Category: BHYFC Football

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 16th March

Great Bradfords vs BHYFC Under 9s

Bergholt travelled to Braintree to play Great Bradfords in the first of the Trophy Event matches.

Last week Bergholt struggled in the first half due to rustiness of having a month off playing. This week they didn’t suffer with this, and despite the first five minutes being dominated by Great Bradfords, the rest of the half was very even. Both teams attacked with vigour but were thwarted by solid defences which led to Bradfords trying their luck from long range – the best of these was superbly caught cleanly by Daniel, whose kicking from the hand today was the best it has been all season. Bergholt’s goal chances were limited but they had the best chance of the half when Thomas H jinxed past the full back and put in an excellent cross which found Oliver at the far post. He tried to place it in the top corner but saw his shot go just over the bar. HT 0-0.

For the second half Bergholt were playing up the hill and with the threat of the shot from distance Daniel was instructed to stay on his line as much as he could. The task was made harder when the deadlock was broken following a Bradfords attack where the striker bundled his way through the Bergholt defence and his shot gave Daniel no chance.

Despite this setback Bergholt heads did not drop and they took the fight to Bradfords with Nicholas, Thomas H and Theo running at the Bradfords defence. Apart the goal itself, Bradfords did not really get near the Bergholt net except for a quickly taken corner which took everyone by surprise but fortunately James was at the near post to stop it sneaking it into the net. Bergholt themselves had a number of chances but were denied at the last – Theo denied by a last-ditch challenge, Oliver by the keeper and James following a lovely pass from Freddie, sped down the wing and unleashed a fierce shot which the keeper did well to hold. In the last-minute Billy did his now trademark dribble down the wing but ran out of time as the final whistle blew. FT 0-1.

Bergholt played much better than last week and deserved something out of the game, but it wasn’t to be this time.

Bergholt Heath Player of the match: Thomas Haworth – took the battle to Great Bradfords…….

BHYFC Under 11s

The Under 11’s had a spare weekend but are scheduled to resume action next week.

BHYFC Under 15s vs Elmden Rovers

Back to league action for the Under 15’s, at home to Elmden Rovers who currently sit bottom of the A league. In blustery conditions, the away team won the toss and elected to play down the slope with the wind behind them in the first half. The visitors decided to try long balls over the top in the hope of capitalising on the wind, but rarely did they threaten despite the ball spending long period in the Bergholt half. As the first half wore on Bergholt saw more of the ball and played some good football through the midfield but as usual lacked any sort of presence up front.

HT: 0-0.

The second half saw Bergholt have the advantage of the wind and being far more positive when in possession. After 10 minutes a superb passage of play saw Max put through one on one with the keeper and he slotted the ball into the corner to relieve all the nerves. A few minutes later and it was 2-0 thanks to a direct free-kick some 30 yards out from Sam, who beat the keeper low down to his right. Maybe the keeper should have done better but it was a good strike from distance. Corners and half chances came and went but yet another 30 yard free kick from Sam – this time into the top corner that gave the keeper no chance – sealed the match against an Elmden team that never gave up and battled hard to the end but were never really in the game.

Full time: Bergholt Heath 3 – 0 Elmden Rovers.

Man of the match: Sam Clark – part of a back four that never gave the visitors a chance, plus 2 important goals.

Next weeks fixtures: Sunday 23rd March:

• Under 9 vs Rowhedge Juniors KO 11am
• Colchester Villa Blues vs Under 11
• Under 15 vs Stanway Rovers KO 10.30am

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 9th March

Oyster Youth vs BHYFC Under 9s

After a four week absence from playing a game, the Bergholt manager knew that the first half was going to be a tough one for the boys to get back into some kind of rhythm.  The Oyster Youth pitch has been waterlogged for this period and so the grass has not been cut and so the combination of long grass and a bit of rustiness meant that often in the first half the Bergholt passes were a little short.  The hosts, having played a fortnight ago were the sharper of the teams with the visitor’s only meaningful attack resulting in a cross from Thomas H which zipped across the penalty box agonisingly between the two Baker brothers who were in the box. The introduction of the first set of substitutes did give Bergholt a bit of momentum with Nicholas in particular catching the eye with some super dribbling. However, Oyster did get their reward when they got past the Bergholt defence and the striker, one on one with Daniel, rammed the ball home. HT 1-0 to Oyster Youth.

