Youth football – local reports

Gorleston Rangers U9 Eagles were at home against Beccles Hornets. Perfect conditions for a game and Eagles started off well with Kye marshalling the midfield and Robbie marauding down the wing. Beccles were much improved from when Eagles played them at the start of the season and kept on pushing forward, but the defence of George, Travis and Andrew held firm. Rangers need to learn to release the ball quicker and not try to take on one player too many and they will create and hopefully score even more goals. Kian worked well, Jake was making good saves and also distributing the ball well from goal with Ollie F working his socks off. Midway through the first half, Ollie D picked up the ball from a good tackle by Kian and confidently tucked the ball away. The second half was a bit of a stalemate, albeit Rangers’ goal leading a charmed life on one occasion, with both teams cancelling each other out, for the result to remain as it was at the end of the first half. Another game where all the boys dug in and got the right result. MoM: Andrew. Tough game next week at home to Bungay in the Cup.

FC Bradwell U11 Spain travelled to Sole Bay Utd in the first round of the Shield. It was to be a difficult encounter played out on a small pitch, which was made even more confined by Sole Bay packing out the midfield and not playing a recognised striker. Bradwell started brightly and after just five minutes were ahead, with a trademark team goal. Out from Jacob at the back, along the right wing to Jack whose whipped cross found Brody on the edge of the six-yard box, where he guided it coolly past the stranded ‘keeper. That was his first goal of the season, and was well deserved, particularly with the improvements in his forward play as the season. Sole Bay continued to frustrate Spain in the midfield area, by crowding them out at every opportunity, and came the close to levelling midway through the half via a free-kick on the edge of the box. They were foiled by Archie, Spain’s more-than-able stand-in ‘keeper, who managed to tip the well-struck, dipping effort onto the bar, before it was cleared by an alert defence. The save was made even more impressive, given that the sun was low and bright into Archie’s eyes. Slight change to personnel and formation for the second period saw Macey drop to left-back and Jamie join the match on the left wing. Bradwell looked stronger and stronger as the half continued, and should have been two up after Brody broke free and finished beautifully, only to find the goal was disallowed for offside. FT: 0-1. MoM: Tom.

FC Bradwell U12 England travelled to Halesworth, fourth in Division One, for the quarter-final in the Shield. The 12 Bradwell lads should feel proud of their achievements. Excellent work from Liam on the wing fed in Dan who cleverly scooped the ball over the head of the on-rushing keeper and into the back of the net. England didn’t sit back – Dan appeared to poke the ball into the net in a goalmouth scramble. Finley was a constant thorn in the side of the Halesworth midfield and was backed up by tough-tackling Harvey. Fin played in Dan who powered clear of the chasing defenders and placed his shot out of the reach of the keeper. Connor’s tackling has improved of late and this was evident in this physical encounter. HT: 0-3. Joe was alert to collect any through balls. Kieron controlled the back three well and his confidence to bring the ball out of defence is growing each week. Kyle and Asa worked tirelessly to snuff out any attacks, showing their quality in playing the ball out of defence. Brandon has improved massively and quickly; he is a seamless replacement for any of the full-backs. Tucker showed great determination to get on the ball and his quality of pass helps to set up so many attacks. Kai, another improving player, showed great awareness with his first touch to create space and worked hard on the wing. Dan made certain of his hat-trick at a corner, smashing the ball into the back of the net. Harvey unleashed a shot from 25 yards which left the keeper stranded and nestled neatly in the back of the net. Halesworth scored two quick goals. Liam powered down the wing and made his way into the box rifling the ball past the keeper. FT: 2-6. Parents’ MoM: Harvey. MoM: Liam.

Bohemians Comets U11 welcomed Bungay Town United to New Road for a Cup quarter-final. Comets were straight into the ascendancy from the kick-off, looking like it would only be a matter of time before an early lead was taken. However, the chances created were not turned into goals – efforts were pushed narrowly wide and the Bungay keeper made a couple of saves. The closest the boys came to opening the scoring was direct from a corner, when a well-struck Samuel set-piece struck the post. The deserved first goal did eventually come on 22 minutes, when Ollie pounced on a poor goal-kick to lash a fine shot into the net. A second followed shortly on 27 minutes, when Ethan K played a nice cross field ball to Ollie who ran through on his own to score with ease, A third goal was almost added before the half-time break, one effort was ruled out for offside, Ethan K lifted a volley over the bar, Morgan had a goalbound effort blocked by a defender, whilst Samuel also went close with an attempt lofted over the bar. HT: 2-0. Bohemians pushed hard for a clinching goal at the start of the second half. A fine Sam run was followed by Harley’s shot being blocked and scrambled away for a corner. The resulting set-piece saw Ollie lift an effort over the bar. The game degenerated into a very scrappy affair, with neither side seemingly capable of putting their foot on the ball, taking their time and playing a pass to a team-mate, Bungay came more into the game and struck a post from a corner. This warning wasn’t to be heeded, and the visitors did pull a goal back on 51 minutes, when Bohemians switched off at a throw-in, allowing the Bungay attacker to ghost in unopposed and fire in a good shot into the goal. As is so often the case with Comets, when they concede it seems to spur them on, and so it was again, with efforts from Sam, Ollie, Harley and Samuel all coming relatively close to closing out the game. Last five minutes saw a desperate Bungay piling forward trying to get the equaliser, and they came very close when indecision in the home defence led to an attacker dragging his attempt wide of the mark. Comets really were struggling to clear their lines, and seemed very panicky. A fast break from the hosts did finally finish off Bungay, a minute before time, when Samuel played a great ball up the line into space for Ollie who took the ball on, and played a crossfield ball which bypassed the keeper leaving Harley with an open goal to play the ball into. FT: 3-1. Next week, back to league action, home to Caister, 12noon kick-off.

