COLCHESTER & DISTRICT YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE FIXTURES / RESULTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING 13-12-09

Match Reports are at the foot of this page. Any incorrect results / Goal scorers -Please contact the age group fixture secretary.

Under 9s League Cup Round 2

Feering Falcons reds 0 Clacton Utd 6(-)(J L Houghton 4,J Squires,K Donavan ,)

Under 9s Andrews blues west League

Colchester Villa blues 3 Silver End blues 2(R Tawandiwa 2,1og)(B Johnston,J Bartlett)

Cornard Dynamos blues 2 Stanway Villa blues 4(M Maughn,B McLaughlin.)(H Clarke 2,C Tracy,C Potter.)

Stanway Rovers blues 0 Long Melford blues 0 (-)(-)

Under 9s Andrews reds west League

Colchester Villa reds 7 Silver End reds 0(C Nicoll 2,A Smith,D Wilkinson 2,F Goowin,J Donnellan)(-)

Cornard Dynamos reds 1 Stanway Villa reds 0(A Gane)(-)

Stanway Rovers reds 4 Long Melford reds 2(C Wilkinson 4)(S Knight)

Under 9s Andrews blues east League

Little Oakley blues 11 Brightlingsea Regents blues 1(C Rose 4,T Bennett,C Rose 2,O Heath,D Meddings,D Rowe,1og)(M Hatch)

Wivenhoe Town blues 6 Frinton & Walton blues 1(O Callan 2,L Callender,L Brown 2,A Barrett)(1og)

Wivenhoe Youth blues 1 Colchester Athletic blues 1(R Waine)(R Taylor)

Gt.Bentley blues v Holland blues

Under 9s Andrews reds east League

Wivenhoe Town reds P Frinton & Walton reds P

Wivenhoe Youth reds 5 Colchester Athletic reds 2(O Smith 2,A Drysdale 2,A Borne,)(J Gregory,S Drew)

Gt.Bentley reds v Holland reds

Little Oakley reds 7 Brightlingsea Regents reds 0(D Tweed 5,R Hunter.M Heath)(-)

Under 9s Singles League

Stanway Villa yellows 7 Tempest 0 (S Jackson 4,H Chambers 2,H Runicles)(-)

Clare Town Lions 4 Oyster Youth 1(C Copsey 2,A Old,1og)(J Barry)

Boxford Rovers 5 Ramsey Vipers 1(M Kirkham,A Dakers 3,G Allen)(L Kulacz)

Gt.Bradfords 1 Holland yellows 2(C Hockley)(J Justice,C Cambell)

Reed Hall Sentinals 2 Lawford Juniors 6(L Cowens,G Payne)(O Smith 5,J Tait)

Under 10s Weller blues League

Oyster Youth blues 1 Holland blues 0(H Elms)(-)

Elmden Rovers blues P Gt.Bentley blues P

Clacton Utd blues P Frinton & Walton blues P

Wivenhoe Youth blues P FC Clacton blues P

Under 10s Weller reds League

Elmden Rovers reds P Gt.Bentley reds P

Oyster Youth reds 0 Holland reds 7(-)(T Green 3,M Rouse,R Crowning 2,B Eden)

Wivenhoe Youth reds P FC Clacton reds P

Clacton Utd reds P Frinton & Walton reds P

Under 10s Andrews blues League

Stanway Rovers blues 4 Colchester Athletic blues 0(B Allison,R Foska,M Grimes,H Miller)(-)

AFC Sudbury blues 1 Cornard Dynamos blues 3

Long Melford blues 2 Colchester Villa blues 2(1og,O Gammon)(O Goodrich)

Tempest blues 1 Lawford Juniors blues 2(K Hamilton)(J Fifield,L Bellett)

Under 10s Andrews reds League

Stanway Rovers blues 9 Colchester Athletic reds 0(H Blachette,L Bloomfield,L King,J Wood,F Northover 2,A Mehmett 3)(-)

AFC Sudbury reds 0 Cornard Dynamos reds 7

Long Melford reds 5 Colchester Villa reds 3(A Cotter,G Shadock 2,M Rampling,H Watts,)(K Mitchell 2,B Hobson,)

