Tag: football

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Under 14s are Open Cup Winners – Bergholt Heath YFC match reports

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubUnder 8 double header

The Under 8’s closed their season with a “double header”, playing both Saturday and Sunday this week: On Saturday they hosted Great Bradfords and despite dominating a lot of the game they could not get the ball into the net and the visitors punished them with their only two real chances of the game, running out 2-0 winners.

On Sunday they were also at home, this time to Oyster Youth from West Mersea and a keenly contested game saw the visitors take the lead but Bergholt battled back to score a good equaliser to end their season with a creditable 1-1 draw that bodes well for their next campaign at Under 9’s starting in September.

Under 10 away to Great Cornard & home to Bures United

Following on from their first ever friendly at the new 9 vs 9  format away to Gt Cornard during the week (which Bergholt won 2-0), the Under 10’s we also playing their last game of the season at home to Bures United. However the visitors seemed to be up for this game and attacked the home side from the first whistle, and Bergholt soon found themselves 2-0 down.  Despite huffing and puffing, the home side couldn’t seem to get a clear shot on target in the first half and the whistle went with the scoreline unchanged.

The second half started with a slight changes to the personnel and Bergholt rolled up their sleeves and gave it a real go.  Within a couple of minutes a good move saw Tyler receive the ball back from a corner and hit a powerful shot to the ‘keepers near post which flashed past him before he had seen it to bring Bergholt back into the game. Suddenly the home team’s tails were up. A few minutes later, and it was Tyler again breaking forward to score the equaliser.  However the well organised Bures team were not going to take these setbacks laying down and they again got onto the front foot to score a good goal from a run, cross and first time shot.  In the final minutes as Bergholt pressed hard for another equaliser, the visitors hit them more to make the final score a rather flattering 5-2 win to Bures.

Under 14 Open Cup Winners 2013
Under 14 Open Cup Winners 2013

Open Cup Final – Under 14 vs Bures United

It was the Open Cup Final for the Under 14’s this week where we faced Bures United, the team we had beaten in our last league match of the season last week. This week was always going to be different, as cup finals are usually really closely fought matches with both sides giving their all to win the trophy.

Both sides were missing key players through injury (James Holden was the unfortunate one for us, and we hope he’ll be OK to take part next week) and it took 10 minutes or so for either side to really get to grips with the game.

Bures have some quick forwards and our defence did well to reduce them to one effort on target, which Connor saved easily, and one that went wide in the first half. We had a couple of speculative shots from distance from Max and Ollie that didn’t trouble the Bures’ ‘keeper. For the last 20 minutes of the half we were the better side and with a little less weight on a couple of through balls we might have made a few more chances. However, midway through the half a clearance from Jamie was well controlled by Ben and he laid the ball off to Ollie who ran it from the centre circle towards the right corner of the 18 yard box. As no Bures defender closed him down he took the chance to hit an unstoppable shot over the keeper and into the top left corner to put us into the lead. Cue rapturous cheers from the Bergholt players & supporters as Ollie soaked up the adoration!

Soon after Bures conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area inside the “D” and Max stepped up to fire a well struck shot that we all thought would nestle inside the right hand post, but it was unfortunately just a whisker wide.  Sam had one of his trademark headers from Ollie’s free kicks, but it was cleared off the line by a well-placed defender. Owen and Mickey had shot each that were under hit and comfortable for the keeper and from another Ollie free kick, Max ghosted into the 6 yard box at the far post, but the keeper was in the right place to block his effort and grab it at the second attempt. The half time whistle sent us into the break with a 1-0 advantage and we hoped that we could continue in the same manner and maybe grab another couple of goals in the second half.

