Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 10th November

BHYFC Under 9s vs Colchester Villa Yellows

Following the Remembrance Day minute’s silence, which was impeccably observed by both teams and supporters alike, the match kicked-off with Bergholt looking to avenge a very close one-nil defeat by the visitors Colchester Villa Yellows only a few weeks ago.

As with the first match, the teams were both evenly matched and most of the game was played in the middle third of the pitch with Bergholt looking to pass their way through Villa, whilst Villa looked to pump the ball forward to their lone striker.  Chances were limited, however Bergholt had the best two opportunities of the half.  Firstly when James made a great run down the left, which saw him put a delightful ball across the box which found Thomas H alone at the far post.  Unfortunately his first time effort went just wide.  The second fell to Theo who was all lined up to hit a shot, but was superbly tackled by the Villa defender.

Bergholt’s defence, in particular Eddie and Joseph, were keeping the Villa attack at bay and if any chances did arise, Daniel was able to handle them with ease.  HT 0-0.

The second half was very much like the first with both teams cancelling each other out in the middle of the pitch and it was clear that one goal would decide it.  With five minutes to go, the Villa tactic paid off when a long ball to their striker saw him burst through the Bergholt defence and then round Daniel.  The goal-bound effort was too far in front of him to head it clear so the covering defender Thomas L put out his hand to push it around the post.  Penalty to Villa!

Having been denied a certain goal, the Villa striker took the penalty himself and hit such a hard shot low into the corner of the net that Daniel had no chance to save it.  The last remaining minutes were played out in the same fashion as the first 35 minutes and the game finished with the same scoreline as the first meeting.  FT 0-1.

Bergholt Heath player of the match:  Eddie Davies – lots of great tackles, clearances and man-marking.

Wivenhoe Town vs BHYFC Under 11s

As is the usual way we started this encounter very lacklustre.

Despite asking the boys to replicate the last 15 minutes of the previous weeks game, we started the match like a bag of spent fireworks.  Lack of tackling conviction, bad passing and statuesque movement meant we gave Wivenhoe the advantage.  They very nearly took the lead when a goalmouth scramble was just about cleared in time.

Once again the second half was far better we spread apart  and the passing improved. Eventually after several attacks Matt took on a couple players and slotted the ball home, GOOOAAALLL!!!

This spurred the boys on more and they looked far more confident . Numerous chances came. Fred made  himself space on the right a couple of times but his shots were just not enough.  Jack had the ball four yards out but got caught in his feet.

Eventually Tyler made a good run and pushed it confidently home GOOOAAALLL!!!

Tom had one effort go over and then Jonah’s shot cannoned off the keeper into the net GOOOAAALLL!!!

With the game safe we pushed Ben upfront which left us short at the back.  Nat , Dan and Harv coped well and we finished 3-0 victorious.

Man of the Match went to Fred for a much better second half performance

BHYFC Under 15s vs Clacton

The Under 15’s took on FC Clacton at home on the Poors Field with a later than usual kick off to allow for the clean up operation from the fireworks the night before – which had been completed impressively before the teams arrived.  In view of the away fixture when Clacton dominated the first half only for Bergholt to come back strongly in the second to win by the odd goal, the manager was keen to stress the importance of starting well against a team no doubt looking for revenge.  From the first whistle it appeared to be an open game with both teams striving to push forward and score.

The Bergholt defence generally coped well with the Clacton strikers – although they needed one goal line clearance – and the home attack was pressurising the visitors into some hasty clearances.  After 15 minutes Bergholt took the lead via a free kick from Max into the top corner.  Back came Clacton but they were starting to struggle against a team now well in command.  James Holden headed over from a corner and there were several half chances as Bergholt piled on the pressure.  The second came when Max took another free kick from just inside his own half and Sam got free of his marker to direct the ball into the net with a deft touch on its way past him.  HT: 2-.0.

The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Bergholt scored their third.  A superb piece of play involving Jake and then Max sent James on his way and he held off the defender to fire past the keeper. Within the space of a few more minutes,Bergholt scored their fourth when Max played another ball over the top and James.  By now Clacton were looking like they wanted the match to end, having almost no interest in the game.  Max scored his second and Bergholt’s fifth before the manager decided to give both central defenders a break and take the opportunity to look at other combinations that maybe required in future.  This brought the visitors back to life and they caused a few awkward moments towards the end of the game but failed to seriously trouble Conner in the Bergholt goal.

