‘keeper and into the next.  A couple of minutes later and it was 3-0 with James again reacting quickly in the area to poke the ball in at the far post from close range.   Substitutions broke the rhythm and allowed Wivenhoe to come back into the match courtesy of some long direct balls from back to front cutting out the Bergholt midfield and pressurising the Bergholt full-backs.  From one such direct move Wivenhoe pulled a goal back, only for Mickey Whittle to immediately restore Bergholt’s 2 goal advantage with a shot that the Wivenhoe ‘keeper probably should have done a bit better with.  Wivenhoe continued their more direct approach to the game and pulled another goal back with a long ball over the top and shot from the end of the area that Connor Welfare in the Bergholt goal got his hand to, but despite a vain attempt by Sam Clark to clear off the line the ball ended up in the back of the net. Final score: Bergholt Heath 4-2 Wivenhoe. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: James Holden.

To complete the set of home fixtures, the Under 18s entertained Alresford Colne Rangers in round 1 of the League Cup, and a comfortable 3-1 win sees Bergholt into the hat for the round 2 draw.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 14th October:

• Under 8 vs Eight Ash Green, KO 11am
• Under 10 – No game
• Writtle Minors (Whites) vs Under 14 – Essex County Cup R
• Maldon Saints vs Under 18

The Under 8s were at home on the Poors Field against Stanway Villa Yellows. The two teams started the game brightly and shared in the early exchanges, however Stanway took an early lead with a powerful strike which gave the Bergholt ‘keeper no chance.  From then on the game was a very even affair with both defences playing very well ensuring goal scoring chances were kept to a minimum. This was a much improved performance from Bergholt and shows that the boys are learning with every game.  Full Time 0-1.

Our Under 10s remain unbeaten this season, holding Halstead Yellows to a 2-2 draw away from home. Matt Sanderson and Thomas Whitlow scoring the Bergholt Heath goals.

The Under 14s were at home to Brooklands and had one of their strangely quiet performances.   The match started with Bergholt almost camped inside the Brookland half but all too often attacks petered out against a deep sitting defence through lack of a final ball. A part from a couple of free kicks from Bergholt nothing much of note happened in the first half: 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Brooklands pushing forward more and from one attack, the Brooklands striker was left one on one with the ‘keeper after an injury saw the Bergholt defender collapse when he was just about to clear the ball (later taken to hospital with a suspected broken foot diagnosed as bad bruising).  Almost immediately Bergholt equalised, Sam Clark heading in from a corner.  This did not, however, spur Bergholt into life, with too many players looking like they had spent their sleep time playing FIFA13.  A second goal for Brooklands came after the Bergholt team collectively failed to clear the ball on the edge of their area, and just before the final whistle Brooklands hit Bergholt on the break with a good run and shot from their big number 10.  Final result: Bergholt Heath 1 – 3 Brooklands.  Bergholt ‘man of the match’: James Hirst.

The Under 18s were also at home on the Poors Field but their superb start to the season is rapidly fading as they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Little Oakley Reds.

Next weeks’ fixtures, Sunday 7th October:

• Halstead Town vs Under 8
• Under 10 vs Clare Town Lions KO 10am
• Under 14 vs Wivenhoe Youth Blues KO 10.30am
• Under 18 vs Alresford Colne Rangers, League Cup R1, KO 2pm

Our Under 8s are still looking for their first win after coming up against a good Long Melford side. The first half saw the majority of the play in the Bergholt half of the pitch and Melford took an early lead which was doubled mid-way through the half via a stroke of bad luck for Bergholt when at a Long Melford corner, the defender’s near post clearance spun off of his foot and into the net. HT 0-2. The second half saw Bergholt trying to push forward and get into the game. However, Long Melford capitalised and added a third. The fourth goal came from a long free kick which eluded everyone and bounced into the net. Bergholt never gave up and nearly got the reward for their efforts but Theo Baker’s rasping drive was well saved by the keeper. As Bergholt tried to get something out of the game, Long Melford added to their misery by getting a fifth in the last few minutes of the game. FT 0-5.

The Under 10s were also at home, to Boadicea Dynamos, and carried on their superb start to the season winning 5-1 to stay top of the West League!

