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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 9, 2013

Bluebells, stitchwort, folklore & newts

Steve Hallam lead the annual Spring Nature Walk as the Friends of Hillhouse Wood held an Open Day last weekend. His report of the walk is as follows:

Greater Stitchwort & Folklore

According to ancient folklore it is bad luck to pick Greater Stitchwort because doing so can cause thunder storms. Ten minutes before I was due to lead a nature walk on 4 May it appeared that someone had been harvesting the plants growing in abundance along the track. Because the sky darkened, the wind blew, the rain hammered and the thunder rolled. Perfect! All present were grateful that the Friends have the most substantial gazebo in town.

Spring weather being what it is, by departure time the sun was out again. And we had a ‘full house’ of 23 walkers, which was very heartening. Although this spring nature walk is traditionally about the Bluebells, the late season this year meant that these were still not at their best. However this same situation meant that the flowering of many flowers has been squeezed together, increasing the variety of what could be seen. This walk was very much about flowering plants.

As we walked down the track we found both species of Deadnettle, the ubiquitous Greater stitchwort (which everyone was forbidden to pick!), Ground ivy, the first half open Cow parsley flowers, Dandelions and daisies, Lesser celandine, the first few Red campion, Groundsel, dock, plantain and a ‘taster’ of Bluebells. In contrast bird activity was restricted to just one or two Blue Tits. Having made great play of how we are now seeing Buzzards quite frequently it was inevitable that the number of Buzzard sightings on the walk was …. none.

Wood anemones & Lady’s Smocks

As we entered the wood we were welcomed by a beautiful spread of Wood anemones, which were just about to finish. Turning right we passed the first few delicate Lady’s smocks before getting to arguably the highlight of the walk – this year’s display of Early Purple orchid. I am sure that there are more flower spikes each year, and this year they were the most dense yet. A spectacular show, that everyone rightly took some time to file past. While the group were interested to know that orchids were once used as a source of aphrodisiacs, some members gave the impression that they would rather not have been told why this was.

No longer elusive newts

Further on round the pond we found some lovely groups of Primroses and a few Marsh marigolds. I loudly informed the group that ‘you can see lots of Pond skaters and Whirly-gig beetles in the pond. There are newts too, but you never see those’. To which a lady replied ‘Look, there are a load of newts!’ And so there were – floating motionless in clear view just below the surface. What do I know? I suspect that they were sunbathing.

As we descended the hill towards the stream I stopped to show the group a good place for hearing Nightingales and warblers (there were just one or two snatches of Nightingale song, but not enough for the group to latch on to). As it happened there was another item of interest just by the path here, namely a Badger latrine. However before I could explain what this area of disturbed earth was, some of the group moved to stand in the middle of it. Whoops!

Garlic & Crab Apple

We moved on to see the wood’s Ramsons, near the stream at the bottom. Only a few flowers were out, but the garlic scent was as strong as ever. Further round we found a Crab apple coming into blossom. When we arrived at the bottom pond it was the turn of the birds to provide some interest. Several members of the group were able to see one of our resident Nuthatches as it fed on one of the large Ash trees. This species is scarce in this part of Essex, so we are lucky to have some in Hillhouse Wood.

Library shot of Bluebells in Hillhouse Wood

Impressive expanse of blue

Next up was the main Bluebell glade. even though they were still a few days from being fully open, the expanse of blue was still impressive. On the way back we found one of the few remaining patches of the easily overlooked Saxifrage, a few clumps of Wood sorrel, and a decent sized area of the bizarre Moschatel. This tiny green flower is unique. It has a symmetrical flowerhead that is comprised of four angular faces with a fifth one at a right angle on the top. As a result it’s vernacular name used to be ‘Town Hall Clock’.

Steve expressed many thanks to Linda Firmin for taking the time to show him several of the less obvious features of the wood.

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

May 7, 2013December 4, 2014

Hear the nightingales sing

Steve Hallam will be leading the ever popular ‘Dawn Chorus’ walk offering a chance to see nightingales and many other brilliant dawn choristers. The walk will be through Hillhouse Wood and will start from the Old Church.

If you haven’t tried this you’ll find it a rewarding and delightful experience at a very special time for the wood’s

varied birdlife.

Please bring warm clothing, stout footwear, a flask of hot drink and a torch. The walk will go ahead only if weather permits.

April 29, 2013June 16, 2024

Anyone for tennis?

At the start of a new summer season the Parish Council is keen to see that its recreation facilities are used as fully as possible. The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) beside the Orpen Hall is available mainly for tennis but can also be used for other sports such as football. This can be booked on a casual hourly basis through the booking system at the Co-op.

For families a more economical way of ensuring access is through membership of the West Bergholt Sports Club costing just £45 for a family for a year from 1st June. Membership details are available from Gill Sims at [email protected] or full information can be found on this website (see link above) and on the noticeboard beside the courts.

All we need is a good summer to ensure a season of sporting pleasure at a bargain price from facilities on your doorstep.

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.

April 23, 2013December 4, 2014

Bluebell Open Day & Spring Walk at Hillhouse Wood

The Friends of Hillhouse Wood’s popular Bluebell Oen day and Spring Walk is taking place on Saturday 4th May, a week later than originally intended, due to the wet winter and early spring.

