Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 18th January

BHYFC U10s vs Lexden saints Blues

The winter break seemed an ideal opportunity for Bergholt Heath Under 10’s to get some practice in playing a 9-a-side match in preparation for the forthcoming U11 season where they move to the bigger pitch and have the fun of offside.  So the manager arranged to play old friends Lexden Saints Blues.

Lexden Saints arrived at Bergholt in really good time and so had plenty of pre-match warm-up and instruction and it showed as within a minute they were one-nil ahead as Bergholt’s rustiness showed.  However, Bergholt shook themselves down and were soon getting into playing after a four week break.  Both teams looked to pass the ball well on the larger pitch and a lot of the play was on the deck.  Lexden strength was down their right hand side and Joe was very busy at left back.  Lexden were the more attacking team and were offside a few times and Bergholt had Daniel in goal to thank on a number of occasions with some excellent saves to keep the score at 0-1 at half-time.

The second half was more open than the first as the longer match period started to take it’s toll.  Bergholt played some decent football and created a few efforts on goal, the best falling to Theo who failed to put the ball into an open goal, but they didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet.  Some indecision in the Bergholt ranks and the stronger opposition saw Lexden Saints add a few more to their first half goal tally and come out the worthy winners.

Overall, despite the defeat, the Bergholt manager was happy with the first foray into 9-a-side football as there were a number of positives from the game and also it highlighted a number of areas for him and the coach to work on in the coming months which was the object of the exercise.

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Nicholas Barnes – an excellent performance leading the Bergholt frontline.

Gt Bentley vs  BHYFC U12s

The Under 12’s were in action away to league leaders Gt Bentley, and were somewhat swamped by a home team that ran out 6-0 winners.

Long Melford vs BHYFC U16s

The Under 16’s were also away, to Long Melford, with new signing Sam Joyce on the bench for his first game.  The game started evenly with both teams keen to play after a few weeks absence due to the weather.  Long Melford made an early breakthrough after around 10 minutes with their first attempt when Joe miss-timed a defensive header which dropped neatly for the striker to pounce on and lift into the top corner of the net, when the loose ball could have gone anywhere!  Bergholt did not let their heads drop and were trying to force their way through a packed midfield and defence, without a huge amount of joy, although Jamie and Luke twice combined well down the left to create half chances.  Mid way through the half saw Sam come on for his debut, along with fellow forward Tyler, and immediately the game changed with these two players in particular pegging the home team back with their direct runs and speed that resulted in some desperate and panicked defending.  One such attack saw Sam draw the defence away to create space for Conor to run into and as he wasn’t closed down he unleashed a superb shot from just outside the area into the top corner for the equaliser.  The final 5 minutes of the half was all Bergholt and the whistle came just at the right time for the home team to regroup.

The second half started with some changes for Bergholt which saw them loosen their grip on the match, however Long Melford were no longer much of a threat and Connor in goal only had one save of note to make, whilst Sam brought out a superb one handed diving save from the home ‘keeper to keep the scores level and there were a few other half chanceswhich suggested if there was going to be a winner, it would be for the visitors.  However the game finished as a crediable draw – Bergholt’s first of the season.  FT: Long Melford 1-1 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt Heath man of the match: Conor McLaughlin – all action midfield display capped by a fine strike for the Bergholt goal.

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 25th January:

• Under 8s – no scheduled fixture
• Under 10’s – no scheduled fixture
• Under 12’s – no scheduled fixture
• FC Clacton Reds Vs Under 16, COC R1, KO 12.30pm

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results w/e 11th January

BHYFC U8s & U10s

Both the Under 8 and Under 10 teams are currently enjoying their mid-season break, leaving the Under 12 and Under 16 teams the only ages due to play during January.

Feering Falcons Reds vs BHYFC U10s

On a chilly blustery morning the match began with the game moving up and down the pitch. There were a few nervous moments at the back for both teams as hurried clearances were missed but these improved as time moved on. Slowly Bergholt  got more of a grip on the game and balls were played through to Ryan up front. He latched onto a few but his pace left him unsupported and he was unable to go it alone. A couple of shots went off target but the breakthrough looked likely. Eventually Bergholt took the lead. Jonah dribbled into the box and was brought down for a penalty. Jonah placed the ball and thumped it home for 1-0. With time nearly up in the first half, Feering pumped the ball into the box and a scramble ensued, it should have been cleared but ended up in the net.

No need to panic as with the second half to go and the slope advantage it looked like just waiting. The second half was all one way as Bergholt tried to take the lead again. Sometimes the boys were a bit selfish on other occasions they were rushing the play. When Bergholt did pass it around things were looking fine but that penultimate ball was just missing. Falcons parked the bus so on the occasions Bergholt did break through it was met by a wall of red defenders. Jonah had an opportunity on the edge of the box which he skied and Ben put a slightly harder chance wide. With time pushing on Bowen was pushed up front for a second forward as he was not needed at the back. The best chance of the game fell to him near the end when a ball played into the box finally found someone. With just the keeper to beat he chose to hit it first time but the keeper made a great save.

Final score: Feering Falcons Reds 1-1 Bergholt Heath

A frustrating game to watch as Bergholt had the better possession but just not that killer finish.

FC Clacton Reds vs BHYFC U16s

The Under 16s were due to play FC Clacton Reds away in the Open Cup but the match was postponed due to a water logged pitch.

Next weekends fixtures, Sunday 18th January:

• Great Bentley vs Under 12
  Long Melford vs Under 16