The Bergholt manager told the boys at half-time that if they made their passes stronger then they would get their reward and sure enough they did this and the game was played predominately in the Oyster half. The boys attacked with much more purpose and with the cobwebs having disappeared, Bergholt were having more success in particularly down the right hand side with Billy taking the ball from defence to the edge of the Oyster box. Theo came close several times to connecting with goal-scoring opportunities but each time his timing was slightly out, whilst Joe and Ollie tried to get on the score sheet as well. Bergholt did get their deserved equaliser when Freddie swung in a corner and Theo pounced at the near post to equalise.

Bergholt tried to then push on and get the next goal and the same combination came close to doing this when Freddie’s clearance found Theo outside the box and his half-volley was superbly struck but flew just over the bar.

Try as they could Bergholt just couldn’t apply the final touch required, and having scored in the last minute to win against Reed Hall in the last game, were unfortunately on the reverse of this when indecision in the defence led to the Oyster Youth striker pouncing to get the winner. FT 2-1.

A real shame as Bergholt played themselves back into the game after a slow start and a win would have rounded off the weekend nicely following the Colchester United tour and Guard of Honour.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Eddie Davies – some excellent tackles and clearances today epitomised by the sprint back to get a vital block in after going up pitch to help support the attack.

Cornard Dymanos Reds vs BHYFC Under 11s

The Under 11s ran out 2-0 winners in the match courtesy of goals from Thomas Whitlow and Jonah Murray.

Man of the match went to Ben Sams.

FC Clacton Blues vs BHYFC Under 15s – League Cup Quarter final

The defence of the cup ended at the quarter final stage but the result did not reflect the match.  All the football was played by Bergholt who took the lead in the 7th minute when Max got on the end of a free kick from Sam.  Bergholt looked comfortable in possession and appeared not to be in any danger of conceding, but as the game wore on, encouraged by some voracious support and ever more physical challenges, Clacton started to wear Bergholt down – the referee not offering any protection at all from two footed challenges and flying elbows.

Mid-way through the second half Clacton equalised when the ball somehow found its way into the far corner of the net from a cross-come-shot.  Bergholt looked to bounce back and had a clear penalty decision turned down when the defender lunged from behind, nowhere near getting the ball, and the referee gave a corner!  Clacton now appeared to be able to do anything they wanted, spurred on by ever more choice language from their coaching team.

In the last minute a superb challenge in the Bergholt box had them screaming for a penalty that clearly wasn’t, only for an innocent tangle of legs a few seconds later which gave the referee the chance to blow his whistle for a spot kick.  It was duly despatched to give Clacton the winner and put them through to the semi final – not before yet another 2 footed challenge went unpunished again. Bergholt ended the match with a few blooded noses – literally!

Bergholt Heath man of the match – Sam Clark, stood up to the physical challenge and tried to lead by example.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 16th March:

• Gt Bradfords vs Under 9
• Under 11 – should have an away freindly, to be confirmed
• Under 15 vs Elmden Rovers, KO 10.30am

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 2nd March

The Under 9’s game away to Oyster Youth was again postponed to to a water-logged pitch in West Mersea.

Lexden Saints Blues vs BHYFC Under 11s

A tough match was expected as we faced league leaders Lexden.

We started the match not too badly, but after a while a pattern started emerging as, when Saints attacked, our marking was poor, recovery slow and the guys at the back were overwhelmed with yellow attackers. This led to us going in 5 down at the break.

Second half ,as normal was better as the boys shut down the attackers whose shots were hurried and didn’t trouble Harv.

As time went on we eventually got going and there were some passing combos up field which led to a couple of half chances.  Lexden ran out deserved winners and look fitting winners of the league.

