Focus on youth football

GORLESTON RANGERS 22nd annual five-a-side tournament, June 19 and 20, at Oriel High School, Gorleston. Saturday, June 19, U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 and U10 girls; Sunday, June 20, U7, U9, U11, U13 and U15 and U11 girls. Cost is �20 per team.

For the last few years over 200 teams have entered the tournament, therefore, early application is encouraged. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Entries have already been accepted from Ipswich, Brandon and Norwich, so as usual there will be different sides to play against. For more information telephone Chris on 01493 601256, email Chris.dunne@homecall.co.uk or visit the club website on www,gorlestonrangersfc.org.uk to download an application form.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U11 entertained North Walsham who had not won a game all season. Agreeing to play six-a-side, the Bohs were surprised at the improvement that the Walsham girls had made. Millie latched onto a through ball to open the scoring with a fierce shot. North Walsham immediately equalised. Ella, Rhianna, Lauren and Demi had a good game in the midfield, tackling at every opportunity. Millie put the game beyond doubt, adding two more for her hat-trick. Several chances fell to Indianna and Olivia but were not converteds. The defence of Jordan ,Antonia and Emily are improving every week. This was a good team performance under difficult circumstances with four reserves being played in rotation. The scoreline of 3-1 to the Bohs did not reflect the number of chances but it did stop the rot. PoM; Millie.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U11 visited an in-form Norwich Citys. In an uncompromising first half the Bohs were treated to some fierce tackling. Ella became involved in a physical battle in the centre of the park. Lauren and Demi used their speed to annoy their more experienced opponents. A run from the City winger and a hard cross resulted in a deflection to put City one up. The Bohs replied immediately with a Millie corner kick curling into the goal. A searing run from a City forward finished with a hard volley put the Bohs 2-1 behind. The second half saw Rhianna shut the door on City as the gritty midfielder stopped everything. Indianna, Jordan and Antonia were magnificent, leaving stand-in goalie Olivia little to do. As Millie was tightly marked by two defenders the scoreline remained at 2-1. PoM: Jordan.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U15 away to Scole was a tough and physical encounter and the girls stood firm. Chelsea was inspirational first half, scoring two and setting up Natalie for the other. Amanda who made her debut did well in goal and Sasha, Ellen and Sophie were rock solid in defence. Second half Bohs dominated and created several good chances but failed to convert any, LJ and Megan going closest. Neneh battled well and had a really solid game and Mollie again showed she possesses great vision coupled with accurate passing. Libby, despite feeling unwell, battled really well in the second half. PoM: Sasha whose reading of the game marks her down as a quality player coupled with some great corner taking, and Ellen who is progressing and growing in confidence, and Sophie who is consistently good. Next match, Saturday v Scole at home, cup semi-final, meet Cliff Park Middle School, 9.45am latest.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U16 visited Swindell. It took a piece of magic from the mercurial Chelsea to give Bohs a slender lead. Highlights of a close half was two excellent saves from Remy and the form of Becks. Second half saw Bohs assert themselves as Charlotte Eaton extended the lead. Chelsea added a third, Charlotte H scored a fourth, Charlotte Eaton then added a fifth before Sasha finished the scoring with a deserved goal. PoM: Sasha and Becks, who played the last 15 minutes of the match with a broken toe, and special mentions go to Charlotte Eaton who is playing so well and Chelsea who is scoring for fun and is technically Bohs' most gifted player. Thanks to Charlie who refereed very well and to Kim who was gracious in defeat. Next match, North Walsham away Sunday, meet Cliff Park Middle School, 10.30am.

GORLESTON FC U10B met Hemsby A in the semi-finals of the League Cup. The match was played in the presence of Gorleston first team manager Richard Daniels, assistant manager Alan Smith and bar manager Kenny Philpott. Their attendance was much appreciated by the boys and gave them encouragement to see the club behind them. The match started with Gorleston attacking with some attractive football, Rhys was harassing the Hemsby defence and reaped his reward by opening the scoring with a well-worked goal. On the occasions Hemsby broke forward Charlie, Chandler and Matty were solid in defence with Elliott commanding his goal. Sam C, Josh and Rhys were still playing the game at their pace and were soon 2-0 up with a second goal from Rhys before half-time. Second half, Hemsby made some positional changes and although coming into the game more Gorleston were still controlling the match and increasing their margin with a third goal from captain Josh. Huge congratulations to all the boys, manager Trevor, coach Richard and all the supporters for reaching the final. MoM Rhys for his hard work and two goals.

