Junior and youth football reports

As always this was a very competitive fixture between two evenly matched teams, the Magpies dominating the first half but finding themselves under almost constant pressure in the second. Taylor was close to opening the scoring having a good shot saved and James put an effort onto the roof of the net.

Connell broke clear and chipped the keeper but a defender was back to clear over the bar. James finally opened the scoring firing over the keeper into the far corner of the net from the edge of the box. Sole Bay broke to equalise but Ben restored the Magpies lead with a powerful shot from long range shortly before the break.

The second half started with some early Sole Bay pressure but Declan broke on the right to shoot across goal just inside the post to increase the Magpies lead. There followed a long period of constant Sole Bay attacking, stretching the defence and forcing some good saves from Bexley. Sole Bay eventually scored following a corner and pushed for the equaliser before a rare break for the Magpies allowed Connell to score as he broke into the box to fire home. Sole Bay hit a post and continued to dominate only punctuated by half chances for Taylor, James and Adam. MoM: Ryan.

BOHEMIANS U10 played away at Shrublands and with both teams at the top of the table this was a game the Bohs were looking to win. The effort in the first half was exceptional with Connor scoring to put the Bohs one up. The remainder of the half saw shots towards goal from many of the Bohs Players but they just weren’t going in. The second half was Shrublands turn and they converted their chances to put them 2-1 up. Later Connor had a great effort denied as it was deemed not to cross the line. As with last weeks cup defeat this was hard for the Bohs to take but again a match where they all gave 100%. MoM: Connor

BREYDON U12 entertained joint table toppers Long Stratton at the Burgh pitch knowing they were in for a tough match against a very consistant team. Rising to the challenge, Breydon made sure that the opening quarter was fairly even and if it was not for some brave goal keeping by Long Stratton, could have taken a much earlier lead. The breakthrough came when Breydon applied some continuous pressure which led to a goal mouth scramble and allowing Kane to squeeze the ball into the net to put the home team 1-0 up, and thats how they went in at half time, The second half commenced with Breydon taking advantage of the wind behind them and looked the favourites to score, but despite Breydons pressure, Long Stratton grew in confidence, and took control of the game, and managed to score three goals which were worthy of their table topping position. Despite the final score of 1-3, none of the Breydon lads should feel any disappointment because to a man, they all gave their utmost, which is just what the manager required, plus it was a much improved score line from the last time the two teams met. MoM: Tommo, with the rest of the team a close second.

CAISTER CENTURIONS U11 took on Division 1 Champions K&P Hurricanes in wet & windy conditions in there search for points to avoid relegation and it was K&P who took the game to Caister and created several chances but Thomas in goal was holding on to everything. K&P took the lead when a long throw was flicked on and turned into the net in a crowded goalmouth. Logan had a shot which just went wide, while Richie was moved into midfield and began to impose his tackling on a competitive midfield. Caister started the second half well and began to outpass K&P, Will on the left wing was a constant threat and Zak was linking well with Alfie on the right. Caister were given the opportunity to level the score when Alex was taken down in the area, he then calmly slotted the penalty into the corner of the net. Both sides went for the winner but Jay along with Daniel defended as if there lives depended on it and the rest of the team fought and played with great passion and fully deserved there point. K&P Hurricanes 1 Caister Centurions 1. MoM: Thomas. Next Match Shield Final.(Emerald park) vs Gorleston Falcons. Team: Thomas, Alfie, Jay, Daniel, Richie, Zak, Logan, Will, Alex. Great performance boys, enjoy the final, Good luck.