Tempest reds 0 Lawford Juniors reds 4(-)(B Rand 2,H Allison, L Lamont Squirrell)

Under 10s Singles west League

Gt.Bradfords 1 Lexden Saints 6(J Oconner)(C Vincent,B Lynch, A Atkinson 2,J Young)

Feering Falcons 1 Marks Tey 0(H Doubleday)(-)

Reed Hall Sentinals 0 Halstead Town 0(-)(-)

Cressing Sports & Social 0 Bures utd 4(-)(J Collier 3,O Splrring)

Boxford Rovers 9 Clare Town Lions 1(W Beven 3,B Kox 3,A Vandenberg,L French,1og)(D Scott)

Under 10s Singles east League

Harwich & Parkeston 1 Rowhedge Juniors 1(H Reeve)(E Black)

Team Player Youth P Stanway Villa yellows P

Little Oakley 9 Boadicea Dynamos 0(L Vase,S PooleD Hanton 2,H Windred 3,K Mayer,L Willis 2)(-)

Ramsey Vipers 4 St. Edmunds 1(M Taylor 3,S Ford)(K Johns)

Under 11s A League

Bergholt Heath 7 Holland blues 0 (N Janes 3 J Holden 2 J Sabini R Galager) (-)

Bures United 6 Little Oakley Blues 1 (H Jewell 2 J Scott 2 B Wlch A Dloughlin) (L Button)

Wivenhoe Youth Blues 0 Cornard Dynamos Blues 2 (-) (T Backer 2)

Team Player Youth v Great Bradfords PP

Lexden Saints 14 Elmden Rovers 0 (S Holland 4 G Barron 3 C Enstone 3 S Joyce 2 J Wright S Rhaiti) (-)

Under 11s B League

Little Oakley Reds 4 Oyster Youth 0 (A Alltress 2 T Barrowcliff C Barnett) (-)

AFC Sudbury 1 Long Melford Colts 2 (J Timms) (B Miller T French)

Brooklands 0 Heybridge Youth 6 (-) (N Duwai 4 M Byrne R Juno)

Cornard Dynamos Reds 1 Coggeshall Town 3 (L Howard) (B Brown 2 B Lane)

Rowhedge Juniors 0 Frinton & Walton 4 (-) (T Backer 2 C Welham D Dooley)

Under 11s C League

Boadicea Dynamos 3 FC Clacton Blues 0 (L Patrick 2 L Keating) (-)

Great Bentley 3 Colchester Athletic 1 (J Bowler H Dorling H Barber) (S Dingwell)

Earls Colne 1 Tempest 2 (R Heaney) (S Thomas M Boyle)

Lawford Juniors 4 Brightlingsea Regent Blues 10 (not given) (B Hatch 4 N Thomas 3 B Barnard 2 A Morley)

Stanway Rovers 4 Boxford Rovers 2 K Tundley S Bennett 3) (not given)

Under 11s D League

Clacton United v FC Clacton Reds PP

Halstead Town Blues 5 Feering falcons 2 (L Cook L Bowman 2 T C-Bingley 2) (M Whittle 2)

Marks Tey 5 Halstead Town Reds 2 (O Bernhardt 3 G Chapman 2) (M Young T Woodburn)

Brightlingsea Regent Reds 0 Stanway Villa 6 (-) (C Griffiths 4 L Wright T Mott)

Under 12’s 3rd Round League Cup
Little Oakley Blues 3 Brooklands 4(A Mayanja 3)(H Wyatt 2 M Lane 2)
Holland Blues 9 Little Oakley Reds 0 (R Brazitis 2 G Johnson 3 J Warren E Taylor J Wileen 2) (-)
Tempest Blues 2 Harwich&Parkeston 3 (A Undrill E Goodall) (C Mathieson L Shepherd R Connah)
Great Bradfords 1 Stanway Rovers Reds 12 (C Jones) (D Crouhman S Tester C Siedlecki 2 D Harding 3 C Pettit 3 H Brice A Mays)
Team Player Youth P Tempest Reds P
Lexden Saints Blues 3 Elmden Rovers 0 (A Ketley K Back 2) (-)
Halstead Town Blues 4 Lawford Juniors Blues 1(G Cook 2 D Day 2) (A Debebenham)
Stanway Rovers Blues 13 Holland Reds 1(T Coalville W Smith 2 B Weeder 4 S Hooder R Slack 2 H Pettit M Watling 2) (L Cullen)