We did indeed play the same for the first 25 minutes with some excellent football being played at times, especially as on Wivenhoe’s large bobbly & hard pitch.  With Owen giving us a little more width we got into some good areas and made a few early half chances, but we just couldn’t get that perfect strike on goal.  Bures were plugging away, but had little penetration upfront and Jamie and Sam were clearing any danger. The main worry we had was from corners and set pieces as Bures could fill the box and try and find the equaliser. Thankfully that did not come and we extended our lead with 20 minutes to go. A neat bit of football down the left between Ollie and Leo led to Leo shooting and although the keeper made the save, the ball fell kindly for Mickey and he side footed the ball into the empty net. Cue the rapturous cheers again and Mickey’s strong-man salute to the crowd! We were well on top now and Max went close with another long shot and Ollie hit a curling free kick a bit too close to the keeper who saved comfortably. Max crossed a ball into the box, and Owen appeared at the far post, but as he stretched he couldn’t quite divert the shot on target.  Another good passing move led to Mickey setting up Ben whose shot was tipped by the keeper who had rushed out to block it and time stood still for a second as the ball curled goal wards, but clipped the outside of the post.

With 10 minutes to go the boys seemed to realise that they were in a good position to win the game and as Bures pushed men forward each attack saw our defending become a little more erratic as some nerves crept in. We virtually stopped them having any clear sites of goal, but with a couple of minutes to go we were almost caught out. Jamie cleared a ball just in our half and a Bures defender returned it with interest and as the ball flew over Jamie’s head the quick Bures forward was clear. Sam chased him down and just as he caught up at the edge of our area the forward lifted the ball over Connor and into our goal, but the celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee had his flag raised for offside. That was a let off, but from then on the boys all worked their socks off to stop Bures getting another chance and the referee blew the final whistle to send us into wild celebration.

2-0 was a fair result as we made the clearer chances and more of them, but the Bures players should be commended for their attitude and effort as they kept going right to the end.

There was no Man of the Match vote by the parents this week and it would have been difficult for them to choose 1 player as they all played well, but if it was me picking my vote would have gone to Max who, despite having an injured toe, he had a great game along with Ollie & Ciaran in the midfield and was unlucky not to score.

Simon Ashurst – a proud manager!

Next week’s fixture, Sunday 19th May:

  • Under 14 Vs Wivenhoe Youth – League Cup Final – Wivenhoe Town FC, 2pm kick off

Can they do the double??

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Match reports & fixtures from Bergholt Heath YFC – 5th May 2013

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubLong Melford Colts vs Under 8s

The under 8s were away to Long Melford Colts buoyed by an excellent performance last week.  Stand-in ‘keeper Thomas L got off his sick bed to go between the posts and was called into action fairly early on to catch a long range shot.  This settled the team down, and they matched their hosts for possession in the middle of the pitch, but unfortunately couldn’t get past a resolute Colts defence.  Wrong advise given to Thomas by the Bergholt manager at a goal kick saw possession given away to the Long Melford striker who tucked the ball into the corner of the net with some flourish.  HT: 1-0.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first half with even possession but Bergholt unable to get a clear cut opportunity on goal.  Melford managed to score their second with a well taken shot to run out 2-0 winners (although it should have been 3-0 as it looked as if Thomas’ save from one shot had crept over the line!).

The boys once again played very well – saving their best form for the end of the season – although maybe a little sluggish in the first half.  Special mention to the defence with Billy and Eddie forming an excellent partnership, ably supported by Oliver this week.  Also to stand-n ‘keeper Thomas L who made some really good saves.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Oliver Baker, he was asked to play in defence this week. He showed his commitment in the tackle and pushed forward when he got the chance.

