Category: BHYFC Football

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

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 28th September

Gt Bradfords vs BHYFC U8s

After scoring 9 goals in their first ever home game against Reed Hall Sentinels last week, this Sunday saw the Under 8s play away, to Gt. Bradfords.  For the second match running they scored 9 goals!  These we divided between the following players:

Erin Williams scored 6 with Oscar De’ath, Riley Blowers and his brother Bevan Blowers all scoring 1 each.

Bures United vs BHYFC U10s

Following last week’s result and performance for the Under 10s, the Bergholt manager was looking for a positive reaction from the team in the local derby away to Bures United.  He wasn’t disappointed as he got positivity right from the start.  Within the first minute Bergholt got down the right wing and Nicholas lashed the ball goal wards but as the angle was tight he found the side netting.  However, Bergholt did get their goal when a few minutes later after pressure again down the Bergholt right saw the ball fall to Oliver inside the area.  Having scored in the fixture last season he kept up the record as he lashed the ball past the Bures keeper to register Bergholt’s first goal this season.

Buoyed by this Bergholt looked to increase that lead with Freddie and Oliver again trying their luck but the Bures keeper was in fine form.  His saves gave the Bures team confidence to get forward themselves and from one of their attacks they got the equaliser.  A corner was swung into the near post and the height and power was too much for Daniel who could only parry into the net.  HT 1-1.

The second half was a copy of the first but with roles reversed as Bures had the majority of chances but found Daniel in super form.  Bergholt kept going through this pressure and showed more commitment than last week. A perfect example of which was when, with a few minutes to go, the Bures striker was one-on-one with Daniel who made a fantastic save and the rebound went to another Bures attacker whose shot was blocked by at least four Bergholt players who threw themselves in the way.
The game ended equal at 1-1, which was a fair result given each side was on top for one half each.  With the small pitch hampering the chance for much passing, the game was very bunched and hopefully the return match will be a more expansive affair.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: – Daniel Jackson – super saves and monster kicks.

BHYFC U12s vs Wivenhoe Town

Uncharacteristically the Under 12s boys started this match on the up when after five minutes a corner from Matt was met by Tom at the near post with a deft near post header that squeezed into the net. 1-0.

This was followed up not long after by a strike from Jonah when he regained possession on the edge of the box, powered through the defence and slotted it home for 2-0.The game then settled down as Wivenhoe started to come back into it. They did just that by pulling one back which meant the boys could not be complacent. 2-1.

The two goal advantage was soon restored when Matt’s free kick was saved but Jonah was there to put the loose ball in the net. 3-1. Bergholt then switched off with numerous unforced errors , unfortunately one of these led to another for Town to finish the half at 3-2.
Things did not improve much after half time as the boys could not keep possession, continually giving away the ball. Wivenhoe used it to their advantage and the resulting pressure forced Richard into an error in the box and a penalty was awarded and dispatched 3-3. This rocked the boys and at last they started playing better football.

Jack regained the lead as he was found unmarked in the area to score easily. 4-3. This was followed soon after when Ryan got off the mark with a similar effort for 5-3 and then he doubled his tally albeit a tad fortuitously, his first shot was saved by the keeper, the rebound fell to him and he hit the post. Once again it rebounded to him and third time lucky, from the tightest of angles, he finally tucked the ball home. 6-3. With just a few seconds left on the clock the ball fell to Jonah on the edge of the box. It looked like he was going to unleash a powerful shot but instead he passed it to Bowen who was just ahead of him in the area. Bowen calmly dispatched it past the keeper for his first ever goal. 7-3.

A good result, but the boys are capable of playing better football than today. One pleasing part was the amount of chances Bergholt created. As well as the goals, Jack hit the post, Richard, Tom and Dan had good efforts all just missing the target and Matt put in some great corners.

Man of the Match went to Daniel Thomson for an all round solid performance.

