BHYFC Football Archives - Page 8 of 22

October 17, 2013

BHYFC Results 6th & 13th October and Fixtures for 20th October

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 6th & 13th October

Apologies for two weeks’ combined reports this week, hopefully normal service will be resumed next week.

6th October – Colchester Villa Yellows vs BHYFC Under 9s

Bergholt Heath Under 9s made the short journey to the Gilberd to play league newcomers Colchester Villa Yellows this week. The hosts made the brighter start and put the Bergholt defence under pressure and they nearly scored when it would have been harder to miss. Miss they did as the hard pitch caught the striker out and the ball bobbled at the wrong time and his mis-cued effort hit the post. Bergholt, spurred by this let off, went on the attach themselves and Oliver’s long range lob nearly deceived the Villa ‘keeper who managed to claw the ball out just before it bounced into the top corner.

The game was free-flowing with both teams pushing for the opening goal – Oliver again and Thomas L coming close for Bergholt before the deadlock was finally broken. The ball was crossed into the Bergholt box which they failed to clear and the Villa striker slotted the ball past Daniel. The hosts then had the chance to double their lead when they had a free kick on the edge of the area. The ball was well hit but Daniel did exceptionally well to push the ball onto the crossbar. Bergholt were determined to hit back but just as they got clear through on goal the referee blew of half time.

At half time the Bergholt manager told the boys just how well they had fought back last week and that they had to do the same again. They did that and had the balance of the second half. Bergholt had the ball in the back of the Villa net but the referee blew his whistle to stop the game for an injury just before the ball went over the line – the second time Bergholt’s luck had run out. Try as they may, Bergholt could not find a way through and no more goals were scored.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Oliver Baker – some excellent long range efforts and a great midfield battling performance.

13th October – BHYFC Under 9s vs Oyster Youth

Bergholt Heath Under 9s were back on home soil after three weeks on the road. The goals and pitch were prepared in heavy rain but it stopped just before kick-off. The pitch itself was wet and in the warm-ups the ball was zipping along the ground giving the keepers extra to think about……

From the kick-off, Bergholt started the brighter of the two teams continuing to pass the ball around well as they had the previous two weeks. Oyster Youth stood firm and the half looked like it would end goalless. However, a break from Bergholt saw Tommy get free from the Oyster defence and his powerful shot whizzed past the stranded keeper. Bergholt looked to stretch that lead further when Theo tried his luck from distance but his lob just cleared the crossbar. Oyster were still in the game and got a heavy slice of luck when from a corner and despite the best efforts of Daniel to stop it, the ball was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Billy at the near post. HT 1-1.

With the rain still holding off, the second half kicked off with the visitors slightly on the ascendancy. They got another slice of luck when a long range shot squeezed under the body of Daniel and just rolled over the line before he clawed it away. With their tails up, Oyster then stretched their lead further when a couple of minutes later the striker got free of his marker and slammed the ball into the back of the net. Despite these setbacks the Bergholt team continued to press and try to get back into the game. Daniel made up for his mistake with a fantastic catch from a free kick whilst long range efforts were the name of the game with various team members all having a go. However, they were either going just wide of the post or into the keeper’s arms and even when he was beaten, the defender cleared off of the line. FT score 1-3.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Billy Sutton – another solid game from the Aldham Ace!

6th October – Feering Falcons Reds vs BHYFC Under 11s

The Under 11s were also away, at Feering Falcons Reds, and started the game as if they were still on their school holidays! Within a few minutes the players decided that rather than tackle they would let the home forward run through and score. Things were not helped when Bergholt cleared their box but the referee stopped play. It was unclear why he had blown his whistle – and even more puzzling when he gave Feering a penalty, which was scored. Things were not looking any better going forward, with miss-placed passes, but then Bergholt pulled a goal back just before half time when Matthew headed forward to Jonah who put it away.

The second half started much better and Bergholt equalised when a shot from Matthew bobbled its way past the keeper. Although Bergholt were still not playing too well, they were battling much better and were having far more shots than the home team but most were going wide or high. However the Feering keeper did make one excellent save. Bergholt scored what seemed to be a good goal but it was ruled out for off side, although the boys insisted afterwards that the cross went backwards not forwards – which is likely given the number of incorrect throw in and offside decisions given during the game. Feering were not out of the game though, and from a poor clearance they scored what proved to be the winner when a shot back at goal hit the underside of the bar and spun into the net to make the final score Feering Falcons Reds 3 – 2 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt ‘s man of the match: Nathan.