Under 10s vs Stanway Villa

At home on the Poors Field, the Under 10s were playing Stanway Villa having managed a creditable draw with the visitors a few weeks ago when Bergholt only had 6 players available.  Unfortunately that recent result had obviously stung the visitors and they took the game to Bergholt in a very determined manner straight from the kick off, scoring within the first few minutes.  Bergholt tried to pick themselves up but generally Stanway were first to any loose ball throughout the match.  Each side managed to get the ball into the net in the second half, but the visitors had their revenge, running out 2-1 winners.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Jonah Murray

Under 14s vs Bures United

The Under 14s played their final league game of the season at home to Bures United, in a dress rehearsal of the upcoming League Cup final.  The match started fairly evenly, with both teams having several half chances without managing to get clear shots on goal.  The first real chance came from the visitors who sprang forward with pace down the left with the striker flicking the ball goal wards over the Bergholt ‘keeper, only for Jamie Bowden to race back to make a desperate goal line clearance.  This near miss spurred on Bures, and within a couple of minutes after Bergholt had failed to clear a first cross, the ball was played back in from a deep position and, with the full back caught napping, the striker nipped in to flick the ball goal wards from inside the 6 yard box. Connor in the Bergholt goal managed to get something on the shot to slow it down and again Jamie was on hand to clear the ball before it went over the goal line.  However, generally Bergholt were playing the better football and from one quick incisive attack Bergholt won a corner when the defender desperately cleared the ball out from a cross before a home striker could get on the end of it.  From this corner Bergholt took the lead when, after both the initial ball and the follow up cross were cleared, the ball fell to Sam Clark outside the area who left fly with his left(!) foot to curl a powerful shot into the far corner of the net.  Within a few minutes it was 2-0 to Bergholt when a good passing move resulted in the visiting ‘keeper making a good save only to see his defenders hesitate instead of clearing and James Holden, who had continued his run, finished well from a tight angle.  HT 2-0.

The second half saw Bergholt continue to take the game to the visitors who, after being limited to long balls over the top and shots from distance, were getting increasingly frustrated. Ollie Sanderson added to the score mid way through the half with a shot into the roof of the net from outside the box, then in the last 10 minutes Bergholt put the icing on their cake: firstly with an overhead kick from Mickey Whittle and then with a couple of minutes left, Leo Tiffney shot with the outside of his foot, wrong footing the ‘keeper to see the ball trickle over the line to make the final score Bergholt Heath 5-1 Bures United.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Sam Clark

Next weeks fixtures:

Sunday 12th May:

  • Under 8 vs Oyster Youth, KO 11am
  • Under 10 vs Bures, KO 10am

Saturday 11th May:

  • Under 14 – League Cup Final Vs Bures United, to be played at Wivenhoe Town FC, kick off 2pm
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Under 14s make cup final – Bergholt Heath YFC match report 28th April 2013

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club Under 14s make cup finalUnder 8

Our Under 8s were away to Rowhedge having had their confidence seriously battered in the last couple of weeks.  However they put up a good show this week, only conceding a couple of goals.  Hopefully these experiences will enable them to become stronger next season.

Under 10

By contrast, our Under 10s are sitting quite happily in mid-table and were away to the league leaders Clare Town Lions today.  Although it was a fairly even match, especially in the first half, Clare eventually got on top and ran out 3-0 winners.

Under 14

The Under 14s played the second of their two Cup semi-finals, this time in the league cup, against Notley Youth at Halstead TownFC under the floodlights on Friday night.

Bergholt started this semi-final with a quick tempo, but looked quite nervous in possession at times. Both sides were working hard in midfield, and it took a while for either side to really settle.  Bergholt’s first chance came when a cross from left broke to Ciaran 20 yards out who looked to place a curling shot, but it didn’t curl enough to threaten the goal, however generally Bergholt lacked a bit of communication and struggled with some balls played in to our penalty area.  A Notley free kick from the left was missed by everyone and was turned goalwards by an attacker, but ‘keeper Connor blocked well with his legs.  A minute later another deep cross again evaded everyone but the Notley frontman sliced his shot wide at the back post.

Midway through the half Bergholt won a throw in down the left of the Notley area and Ollie got the ball to Jake who put a perfect cross to heart of the area.  Ben timed his run in to perfection and with a free header found the bottom left corner, where the tall Notleykeeper could not reach.  Soon after Ollie looked to have put Bergholt 2 up with a great shot into the bottom left corner, only for the keeper to get down and at full stretch turn it round the post. An outstanding save. James Holden had a powerful volley that went narrowly wide and Sam was unlucky to see his header from Ollie’s free kick drift narrowly wide.  Bergholt couldn’t increase the lead and 2 minutes before half time a cheap corner was conceded and when it wasn’t cleared a bit of a goalmouth scrabble led to Notley poking the ball in to send the teams into the interval at 1 all.

