Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 25th January

St Edmunds vs BHYFC U10s

As this was the last week of the winter break Bergholt Under 10’s arranged another friendly to keep the boys fit and ready for the first “league” match next week.  So they made the short trip to play St Edmunds who they played earlier in the season in another friendly.  In that game St Edmunds came out on top so Bergholt went out looking to even up the score.

The opening exchanges were even with both teams playing some nice football and were always looking to pass the ball around despite the heavy pitch.  Because of the evenness of play Bergholt were able to show their attacking flair and the defence were joining in to, in particular Joseph who was having a lot of good possession down the Bergholt left.

The Bergholt manager encouraged Daniel to mix up his distribution and sometimes roll the ball out to the wide defenders rather than always kick the ball.  This was working well until he rolled it out to the midfield who were not switched on to this new tactic.  The St Edmunds player got the ball just in the Bergholt half and ran through and fired a low drive into the bottom corner of the Bergholt net.

To their credit the Bergholt boys keep their chins up and looked to get back on levels terms as soon as possible and got their reward when Eddie fed a superb ball right through the St Edmunds defence for Oliver to run onto.  With just the keeper to beat Oliver didn’t panic despite the ball coming to him on his unfavoured right foot and his shot rocketed past the keeper for the equaliser.  The HT score of 1-1 was very reflective of the fact that despite the picking the ball out of the net, both keepers didn’t have to deal with any other goal-bound efforts as both sides cancelled each other out.

The half-time chat from the Bergholt manager was more about keeping the boys calm after the goal as it was clear to them that this was a winnable game.  He also commended the midfield who were working their socks off and tracking back when required.

The second half was more of the same as each side continued where they had left off from the first half.  So the next goal was going to be all important and it went to Bergholt when a break away saw James and Freddie free and the former got his fourth of the season.  So it was then St Edmunds turn to get back on level terms and that they did when the Bergholt team forgot the tackling training they had only had the day before and the St Edmunds attacker was able to stroll through unchallenged and despite Daniel getting his hands on the shot, the power saw the ball end up in the Bergholt net.

This ended up being the last goal of the match as both sides had their respective keepers to thank in the last five minutes – Bergholt when Daniel did really well to push the ball away when the shot was bound for the top left-hand corner, and St Edmunds when their keeper got his hands to James’s last minute shot.

Final score 2-2, which was a fair result given the equality of both teams

FC Clacton Reds vs BHYFC U16s

Another trip to Clacton in the Colchester Open Cup on a cold and windy Sunday, to play on a pitch that was showing significant wear from the match immediately beforehand.

The match started evenly with both teams finding the pitch difficult to play on due to the divots it had sustained from several previous matches which made passing and control extremely difficult. In an open first half both teams had half chances but the strikers were finding it difficult to connect cleanly with the ball as it bobbled around, so both ‘keepers were largely untroubled.  HT: 0-0.

The second half saw Bergholt start to impose themselves on the match more and despite not being able to play their normal passing game, the strikers were seeing increasing amounts of the ball and but for some last ditch committed tackling and some wayward shooting, the away team could have been 2 or 3 up by mid way through the half.  As it was, a hopeful ball forward, against a Bergholt defence that had seen both full backs withdrawn, saw the revised back line caught very square and the ball fell kindly for the home striker to left the ball into the net with some ease for 1-0.  This set back rocked Bergholt and for the next 5 minutes it was all Clacton, but back the visitors came and yet again chances were being made but not taken, with 3 one-on-one’s not taken.  On an increasingly rare foray forward Clacton gained a corner and from the kick the ball was headed against the bar, half cleared, shot again with the defender clearing off the line only for the ball to hit the post, hit him again and go in off his knee for 2-0 to Clacton.

Again Bergholt came back and Ronan was put clean through and looked to have a clear shot on goal when the defender appeared to clip his heals from behind, but the referee did not see a foul. Finally with 5 minutes remaining Tyler again got free in the inside right channel and this time did get a clean shot away to put Bergholt on the score sheet.  It was now all Bergholt and Sam had an opportunity to score but it was on his weaker right foot so he missed the target.  The final action saw Conor M beat one challenge in the box but he was squeezed out when trying to find the room to get his shot away.

Final score: FC Clacton Reds 2-1 Bergholt Heath

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Connor Welfare.  On a day when outfield ball control was missing and the increasing wind made anything in the air difficult, the Bergholt keepers positioning and handling were back to their best.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 1st February:

• Lawford Junior vs Under 8
• Under 10 vs Long Melford,  KO 11.30am
• Under 12 vs Colchester Athletic,  KO 10am
• Under 16 – no game

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 7th December

BHYFC U8s

The Under 8s had no game on 7th December.