Under 12’s A League
Colchester Villa 1 AFC Sudbury Blues 6 (J Bartlett) (S Langard 3 H Craig K Marshell J Cowley)

Under 12’s C League
Great Bentley 2 Boadicea Dynamos 2 (J Winch 2) (J Hornett R Santrita)
FC Clacton P Brightlingsea Regent P

Under 12’s D League
Cressing Sports 3 Long Melford Colts 3(A Digignon C Kenndey B Fenton)(E Gartland 3)
AFC Sudbury Reds P Wivenhoe Youth P
Lexden Saints Reds 2 Freeing Falcons 2(W Gildersleeves B Disney) (A Bass L Cottee)
Layer Colts 1 Lawford Juniors Reds 1(R Cant) (J Delabruyere)
Frinton & Walton P Clacton United P

Under 13s ECC 4

Stanway Rovers Blues 2 East Thurrock United A 2 (J johnson2) (not Given) 4-5 Penalties.

Under 13s A League

Wivenhoe Youth Blues v Elmden Rovers PP

Long Melford Colts 0 Stanway Villa 6 (-) (J Harvey L Dadds L Warren K Heap A Sirkins 2)

Holland Blues 5 Halstead Town Blues 1 (Gisby 3 B Pidgeon J Bradfield) (not given)

Colchester Athletic Blues 2 Notley Youth 0 (A Austin 2) (-)

Under 13s B League

Rowhedge Juniors 0 Lexden Saints 0 (-) (-)

Earls Colne 2 Clacton United 4 (C Barber J Sturmer) (G Butler C Telford J Young B Kenny)

FC Clacton v Holland Reds PP

Frinton & Walton Blues v Stanway Rovers Reds PP

Colchester Villa Blues A Harwich & Parkeston A

Under 13s C League

Halstead Town Reds 5 Colchester Athletic Reds 3 (not given) (J Himson 2 J Harvey)

Bures United 4 Boxford Rovers 7 (C Whittle 3 A Salt) (R Abbott 4 J Archer N Gooderham L Hazell)

Boadicea Dynamos 3 Brightlingsea Regent 3 (K Mason J nunn A bond) (B Butcher C Durling OG)

Frinton & Walton Reds v Stanway Rovers Yellows PP

Under 13s D League

Oyster Youth 1 Brooklands 3 (L Spurgeon) (Lindon 2 Boyton)

Cornard Dynamos 0 Tempest 3 (-) (G Gurung L Robinson M Garrity)

Feering Falcons 14 Great Bradfords 2 (JD Whittle 4 S Marshall 3 L Marshall 2 A Scott 2 J Goodchild 2 J Rutter) (J Rooney A Kemp)

Colchester Villa Reds 1 Layer Colts 4 (A Felgate) (N Sickamore J Boyton 2 H Banner)

Lawford Juniors Reds 7 Wivenhoe Youth Reds 0 (L Short 2 J Lilburn 2 A Hawkins T Smith C L-Clark) (-)

Under 14’s Ipswich & Suffolk Open Cup

Stanway Villa 4 Bulldogs 0 (O Sowunmi, L Barnard, A Wojtkiw, T Hayes) (-)

Under 14’s A League

Coggeshall Town 4 Stanway Rovers Blues 1 (B Wright, T Munro, G Morris, N Vanhoutteghem) (J Cox)

Halstead Town 4 Harwich & Parkeston 5 (C Kennedy, S Kemp, T Kemp, C Green) (R Smart 2, C Marvin, M Silcock, J Eggerichs)