GORLESTON RANGERS U13A faced a tricky cup quarter-final tie away to Acle after no game for five weeks. Acle's main threat was their tall striker and Acle opened the scoring. Rangers soon replied with the impressive Callum Batley equalising. Ollie Brown stepped up from centre back to rifle the ball in from a corner to put Rangers ahead at half-time. The second half was all Rangers as the centre midfield of Declan Round and Cameron Brooks took control. Declan provided a number of delightfully delivered corners, one of which the hard working Jed Knights converted. Acle pulled a goal back before another impressive performer Jay Turner latched onto Dan's pass to beat the keeper. After that it became the Callum Batley show as he became a thorn in Acle's side, notching up four excellently-taken goals to give the scoreline a more respectable feel at 8-2. Rangers' teamwork was exceptional and both Ollie Brown and Callum Batley were awarded men of the match. Ben George had a great game filling in at centre back for the first time. The semi is against Bungay on March 21. Next match, final league game with Bohemians, Halvergate, kick-off 11am, meet McDonalds 9.45 to leave at 10am. Problems Call Steve 01493 669241.

GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN U10 travelled to Gorleston Rangers C in the semi-finals of the League Cup looking to retain the trophy. Yarmouth were at full strength with Josh Swanston in goal, the defensive duo of Kyle Haylock and Alex Sawyer at the back, a midfield of Callum Aizlewood, Jordan Rodwell, Bobby Jex, Archie Wallis, Thomas Sims and Owen Wright and Thomas Hunter up top. Yarmouth dominated from the off with some great passing and moving and showing great passion and energy. Yarmouth took the lead early on when a Rodwell Cross was turned in by a Rangers player for a own goal. Yarmouth soon doubled their lead when skipper Aizlewood stole in to bravely head in Yarmouth's second. The second half was much the same when Hunter scored his first of his hat-trick with a cool finish, his second coming directly from the corner and the hat-trick goal a thunderous shot from distance flying into the roof of the net. Yarmouth had some other great moves involving Sims, Jex Wright and Sawyer, but could not add to the score. Result: Rangers C 0, Yarmouth 5 to see Yarmouth reach the final. Man-of-the-match: Thomas Hunter (3).

HEMSBY HORNETS U10A played a very good Gorleston FC B on Sunday in the League Cup semi-finals and lost to a better team. This was only Hemsby's third game since mid December, and it showed against such good opposition. Although Hemsby started well enough and some of the passing was good, the final pass in the dangerer areas was just lacking. Brady and Nathan worked very hard breaking up their attacks and tried to play the ball up field where Billy made some great runs in the middle. With Brennan causing problems on the left wing and Hadley and Sam on the right trying to get through and assist Dominic up front, Hemsby got behind them on a few occasions. A slip at the back let the Gorleston player get a good cross in that was converted. They soon doubled the lead, hesitancy allowing the player time to pick his spot past man of the match Owen. Hemsby tried hard to get back into the game but met a defence very hard to get through. Second half was much the same with Gorleston having the better possession but Hemsby still looked to get their game flowing, and had some good spells. If only Hadley had seen how much space Sam was in inside the area, it could have made it 2-1 and that could set up an interesting last five minutes. As Hemsby pushed for a goal, it created more space which was exploited for a third goal. Overall Hemsby battled hard against good Division One opponents and can feel very proud of the achievement of going a stage further than last season. All wish Trevor and his Gorleston team the best of luck in the final. This match was played in great spirit and excellently refereed by Andy Watson. Thank you to all the parents and supporters of both teams for making it a friendly atmosphere for the boys.