At the start of the 2nd half Bergholt shuffled the formation to 4-4-2, and tried to use the width more. It did create a little joy but failed to create a clear chance as Notley’s back line defended really well.  The Bergholt back 4 also looked solid when they were together as a unit, but when they were drawn out and failed to win the first tackle Notley looked as though they might get in behind with their speedy frontmen.  Bergholt coped with them though and looked to counter quickly and but for a few wayward through balls might have made some really good chances.

One of the Notley boys went over a challenge from Sam and landed awkwardly on his shoulder, causing what seemed to be a broken collar bone. He was having a good game in the midfield so it was a bit of a blow for Notley and everyone at Bergholt Heath wishes him a speedy recovery.

Bergholt switched back to 433 for the last 17 minutes to regain the midfield security and that seemed to help win more challenges there and gave the team extra cover when they broke forward. It worked out well as soon after the changes Mickey and James Hirstcombined to set James Holden away down the left. He beat a man and cut along the byline jinking past 2 more defenders. With 2 strikers looking for a square pass James only had eyes for goal and fired past the Notley keeper, despite the narrow angle, to put Bergholt back in front.

From here in, Notley gave everything to find another equaliser, but the work the lads put in to keep them at bay was terrific. Despite a couple of edgy moments Bergholt stopped them getting a clear shot and Connor comfortably mopped up most balls that came into his area (one was a real heart in the mouth moment but the boys got away with it).

Thankfully the last few minutes flew by, and the final whistle blew – much to everyone connected with Bergholt’s relief.  Bergholt Heath Under 14’s now find themselves in the final of both cup competitions, to be played 12th and 19th May.
Man of the Match was James Holden, but again, every player worked hard and contributed to the win.

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 5th May:

  • Long Melford vs Under 8
  • Under 10 vs Stanway Villa Greens, KO 10am
  • Under 14 vs Bures, KO 10.30am
  • Under 18 – No game
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League Cup Semi-Final at Halstead

Bergholt Heath Youth Football ClubBergholt Heath YFC Under 14’s are in League Cup semi final action verses Notley Youth this coming Friday evening (26th April), at Halstead Town FC, Broton Industrial Estate, Halstead, CO9 1HR.  Kick off is 7.30pm.
In view of this additional match, and other semi finals in both the Open and League cups being played during the weekend, the Under 14’s last scheduled league match of the season at home to Bures on the Poors Feild on Sunday morning 28th April, has been postponed by the Colchester and District Youth League.  This will now take place in early May.
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Bergholt Heath YFC match reports and upcoming fixtures – 21st April 2013

Under 8 vs Rowhedge (Home)

Our Under 8’s were at home to Rowhedge but unfortunately lost their way a little, losing 6-0 after a 7-0 defeat last week.  The boys are lacking a little confidence at the moment.

Under 10 vs Layer Colts (Saturday) & Bures United (Sunday) (Both away)

Our Under 10’s played both Saturday and Sunday this week to play ‘catch up’ on all the games postponed due to the weather this season.  The first game on Saturday was away to  Layer Colts, where they won 3-1.

The second game, also away, was on Sunday when they drew 2-2 with Bures United.  In fact they nearly made it two wins in a row but Bures scored with almost the last kick of the game.

Under 14 vs Stanway Villa  (Open Cup Semi-Final at Wivenhoe Town FC)

The Under 14’s were playing the first of their two cup semi final dates vs Stanway Villa in the Open Cup at Wivenhoe Town FC.