The guided walk will be lead by Steve Hallam, starting outside St. Mary’s Old Church, Hall Road, at 2pm. The Friends’ Information Point, there from 2pm, will also have a supply of maps, nature trails and family quizzes.

Within the church, refreshments will be provided by the Friends of St Mary’s Old Church during the afternoon. In addition, there will also be an art exhibition there.

Bluebell walks at Hillhouse Wood were recently recognized by The Times as one of the top walks through woods in their Weekend Spring Special on 13th April.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately to the weather!

April 22, 2013

Bergholt Heath YFC match reports and upcoming fixtures – 21st April 2013

Under 8 vs Rowhedge (Home)

Our Under 8’s were at home to Rowhedge but unfortunately lost their way a little, losing 6-0 after a 7-0 defeat last week. The boys are lacking a little confidence at the moment.

Under 10 vs Layer Colts (Saturday) & Bures United (Sunday) (Both away)

Our Under 10’s played both Saturday and Sunday this week to play ‘catch up’ on all the games postponed due to the weather this season. The first game on Saturday was away to Layer Colts, where they won 3-1.

The second game, also away, was on Sunday when they drew 2-2 with Bures United. In fact they nearly made it two wins in a row but Bures scored with almost the last kick of the game.

Under 14 vs Stanway Villa (Open Cup Semi-Final at Wivenhoe Town FC)

The Under 14’s were playing the first of their two cup semi final dates vs Stanway Villa in the Open Cup at Wivenhoe Town FC.

It was a warm sunny afternoon and when the match got underway both sides started with a fast tempo, although neither side could string many passes together as the pitch was a little bumpy and it caused lots of passes to be miss-controlled. There were not too many clear chances, but it was nice to see our boys have a shot at goal from distance when the opportunity arose. Max hit one shot a few feet wide of the right post, and Ollie’s effort from 20 yards was straight at the keeper.

Both sides were working hard to close the other down and Villa often had 2 or 3 players snapping at our heels when we had possession, but midway through the half we found a breakthrough. Mickey stole the ball just inside their half and played a 1-2 with Ollie, then another with James and found himself in the Villa penalty area and then he guided the ball past the keeper and into the far corner. There were 3 teammates all waiting for the square pass and I’m sure he was trying to set them up, but he tells me he meant to shoot. Either way it was brilliant play and we were glad to have taken the lead.

We continued to mount some pressure on the Villa defence with James dominating the aerial challenges and causing the Villa defence all sorts of problems, but we couldn’t make a clear opening. Ben caused their keeper a moment of concern though when the ball was cleared to him about 25 yards out and he had a lofted shot that almost bounced up and over the Villa ‘keeper.

It wasn’t all one way though and Villa often counter-attacked with pace, but our defence held firm and stopped the forwards getting any shots at Connor. Their best chance actually came due to ‘keeper Connor taking a drop kick over the 18 yard line before releasing it so a free kick was awarded. The referee should have awarded an indirect free kick for hand ball, but allowed the Villa forward to step up and have the shot, but thankfully it went over.
In the last few minutes of the half a cross-come-shot from the right corner of our 18yard line looked destined to sneak into the far top corner, but Connor was alert and turned the ball away to send us into the half time break with the slender lead.

The start of the second half saw us very disjointed, quiet and really sluggish. Villa were on top for a good 10 minutes before we got going again, with our back 4 again standing fast. There was one good effort of note though when a clearance fell to a Villa forward who hit a 1^st time lob that had Connor beaten, but landed on the roof of the net.
We got ourselves back on track with Mickey, Leo and James working hard together to keep the ball and ease the pressure on our defence and when they could bring the midfield into the game too we looked very good in possession.
Ollie made another great chance for Mickey with a perfect pass and although it was well struck, Mickeys shot was well saved by the keeper. Not long after that Mickey and Leo combined well to set up James, but his shot was wide and we wondered if we would rue those chances being missed.

The last 10 minutes saw Villa give it a good go to find an equaliser, but each of our players dug in and worked so hard to close them down and try to stop them playing that Villa couldn’t get a sight of goal.

So the match finished 1-0 and we can look forward to the Open Cup Final next month.

Man of the Match was Ollie Sanderson who worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch and was the main player that looked to get us passing, but every player deserves a lot of credit.

Under 18

The Under 18’s have finished their time in youth football, so no more reports from them!

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 28th April (unless stated otherwise):

Rowhedge vs Under 8
Clare Town Lions vs Under 10
Notley Youth vs Under 14 – League Cup Semi Final, Friday 26th April at Halstead Town FC, kick off 7.30pm.
Under 14 vs Bures United, kick off 10.30am (subject to final confirmation)
Under 18 – no game

April 19, 2013April 19, 2013

Hillhouse Wood featured in The Times

Article from the Times about Hillhouse Wood — Extract from The Times – 13th April 2013

Last weekend The Times published an article on “30 wild days out for Spring” including within it recommendations for beach, meadow & wood walks. Featured amongst the wood walks (with a near full-page picture) was Hillhouse Wood about which they said:

A superb springtime wood with a flood of bluebells enhanced by the light created by coppicing of hazels. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear blackbirds and nightingales.

The Times – 13th April 2013