Our Under 14s were away to Bures United and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw from what was a physical battle. After a scrappy first half that saw Bures have the lions share of possession and chances with the Bergholt defence making some important last ditch tackles, Bergholt started the second half in a more positive manner. However mid way through the half a lucky deflection in the box saw the home team take the lead with the ball landing kindly at the strikers feet to blast into the net. Bergholt did not drop their heads and some good play down the left allowed Mickey Whittle the chance to hit a shot into the top near corner from around 10 yards out. The jury is still out on whether that’s where he meant it to go! The remainder of the game was played out with scrappy play and a few niggles. A Bures player was booked and another given a final warning as they tried to impose themselves on the Bergholt team. Right at the last whistle the carded Bures player got himself involved in yet another confrontation and was lucky to stay on the pitch with a Bergholt player picking up a yellow card for pushing. Final score: Bures United 1 – 1 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Sam Clark.

The Under 18s were at home on the 11-a-side pitch on the Poors Field, against Frinton & Walton, who are probably the strongest team in the division. Unfortunately Bergholt lost the match 3-1.

Next weeks’ fixtures – Sunday 30th September:

• Under 8 vs Stanway Villa Yellows KO 11am
• Halstead Town Yellows vs Under 10
• Under 14 vs Brooklands KO 10.30am
• Under 18 vs Lt Oakley Reds KO tbc

Our Under 8s had their first away match of the season as they traveled to Braintree to play Great Bradfords U8. The first half saw the home team take full advantage of the slope and they took a 2-0 lead into half-time. The second half saw Bergholt Heath come into the game and have more possession but they still couldn’t break through the resolute Great Bradfords defence and were always susceptible to the attacking threat of the home team as they sought their first goal. The home team went into a 3-0 lead before Bergholt got their first goal of the season through a penalty which was emphatically dispatched by Theo Baker. Seizing their chance to score more Bergholt pushed forward and nearly scored again but Theo’s effort smacked against the upright and back into the arms of the grateful keeper. But in the last few minutes of the game, Bergholt were once again caught out by the counter-attack as Great Bradfords added a fourth. On the balance of play the final score of 4-1 was a bit harsh on Bergholt Heath, but well played to Great Bradfords.

The Under 10s continued their superb start to the season beating Layer Colts 6-0 at home on the Poors field. An emphatic score which could have been even higher! They now sit proudly at the top of the league after 2 games having scored eight goals and yet to concede one!

The Under 14s were also at home, to Long Melford. Melford took the lead within a minute of the kick off, Bergholt losing the ball cheaply in midfield and allowing the striker far too much time and space on the left edge of the area to curl a superb shot into the top corner. This knocked Bergholt back and it took a while for them to settle down and start playing some football. The first time they really played their usual passing game, Bergholt equalised when James Holden managed to stretch to divert the ball over the line from a low cross with less than 10 minutes to go in the first half. Bergholt started to impose themselves on the game and other half chances came and went early in the second half. Not too dissimilar to last week, Bergholt were unlucky to hit the upright and then have 2 shots cleared off the line. The winner came after Mickey Whittle was brought down from behind in the area (moving away from goal), Oliver Sanderson coolly dispatching the resulting penalty. Final score: Bergholt Heath 2 -1 Long Melford. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Oliver Sanderson.

The Under 18s were away to FC Clacton, but could not continue their impressive form from last week despite having more players in the squad. FC Clacton ran out clear winners with the final score reading 4-0 to the home team.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 23rd September:

• Under 8 v Long Melford, KO 11am
• Under 10 V Boadicea Dynamos, KO 10am
• Bures United v Under 14
• Under 18 v Frinton & Walton Blues, KO 2pm

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

Our Under 9s played 2 matches this week to finish their season in the ‘end of Season Trophy’.  The first was the rearranged way match Vs Clacton United on Wednesday evening where they lost 2-1. The second match was also away over the weekend, at Long Melford, where they won 2-1 with goals from Matthew Sanderson and Thomas Whitlow.

Just the one match for our Under 13s, which should have been been played at Wivenhoe on Sunday, but was switched to the Poors field due to waterlogging at Wivenhoe after the change had been approved by the league.  A quick grass cut and white line marking on Saturday afternoon got the pitch ready for a 10am kick off.   The start of the match saw Bergholt uncharacteristically wobbly and if it hadn’t been for Connor Welfare in goal, Bergholt would have been at least 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes.  Bergholt slowly settled and Ollie Sanderson finished from close range to give Bergholt the lead, against the run of play, after around 15 minutes.   Ollie then scored his second from the edge of the area 10 minutes later which should have settled things down.  However Wivenhoe were given a way back into the game right on the stroke of half time when some poor play all round by Bergholt gave Wivenhoe the time and space to attack and score a fairly easy goal.  Two half time substitutions saw Bergholt have a better shape in the second half, but another mistake saw the Wivenhoe striker get through on goal only to be brought down in the box by the Bergholt ‘keeper (probably a sending off in the professional game).  However he picked himself up and made amends by diving full length to his left to tip the penalty round the post to preserve the lead. This was pretty much the only opportunity Wivenhoe had in the second half.  Bergholt scored another goal when James Holden got free on the right and whipped in a lovely cross for Ben Ashurst to score his first ever goal with a first time finish into the net at the far post.   Final score: Bergholt Heath 3 – 1 Wivenhoe Blues.   Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Connor Welfare.