13th October – Wivenhoe vs BHYFC Under 11s (League Cup)

After last weeks horror show this was a complete turnaround in performance terms for the Under 11’s, away to Wivenhoe in the League Cup. Bergholt only had nine for this cup match but all of the boys had a great game. Wivenhoe started the better but Bergholt managed to curtail them. Indeed after a great through ball from Tyler Bergholt should have taken the lead. Jonah just had the keeper to beat, but then suddenly pulled up. One of the players called offside and, rather than listening for the whistle, he stopped. Harvey made a couple of great saves to keep the scores level. Ben and Alex playing at full backs were having fantastic games with some excellent counter attacking clearances. Bergholt were passing far better this match and the tackling was much better with Dan working hard at centre back. A small lapse in concentration led to the away team going into the break one down.

The second half was even better, with the midfield putting several great balls through to Tyler and Jonah. Jonah latched onto one and thumped it in to make it level GOOOAAALLL!!! Bergholt should have taken the lead but Jo and Ty when clean through several times hesitated just a tad too long instead of pulling the trigger. The guys at the back worked hard and restricted Wivenhoe’s chances. Full time 1-1 and onto extra time.

The first half was a bit of stalemate in midfield but the second half saw a couple of chances as both teams went for it to avoid penalties. Again Bergholt had a half chance but failed to convert and with a couple of minutes to go, a goal mouth me-lee saw the ball rebound off the post for a Wivenhoe player to score the winner. A great game by both sides and a fantastic performance by the boys.

MOM went to Alex for a terrific display.

6th October – FC Clacton vs BHYFC Under 15s

Our Under 15s completed the hat-trick of away fixtures. After last week’s first win of the season at East Thurock United (CYFL) in the Essex Cup, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 with goals from Ben and Max, they were away to FC Clacton this week.

As there was a full squad for the first time this season, a new team photo was taken, but after a delayed kick off Bergholt got off to a very slow start and fell a goal behind early on. However the equaliser came quickly when a handball resulted in a free kick on the edge of Clacton’s area that Sam fired into the bottom right hand corner.
Whilst not playing well, Bergholt did manage to get quite a few crosses in the box although none found any players in blue. However Bergholt fell behind again midway through the half when a free kick was cleared and the follow up shot was blocked only for it to fall kindly for an unmarked player to shoot from 20 yards out and find the top corner.

Bergholt looked a bit shell shocked and within 10 minutes Clacton made it 3-1 when they latched onto an under hit attempt to head back to Connor and they scored again.

The half time whistle came and the Clacton players and management seemed confident that the points were in the bag against a Bergholt team that looked 2nd to everything and had no answers as to how to turn it around. How wrong they were. After a team talk that wasn’t quite a Fergie’s Hairdryer, but stern enough to let the lads know that the 1st half performance was not good enough and after a bit of a shake up, they went out for the second half in determined fashion.

Within 10 minutes Ollie played a through ball to James Holden and he sped away then coolly beat the Clacton keeper to reduce the deficit. Bergholt were flying now and allowed Clacton no time on the ball smothering most attacks before they developed. It wasn’t too long before James returned the compliment, squaring the ball for Ollie to score through a crowded penalty box and the game was level. The subs went on again and continued the hard work of those that they replaced and it looked certain that James had scored another as he hit a screamer that was heading for the top left hand corner only for the keeper to acrobatically tip the ball over at full stretch. An incredible save!

With around 10 minutes to go Mickey went on a mazy run down the left wing beating 3 or 4 players before cutting the ball back to Luke who’s shot took a kind deflection and nestled in the bottom left corner to make the score 4-3 and put Bergholt in front!

Bergholt had completed a remarkable comeback and showed exactly what they are capable of when the everyone plays at 100% and work hard together as a team. It wasn’t just the closing down and winning the ball back that won the game though, some of the football played in that second half was excellent.

All 16 were excellent for the 2nd half and they deserve a lot of credit, however Man of the match was Mickey, mainly for his jinking run and assist, but he also had a solid game at left back too.

13th October – BHYFC UNder 15s vs Rowhedge Juniors (League Cup)

Our Under 15s were at home, also in the League Cup Round 1, against C league Rowhedge Juniors. In a first half characterised by strong wind and driving rain, Bergholt lost the toss and had to play against the conditions. Against lower league opposition, Bergholt were given time and space on the ball and with a better final ball into the box, even against the wind and rain, they should have been comfortably ahead by half time. As it was, the only goal of the first half was via a penalty after Luke had been taken out by the visiting ‘keeper when clean through on goal. Ollie stepped up to coolly finish from the spot.