Long Melford Blues 1 Tempest 4 (J Challis) (J Undrill, L Olympious, J Kester, J Tolhurst)

Under 14’s B League

Team Player Youth P Earls Colne P

Broomfield Youth 0 Little Oakley 2 (-) (R Harte, T Skinner)

Lawford Juniors 6 Boadicea Dynamos 2 (A Punchard 3, H Hornsby, A Hood 2) (S Goodyear, J Davis)

Great Bradfords 0 Heybridge Youth 9 (-) (J Ansell 2, J Perry, T Jobson 2, D Morgan, R Hillditch, OG 2)

Colchester Athletic Blues 4 Bures United 1 (H Mitchell 3, A Jeffries) (A Phillips)

Under 14’s C League

Stanway Rovers Reds 0 Lexden Saints 2 (-) (C Hynes, M McEwan)

Layer Colts 1 Frinton & Walton Reds 0 (T Rouse) (-)

Reed Hall Sentinels 5 FC Clacton 2 (T Appiah 3, T Williams 2) (J Cholmondeley 2)

Long Melford Reds 0 Wivenhoe Youth 2 (-) (D Turnbull, J Johnson)

Under 14’s D League

Alresford Colne Rangers Reds P Clacton United P

Cornard Dynamos 2 Clare Town Lions 9 (A Barkely, D Oliver) (J Rawlinson4, C Holmes 3, A Frost, A Jeffrey)

AFC Sudbury Youth 5 Brightlingsea Regent 1 (T Late 2, S Goodwin, A Fellingham-Copperthwaite 2) (S Higgins)

Crusaders Reds 0 Crusaders Blues 6 (-) (L Webb 3, K Waroyd 2, G Penny)

Alresford Colne Rangers Blues P Bergholt Heath P

Under 15’s ESSEX COUNTY CUP ROUND 3

Writtle Minors C 6 Halstead Town Blues 1 (-) (J Hood)

Cowley Boys B 1 St Edmunds 0 (-) (-)

Under 15’s ESSEX COUNTY CUP ROUND 2

FC Clacton Blues 5 Boadicea Dynamos 2 (J Tilbury 3, M Baya, 1og) (J Short, K Arnold)

Under 15’s A League

Boxford Rovers 11 Earls Colne 0(J Wade 4, P DeVerve 4, C Hazelm 2, M Foland) (-)

Hadleigh United 4 Stanway Villa Blues 5 (J Robinson 3, H Evans) (C Aves 3, T Barry, B Argent)

New Latchingdon 1 Long Melford Colts 6 (J Sims) (W Wingfield 3, J Miller 2, J Jackson)

Under 15’s B League

Frinton and Walton P Little Oakley P

Cornard Dynamos 3 Stanway Villa Reds 3 (J Irwin, J Hubbard, 1og) (H Ayton, J Clayton 2)

Tempest Blues 3 Broomfield Youth 0 (R Cosgrove, C Pash, R Law) (-)

Notley Youth 3 Lawford Juniors Blues 2 (G Simpson, C Wakeling, W Mclintock) (T Buttery 2)

Under 15’s C League

Holland 1 Rowhedge Juniors 6 (C Carter) (-)

FC Clacton Reds P Bergholt Heath P
Great Bradfords 2 Feering Falcons 1 (C Carter, H Gray) (A Barker)

Wivenhoe Youth 2 Brightlingsea Regent 1 (D Light, A Carter) (M Scott)

Under 15’s D League

AFC Sudbury Reds 0 Tempest Reds 15 (-) (S Comte 4, C Humphries 4, C Connor 3, R Duffy 2, A Potter, G Manning)

AFC Sudbury Blues 0 Colchester Athletic 2 (-) (H Moyce, K Towers)

Brooklands 7 Lawford Juniors Reds 1 (I James 3, C Dayon 2, J Ley, J Deasy) ( M Head)

Oyster Youth 7 Elmden Rovers 2 (J Matthews 3, J Whiting, J Hoe, Z Taylor, T Madden) (-)

Halstead Town Reds 2 Halstead Town Yellows 1 (J Boxshall, B Dickson) (J Atkinsn)