COBHOLM U10 travelled the thirty-odd miles to Pulham Market to play Beckvale Boys and the long journey was worth it at the final whistle. From the kick off, Cobholm put the home side under pressure and were unlucky not to be four goals ahead, mainly due to the Beckvale keeper. A couple of quick breakaways gave Beckvale chances and the midfield left the two defenders Tony and Byron exposed by pushing forward too much, luckily Callum was in good form in goal and cleared up any loose balls or shots that came his way. Some good work from Byron set Cobholm going forward again and a long range shot was flicked on by Taylor to take the lead. Within a couple of minutes Taylor had his second goal with a neat shot after good work from Dalton. Charlie then got his name on the scoresheet with a shot from distance and the best goal of the game came when Callum saved at the feet of a Beckvale forward, the loose ball running to Charlie who fed Taylor on the left, a croossfield ball straight to Dalton was finished with a great volley from the edge of the area, leaving the keeper no chance. Half time was 4-0 to Cobholm. The second half started with some Beckvale pressure, dealt with by Callum, Tony and Byron, this time with help from the midfield. A good interception from a goalkick by Taylor saw him get his hat-trick with a low shot into the corner. Kieran then got involved in the game with a finish from close range after a scramble and Taylor then looked set for his fourth, but instead squared the ball to Dalton for an easy finish into the net. Beckvale still continued to try and push forward but Cobholm’s tails were up and a counter attack found Kieran who smashed the ball across goal for his second of the game, soon followed by his hat-trick from close range again. Final score was Beckvale 0 Cobholm 9. Goal scorers were Taylor Whittle 3, Kieran Colson 3, Dalton Philpott 2 and Charlie Walker. Parents Player this week went to Callum Walker in goal, and Managers Man of the Match went to Byron Nice, for a solid display at the back, some good interceptions and good passing, getting better with every game.

The previous week Cobholm entertained St Benets in a re-arranged match and were slow to start giving the initiative to the opponents straight from the kick off. A panicky few moments in defence led to some narrow escapes until finally St Benets scored via a deflection. From the restart, Cobholm slowly began to regain their footballing style and put the away side under pressure, equalising with a deflected shot from Charlie which looped up over the keeper and into the net. A superb piece of chasing back and thunderous tackle from Taylor set the tone for the team for the rest of the game, with everyone playing their part to keep St Benets at bay, leaving Callum with little to do, and create chances for Kieran and Dalton. Tony was once again solid at the back assisted by fellow defender Byron and the midfield of Charlie, Taylor and Kieran. Dalton put the defence under pressure and was almost rewarded with another goal, the forward play of the middle three was very good with great passing and lay-offs and Dalton also dropping deeper to get involved. A corner set piece nearly gave Tony his second goal of the season with a great run and volley and Byron also tried his luck. With better finishing this could have been a well deserved win as Cobholm were the better team for three quarters of the match. Once again we showed we can play better football than the bigger clubs with limited resources. Final score 1-1. Parents and Managers Man of the Match this week was Taylor Whittle for another super Captains performance, driving the team on and inspiring good football from his team mates.

No match or training this week, players will be contacted about next session. Presentation Night is 19 May so please keep this date free.

COBHOLM U11 travelled to Loddon for the final game of the season and started on the front foot finding themselves unlucky not to be a 2-0 up in the first five minutes, Cobholm always looked the stronger team but with a quick downpour and a shot form outside the area Will M couldn’t hold on to the ball and it crept in, five minutes later a scramble in the area from a corner found the head of a loddon player to make it 2-0 at half time, second half Cobhom played some beautiful football in the Loddon half with everyone getting involved and without a few dodgy decisions would of been 4-2, but they kept battling until they had a goal back through Ronnie, Jordan played like a true captain and kept the attackers at bay for a lot of the game and deserved Man of the match as well as picking up Parents Player of the match as well. Despite losing 2-1 cobholm showed great determination and with a little more composure in front of goal could of ran away with the game. Well done to all the players this season and thank you to all the parents that have shown their support lets hope for another good season next year!