Final score: Bergholt Heath 5 – 0   FC Clacton.

Bergholt man of the max: Max Booth – another all action display – either scoring or setting up all 5 goals!

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 17th November:

• Tempest vs Under 9
• Under 11 vs Tempest, KO 10.00am
• Under 15 – No Game

Bergholt Heath YFC – Results 3rd November

Reed Hall Sentinels vs BHYFC Under 9s

After the past couple of weeks where Bergholt Heath Under 9’s had hit the self-destruct button, the manager gave the boys a stiff talking to before the game about this and how to avoid repeating it for a third week.

With this fresh in their minds Bergholt started well, playing against the wind in the first half. Both teams were cancelling each out in the middle of the pitch and clear cut chances were limited to one each, with Sentinels hitting the side netting whilst Theo nearly got his birthday goal but was denied by an excellent block by the Sentinels defender. Sentinels probably just shaded the half due to having the advantage of the wind. HT 0-0.

Bergholt then had the wind in the second half and were asked to use this to shoot on sight. This they did but found the Sentinels keeper in good form saving well from Theo, Thomas and James. Meanwhile the defence were having a really solid game and Daniel’s handling and command of his area was excellent. The midfield were also doing their duties in defence as well as in attack, something that had been missing recently, demonstrated by James who, when the Reed Hall player wriggled through the defence, came in with a brilliant goal saving tackle.

Bergholt had the lion’s share of possession and goal-scoring chances in the second half but just couldn’t score and the game ended goalless. FT 0-0. A good result which steadied the ship!

Bergholt Heath player of the match: Daniel Jackson – super handling and distribution of the ball.

BHYFC Under 11s vs Colchester Villa Blues

The under 11’s were the only team at home this week, to second in the table Colchester Villa Blues. It was a open game with plenty of chances, but both keepers were in excellent form with neither team able to find a way past their opponents. The only goal came with Colchester Villa were awarded a dubious penalty for hand ball and the striker stepped up to score leaving the Bergholt players down hearted at the end of a match they did not deserve to lose.

Player of the match: Matthew Sanderson.

Elmden Rovers vs BHYFC Under 15s

Our Under 15’s, currently bottom of the A league, were looking to end their miserable start to the league season away to second bottom Elmden Rovers. Bergholt won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind that was blowing almost straight down the pitch.

The team were pumped up for the match following some strong words from the manager after last weeks loss to Bures, and the early exchanges were almost entirely in the home sides’ half, where they were defending manfully against a fluid Bergholt attack, aided by the wind. Bergholt took the lead after 15 minutes when Owen got free on the left and after dummying the defender, rolled the ball back for Ben to coolly place in the corner of the net. Just over 10 minutes later Ollie got on the score sheet when he waltzed through the home defence to place another shot low into the net. Bergholt were clearly on top with the manager calling for more goals to capitalise on the wind, and they had further chances with Luke hitting the angle of crossbar and post with a cleaver flick from outside of the area, and Jamie having a shot cleared off the line following a corner. In addition there were two claims for penalties that the referee strangely gave as free kicks to the home team. HT: Elmden 0-2 Bergholt Heath.

The second half started with the away supporters wondering whether Elmden could use the wind advantage to change the flow of the game, which had been decidedly one sided. Within a few minutes of the restart this idea was dispelled, as Ben was given the freedom of the home penalty area – so much so he looked round for the offside flag – to place another shot low into the goal for his second of the match. Another few minutes and Bergholt scored their fourth goal – a free kick from Max finding the top corner. Elmden were trying to use the wind by clearing the ball long and high then chasing behind, but the Bergholt defence was fairly comfortable throughout, although there were a few anxious moments from two Elmden in-swinging corners. With 10 minutes remaining, Bergholt scored their 5th and final goal when Max hit another shot from the edge of the area, picking out the other top corner!

Full time: Elmden Rovers 0-5 Bergholt Heath.

Bergholt Heath ‘man of the match’: Max Booth – all action display both in midfield and then up front.

Next weeks fixtures – Sunday 9th November:

• Under 9 vs Colchester Villa Yellows KO 11.00am
• Wivenhoe Town vs Under 11
• Under 15 vs FC Clacton KO 12 noon