HEMSBY HORNETS U7B hosted an improved Gorleston Rangers B. The Hornets put in another hard-working performance from first to last whistle. Improving distribution from Aaron in goal allowed the midfielders and strikers to create many chances with well-taken finishes from both Matthew and Toby. With every player working hard and the passing slowly coming together, this was yet another fine display. MoM was shared with Aaron again saving a penalty and the rebound and making excellent saves throughout the game, and Toby showing great energy, superb tackling and capping his performance with his fine strikes.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U14 were away to Shrubs, a game between the league's two unbeaten teams. Shrubs seemed more committed and determined but Bohs looked very sharp in attack with Rocky and Chloe both posing a threat. A good cross from Ella saw the ball rebound out to Chloe, who fired home. Shrubs deservedly equalised when Merrick showed superb tenacity to win the ball twice in the area before firing home. In the second half Bohs upped their game and matched Shrubs better in terms of commitment and work ethic. Chances were created at both ends, but both teams possess excellent keepers. The game was sealed with a goal of a very high standard when a driven corner was headed home with ferocity by Merrick. A really enjoyable game well refereed by Harry and thanks to Alex and Oliver for lining. Player-of-the-match: Hollie who was superb in goal and Marcie, but special mentions for Sophie who was superb in defence and Kirsty who battles so well.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U10 entertained St Edmunds at Wroughton and immediately put them on the back foot. From an early cross from Jade, Paige hit the post. Jane picked the ball up in midfield and with a mazy run beat the opposition defence and tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Straight from the restart Jane took a corner, the ball went through to the back post and Megan coolly tucked it away. From an early throw from Paige, Jane turned on a sixpence and scored. Good defending from Caitlin and Clarissa and tackling back from Jade kept the opposition at bay. Good work by Jess set up Paige to score her second. A few minutes later Paige scored her second. From her own corner Jane completed her hat-trick. After winning the ball herself Jade then scored. Jane shot and the keeper fumbled, allowing Jess in to score. Kelsey saved from a rare attack. Rangers continue to play good football second half, then a change in goal - Paige for Kelsey. Good running and Jess picked up the ball outside of the box, shot and scored her second. Another three goals for Rangers came from Megan, two set up by Kelsey. St Edmunds never gave up and deservedly got a consolation goal. Final result: 12-1.

SHRUBLANDS U13 GIRLS thank Dave Cowley, manager of British Metal Treatments (BMT), for his sponsorship of the team for the 2010/2011 season.

SWINDELL GIRLS U16 produced a cracking first half, full of quality football, great passing and good movement, but lost to a good Bohemians outfit by 5-0. Again the first 35 minutes had Boh's on the back foot for long periods. Mags and Ellie had marvellous chances. Meg in goal, had not a lot to dod. Against the run of play Boh's went one up. Swindell reacted well. With Betty's runs and Lissa working hard in midfield they caused a few hairy moments for Bohs. Near half-time there was a clear chance for Ellie but Bohs' keeper came out well. At the other end Meg made a double stop, first a header then a great save. In the second half Bohs came more into it, chances came their way and they took them. Paisley worked wonders at the back. With tiredness creeping in and with only two matches played this year, at the end it looked like it. Tale of the match,: they knew where the net was, Swindell didn't. PoM: Paisley.

BLUNDESTON MAGPIES U12 beat Kirkley & Pakefield U12 5-2. K&P contributed greatly to a very entertaining game. Magpies deserved to win after a performance of character and determination. Magpies started brightly and Foxy opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a well taken shot from just inside the area. Magpies should have scored more, however, for the last 10 minutes of the half they seemed to lose their way and K&P's cultured midfield started to take more control. Magpies started to squander possession and a lack of concentration let K&P in to equalise. The second half saw Magpies momentarily back in the ascendancy with a well taken goal from man of the match, Chopper. However, K&P promptly scored to make it 2-2. The boys rallied and each player went up a gear. Magpies' fine passing football soon established a two-goal lead and when Harrison came on as the midfield enforcer, the game was effectively won. The whole team contributed to a great win against fine opposition, but in particular Fletch and Cam kept Magpies in the game in the first half and Chopper and Ally were outstanding both going forward and tracking back. MoM: Chopper. Scorers: Chopper (3), Foxy, George.