BHYFC U16s vs Wivenhoe Town

The Under 16s were at home, also to Wivenhoe Town, but playing without goalkeeper Connor who was away this weekend – missing only his second ever match for the Club in over 5 seasons, plus Captain Jamie Bowden who was still injured from the previous week.  Despite the required reshuffle, Bergholt started brightly and moved the ball around well to camp out in the visitors half for the first 10 minutes without managing to get a clear cut opportunity. After this initial pressure, Wivenhoe came back into the game and started to find plenty of space in the attacking third of the field as the Bergholt defence were sitting too far off their players which allowed them plenty of time and freedom.  Luckily the visitors were unable to capitalise on this which allowed the manager to try and correct the problems at half time with the score at 0-0.

The second half started with the Bergholt defence appearing not to have taken on board the manager’s comments regarding space, and they were again sitting too deep which enabled the game to become stretched with a disconnect appearing between defence and midfield.  After around 10 minutes Wivenhoe finally capitalised on more hesitant defending to score a simple and easily preventable goal.  This shook the home team and they tried to get back into the game immediately, but rather than play the ball around as they had done in the first half, they were rushing and the final ball was not finding a Bergholt player. Wivenhoe nearly scored a second when there was another mix-up at the back, but luckily the off-side flag was raised.  However the reprieve was only short lived when a simple ball over the top saw the central defenders both leaving the strikers unmarked and one ran between them to finish comfortably one on one with Harry Luckman who was covering in goal this week.

The second goal seemed to knock Bergholt out of their stride and the shape was starting to get lost as the ball with hit high into the air time and again in a desperate attempt to get close to the visitors goal. However Wivenhoe were never seriously threatened and the game petered out to finish Bergholt Heath 0-2 Wivenhoe Town.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Harry Luckman – brave and commanding in goal.

Fixtures – Sunday 5th October

• Under 8 vs Lexden Saints  KO 10am
• Under 10 vs Gt Bentley  KO 11am
• Halstead Town Reds vs Under 12  League Cup R1
• Jays (Dagenham) vs Under 16 – Essex County Cup R1 

 

 

 

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 21st September

With the first week of the new season seeing 3 of the 4 teams without a game for various reasons, the league season kicked off with three of the four teams at home on the Poors Field on 21st September.

BHYFC U8s vs Reed Hall Sentinels

The Under 8’s played their very first match and scored 9 goals in a great performance for manager Andy Williams! Oscar De’ath scored 5, Henry McLean scored 3 and the other goal came from James Murphy.

BHYFC U10s vs Brightlingsea Regent

Bergholt Under 10’s played their first game of the season following their turn to sit out last week. The visitors to the Poors Field were Brightlingsea Regent, who the blues met in the pre-season tournament at Wivenhoe a few weeks earlier.  Brightlingsea kicked off and within 30 seconds were celebrating their first goal as they sliced through the Bergholt team like a hot knife through butter.  This set the tone for the rest of the match with Brightlingsea on top throughout.  By half-time the score was 0-4 following an impressive display from Brightlingsea and some errors from the Bergholt team.

With the Bergholt manager also refereeing the match, he wasn’t able to have a word with the team until half-time when a few words of encouragement and advice were needed. He can take some crumb of comfort that the boys might have listened to his words from the fact that in the second half Bergholt only conceded 3.

A frustrating match for all involved with Bergholt U10’s as this wasn’t the start they wanted and the performance we all know that they can show. There were pockets of play where the boys showed what they were about and were able to compete with Brightlingsea but these were all too infrequent and short.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: – Joseph Watkins – kept on battling.

BHYFC U12s vs Halstead Town Reds

The Under 12’s were also at home on the Poors Field, to Halstead Town Reds.  Bergholt ran out comfortable 4-2 winners with the goals coming via a hat-trick from Jonah Murray and one from Tyler Webb.  Jonah was, unsurprisingly, voted player of the match!

Frinton & Walton vs BHYFC U16s

The Under 16’s were the only team away, at newly promoted Frinton and Walton. A much changed squad from last season, including the loss of two of the best players now playing at the higher (East Anglia) Alliance League level, saw new signings Ryan and Harry Luckman, Conor McLaughlin, Christian Pinto plus the returning Ronan Gallagher all make their debuts during the match.