The second half saw the sun come out and the wind drop – just as the Bergholt boys were looking to enjoy the advantage of the conditions! Bergholt were much more direct this half and a relatively one sided match saw further goals from James – a shot into the far corner after cutting in from the left, Luke from a tight angle – also from the left, Owen with a shot under the ‘keeper and finally from Max in the last couple of minutes from just inside the area. Connor in the Bergholt goal was relatively untroubled all match. Final score: Bergholt Heath 5 – 0 Rowhedge Juniors.

Bergholt Heath man of the match; Birthday boy Sam Clark.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 20th October:

Brooklands vs Under 9
Under 11 vs Halstead Town Reds, KO 10am
Stanway Rovers vs Under 15 – Essex County Cup R2

October 1, 2013

BHYFC Results 29th September and Fixtures for 6th October

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 29th September

Great Bradfords (Braintree) vs BHYFC Under 9s

Our Under 9s had the longest away match this weekend when they went to Braintree to face Great Bradfords. They started the match the liveliest and had the greater possession and opportunities, the best falling to Theo whose well struck shot was equally matched by a super save from the Gt Bradfords ‘keeper.

As with last week, the defence were keeping the opposition at bay and able to take the ball up the pitch to support the midfield. All the players were once again passing the ball round superbly. However… despite their possession Bergholt fell behind when the home team got down the wing and the cross was bundled in at the far post. This buoyed Gt Bradfords to then stretch their lead when their striker got through the defence and gave Daniel in goal no chance with a powerful strike from close range.

At Half time the Bergholt manager told the boys that they had the ability to get back into the game – they just needed to believe it. They took the words to heart and took the game to the home team. This created a very open game and gave Gt Bradfords more chances to attack but the defence held firm. Even when the home team got past the defence, Daniel in goal was in fine – and brave – form. The solidity at the back gave the midfield confidence to counter attack.

Bergholt got on the score sheet with a fabulous team goal. Billy and Joseph between them stopped the Gt Bradfords attack and passed the ball to Thomas H who ran at the midfield before passing the ball out wide where Thoma L was backing up on the overlap. His powerful cross was met first time by Theo who smashed the ball into the back of the net. The Bergholt supporters (and manager!) went wild.

Bergholt were back in the game and continuing to press. The same combination nearly carved out another goal when Thomas L was upended just outside the area. Rather than going for goal he passed the ball to Theo inside the area but Gt Bradfords had enough players back to smother the danger. Despite all their efforts, including a great run from Oliver in the last couple of minutes, Bergholt couldn’t find the equaliser.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Joseph Watkins – some vital tackles when needed.

Feering Falcom Blues vs BHYFC Under 11

The Under 11s were also away to a strong Feering Falcons Blues team and despite playing well, were on the back of a 4-1 defeat.

East Thurrock United vs BHYFC Under 15

Completing the hat trick of away matches, a depleted Under 15 side were away to East Thurrock United in round one of the Essex Cup. After making a couple of early chances, Bergholt fell behind under the first serious pressure from the home team when the make shift defence made two errors in quick succession that allowed the striker to get the ball into the net from close range. This knocked Bergholt back and gave the home team extra confidence, and for the next 15 minutes they tried to increase their lead by continuously playing the ball over the top of the Bergholt defence, aided by the strong wind. However they only created once clear cut chance that resulted in Jamie heading the ball off the line for the third match in a row.

Bergholt gradually pulled their way back into the match and the last 10 minutes of the first half saw them create a few half chances, without seriously testing the home ‘keeper.

The second half started with renewed vigour. Without playing particularly well, Bergholt started to compete for the ball better and were winning their share of 50-50 balls: something they failed to do in the first half. With the wind at their backs Bergholt were getting into the final third of the pitch regularly and only poor choices of final ball was preventing clear cut chances. With 15 minutes to go,Bergholt finally got back on terms when the Thurrock ‘keeper failed to hold a fairly routine short, pushing up into the air. Ben Ashurst, who had followed the ball in, was first to react by bundling the loose ball over the line. Bergholt were now the ones to have their tails up with shots whistling past the post and over the bar. When it was looking like extra time was needed, a cross from James Holden was controlled in the box by Max Booth, who then rifled it into the roof of the net. Less than a minute later the final whistle went. Final Score: East Thurrock 1-2 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Aaron Marley.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 6^th October:

Colchester Villa Yellows vs Under 9
Feering Falcon Reds vs Under 11
FC Clacton Blues vs Under 15

September 25, 2013

BHYFC Results 22nd September and fixtures for 29th

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 22nd September

Bergholt Heath Under 9s took on their biggest challenge of the season so far when they travelled to face a Rowhedge side who had already scored 23 goals in their first two matches of the season.