BHYFC U10s vs Bures United

After the performances of the past few weeks, Bergholt were full of optimism ahead of the last home match before the Christmas break.  However, any festive cheer soon disappeared a few minutes after the kick-off as it was Bures who were quicker out of the blocks capitalising from an error from Bergholt and scored the first goal of the game.  Bergholt tried to get the equaliser and had a couple of efforts on goal but it was Bures who scored again to go into the break 2-0 up.

After a stiff talking to at half time, Bergholt knew they had to step up their efforts but unfortunately it was more of the same as Bures were always first to the ball and seemed to have more desire.  So much so they added another two goals without reply.  Bergholt then did wake up and tried to get at least a consolation goal with Freddie spearheading the attacks but their closest effort was when Thomas L brought out a smart reaction save from the Bures keeper.

Final score 0-4.  Disappointing score line given the great football Bergholt had been playing which they seemed to have forgotten this week – hopefully this is just temporary amnesia….

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Freddie Geiger – great drive and effort, some of which were lacking in others…

Halstead Town Reds vs BHYFC U12s

The Under 12s made the trek to Halstead and came away with a good 2-0 win thanks to goals from Jonah Murray and Ryan Harvey.  Ben Sams was man of the match.

Wivenhoe Blues vs BHYFC U16s

On an increasingly cold afternoon, the Under 16s travelled to Wivenhoe for the return league fixture.

Yet again Bergholt started sluggishly and within a few minutes were 1-0 down when the Wivenhoe left winger was given far too much time to get a cross in, Connor let the ball slip from his grasp and the striker was on hand to tap into an empty net from inside the 6 yard box. Bergholt huffed and puffed through the remainder of the half without creating any chances of real note, although they did gradually start to cause the home team more problems going forward, with Chris and Tyler in particular looking dangerous on the ball as half time approached.  HT:1-0.

The second half started with Bergholt again taking the game to the home team and within 2 minutes they pulled level with a superb lob from Tyler that evaded the ‘keeper and bounced into the corner of the net.  Bergholt were by now playing the better football and the game was increasingly played towards the Wivenhoe goal, but a misplaced pass in midfield caught Harry at right back out of position and the fast left winger got away from him to run towards the area and calmly lift the ball into the net as Connor came out to narrow the angle, for 2-1. Yet again Bergholt came back into the match, however the cause was not helped when Captain Jamie limped off with a recurrence of his knee injury, closely followed by goal scorer Tyler, also with a knee injury which saw the attacking threat fade.  Wivenhoe then gained a lucky third goal with a cross shot deflected off Harry and into the Bergholt net for an unfortunate OG.

Final score: Wivenhoe Youth Blues 3-1 Bergholt Heath

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Tyler Earl – non stop running capped by a fine finish for the Bergholt goal

Next weeks’ fixtures Sunday 16th December (final games of 2014):

• Long Melford vs Under 8
• Gt Bentley vs Under 10
• Wivenhoe Town vs Under 12
• FC Clacton vs Under 16

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 2nd November

BHYFC U8s vs Wivenhoe Town

After several weeks scoring hatfuls of goals every match, this week saw less scored, with only 3 counting in the opposition net.  Yet again, well done to all boys and girls who played.

Alresford Colne Rangers vs BHYFC U10s

Bergholt travelled to Alresford this week and once the boys arrived (blame the Sat Nav not the Manager…) they made the brighter opening of the two teams.  In particular, Bergholt were finding success down their right with Thomas L and Nicholas linking up well. The latter in fact had Bergholt’s first effort but his shot hit the side netting.

Then the game changer…. for once the forecasters got it right and the predicted torrential rain arrived with a vengeance.  So much so that the referee took the players off the pitch for five minutes until it subsided. Bergholt tried to continue to play the passing game they have been asked to but without getting another real effort on goal. They were made to pay for this when the Alresford striker hit a pile-driver from outside the box into the top corner of Daniel’s net. The hosts then doubled their lead when Daniel made an excellent point-blank save but the rebound fell kindly to the Alresford player who slammed the ball home to give the home side a 2-0 lead at half-time.

At half-time the Bergholt manager asked the team to continue to play the passes and to their credit they did and had the majority of play but once again were unable to get the ball into the net. Freddie was taking the ball from defence to attack on many occasions to set up the Bergholt attacks. They came close – Thomas H with a pile-driver which the keeper made a smart save from and then he got a hand on the shot from Ollie on the rebound. Ollie again came close when he hit the post. But incredibly, despite the dominance of Bergholt, they conceded another two goals and ended on the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat.