FC BRADWELL U9 SPAIN played Gorleston Rangers Ospreys in a friendly. Bradwell started with a new formation and Harvey started well, controlling the midfield, in his calm style. However, midway through the first half Rangers took complete control of the game and scored 4 goals inside 10 minutes with some good, skilful football. In the second half Bradwell settled much better with Harry being his ever reliable self, Toby and Kyle working well together in defence and Curtis had a brilliant debut for Bradwell with his workrate and passing. Alex did well to play with illness and Fenton had a really solid second half on the wing. Chester had a great shot that was heading for the top corner but was brilliantly saved from the Rangers Keeper. However, star man and MoM was Connor who looked comfortable making his debut and got some good shots away. Final Score: Bradwell 0 Rangers 4. Thanks to Paul and all at Rangers for a great friendly and thanks to our new sponsor – Aviva.

FC BRADWELL U12 Brazil played second placed Waveney Snow Leopards. In the first half Bradwell struggled and Waveney probably deserved to be 5-0 up at half time. However, Bradwell went with a new formation in the second half and it made a massive difference with the final score ending up 6-0. Baring in mind Bradwell were not playing at their best it shows, when compared to our previous score at Waveney, what a massive improvement the boys have made this season, especially when consideration is given to the strength of the Waveney side. MoM had to be Vash for his third really solid performance on the trot. James followed close behind with an excellent second half in goal. Lewis also looked solid at the back in a pair with Vash. All boys though had a much improved second half and deserve credit for the obvious improvement that has been made. Team: James, Lewis, Vash, Josh, Cameron, Sam, Mitchell, Reece, Ben, Max, Joe.

FC BRADWELL SPAIN U12 The week before last Bradwell played away against Loddon Grasshoppers. Bradwell got off to a flyer. A great shot from Matthew was saved but Ben followed up to head in from close range. A few minutes later a great pass from Jack was struck from 20 yards by Matthew into the net. Oscar, Alex and Henry with some good handling from Shaun kept any Loddon attack at bay. Luis and Henry combined well for Luis to hit the post but it was a defence splitting pass from Connor that released Aaron to score right on half-time. The second half saw Toby releasing some fine passes and it was from one of those passes that found Jack who found Ben to score this second. Soon after Ben completed another hat-trick to make it 5-0. Bradwell swapped things around and credit to Loddon they pulled 3 goals back over the next 15 minutes but when normal serve resumed, Jack found Ben again who sweetly scored his fourth and wrapped up the game 6-3. Team: Shaun, Oscar, Luis, Henry, Aaron, Alex, Toby, Connor, Jack, Matthew & Ben. A big thank you to all the boys for a great game, parents and officials. MoM: Ben Vasey – Best forward in the league bar none.

This week Bradwell played against local side Gorleston Rangers. The first 20 minutes was a hard though affair with Rangers pressurising the Bradwell defence. Oscar, Alex and Luis were a equal to all that Rangers could throw at them and when Rangers had an opportunity Shaun was there to stop them and when that failed the post came to our rescue. However, as the game went on Bradwell started to take the sting out of the play and following on from our previous encounter it was a good free-kick from Aaron which was collected by Ben who scored in his usual manner. Five minutes later a shot from distance from Matthew took everyone by surprise and sailed over the keepers head into the net. The industrious Jack, Henry and Toby kept the pressure up after half-time but Bradwell’s third came from a great kick from Shaun which release Ben to score his second pass the advancing keeper. Rangers pulled a deserving goal back but soon after Connor played a ball into Ben whose sweet turn and shot gave the Rangers keeper no chance. Rangers pulled another one back but with the Bradwell defence shored things up to take the points and the match 4-2. Well done to all the boys from teams, officials and spectators. Team: Shaun, Oscar, Luis, Henry, Aaron, Alex, Toby, Connor, Jack, Matthew, Ben. A big thank you to all the boys, parents and officials. MoM: Oscar Whittaker Held strong and commanding throughout the game in defence.