It was a bad start from the visitors when with only a minute gone Rowhedge tried their luck from long range. Daniel in the Bergholt goal did well to block the initial shot but the other Rowhedge striker pounced on the rebound to poke the ball home from close range. Bergholt didn’t let this early set back get them down and they set out to get the equaliser. The defence repelled the Rowhedge attacks, in particular Thomas L down the right hand side, whilst the midfield continued to work their socks off to get some good shots in, with James showing great skill and industry down the left. However, despite all this effort, Bergholt fell further behind just before half time.

The second half was an even affair with both teams looking to attack whenever possible. Bergholt continued to look to pass their way up field, whilst Rowhedge looked to attack with pace. Once again the Bergholt defence worked hard, epitomised by Billy when he came across from full back to throw himself in front of the striker to block a goal bound effort.

Bergholt continued to pass and were unlucky when Theo was clean through on goal with just the ‘keeper to beat only to be hauled down by the Rowhedge defender. The resulting free kick taken by Theo was well struck but just floated over the cross bar. Despite their best efforts Bergholt could not get on the score sheet whilst Rowhedge increased their lead with Daniel in goal was deceived by a cross that sneaked in at the near post. It was unlucky for Daniel given his excellent saves in the first half. Final score: Rowhedge 3-0 Bergholt Heath.
Bergholt player of the match: Thomas Lloyd – some excellent tackles and forward running from full back.

The Under 11s had a spare weekend.

Our Under 15s played their first home match of the season against Wivenhoe Youth who had lost to Bergholt in the League Cup back in May. Within 2 minutes of the kick off the visitors were ahead when Conner in goal did not react to a long ball over the top of the Bergholt defence and instead of coming to the edge of his area to collect, allowed the striker time to chase the ball to the penalty spot and slot it into the net. An uncharacteristic error from the normally reliable Bergholt ‘keeper.

This set back rattled Bergholt and it took them until mid way through the half to get back into gear and start pressing the Wivenhoe defence, during which time Jamie Bowden headed off the line and there were a couple of other close calls. Eventually shots started to pepper the Wivenhoe goal without really troubling the keeper and the half ended with an even amount of overall possession.

The second half started with Bergholt in defiant mood and within a couple of minutes the tone was set for the half when James Holden made the visiting ‘keeper work at his near post with a good snap shot. It became a case of the Wivenhoe ‘keeper verses the Bergholt attack with at least another three excellent saves in addition to a few ‘normal’ ones! When he was beaten, Bergholt saw one cleared off the line and another shot hit the bar with nobody close enough to turn the rebound. Despite the huge amount of possession and chances, it appeared to be a game that could have continued until next weekend without Bergholt being able to score and so it was that the final result was Bergholt Heath 0-1 Wivenhoe Youth Blues.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Max Booth

Next weeks’ fixtures, Sunday 29^th September:

Gt Bradfords vs Under 9
Feering Falcons vs Under 11
East Thurrock Utd vs Under 15 – Essex County Cup R1

September 17, 2013September 17, 2013

BHYFC Results 15th September and fixtures for 22nd

Results 15th September

Our Under 9s continued their excellent start to the season coming out best of three goals away to Bures in the West League.

The Under 11s started their 9vs9 C League campaign at home to Stanway Villa Greens. The visitors took the lead but a gritty and determined display by the hosts saw them come out on top with a 2-1 victory.

The Under 15s also started their season in the A League this weekend, away to Notley Youth. Notley, who Bergholt narrowly beat in the semi final of the cup a few months ago, started in determined fashion and took the lead after just a few minutes when a long high cross caught in the wind and sailed into the top corner with the Bergholt ‘keeper stranded. Bergholt gradually worked their way back into the match and played the better football without creating much until Ollie Sanderson sent James Holden away with a perfectly weighted through ball. James raced clear of the Notley defence and coolly slotted the ball past the ‘keeper. Half time: 1-1.

The second half saw Notley kick off and score without Bergholt touching the ball, with the Bergholt right back seeming not to realise the game had started – watching as the player took the ball past him. Despite a desperate attempt by the central defenders to cover, the ball was passed to the other striker who finished easily. This knocked Bergholt back and mid way through the half Notley scored their third when a corner was headed back into the 6 yard box, hitting another Notley player and looping up onto the underside of the bar and down over the line. A change of tactic by the manager saw Sam Clark move up front with just three at the back. The added physical presence paid off and James Holden scored his second with a close range finished from a Sam header. This really spurred Bergholt on but it was too little too late and a couple of minutes later they fell to their first competitive defeat of 2013.