The weather was a major factor in the game as Bergholt seemed to be more affected by the conditions and they did not deserve to lose, let alone by such a score line. Credit to Alresford though – they managed to score with the few attacks they had.

Despite two defeats in a row, the Bergholt boys should take a lot of heart with the way they played in these two matches as it has been full of attractive football without necessarily getting the rewards it has deserved.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Freddie Geiger – skill and strength in launching many of Bergholt’s attacks in the second half.

BHYFC U12s vs Cornard Dynamos Reds

A brace from Matt Sanderson and one from Ryan Harvey saw the boys through to the third round of the league cup.

MOM also went to Matt. Well done guys.

BHYFC U16s vs Frinton & Walton

The Under 16s welcomed back Captain Jamie for his first game since the opening fixture of the season on what turned out to be an extremely wet Sunday on the Poors field. Bergholt started brightly and the returning captain put them ahead within the first 10 minutes from the penalty spot after a hand ball inside a crowded penalty area. Bergholt continued to press with confidence that has been missing in the last few games, and mid way through the half they went 2-0 up when Cairan planted a firm header into the roof of the net following a superb cross from the left by Christian. The first half looked like it was going to finish quietly as the rain started to fall and control became difficult, however the visitors got back into the match a couple of minutes before half time when a free kick on the right was deflected and spun up into the air to drop down into the top corner. Frinton & Walton tried to seize the initiative from this goal and the half time whistle came at just the right time – with torrential rain now falling. HT: 2-1.

There was a quick turnaround at half time to try and get the game finished in ever worsening weather and the start of the second half saw the game become a bit of a lottery with all players finding the ball difficult to control. Frinton & Walton tried to get their game going again and Connor in goal was called upon to make a one handed save one-on-one with the visiting striker. However as the half wore on Bergholt found their feet again (literally!) and some superb interplay involving Leo and Cairan resulted in Tyler putting the ball into the net from close range at the far post for 3-1. Bergholt’s confidence was now back and the game was being played almost exclusively inside the visitors half. The final goal came when Christian picked up the ball centrally and left fly with a shot that bounced up off the slippery surface and appeared to deceive the ‘keeper as it went past him into the net.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 4-1 Frinton & Walton.

Bergholt Heath “man of the match”: Leo Tiffney – superb passing and running in midfield to create space.

Next Weekend’s fixtures – Sunday 9th November:

• Reed Hall Sentinels vs Under 8
• Lt Oakley vs Under 10
• Beacon Hill vs Under 12
• Cornard Dynamo Blues vs Under 16

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 12th October

Halstead Town vs BHYFC U8s

Sunday 12 October saw Bergholt Heath Under 8s play their second away match of the season. The opponents, Halstead‎ Town, proved to be formidable opposition. After a bruising encounter Bergholt Heath came out on top thanks to a great team performance.  Goals in the first half from Oscar De’ath and Bevan ‎Blowers preceded a second half of resolute defending. Bergholt Heath continue their unbeaten start to the season and look forward to their next match at home against Long Melford on 26 October.

FC Clacton vs BHYFC U10s

Bergholt Heath U10s went on their travels week, heading to the coast to play FC Clacton.  After last week’s much improved performance, the manager was hoping that they would carry this into this game.

The first five minutes or so were played mainly in the Bergholt half as the hosts tried to use home advantage, however they never troubled Daniel in goal as the Bergholt defence kept them at bay.  This act of defiance from the back line boosted confidence throughout the team and slowly but surely Bergholt got themselves into the game and the last 10 minutes could have been named the “James show” as everything that Bergholt did seemed to involve him.  He was unlucky when he hit a cracking shot from just outside the box but unfortunately for him and the team it thumped against the crossbar.  Half-time score 0-0.

The second half, like the first, was full of ebb and flow as both teams looked to be the one to break the deadlock.  Daniel, having been a spectator for the majority of the first 20 minutes of the game, was called into action early as he dived very bravely at the feet of the striker getting a nasty whack on the knee for his troubles.  Soon after he was called into action again as he rushed out to the edge of the area to close down the Clacton striker, but the ball from the challenge fell kindly to another Clacton striker who had the goal at his mercy and couldn’t miss.