It was a warm sunny afternoon and when the match got underway both sides started with a fast tempo, although neither side could string many passes together as the pitch was a little bumpy and it caused lots of passes to be miss-controlled. There were not too many clear chances, but it was nice to see our boys have a shot at goal from distance when the opportunity arose. Max hit one shot a few feet wide of the right post, and Ollie’s effort from 20 yards was straight at the keeper.

Both sides were working hard to close the other down and Villa often had 2 or 3 players snapping at our heels when we had possession, but midway through the half we found a breakthrough. Mickey stole the ball just inside their half and played a 1-2 with Ollie, then another with James and found himself in the Villa penalty area and then he guided the ball past the keeper and into the far corner. There were 3 teammates all waiting for the square pass and I’m sure he was trying to set them up, but he tells me he meant to shoot. Either way it was brilliant play and we were glad to have taken the lead.

We continued to mount some pressure on the Villa defence with James dominating the aerial challenges and causing the Villa defence all sorts of problems, but we couldn’t make a clear opening. Ben caused their keeper a moment of concern though when the ball was cleared to him about 25 yards out and he had a lofted shot that almost bounced up and over the Villa ‘keeper.

It wasn’t all one way though and Villa often counter-attacked with pace, but our defence held firm and stopped the forwards getting any shots at Connor. Their best chance actually came due to ‘keeper Connor taking a drop kick over the 18 yard line before releasing it so a free kick was awarded. The referee should have awarded an indirect free kick for hand ball, but allowed the Villa forward to step up and have the shot, but thankfully it went over.
In the last few minutes of the half a cross-come-shot from the right corner of our 18yard line looked destined to sneak into the far top corner, but Connor was alert and turned the ball away to send us into the half time break with the slender lead.

The start of the second half saw us very disjointed, quiet and really sluggish. Villa were on top for a good 10 minutes before we got going again, with our back 4 again standing fast. There was one good effort of note though when a clearance fell to a Villa forward who hit a 1st time lob that had Connor beaten, but landed on the roof of the net.
We got ourselves back on track with Mickey, Leo and James working hard together to keep the ball and ease the pressure on our defence and when they could bring the midfield into the game too we looked very good in possession.
Ollie made another great chance for Mickey with a perfect pass and although it was well struck, Mickeys shot was well saved by the keeper. Not long after that Mickey and Leo combined well to set up James, but his shot was wide and we wondered if we would rue those chances being missed.

The last 10 minutes saw Villa give it a good go to find an equaliser, but each of our players dug in and worked so hard to close them down and try to stop them playing that Villa couldn’t get a sight of goal.

So the match finished 1-0 and we can look forward to the Open Cup Final next month.

Man of the Match was Ollie Sanderson who worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch and was the main player that looked to get us passing, but every player deserves a lot of credit.

Under 18

The Under 18’s have finished their time in youth football, so no more reports from them!

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 28th April (unless stated otherwise):

  • Rowhedge vs Under 8
  • Clare Town Lions vs Under 10
  • Notley Youth vs Under 14 – League Cup Semi Final, Friday 26th April at Halstead Town FC, kick off 7.30pm.
  • Under 14 vs Bures United, kick off 10.30am (subject to final confirmation)
  • Under 18 – no game
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Bergholt Heath YFC match reports & fixtures – 14th April 2013

Under 8 vs Brooklands (Away)

Our Under 8s were playing away against Brooklands and started brightly playing some decent football. However the hosts took the lead from a powerful long range effort. A similar story unfolded for the second Brooklands goal when another shot from outside the area bobbled awkwardly on the bare patch of pitch in front of Daniel and squirmed through his grasp. Sandwiched in between these goals was a good attack from Bergholt resulting in a shot from Theo that whistled past the post.

Given the good performance in the first half, the Bergholt manager was hoping to push forward in the second, but it was Brooklands who stepped up, rattling another 5 goals past the shell-shocked Bergholt team who seemed to lose their shape and concentration for some explained reason.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Thomas Lloyd – some great tackles and clearances.