SHRUBLANDS U10B against Waveney D in the shield's quarter final met another third division team. The game started a very tight affair. Tee-Jay started solidly snuffing out any early Waveney attempts. Shane and Owin both had chances to break the deadlock but were unlucky. After some early second half pressure from Waveney, Adam produced a fine performance, linking with Owin and Lee to create more chances. Owin finally converted after some fine one-touch football with the pinpoint pass delivered by Shane. The momentum stayed with Shrubs who continued to press. CJ and Tee-Jay ensured Westie kept a clean sheet with some excellent defending. Adam sealed the tie with a neat volley direct from a Lee corner, guiding it passed the keeper, a richly deserved reward for a man of the match display. Saturday, Harleston away, meet 9.30am common. Sunday K & P home, meet at 10am.

SHRUBLANDS U14 GIRLS played their hardest match of the season against the strong and well organised Bohemians who put the Shrubs defence under early pressure, but Paige was excellent on the wing and put in a number of crucial tackles, with Beth and Nicky also working hard. However, after a mix up in the Shrubs defence Bohs scored. This ignited Shrubs and they started to play the way they have all season. Abbie and Merrick linked up well in the midfield and Merrick twisted and turned her way through the Bohs' defence to score a great equaliser. Second half saw the play go from end-to-end. Kayleigh was solid in goal and made some good saves. Katherine made great runs down the left and put some great balls in. Harriet had one of the best games for a long while and Lilie was strong in defence, Courtney Charlton had a frustrating match being well marked. Merrick got the vital goal from a superbly taken header which deserved to win any match. Final score 2-1. Player of the match went to Abbie, but all girls gave 100 per cent in a brilliant team performance, all but one girl are playing a year up. U14 match Sunday home to Swanton, meet 1.30 for 2pm kick-off. Team from: Kayleigh, Beth, Paige, Nicky, Katherine, Abbie, Merrick, Harriet, Courtney Bacon and Courtney Charlton.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U10 were due some luck as they travelled to league leaders Sprowston. Playing against a strong wind the Bohs were pressurised from the whistle. With the team working well, Bruna always threatened. Georgina and Georgia played a tight marking game, stopping the Sprowston attack from developing. Megan in goal coped well with anything that got through the defence. At half time a reshuffle saw Leah in goal with Millie and Lauren in the midfield. Daisy combined with Bruna, who charged through to score. The Bohs then shut the door on Sprowston. Megan, Alice and Daisy remained in their positions blocking all attacks. Lauren hassled every player that had the ball. As the clock ran down the Sprowston girls had no reply to the Bohs stoic defence. Bohs took the points, their first win of the season. PoM: Daisy and Alice.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U12 entertained Swanton Herons. The first half was a struggle as Swanton were very physical but Bohs still managed to play some wonderful football and were 3-0 up, goals scored by Molly, Martha and Leanne. In second half Bohs were still the better team, they deserved to score more goals but Swanton's keeper was on form and kept Bohs at bay until the last five minutes when Zoe scored two goals for 5-0 up at full time. Toni, Nicole and Megan all played in defence and kept Swanton out of the game with some good tackles. For the balls that got past the defence, Jackie was there and again managed to keep strong and have another game unbeaten. Next game at home, kick off noon, cup semi-final.

CAISTER U12 were on the road with a re-arranged Shield fixture on Saturday at St Bennets B. Caister had only 10 men available so they had to dig deep. Caister dominated the first half and didn't look as if they were a man down. By half-time they led 4-0. Second half St Bennets had a right good go and pulled an early goal back. But Caister ground out and finished the game with a 5-1 win. MoM Will Beck: great work rate all game. Goals: Bradley Baker, Kieran Smith, Bradley Rowand, Tyler Bleach.

CAISTER U12 were at home on Sunday to Waveney U12A. Caister had just 11 but went into the game positively playing three forwards. Caister were under the cosh early on, good goalkeeping from Kayne Oakley stopping them going several goals down. Caister were good coming forward and had several chances but the end product fell kindly for the Waveney keeper. Waveney were such a threat coming forward and punished Caister twice to come out 2-0 winners. MoM: James Smith, another hard-working game in midfield. Caister have had a fantastic nine-game unbeaten run and have played some breathtaking football. They have deservedly reached the semi finals of the Shield, in which they will play Blundeston Magpies on Sunday.