Clacton then could have doubled their lead as Freddie’s tackle in the area was slightly late and he upended the Clacton striker for a stonewall penalty.  The Clacton player hit the ball well but Daniel guessed the right way and not only made the save but managed to get the ball to safety as well.
The football experts always say that often a particular moment like this can change a game and sure enough this was one of those examples.  This save bolstered Bergholt and they started to exert their own pressure, coming close when James slotted the ball through to Theo, but with just the keeper to beat he could only skew the ball wide.  He was crestfallen after this miss but was soon celebrating as another move down the left, this time with Thomas H being the provider, he found himself in a similar position.  Unlike his first effort, Theo composed himself before slamming the ball under the keeper’s body to get the equaliser.  Bergholt then looked to go ahead in the game and came close when Billy flew down the right wing and delivered a superb cross which was met on the volley by Theo but flashed just wide.

Clacton themselves were also trying to get their second of the match but the Bergholt defence had listened to the manager and coach’s words about not diving in and were playing extremely well.  When they did need help, Thomas H typified the team’s efforts when he made a superb sliding tackle on the edge of the Bergholt box to clear the danger.

With the game heading for a draw Bergholt managed to launch one last attack which saw Thomas L and Theo against one lone Clacton defender.  Thomas drew out the defender and threaded a lovely pass to Theo and in a carbon copy of his first goal repeated the feat and slammed the ball under the dive of the keeper.

Clacton then kicked-off but this was to be the last action of the match as the referee blew his whistle for full-time.  Full-time 2-1 to Bergholt.

Bergholt Heath recorded their first league win of the season in what was a great game of football to watch.  Both teams were evenly matched, both looking to pass their way up the field and both played in a strong but sporting manner.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: James Pomphrett – outstanding performance in the first half – well worth the long trip!

 BHYFC U12s vs Feering Falcon Reds

The Under 12s were at home to Feering Falcons Reds and a goal from Daniel Thomson and two from Richard Frost saw them comfortable 3-1 winners.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Richard Frost.

BHYFC U16s vs Marks Tey Blues

Bergholt’s Under 16 team made the short trip to Marks Tey Blues in the League Cup.

As is becoming a habit, Bergholt started extremely slowly and a flat looking defence were caught out in just the second minute when a long ball was missed by the midfield and the striker was allowed a clean run on goal to easily beat Connor in the Bergholt goal.  Whilst still shell shocked from being 1-0 down so quickly, yet another mistake at the back saw the home striker finish superbly to put Marks Tey 2-0 up with less than 10 minutes on the clock.  Bergholt’s cause was not helped when just a couple of minutes later, defender Ryan landed awkwardly and had to be carried from the pitch.  In a carbon copy of Jamie’s injury in the first game of the season, his knee had twisted and yet again if was off to A&E for one of the Bergholt players, where ligament damage was diagnosed.  Everyone at Bergholt Heath wishes Ryan a speedy recovery.

Now missing two of their regular back four, Bergholt reshuffled and came back into the match, but their usual shape was missing and the attacking intent tended to peter out tamely. At half time the manager tried to install some confidence, but mid way through the second half a miss-communication at the back saw Marks Tey score their third and final goal to see the match finish 3-0.  No return to the Final of the League Cup this season.  Let’s hope the team get some of their injured players back to make a challenge on the league or progress in the Open Cup come January.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 19^th October:

• Under 8 – No game
• Long Melford vs Under 10
• Under 12 vs Gt Bentley, KO 10am
• Bures vs Under 16

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 5th October

BHYFC U8s vs Lexden Saints

The Under 8s played their second home league game and remain unbeaten, scoring three goals against a very good Lexden team.  Erin Williams scored her second hat-trick in successive matches and all the other members of the squad played very well too.

BHYFC U10s vs Great Bentley

The Under 10’s took on Great Bentley this week in perfect conditions – the weather was sunny, the air crisp and the Poors Field grass short.

The first half was similar to the first game of the season against Brightlingsea, where it seemed to be a game of attack vs defence as the visitors took control.  Unlike that game, Bergholt were playing much better and were not just aimlessly clearing the ball, they were trying to match the opposition for effort and passing, but were just coming up against a better team.  Joe, Billy and Thomas in particular were up against two very good wingers.  In fact Bergholt were playing so well that it was only down to two individual mistakes that cost Bergholt the two goals that separated the two teams at half-time.  HT 0-2.

Boosted by the way they were playing, Bergholt came out for the second half full of confidence and it showed as the half was not so one-sided as the first.  Bentley still had their attacks but when the defence was breached Daniel was able to cope well – one particular save, where he tipped a long range pile driver over the bar, drew a deserved round of applause from both sets of coaches and supporters.  However, Daniel had to deal with a very hard ground and on one attack he did well to get down to make the save but the Bentley striker was first to the rebound to score the third.  Bentley then extended their lead when the winger beat two challenges and then cut in and rifled an unstoppable shot into the net from just inside the Bergholt box.