Under 10 vs Reed Hall Sentinels (Away)

The Under 10s played the proverbial game of two halves away to Reed Hall Sentinels.  The first half display could easily be blamed on the wind, but this was not the case: there was a distinct lack of off the ball effort that let the team down.  That, combined with poor marking and tackling, let Reed Hall through far too easily and they made Bergholt pay by taking their chances making the half time score line read a resounding 4-0 to the home team.

The second half was a far better display as the boys started to pass the ball – and mostly to each other, which was a bonus!  More time was spent in the Reed Hall half and the chances came. Tyler had numerous shots, as did Matt, Dan and Tom. Unfortunately none went in, but the boys should be pleased that they were creating the opportunities.  As the game wore on, Bergholt pushed higher up the pitch which left it open at the back, however they tracked back with far more urgency than in the first half and managed to stop Reed Hall from scoring.

The boys realised the difference between their displays in the two half’s. Next weekend they have the chance to put it right.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Jonah, for releasing the ball far better today.

Under 14 vs Stanway Rovers (Home)

The Under 14s were playing Stanway Rovers for the third time in 2013, this time at home in the league, having beaten the visitors on the previous two occasions: away in the league in January and just a few weeks ago in the Cup. The visitors came fired up to try and prevent a hat-trick of losses and took the game to Bergholt from the kick off. Within the first 10 minutes they had created a number of chances and a combination of good defending and ‘keeping, plus the bar, kept the score at 0-0. Having weathered the storm, Bergholt began to play their way back into the match, and any good passing moves were being seen from the home team – although chances either end were at a premium. A few minutes before half time, another wonderful passing move resulted in James Holden being played through and he finished confidently to put Bergholt 1-0 up at half time.

The second half started much the same way as the first, with Stanway first to every ball looking to equalise as soon as possible. Unfortunately Bergholt didn’t battle as hard to impose themselves as they had done in the first, and the visitors were cutting out the midfield to pile pressure on an over-worked Bergholt defence time after time. From one of several corners, the ball was cleared towards the edge of the area and, as the Bergholt players stood and watched, the ball was hit powerfully into the roof of the net without a challenge for the equaliser. For the last 5 minutes it was the visitors who looked the more likely to grab a winner , however there was no addition to the scoring with the match finishing 1-1.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Cairan Donnellan – for his good positional play and tackling.

Open Cup Semi-Final – 21st April

Bergholt Heath’s Under 14 team have successfully reached the semi final of both the League and Open Cups this season. The first of these semi finals is against Stanway Villa FC and will be played at Wivenhoe Town Football Club this coming Sunday 21st April, kick off 12 noon. All Bergholt supporters are welcome to attend and help make it a memorable day for the boys.

Under 18 vs Boxford Rovers (Away)

Our Under 18’s, having finished their last ever league campaign in youth football, just had the Cup to extend their season, playing away to Boxford Rovers in the quarter final of the League Cup. As the season drifted away, the usual problem of getting a full team of 18 year olds on the pitch was evident, and the manager Iain Turner could only field 10 players. The home side took full advantage of this and despite a valiant effort, Bergholt went out of the cup with Boxford Rovers winning the tie 7-3.  That’s it for the current under 18 squad unless any of the matches postponed earlier in the season are rescheduled rather than points awarded by default…

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 21st April:

  • Under 8 vs Rowhedge Juniors KO 11am
  • Bures United vs Under 10
  • Under 14 vs Stanway Villa, Open Cup Semi Final, Wivenhoe Town FC, kick off 12 noon (change to original league fixture)
  • Under 18 – No game
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Bergholt Heath YFC – Results & Fixtures 7th April 2013

The weather finally allowed Bergholt Heath to play games this weekend, although only two of our four teams were scheduled to play as the league starts to juggle outstanding fixtures.