GORLESTON RANGERS U12 BUZZARDS started this game brightly and were unfortunate not to score with a couple of early efforts. Michael and Jack were causing problems for Bradwell on the left, whilst Dan and Liam were doing the same down the right. As the first half went on Bradwell came more into the game and from a free kick took the lead. This gave them confidence and they pressured the Rangers defence but Linnards, Callum and Will remained strong. But just before half time a long range effort from Bradwell beat George to give them a 2-0 lead. The start of the second half caught Rangers napping and Bradwell broke to score. Rangers kept their heads though and were soon rewarded with a well worked goal for Liam. Some good midfield battles were taking place with Ross and Josh both involved but Bradwell scored another goal to increase their lead. Rangers came straight back and a super cross from Liam was turned in at the back post by Jack to make the final score Rangers 2 Bradwell 4. Goal Scorers Liam (1) Jack (1) MOM Josh.

HEMSBY HORNETS U8 played away against a strong Kirkley & Pakefield Gladiators and put in a great team performance. With Ryan playing well in goal and William solid in defence, this allowed midfielders Harvey, Haydn and Tyler to link up well with striker Daniel. All players battled extremely well and played some good passing football. It was pleasing to see the players covering for each other when needed and all players work hard to win the ball back when possession was lost. Goals were scored by Haydn and William, Haydn’s goal came after some good Hornets pressure and William’s after a mazy run and fine finish. Player of the Match was awarded to Tyler for his exceptional work rate and strong performance.

Next game away v Waveney Lions at Barnards Meadow NR32 2HF, Kick Off is at 10.30am, players to be there for 10 o’clock.

SHRUBLANDS U10 played at home to Bohemians, in this top of the table clash Shrubs found the first period hard work with Lucas called upon a number of times. With little signs of improvement during the half Shrubs went behind to a well taken goal which Lucas was unable to stop. After a good team talk, Shrubs came out with a much better focus and their efforts were soon rewarded when after some good work from Jaydn and Louis down the Bohemians left, the cross reached Taiven who smashed in the equaliser. Both teams had chances to go ahead but good defending from Cameron and Harry prevented any addition to the score. Shrubs piled forward knowing that a win would galvanise there chances of winning the title. Upped stepped Izzy with the winner mid way into the second half , the ball dropped invitingly for him after being half cleared from a corner, and Izzy’s shot found it’s way into the bottom corner. Bohemians pressed for their second and in the last minute Lucas had to deal with a looping shot that had us all with our hearts in our mouths, Lucas however dealt with it with ease. Henrique & Shaun supported their team mates well from the side lines.

With three games to go Shrublands still have everything to play for.

SHRUBLANDS U12 they say football is a funny old game it truly is, Shrubs travelled to new league champions Waveney Panthers. Both Waveney and Shrubs supporters were witnesses to one of the strangest games you will ever see shrubs lost 6-1 to the champions. The score says that Waveney were the better team, not on this day. In the first half Shrubs were running all over the champs but just could not beat a brilliant Waveney keeper, Shrubs had chance after chance throughout the first half and could have been 7 or 8 goals up but strangely found themselves 3 goals down with Waveney catching Shrubs on the break. The second half was just the same Shrubs running riot all over Waveney. All the team working their socks off but quickly found themselves conceding 3 more goals. Finally Shrubs got 1 goal back and continued to hammer away at the Waveney goal. On this day any other team that Shrubs would have played, Shrubs would have won easily, but not today. Shrubs played brilliantly, Waveney to smart on the break (strange game.) Team from: Charlie, Elliot, Pedro, Luke, Scott, Tyler, Henry, Ikenna, Mohammed, Owen, Harry, Kelvin, Ollie. MoM: Scott. Well done to Waveney Panthers for becoming league champions.

Now our season is coming to a close the manager, coaches and all the boys would like to say a special thank you to all parents, grandparents and everyone who has supported us throughout the season. Graham for transporting players to training and games, a very big thank you to our own special noodle queen Lec for keeping the boys fed, to Roger for all his help and to the teams own honorary grandparent Barbera and Mike who never miss a game. A big thank you also to Vic for running the line. We would also like to thank Ray (Henry’s Clothing) for all his support, a very special man, also to Adams cleaning company (Robin & Bev) and to First Bus for our new coats. Thank you very much for your help and support throughout the season we couldn’t do it without you all.