Under 16’s A League

Boadicea Dynamos P Wivenhoe Youth P

Clacton United P Brooklands P

Little Oakley Youth P Tempest P

Bergholt Heath P Lawford Juniors P

Under 16’s B League

Bullers P Brightlingsea Regent P

Colchester Athletic 1 FC Clacton 4( J Roberts) (R Danbury, M Snell, S Allis, T Evans)

Colchester Villa 0 Frinton and Walton 4(-) (J Wallace, J McGowan, R Ball, M Sage-French)

Under 16s C League

Bures United 1 AFC Sudbury 3 (Carter) (Poore, Skipper, Gaze)

Crusaders P St. Edmunds P

Feering Falcons 4 Lexden Saints 0 (J Wiles, L Scott, P Roberts, W Johnson) (-)

Harwich & Parkeston 3 Reed Hall Sentinals 8 (J Sayers, J Milan, 1og) (-)

Under 18’s Pelly Cup 2nd Round
Colchester Villa 0 Broomfield Youth 2 (-)(B Garner,M Garner)

Under 18’s A League
Brooklands Blues 4 Springfield 4 (S Beer,M Scofield,J Mitchell,OG)(D Grant 3,OG)
Colchester Athletic 4 Stanway Villa 2 (T Evans,C Whiting 2,A Marcoll)(R Boxley,L Perkins)

Under 18’s B League
Tiptree Jobserve Reds P Old Chelmsfordians P
Brightlingsea Regents 3 FC Clacton 2 (J Chevalier 2,J Bryan)(J Duffus 2)
Notley Youth 1 Lawford Junior Blues 3 (P Barnes)(N Eves,D Gunn,A Hooker)

Under 18’s C League
Great Bradfords Reds 1 Long Melford Colts 3 (L Blackburn)(S Cracknell,A Ingram,D Anderson)
St Edmunds 3 Marks Tey 4 (B Pyle 2,R Davidson)(S Bird 2,R Aldworth,J Turnball)
Lawford Jnr Reds 3 Bullers 2 (C Reid,J Burridge,D Garrad)(M Green,S Ewer)

Under 11’s

Wivenhoe Youth Blues 0 v 2 Cornard Dynamos Blues

First of all, I would like to congratulate all the boys for a hard fought and immensely enjoyable game of football where both teams gave their all in good spirit.

After the last two weeks being rained off, Cornard came out of the blocks looking to attack. Cornard pressed first through the middle then down the sides with Josh Bowles making some great runs and although there was no goal coming from them, it was showing great promise goals would come.

Wivenhoe’s main attack came down the left with some good passing and movement from their number 9, however with the defense being resolute, he couldn’t seem to find a way through, if Zak Johnson wasn’t the one tackling then Josh Bowles covering back was. This partnership brought a lot of movement and looked as though they would be the ones to open Wivenhoe’s defense, but unfortunately they couldn’t.

All the boys wanted to attack and a pass through to Josh Palmer saw him ride a strong tackle but get straight up, with the final ball unfortunately not quite there.

With the first round of substitutions, Nathan came on for Josh Bowles and carried on where he left off. Pushing down the right wing and almost got on the end of a great pass from Joe Coppin but which reached the touchline before Nathan could get there.

Halftime 0-0

The second half carried on where the first left off with Cornard on the attack. Thomas Baker was doing some great work on the left and this was where the first goal came from with Thomas scoring a lovely shot from a rebounded corner.

Cornard continued to press with looking for the second and Wivenhoe’s keeper made some great saves from multiple corners to keep them in the game. The few attacks from Wivenhoe down either flank were well snuffed out with both wing backs Zak Johnson and Jamie Ward marking their players well.

Cornards second goal came from a similar situation as the first and Thomas was once again on target to get his second of the game.

With only a few minutes left Wivenhoe got a free kick just outside the area and although it was struck well it went just wide.

With probably the last of the attacks, Josh Bowles was put through and although he got the ball around the keeper it went agonisingly wide.

Final score 0-2

Managers MOM was both Josh Bowles & Nathan Wilson with very good performances more than backed up by the rest of the team.