Hopefully the boys have got going again after the enforced lay off , we look forward to better things next week.

MOM went to Richard for a much improved second half performance.

BHYFC Under 15s vs Notley Youth

The Under 15’s were also facing their league leaders Notley Youth, at home.  Yet again we were missing injured James Holden and Ollie Sanderson, plus Leo Tiffney, so another depleted squad.

The match started evenly although there were contrasting styles on display with Notley wanting to play the long ball and Bergholt looking to pass through the midfield.  The Notley long ball system meant the Bergholt defence had to be on their toes, but there were not many chances created by the visitors.   With Max playing a deeper role in midfield in place of Ollie, the usual spark was missing up front so when the passage of play swung towards Bergholt, the end product was generally missing in the final third.

The second half continued in much the same way as the majority of the first half, with the visitors having most of the possession but Bergholt looking comfortable and unlikely to concede.  New signing Joe Johnson came on to make his debut and slotted in well at centre back alongside Sam with Jamie moving to left back for the first time.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 0-0 Notley Youth, Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Luke Bloomfield

Next weekends matches – Sunday 9th March:

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 23rd February

This week saw pitches dry out at long last which gave both the Under 11s and the Under 15s the opportunity to play their postponed Colchester open Cup ties.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Stanway Villa Reds

The Under 11s were at home to B League Stanway Villa Reds.  Despite two goals from Jonah Murray and a man of the match performance from Alexander Hopkins, they went down 5-2.

Heybridge Swifts vs BHYFC Under 15s

The Under 15s were away to fellow A league team Heybridge Swifts. The start of the game was even, however Bergholt went behind in the 6th minute when the ball took a nasty bounce over the defender which let the striker in to score comfortably.  This setback did not deter Bergholt who had plenty of the ball but seemed to be lacking the killer touch when it was needed.  Mid-way through the half Bergholt got back on terms when Luke played a superb high diagonal ball over the top into the area which found Leo at the far post who finished expertly with a first time shot into the roof of the net.  The game remained 1-1 through to half time with neither team looking likely to add to their score.

The second half started as the first half finished, however there was a setback after just a few minutes when influential midfielder Ollie Sanderson had to limp off with a hamstring injury, to be replaced by Luke who himself was suffering from a bruised shoulder having landed heavily in the first half.   The rest of the second half was again very even with only one clear chance that fell to Max just inside the area but his shot under pressure just cleared the bar.

Full time: 1-1.

Into extra time for the second cup tie in a row and yet again the teams cancelled each other out in the first half. The second and final 10 minutes of the game saw Bergholt take the lead when Max hit a wind assisted cross-shot into the far corner of the net with 7 minutes remaining. However this signified one last onslaught from Heybridge who threw away all thoughts of defending by piling players forward. The home team won a succession of corners and from the last of these they equalised with just 2 minutes remaining.

Score after extra time: 2-2.

Another penalty shootout!

1. Heybridge 1-0
2. Ben for Bergholt – miss
3. Heybridge 2-0
4. Aaron for Bergholt – score 2-1
5. Heybridge 3-1
6. Max for Bergholt – score 3-2
7. Heybridge 4-2
8. Jamie for Bergholt – score 4-3
9. Heybridge 5-3.

So Bergholt’s defence of their Open Cup trophy ended with a narrow defeat in round 3.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’ – Max Booth

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 2nd March

• Oyster Youth vs Under 9
• Lexden Saints vs Under 11
• Under 15 vs Notley Youth, KO 10.30am

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 16th February

As has become the norm in recent weeks, there was just one match that beat the weather last weekend, but this time it was the turn of the Under 15s who took on Stanway Rovers in the twice postponed away league fixture – but due to the continued water logging at both Stanway School and Spring Lane, the match was played at Shrub End.

Stanway Rovers vs BHYFC Under 15s

Having had virtually a full squad available every week but without a match for over a month, the first game for 5 weeks saw Bergholt able to field the bare 11 players due to a combination of injuries and holidays.  Within 30 seconds of the kick off it looked like it was going to be a long and arduous afternoon when a long wind-assisted ball over the top of the Bergholt defence saw the defender clear the ball against the on rushing striker and the ball balloon into the net with Connor helpless.