CAISTER U9B entertained Martham on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the U9 Shield. In an even opening both sides passed the ball well, but it wasn't until a high ball to the back post was turned into their own net by a Martham defender that Caister began to take control. Caister's front two of Alex and Danny, who was having arguably his best game of the season, were working well together and Alex put Caister two up when he beat two players and fired home. Will scored with a shot from outside the box and Harley hit the bar. Alfie playing sweeper cut out any possibility of Martham scoring and the midfield trio of Harry, Richie and Reece tackled like terriers to give Caister a 3-0 half-time lead. Martham improved in the second half and pulled a goal back. However, a piece of outstanding skill from Will finished the visitors off. Receiving the ball from a corner, in one movement he controlled the ball and back-heeled it along the line past the post and into the net to seal Caister's place in the semi-finals and the final score of Caister U9B 4, Martham U9 1. Man-of-the-match: Harley. Next match against Kirkley and Pakefield away (kick-off 10.30am).

COBHOLM BOYS U12 played at home against Shrublands and, quickly went 1-0 up. With all the players battling for the ball they soon made it 2-0. Cobholm dominated, being 4-0 up at half-time. In the second half it was the same pattern with the Shrubs goalie making some good saves. Cobholm could have had more goals if players had been more comfortable on the ball in front of goal. But finally they scored again, making it 5-0 before Shrubs made the final score 5-1. Goal scorers were Ryan (2), Cameron B with a well-taken penalty, Hadley and an own goal. Thanks to the linesman, who was put on the spot at the last minute. Training at 10am sharp on Saturday.

COBHOLM U9 visited Waveney D and were 3-0 winners. All players played their part, Jordan, Mazie and Will M were outstanding, keeping Waveney at bay. Keanan and Jacob were everywhere and linked up brilliantly with Will F who was also everywhere. Will F grabbed two goals and Jacob scored the other. Move of the match was the third goal, starting with a clearance from Jordan. Good skill came from Keanan to beat his player and put in a cross for Will to run onto. Cobholm deservedly won the league in this match and should be very proud of themselves. Thanks to the parents who came and have showed their support all season, hopefully you're as proud of them for their achievements this year as the managers are. Man-of-the-match went to the whole team again. Last match this week away to Sole Bay.

COBHOLM U8 enjoyed a good, close game against a well-organised Bungay team. Cobholm started well with some good tackling and passing. Andrew and Riley both showed good improvement, good passing between the rest of the team. Good saves from Callum this week. Man-of-the-match went to Riley who had an excellent game, well done, don't let your injury put you off. Training on Saturday at 10am.

GORLESTON RANGERS 12B entertained Loddon Grasshoppers in a match that showed just about every side of football. In a battle between teams chasing promotion Rangers opened the scoring with Dan chasing a ball down and finding the net within the first minute. The rest of the first half turned into a scrappy affair and Rangers did not get their passing game going. The second half saw Loddon get on level terms quite quickly and then Dan restored the lead with his second goal. Loddon got back on terms and with another goal by Lee Rangers retook the lead but could hold out for the win. Final score: 3-3. Basic errors in this game cost Rangers three points, something they can put right in training. Man-of-the-match was Dan. Well done to Jack who was player-of-the-month for February. Next match away to Gorleston FC (kick-off 10am), meet at 9.30am.