Colchester and District Youth Football League.
D League  U14's  13th December 2009
Cornard Dynamos 2 Clare Town Lions FC 9

A lively derby game started as expected with both sides pushing for the
opener and both teams coming close and forcing both goal keepers into making
good saves, Charlie Holmes looked bright hitting the post and going close
but Cornard took the first blood with a fine 8th minute opener. Then on 13
minutes a goal mouth scramble led to James Rawlinson getting an equaliser,
then a typical Clare goal started with Ollie King at the back to Jackson, to
Rawlinson to set up Charlie for his deserved 1st on 17 minutes. Clare
started to lay their football and another good build up led to Charlie's 2nd
on 30 minutes, a minute later Robbie Jackson was fouled to give Clare a
penalty, Luke Wheeler stepped up and shot at the goalie who parried it away
for Alfie Frost to knock it back in for 4 - 1. A minute later James
Rawlinson makes it 5 -1 for half time.
in the second half Charlie used his strength and scored on 40 minutes, and a
minute later Rawlinson done the same, Clare really showed their strength and
good pressure led to Aaron Jeffery scoring on 51 minutes. then on 59 minutes
good control from the middle of the field from Harry Beavis led to more
pressure and Rawlinson got the goal of the game with a neat flick to make it
9 - 1, Cornard never gave up and on 69 minutes got a late consolation goal,
man of the match was Harry Beavis and James Rawlinson, with great play from
Charlie Holmes up front and Ollie King at the back. This leads Clare into a
great game next Sunday with AFC Sudbury who are in second place behind them.

Brooklands U12 Match Report v Little Oakley, third round of league cup 13.12.09 K.O 1.30pm

Its been raining for days and again late today, so the pitch is very muddy, very slippery. The ball barely moves along the ground in the mud bath that is the centre circle. We’ve beaten LO twice now in the league, but they have had a chance to learn lessons, always look capable of scoring and it’s the cup in the mud – anything can happen!

Early pressure from LO not unlike the first ten minutes last time, when they attacked strongly with pace and strength. They hit the post and again their big centre-forward, No.17 is the outstanding danger man. Dan has to parry an angled shot and blocks the follow up with his legs out for a corner, good recovery from our keeper. James looks like he’s been given the job of sticking to No,17 like… mud? And does a great job, marking him very tight and getting in first to nick the ball away from him before it arrives – exactly how I like to see a defender play against a lad who is so dangerous when he can turn and run with the ball.

Brooklands have some early chances too, with Dom’s run through and shot maybe the pick of them, well caught by the LO keeper though. On eleven minutes Oakley find a typical long through ball aimed at the No.17 to run on to – there’s a hesitation in our defence, it should be the keeper’s ball easily, but Dan hesitates a couple of seconds too long, and when he does come he’s easily beaten to the ball and the forward smacks it emphatically with his left foot into an empty net, 0 – 1 and LO have got the early goal they just missed out on last time – will it make a difference now?

The boys are struggling in the mud, no chance of an instant turn, and mistakes are happening. Tom K is alert, reading the play and clearing, making very sure he stays on his feet. Jonathan goes marauding down the right, beats his man, turns beats him again and eventually three defenders stop him and it goes out. From the throw Jonathan gets a powerful low cross in which finds Hayden but the keeper just makes it and smothers the shot. Brooklands can threaten too.

It’s a real battle in midfield, with strength and attitude at a premium over skill in the mud, though Tom B finds his way through and is just blocked at the last as the mud slows his run. Jordan wins the ball, beautiful pass on to Jonathan to run it down the line, but a late tackle comes in and catches his ankle, he’s hurt and stays down. Ethan shows massive bravery and quick reaction in getting first to the ball and then has to do it again against the big forward, is fouled on the second clash. Massive credit to Ethan, that was totally fearless and good football. The Ref congratulates Ethan on a quick recovery to take the kick, but its too low – cleared back to him and this time Ethan hits the moving ball perfectly, chipped in and curling across goal – Hayden’s there and reacts at lightning speed to control the ball and keep it tight at his feet and just away from the keeper, somehow he makes half a yard of space and slots home, superb forward play and a vital equaliser 1 – 1 on fifteen minutes. Game on!