• Tuesday 8th May: Under 13’s Vs Stanway Rovers, kick off 6.30pm
• Sunday 13th May: Stanway Rovers Vs Under 13’s

The scheduled games for both the Under 9s and the Under 13s were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

• Long Melford v Under 9 (to be played before 6th May)
• Wivenhoe Youth Blues v Under 13

Bergholt Heath YFC’s Under 9s played their first ever mid-week game on Wednesday evening 25th April, away to Bures in the ‘end of season trophy’, and were comfortable 4-1 winners. The Bergholt goals were scored by Jonah Murray x 2, Matthew Sanderson and Thomas Whitlow.

• Clacton United v Under 9 (End Of Season Trophy)
• Stanway Rovers v Under 13 (league), kick off 10am

Having lost the use of the ‘mini soccer’ pitch on the Poors field, our Under 9s switched the fixture and played Wivenhoe Town away, and drew 0-0.

Our Under 13s were again in semi final action, this time in the open Cup, verses Cornard Dynamos, played at Wivenhoe Town FC. Unfortunately, as with the other semi final in the League Cup, the semi final is as far as they are going this season, losing 3-1.  Cornard took the lead after 15 minutes of the first half, the striker out muscling the central defender in a chase for a long ball, and finishing coolly. Bergholt slowly played their way back into the game and got closer and closer to an equaliser, which finally came after half an hour, Mickey Whittle getting the final touch, poking a low cross into the net from inside the 6 yard box – the ball going over the line in what seemed like slow motion! Unfortunately within 2 minutes Cornard were back in front, the strong number 9 again slipping past a defender and hitting a cross shot that seemed to confuse the Bergholt ‘keeper with the ball dropping into the far corner of the net. The second half saw Bergholt huff and puff but not make too many inroads to the Cornard half, and Cornard seemed to win most of the 50-50 balls. A third Cornard goal came around 15 minutes from time, although it seemed to most that the Bergholt defender was pushed in the back when trying to clear the ball before it was squared for the striker to hit powerfully home. After this the game petered out a bit and Cornard safely saw the game out for a comfortable win. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: James Hirst.

• Clacton United v Under 9 End Of Season Cup
• Stanway Rovers v Under 13 (league)

Our Under 9s were away to Layer Colts in the next of their ‘end of season trophy’ games. Winning comfortably 2-0 at half time, both goals coming from Jonah Murray, the manager was able to switch things round at half time to try players in different positions. The second half was more even and despite 2 goals from the home side, further goals from Matthew Sanderson and Richard Frost saw Bergholt run out 4-2 winners.

The Under 13s were the only other team in action, at home to Wivenhoe Blues in the “A” league – after some last minute work on Saturday to get the pitch cut and marked after the contractors didn’t do it last week as instructed! Although Bergholt didn’t play particularly well – the players looking like they were still in Easter mood – Bergholt’s fist corner resulted in the first goal of the match: the Wivenhoe ‘keeper doing well to parry away a vicious in swinging corner from Gianni Sabini, only for his brother Antonio to react quickest to the lose ball by smashing it into the roof of the net from close range. Good work on the right by Owen Bernhardt saw him cross powerfully into the area for Antonio Sabini to be teed up to hit a well placed shot low into the corner of the net from just inside the area for 2-0 at half time. The second half saw Wivenhoe come out with renewed vigour and Bergholt appeared to be willing to sit back and let them attack. However mid way through the half Antonio Sabini completed his Hat-trick (goal number 24 for the season), for 3-0. Almost from the restart Wivenhoe pulled a goal back when the midfield not tracking their players let the Wivenhoe midfielders run through to join the attack and out number the defenders to score an easy jet avoidable goal. This seemed to wake Bergholt up a little and they had more shots in the last 10 minutes of the game than at any other time in the match without increasing the lead: Antonio Sabini having the pick of them with a powerful shot from at least 30 yards that thudded against the Wivenhoe bar. Final result: Bergholt Heath 3 – 1 Wivenhoe blues. Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Antonio Sabini.

• Wivenhoe town Vs Under 9’s in the End of Season Trophy
• Under 13’s Vs Cornard Dynamos Blues in the Open Cup semi final at Wivenhoe Town FC, kick off 10am.