However not despondent, Bergholt continued to play the football they had shown last season and had a period of play where they showed their attacking prowess with Oliver and James leading the line.

The final score was 0-4 to Great Bentley but Bergholt should be very pleased with their performance against a team who have only lost one game in two years.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: – Thomas Lloyd.  Great organisation of the defence.

Halstead Town vs BHYFC U12s

As autumn rolled into October an unseasonably warm afternoon greeted the team as the Under 12s met Halstead Town Reds for the second time in a few weeks, this time away in the League Cup round 1.

Halstead started the match far hungrier for action. With a few minutes gone the manager was left wondering if Bergholt would even get out of their half. Finally a ball was played to Tyler in the centre circle. With a couple of defenders on his heels he headed towards goal and with a great piece of skill he outfoxed one of the antagonists and created space in the area to place the ball perfectly in the corner with the keeper trying to narrow the angle.

The rest of the half then turned into a battle of attrition with both sides trying to wear each other down. There was good skill from both sides and efforts on target at either end. Both keepers were called upon at some point and neither wanted to break , but one felt there were more scores to come and so it happened as Halstead hit the equaliser near to half time .

The second half was a frantic end to end affair as the footy was played at a high tempo. Several times Bergholt were on the back foot but some better clearances and harder tackles meant the scores stayed level. At the other end Bergholt were creating chances.  Several times both Jo and Tyler broke through with the keeper to beat.  Their efforts just missed the target each time.

Something had to eventually give and fortune favoured the away team when Ryan went for another run down the left.  He cut into the area and chipped the keeper. The ball looked to be going wide but a ‘Great goal’ cheer from Tom preceded the ball settling in the net to restore Bergholt’s lead.

The clock was running down but the boys wanted to make certain of the tie and this they did when a goalward shot was stopped by a defender with his hand.  Jo calmly put the resultant penalty into the net to make it 3-1.

With the last play of the game Jo took on the fullbacks to get to the byline, he expertly pulled the ball back across the area.  Alex in the middle could not make contact but the ball travelled on to Ben at the far side.  Rather than blast the shot he calmly side footed the ball into the empty side with the keeper.

Final Score: Halstead Town Reds 1-4 Bergholt Heath.

Well done boys a nice win in a hard fought contest against a good Halstead side.

It was pleasing to see some of the boys had corrected mistakes from previous matches today. Let’s hope this continues when the team is back in league action next week against Feering.

MOM could have gone to several players, but Jack was chosen for a couple of great saves made at a crucial time in the match.

Jays Youth (Dagenham) vs BHYFC U16s

The Under 16s had an early start in the Essex Cup, away to Jays Youth in Dagenham.

Following last weeks’ home loss to Wivenhoe, Bergholt started tentatively and it was only after the home side took the lead in the 10th minute through a well worked free kick routine that caught the defence out, that they decided to start playing.

Following this early set-back Bergholt took the game to the hosts.  Conor smashed a free kick from outside the box against the bar and then had a chance to put Bergholt back on level terms from the penalty spot after Tyler was brought down by the ‘keeper, however his placed spot kick was well saved.  Conor volleyed over from close range a couple of minutes later and shortly after Tyler got the ball in the net from close range, only to harshly be adjudged offside.  At the other end Jays were being kept well away from the Bergholt goal by a hard working midfield.  HT: 1-0.

The second half started with Bergholt again on the front foot with some really good passing football being played through the midfield that finally resulted in an equaliser when Ronan got on the end of the rebound as the home ‘keeper made a good save from Tyler.  It was still all Bergholt and they hit the bar for the second time in the match when Ciaran rose highest from a corner but saw his powerful header come back off the wood work.  Harry was then put through but blazed his shot high and wide on the run and Leo connected too well when a clearance dropped to him about 10 yards out, which resulted in the ball going over the bar.

Just when extra time seemed to be looming, Jays capitalised on some ponderous defending when the ball really should have been cleared up field first time.  The ball was crossed into the box and Connor could only parry it to the striker, who slotted it into the open net for the winner.

Final result: Jays Youth 2-1 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt Heath Man of the Match: Leo Tiffney – superb link up play behind the strikers

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 12th October:

• Halstead Town Yellows vs Under 8
• FC Clacton vs Under 10
• Under 12 vs Feering Falcon Reds KO 10
• Marks Tey Blues vs Under 16  League Cup R1