1-0 to the home team.

Stanway then laid siege to the Bergholt goal but some resolute defending with the Bergholt players all refusing to lay down, saw them weather the storm and come back into the match.

After around 15 minutes a break down the left saw Luke cut into the box, beat his man and finish right footed beyond the Stanway ‘keeper for the equaliser.  It was now Bergholt’s turn to up the tempo and they won a couple of corners in quick succession and from the second they took the lead when from Max’s kick Jamie stabbed towards goal and Sam took no chances by rifling the ball into the net from close range.

Bergholt then held Stanway at arms length for the remainder of the half, although it took a fine one handed save from Connor to see Bergholt through to half time with a 2-1 lead.

With the managers’ words of “keep up this level of performance” ringing in their ears, the Bergholt players continued taking the game to Stanway in the second half. In fact it was a good 15 minutes into the half when Stanway had their first attempt on goal, that was a long range shot that was wide. With about 10 minutes remaining, a shot form Max was only parried by the ‘kepper and Luke was on hand to power the loose ball into the net for his second and Bergholt’s third of the day.  Although Stanway forced a few corners, the Bergholt goal was never in serious danger and the 11 players looked more likely to add a fourth than Stanway were to come back into the game.

The final whistle went to signal a 3-1 win to Bergholt in what is probably their best performance of the season.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Ciaran Donnellan – an all action non stop midfield display.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 23rd February:

• Under 9 – No game
• Under 11 vs Stanway Villa Reds KO 11am
• Heybridge Swifts vs Under 15 Open Cup R2

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 26th January

The weather again took it’s toll on this weekends fixtures with both away matches for the Under 11s and the Under 15s postponed.  This only left the one home match for the Under 9’s on the Poors Field who took on Brooklands who they had lost heavily to earlier in the season:

BHYFC Under 9s vs Brooklands

This week’s match started on what was a sticky pitch following the week’s rain.  This was further added to throughout the match as players, supporters and officials all were on the receiving end of a bucket or two more!

In their first meeting this year a few moments of madness cost Bergholt dear and Brooklands gave them their biggest defeat of the season.  Keen for this not to be repeated the Bergholt manager stressed to the boys not to give Brooklands any time or space on the ball and to ensure their long range efforts were kept to a minimum.

Within five minutes Brooklands tried their luck from distance, but Daniel was more than equal to it and the whole team’s confidence were lifted by this.  Both teams were passing the ball around well despite the heavy pitch, trying to get the opening goal.  It was a very open game and there were attacks aplenty – Bergholt had more shots in this half than ever seen, with James, Theo and Freddie in particular all going close.

Brooklands too had their chances and Bergholt were grateful for Billy’s bum saving a certain goal.  It looked like being goalless at half-time but then Brooklands got through the Bergholt defence.  The initial effort was blocked but the ball fell kindly to another Brooklands striker who reacted first and slotted the ball past Daniel.  HT 0-1.

Brooklands kicked off the second half and within a minute were kicking off again when full-back Thomas L got the ball on the half-way line burst down the wing, skipped past two challenges before hammering the ball past the keeper at the near post for his first ever Sunday league goal.  This gave Bergholt a real shot in the arm and they continued to press to try to get the lead.   They nearly succeeded twice but the post denied both Theo and Thomas L.  The visitors however, were still determined themselves to get the victory and the Bergholt defence and midfield were all called to do some desperate defending and when beaten, Daniel pulled off a great save with his foot.  FT 1-1.

This was the right result as Brooklands shaded the amount of possession whilst Bergholt had more scoring chances.  The match itself was a fantastic game of football played in difficult conditions.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Thomas L – not only a great individual goal but some great defending in the first half.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 2nd February:

• Long Melford vs. Under 9
• Under 11 vs. Stanway Villa Reds –  Open Cup R2,  KO 10am
• Heybridge Swifts vs. Under 15