GORLESTON RANGERS UNDER 10B had a tough game against higher league and table-topping St Benets B in the quarter-finals of the Shield. Rangers started with real fire and fought for every ball. However, after five minutes St Benets scrambled in a goal. Lewis was then unlucky as he did well to get in a defensive header but saw it fly in his own net. Rangers then came into their own and Henry flicked on a lovely ball and Sam finished well. In the second half, Rangers dominated and St Benets barely had the ball. Shaun, Lewis, Henry, Alex and Sam were all desperately unlucky not to score. Even James pushed up in the dying seconds and St Benets were unlucky when putting a shot wide of the empty goal. James was excellent and made two fine point blank saves. Shaun, when in goal, also tipped a fine effort around the post. Luis was back to his best, getting stuck in and winning the ball. Lewis made some excellent interceptions whilst Sam showed his natural talent. Henry and Ben together travelled every blade of grass in brilliant matches. Ben's run from one end of the pitch to the other and near miss was class. Henry's excellent form continued with both hard work and quality on the ball. Alex took man-of-the-match though with an outstanding defensive display which also included three awesome runs down the wing, all of which ended with good crosses. It may have been a quarter-final Shield loss, but nothing more could have been asked of the boys.

GORLESTON FC U7B were at home again this week to Gorleston Rangers A. GFC were straight off the start line executing some good passes and putting Rangers' defence under pressure. Rangers responded well and pushed back. GFC showed some good improvements in teamwork during the game which was evenly balanced throughout. Thanks to both teams, the supporters and the referee for an enjoyable match. Man-of-the-match this week was Max Reilly.

HEMSBY HORNETS U9 STINGERS entertained Waveney B in the league on Sunday. All Hemsby players gave 100 per cent. Archie G in goal made a couple of great saves, his distribution much more effective. Jim, the captain, worked with Ben to look after defence and ensured a clean sheet. Rowan and Kahn looked after the midfield, involved in action throughout. Rowan took most of the corners and really did a good job of getting the ball into dangerous areas. Kahn battled throughout despite a small injury and continued to show how much he has improved. With Waveney very much on form Hemsby did well to maintain their concentration and with a tireless display from Tom up front they were eventually rewarded with a goal after several close opportunities. In the second half, the match was won by a second from Tom which was possibly goal of the season from a tight angle into the top corner leaving the final score at 2-0 and helping earn him man-of-the-match. Congratulations to Archie S who was selected to play with Ipswich. Training as normal at 10am on Saturday. Sunday away to St Benets.

HEMSBY HORNETS U10B played away to a very physical Waveney B who battled for everything. The Hornets created numerous chances but could not beat the Waveney keeper, who had a superb game. The Hornets never dropped their heads and the game unfortunately was lost on a controversial decision. Man-of-the-match went to Luke who defended well throughout. Next game at home to Kirkey & Pakefield (kick-off 12.30pm).

BLUNDESTON MAGPIES U11 entertained Sole Bay United who took a two-goal lead in a first half they totally dominated, the Magpies only having a half-chance from James. Man-of-the-match Adam and Alex in central defence had worked hard to keep the score down. However, the boys gave it a real go in the second half, with some bright attacking play, Taylor and Callum getting in shots before Sole Bay scored a third against the run of play. Kieran pulled a goal back from a tight angle following a corner. Ryan had a run and shot just wide down the left before Magpies pulled another back from James' corner deflected in off a defender. James was unlucky with a shot that the keeper juggled on the goal line, just keeping his side ahead. James then raced clear to fire home but was denied by the offside flag. Sole Bay scored a glorious goal from long range and a fifth on the break at the end. The boys can be proud of their second-half efforts.

STALHAM U10 played East Coast Warriors at the weekend. The team of William, Jake, Harry, Troy, Sean, Ryan, Matthew T and Daniel worked hard and played good football as a team. They conceded one goal in each half to lose 2-0. A good result against a strong team, everyone played good football and they did themselves proud. Player of the match was Ryan for fantastic marking, strong tackling and working his socks off.

STALHAM U12A visited North Walsham .Very strong attacks seemed to catch all the Stalham lads asleep which saw Walsham score from 20 yards. With some fine short, sharp passes Stalham were back in the game. Stalham were awarded a free-kick that was taken quickly to give Adam his first goal: 1-1. Dom M put in a nice corner to Jake who flicked it on for Tom to score for a 2-1 lead. More quick passing football from Stalham and excellent team pressure saw Jake slot in for 3-1. Second half saw Stalham attack strongly. Matti pushed the ball to Will who hit the ball high over the keeper for 4-1. Aiden then assisted with another ball through for Will to tuck in for 5-1. A really great effort from Stalham with some players in new positions. PoM: Kieran.