The loss of the tall centre back Sam meant that the team was likely to concede from corners and it was from Frinton’s very first flag kick that the home team took the lead after around 10 minutes. Bergholt did not let their heads drop and started playing some neat football. A few minutes before half time Bergholt got the break their football deserved with Leo Tiffney neatly finishing a well worked passing move from around 10 yards out. HT: 1-1.

Bergholt were looking to kick on in the second half and took the game to the home team. However some poor marking at the back between the new central defensive pairing let in Frinton’s star striker who finished comfortably. Again this did not deter Bergholt and the team spirit shone through with Conor and Ciaran in central midfield driving the team on. Mid way through the half Bergholt equalised for the second time when a free kick was played into the Frinton box and new signing Harry got his head on the ball to flick it into the goal for a debut goal. This was followed a few minutes later with Conor also scoring on his debut to make the score 3-2.

The home team were now throwing everything at Bergholt to try and equalise but the defence was being superbly marshaled by Jamie from his new position at left back. Unfortunately from one clearance under pressure from the striker, Jamie landed awkwardly at an angle and injured his knee, which required on pitch treatment, then further treatment at pitch side, followed by a trip to A&E. Luckily the feared ligament damage was not diagnosed and a badly sprained knee will see him on crutches and out of action for just a few weeks.

Final score: Frinton & Walton 2-3 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt Heath Man of the Match: Jamie Bowden – an all action display from the back before being injured a few minutes from time.

Fixtures – Sunday 28th September

• Gt Bradfords vs Under 8
• Bures Utd vs Under 10
• U12 vs Wivenhoe KO 10am
• U16 vs Wivenhoe KO 11.30am

 

 

 

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 27th April

Both the under 9s and the under 11s have now completed their seasons, so it’s just the under 15s left to complete theirs in the next couple of weeks.

BHYFC U15s vs Cornard Dynamos

Being their final home league match of the season, Connor missed his first ever game in goal as he was away for “Duke of Edinburgh”, and the team were also missing James Holden and Leo Tiffney.

The game started with Bergholt looking much brighter than their last game against Heybridge and they looked to take the game to the visitors with Max in particular looking sharp up front. The midfield this week, with Sam moved there from central defence, generally stopped Cornard having any time on the ball and the defence swept up comfortably anything that got beyond the midfield so much so that Tom, who was finally making his debut in goal, had very little to do other than collect a couple of through balls.  Mid way through the half, after several half chances came and went, Bergholt finally took the lead when Max played in a corner, Sam and Jamie neatly switched places to draw the defenders (as practised in training), and Ciaran was left unmarked to stab the ball home from close range for his first goal of the season.  The remainder of the half was played out in midfield but any chances that came were for Bergholt.  HT: 1-0.

The second half started with Sam back in defence, Jamie pushed out to left back and Max dropped back into midfield.  This stifled the Bergholt attacking instincts a little but the midfield and defence were totally in command with Cornard never looking looking a threat at any time.  Again the half chances fell to Bergholt, including what looked like a clear penalty when the keeper took out Owen, but the referee gave the easier decision of a corner which Sam headed narrowly over the top.  The closest Bergholt came to a second goal was with around 10 minutes remaining when Jamie was played in on the overlap and he whipped in a superb cross that Max rose to head powerfully goal wards, only to see the ball cannon off the crossbar and back out over the top of him.   As with the first half the second was played out comfortably for a 1-0 home win that moves Bergholt up to 4th in the table with one league game to play next week vs Bures.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Ciaran Donnellan – tireless midfield work and finally a goal to show for all his effort.

Next weeks matches:

• Tuesday 29th April: Under 15’s League Cup semi final vs Heybridge Swifts, 7.30pm at Halstead Town. (Bergholt Heath awarded quarter final tie after Clacton were found to have played 2 cup tied players)
• Sunday 4th May:  Bures United vs Under 15.