Final result: Notley Youth 3-2 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt ‘man of the match’: Jamie Bowden.

Next weeks’ fixtures, Sunday 22nd September:

Rowhedge Junior vs Under 9
Under – 11 No game
Under 15 vs Wivenhoe Youth Blues, KO 10.30am

September 10, 2013

BHYFC Results 8th September & Fixtures 15th September

Results 8th September

Sunday 8th September saw just one of our three teams in action as the Under 9s took on Tempest at home in their first “West League” fixture of the season. Looking to score more goals than the opposition for the first ever time, which they duly did, they scored three goals. Daniel in the Bergholt Heath goal also saved a penalty in the last minute to cue some very happy scenes on the Poors field at the final whistle. The boys passed the ball really well and made some very good chances throughout the game. They have clearly learnt a great deal from their first season together when they were Under 8s. Well done boys.

The Under 11s were due to play their first ever fixture in the new 9vs9 format of youth football (hence the new size goals installed on the Poors field), but unfortunately their scheduled opponents in the C league, who also happened to be Tempest, could not field a team and so a friendly was arranged instead.

Our Under 15s had a blank weekend as there is an odd number of teams in the A league this season due to the withdrawal of Brooklands, and their number came up to miss the very first week. Instead they played a friendly on Saturday away at Hadleigh against a combination of Hadleigh, Ipswich Wanderers and Woodbridge players, which they lost 4-2.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 15th September:

Under 9 vs Bures KO 11.30am
Under 11 vs Stanway Villa Greens KO 10am
Notley Youth vs Under 15

May 20, 2013

Bergholt Heath win the Under 14 League Cup Final

BHYFC Under 14 team after winning the League Cup — Celebrating the League Cup & Open Cup double

A very proud Simon Ashurst reports on the final match of BHYFC’s 2012/13 campaign.

Bergholt Heath Vs Wivenhoe Youth Blues: Under 14 League Cup Final

Well what can I say? We have gone unbeaten since November 18th – 16 games – but this one epitomised our heart and belief.

We faced Wivenhoe Youth Blues in the League Cup Final, hoping to win and do the Under 14 Cup double and it was a really tough game. The league runners up are obviously a good team and it was going to be a tough ask to win with two players out injured in James Holden and Max Booth, who have both been exceptional for us this season. However the 13 players we did have available showed that we are a squad full of belief and desire, giving everything they had to win this final.

I can’t go into too much detail as it was a game that could have gone either way and was quite tense, but we had the slightly better of a 1^st half that saw very few chances. Connor commanded his area well throughout the game and only had to make one comfortable save in the first half whilst at the other end James Hirst had a similar effort before Ollie flashed a cross across the goal mouth that looked to be heading in but was turned into his own net by a Wivenhoe defender under pressure from Leo. So we went into the break 1-0 up.

The second half was again a very close affair as both defences dealt with everything that came their way. There was some good football played at times, but when the ball got near either penalty area there was never a clear sight of goal and any shot was either from distance or wide and didn’t trouble the keepers. Owen had our best effort on goal which was well struck but dipped into the keepers hands. It was a hot day and Wivenhoe piled on the pressure but our boys ran themselves into the ground to make sure they protected the lead we had and stop them getting the equaliser. The final whistle was greeted by a huge cheer and we celebrated our achievement of the cup double which is a rare thing at any level, and a perfect finish to a great season.

Again it was a game where every player had a brilliant performance but it was James Hirst who got many of the parent’s nods for MOM as he typified the desire and effort that we showed. He was often there to win the ball in front of the defence and drove forward at every opportunity.

I just want to thank each and every player for their efforts this season. They have certainly deserved their medals.

Simon Ashurst – U14 Manager

The 2013/14 season gets underway on 8th September – if you are interested in finding out more about the club then please check them out on our local football page.

May 13, 2013

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

Under 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.

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 19^th May:

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

Can they do the double??

May 8, 2013

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

Long 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 12^th May:

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

Saturday 11^th May:

Under 14 – League Cup Final Vs Bures United, to be played at Wivenhoe Town FC, kick off 2pm

April 28, 2013

Under 14s make cup final – Bergholt Heath YFC match report 28th April 2013

Under 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

April 25, 2013

League Cup Semi-Final at Halstead

Bergholt 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.