Bohemians Meteors U11 lined up for a Shield match against Burnt Hill, from a division higher. They started well, continuing with their pushing forward attitude from the second half of the previous game. The team pushed forward throughout the first half and on a number of occasions had opportunities to take the lead. The defence looked solid and when Burnt Hill did break through Zak was solid in goal. Nevertheless with the end of the half approaching, the opposition broke through and scored meaning the half ended with Meteors down 1-0. In the second half Burnt Hill attacked well, and Meteors were struggling to get out of our half. However, after a bit of pressure the ball came through to Callum who scored a great goal. Burnt Hill continued to push forward and some great goal-line defending kept them out. However, after another scramble the ball was in the net but disallowed after it was decided the ball had been kicked out of Zak’s hands. Nevertheless within a couple of minutes it was in the net once again and this time allowed to stand. The boys continued to try their best, but unfortunately the match ended 2-1 to Burnt Hill. MoM: Harry. Next week, back to league action, away to Bungay Town Athletic.

Ormesby Lads U7 Tigers played their first outdoor game of the year after enjoying the indoor futsal in previous weeks, Waveney Jaguars providing the opposition. Kye got Ormesby off to a good start as he continued his fine goal scoring form. There was a debut for new signing AJ who soon showed what a good addition to the squad he will be with some spirited attacking play and cool finishing, Ryan and Geethanen both did well in midfield and Jamison scored his first goal for the team. Luca played outfield in the second half and Lewis went in goal. Waveney played well on the break and scored a great goal which drove them on for more. Danny made some strong runs through the middle and got his name on the scoresheet while Lewis was making great saves in goal. MoM: Geethanen. Next match is against Gorleston Rangers Eagles, 2pm at the Magdalen.

FC Bradwell U7 Brazil travelled to Caister to face their Gladiators team. The boys played some great football and their attitude and effort was unwavering – the best team performance to date. MoM: Harry for a solid defensive performance in the first half and a cracking midfield display in the second. Lots of positives to take from the game. A big thank you and well done to Jake for his final performance as he moves to the England team.

Ormesby Lads U15 for the trip to Oulton Mariners, were without Andrew so Nathan deputised in goal. Louis opened the scoring from close range and added a second soon after. Oulton pulled one back and then a rare headed goal from Billy restored the cushion. Back came the 10 men with a couple of goals only for Shane to hit a superb long-range effort into the top corner. Ralph and Ben defended stoutly and Cain was solid in midfield as Ormesby were now controlling the game with Louis completing his hat-trick with a thumping header. In the second half Dylan and Brady came into the game more and William made some mazy runs down the wing, Daniel replaced Ralph in defence and made some strong tackles. Oulton then scored a fortunate goal when a tame shot bobbled in front of Nathan and slipped through his hands, Sam Dyson then drove in a fine shot from distance and Billy grabbed his second with a cool finish before Sam Dix completed the scoring from a great pass by Jamie for a well deserved win. MoM: William. Next game v Bradwell away, kick-off 10am.

Great Yarmouth Town U14s recorded their second win on the trot by beating KPFC Crusaders 11-1 at North Denes with goals coming from Alan Mays (6), Stephen Sage (2), Lukas Bendaravicius (2) and Miroslav Koky. The win came just one week after a 7-2 away victory at Cobholm and will give the boys that bit of confidence they will need for next week’s clash at Shrublands.

Great Yarmouth Town Girls U13 v Great Yarmouth Girls 1897. Saturday saw both Great Yarmouth U13 girls teams in the second league match of this season, and from the start it was clear to see the 1897 team have come on in leaps and bounds since the first clash. Although Wayne Hunter’s girls kept the majority of play in the 1897 half the defending was extremely tight and any chink of light was soon extinguished by the keeper, who also showed the extra training is paying dividends. The girls kept battling on and finally, with 20 minutes of the first half gone, Angel Green managed to sneak one into the back of the net making it 1-0. Sarah Booth’s girls didn’t drop their heads, and were plainly going to keep battling and on many occasions put the pressure on, even testing Sophie’s reactions who as usual stepped up to the mark making some first class saves. The girls managed to get control of the game back and 20 minutes of the second half saw Bayleigh Wells connect with a superb pass and send goal number two past the 1897 keeper. The 1897 girls battled to the final whistle, but the Yarmouth Girls were stronger on the day and managed to keep the score 2-0 putting them back to third in the league with only a point in it. Next week sees the return match at home to Beccles.

A Callum Aizlewood goal was enough to see Gt Yarmouth Towne U15 through to the semi-final of the John Savage Cup. In a tough game against Firside Athletic U16 the 1-0 victory was fully deserved. The boys are the only U15 side left in the competiton and have beaten four U16 sides to reach the semi-final. They have been drawn at home to Lakeford Rangers U16 on March 8. The Young Bloaters have already reached the League Cup final where they will play Gorleston U15 at Emerald Park on a date to be confirmed.