With a squad decimated by holidays and sickness, the Under 10s could only field 6 players in their 7-a-side league match away to Stanway Villa.  The team forewent a striker for the game knowing that they would be camped in their own half for the majority of the game.  Stanway Villa tried to carve their way through to goal, but a combination of good defending and ‘keeping kept them out.  Bergholt’s only chance of scoring would be by making a swift counter attack, and indeed the best chance of the first half fell to Bergholt when Matt set Dan free on the left.  Dan’s shot fell to Nathan at the far post with the ‘keeper stranded at the other post.  Unfortunately, Nathan could not direct his shot into the goal. Though tired, the Bergholt boys came off at half time delighted to have kept the score to 0-0.

The second half was backs to the wall as Villa pushed forward and threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Bergholt to try and make their numerical advantage count.  With a herculean effort the boys kept them out, although it was very close at times.  The match finished 0-0, although you would have thought Bergholt had won it the way the boys celebrated at the end!

Well done boys for a fantastic display.  It seems lately that when we are really up against it everyone steps up a couple of gears. We really need this type of display every week.

Man of the match went to Louis for a great display between the sticks.

The Under 14s travelled the short distance to Clairmont Road to play Brooklands in the league, looking to make it 10 wins in a row. However after 2 weeks without a game it seemed that the lads had forgotten who their team mates were as there was a distinct lack of communication in the first half.  It was mainly because of this that the hosts created a couple of chances in the first quarter of an hour and the team had Connor in goal to thank, with 2 excellent saves. Going forward the boys lacked a little drives, but they still managed to create chances for Owen, Mickey and Max, but they all failed to hit the target.  As always Bergholt were dangerous from corners, but with a narrow pitch, some were over hit.  Max’s long throw ins also caused the Brooklands defence some uncomfortable moments. As the half progressed, Sam headed a corner wide and Jamie went close when he had a shot after picking up a cleared corner.  The end of the first half saw Owen break down the right and send in a great cross that looked destined to fall for Mickey at the far post, but a defender stretched out a leg and was fortunate to divert the ball up and over his cross-bar rather than into his own net from little more than 3 yards out.   A half that balanced itself out finished all square.

After a positive team talk the boys certainly upped their game in the second half and dominated play for much of the remainder of the match.  It was scrappy at times, but they showed a lot more desire and worked hard to stop Brooklands from playing, whilst making several opportunities too.  Mickey, Jake, Ollie and Ben had shots that all cleared the bar, but Jake came close to opening the score as he turned his man and hit a great shot that came back off the bar.  Soon after, a good move down the left lead to James Hirst crossing to an unmarked James Holden who headed over from 6 yards: getting the ball under the crossbar seemed to be Bergholt’s main issue today! Max’s throw ins continued to lead to chances, but the Brooklands ‘keeper pulled off a really impressive save from Jake, who had diverted Sam’s flick on towards goal, and another header from Sam was cleared off the line by a Brooklands defender.  The home ‘keeper made two more outstanding saves to deny Bergholt a goal – 1 from a lobbed shot by Ollie that looked destined for the top corner until he stopped it, and another from his own defender who miss-hit a low cross from Mickey that headed arrow-like towards the bottom corner, but he got down really well to turn it round the post.

So the match finished all square at 0-0 and Bergholt didn’t make it 10 wins in a row which was a little frustrating, but the way the lads went about the second half was good to see.  Work on finishing is required at the next training session!

Man of the match: Goalkeeper Connor Welfare, for great saves in the first half and a confident performance.

Next weeks matches – Sunday 14th April

  • Brooklands v Under 8
  • Reed Hall Sentinels v Under 10
  • Under 14 v Stanway Rovers KO 10.30am
  • Boxford Rovers v Under 18 LC QF
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Bergholt Heath YFC – Match update

Due to the extremely cold and snowy weather, all the Bergholt Heath YFC matches scheduled for this weekend were postponed.  As next weekend is Easter, no games will be played, so the next fixtures will take place on Sunday 7th April when (hopefully) the weather will have improved.  Details of these fixtures will be posted when known.

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Bergholt Heath YFC – Results & Fixtures 17th March 2013

Bergholt Heath Under 8s travelled to Bures after having a week off due to the weather. Bergholt mounted the first attack almost straight from the kick off, however most of the first half play was spent in the Bergholt half as Bures had corner after corner – but the Bergholt defence held firm.  The one time the defence was breached Daniel pulled off a fantastic save, diving full length to push the ball round the post.  Half time: 0-0.

The Second half saw Bergholt take advantage of the wind and the slight slope.  They managed more possession than the previous 15 minutes and pinned their hosts back in their half of the pitch for the majority of the half.  This allowed the Bergholt full-backs to get forward to support the midfield, which was pleasing. There were no goals in this half either – Bergholt had the potential to change this, but a last ditch rugby tackle by the Bures defender saw Theo tumble to the ground just outside the area.

Final score: 0-0 – a fair result.  Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’ went to Joseph Watkins for great performance in both defence and supporting the attack.

The Under 10s were also playing after an enforced break, at home to Long Melford.  The game was a bit of déjà vu as a couple of weeks ago a defensive error after a couple of minutes let Melford take the lead.  Bergholt then had a good period of possession but were guilty of holding onto the ball too long; too many of the boys wanted the glory themselves when a better option was available.  Just before half time a corner from Matt fell kindly for Tyler in the box, who finished well.  GOOOAALL!

The second half was end-to-end with both teams having chances. Melford had several good runs down the right – some were stopped, some went wide and some had fingers crossed and Bergholt got away with.  At the other end, just as in the first half, options were there but the boys hurried shots far too many times.  The one time Bergholt did play the right ball, Dan had a great chance in the area.  He shot across the ‘keeper to the far corner but unfortunately the ball went wide. Finally Bergholt got the breakthrough. Good work by Nathan on the right saw him cross for Richard who poked home.  2-1.   Melford were not downhearted though, and all their good work down their left finally paid off with an equaliser.

A good game and a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result.  Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’ went to Tyler who was one of the few who really battled today.

The Under 14s hosted Stanway Rovers in the Open Cup Quarter Finals. It was a slow start by the Bergholt boys and Stanway were looking the more likely to score, but after 10 minutes Max Booth set James Holden clear down the left and he cut inside and finished coolly from a narrow angle to open the scoring. Soon after, a hopeful ball into the Stanway penalty area was not dealt with and with the Stanway defence looking at each other to deal with the bouncing ball James Holden took advantage of the situation and headed over the advancing keeper to put Bergholt 2-0 up.

Stanway’s pacey front men kept the back 4 on their toes, but Bergholt were relatively comfortable for the remainder of the half and started the second in similar fashion. Leo Tiffney and Ben Ashurst had efforts on goal that were deflected wide. Approaching midway through the half a corner from Max Booth was flicked on by Sam Clark and a Stanway defender was unlucky to head the ball past the keeper and into his own net for 3-0.

It was now just a case of staying in control while getting all the players some game time as Stanway gave a good push to get back in the game. They broke down the left and when they beat Connor Welfare in the Bergholt goal, Aaron Marley did well to get back but he couldn’t quite clear the shot away and it was 3-1. Neither side really created another clear opportunity although Jake Adams was blatantly brought down by the Stanway keeper, but the referee failed to award Bergholt the penalty. It didn’t matter in the end though as Bergholt moved into the semi-finals of the Open Cup, after reaching the same stage of the League Cup in their previous game.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 3 – 1 Stanway Rovers.  The parents awarded Connor Welfare the Man of the Match for his excellent handling and the way he commanded his penalty area.

Unfortunately the Under 18s had to cancel their last ever league game in youth football as the manager could not raise a team due to injury and other commitments. That just leaves at least one cup match to come before most hang up their boots.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 24th March:

  • Under 8 v Oyster Youth KO 11am
  • Stanway Villa Green v Under 10
  • Under 14 v Stanway Rovers KO 10.30am (league)
  • Boxford Rovers v Under 18 – LC QF
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