Hayden’s working his er..socks off for the team, he’s tackling back on the left, winning the ball with close skills, what a contribution this lad makes to the team! LO attack and the No.17 hits a long ball through and catches James with the follow through, no intent and not a foul but James felt that. James gets even by marking him very tight so that he can nip in and get the pass before it arrives – great defensive work! Murray gets the ball under control and moves away with it at his feet at pace letting no-one near it, releases to Tom B but the tackle comes in. Tom K wins it again on the left, takes it out wide of his man and passes superbly down the line, what a superb left back, unbelievable composure in the mud. Tom K feeds Hayden this time down the left touchline, and LO can only scramble it out for another Brooklands throw. Tom B collects and has the vision to see Hayden in space and gets it to him instantly, Hayden shoots hard and straight from the edge of the box but straight at the keeper who catches well into his chest.

Anxious moment on seventeen minutes where for once James and Callum don’t communicate and each leave the loose ball, letting the No.17 in but they do then scramble back, get a foot in and get it out for a throw. Still both teams threatening to score, great lively end-to-end game. Tom K makes a vital interception as LO were through, he reads it, steadies himself and unhesitatingly clears to Murray, you would think he was a seasoned pro with that composure and judgement. Murray takes it on, beats man after man but runs out of space and wins a corner from the final tackle.

Jonathan hits the corner on the left, LO clear it back out to him with a header, Jonathan hits the moving ball hard but it just clears the far post for a goal kick. Jordan seems to be playing in a different league here, he’s winning the tackles, getting every header from throws and now flicks up the side of his foot to play it through for Tom B – moment of sheer technical genius. Really good impression of the Ref here, he’s speaking to players when he needs to, congratulating them when they get on with it after injury and being absolutely close to the action, (he’s also getting the decisions right) absolutely excellent ref.

Ethan and then James and Callum all have to get involved to take the ball off the big lad, he’s not only quick and very strong, but has now shown a couple of nice turns rolling the ball under foot, in this mud that is class. He looks very dangerous. LO get another attack, but their right forward wastes his shot very wide. Twenty-one minutes in, anyone’s game. Another long ball through from LO looking for their star player, James is in trouble, I can see them tussling, with James possibly obstructing, but the No.17 gets away leaving James standing and smashes it in the net but the Ref has given James the free-kick and the goal is disallowed. We might have been lucky to get away with that one, I’m guessing the Ref saw some shirt-pulling against James early in the tussle, but if anyone knows better, let me know. We have been warned.

Massive goal-kick from Dan to improve on the last one, finds Tom Baker who turns and runs and is already one on one with the onrushing keeper, Tom shoots but it hits the keeper’s body and the chance is gone. Jordan wins yet another muddy, slipping sliding tussle in the middle and feeds Jonathan. Tom K keeps the ball away from the big man, and James is right there tight leaving Callum to clear up.

Jordan over-hits one from range and it runs to their keeper. Brilliant passing interplay now between Hayden and Tom B, they don’t just pass quickly, they look and think like lightning, true class as Tom B now feeds Murray who’s made a run to his left, beats his man and plays it ahead of him, the keeper’s coming but Murray slides at full stretch with his left and its in! He’s caught by the keeper though and is obviously hurt, limping back eventually after some treatment from manager Lee. He won’t care though so long as he’s OK to continue, he’s on the scoresheet and more important Brooklands are leading at last. 2 -1 with 25 minutes gone. Its raining hard again and there will be even more mud to wade through. Little Oakley have made another improvement from last time as they make no mistake with the kick-off routine, one back pass and a thump upfield. Ethan’s tackle goes in just a fraction late as he loses his grip in the mud and the ref correctly gives a free-kick to LO just  outside the box on their left, shooting distance but at an angle. Looks like the kicker was trying to land it in the box, but it goes too far straight across the box and is cleared by Tom K with unerring judgement yet again.

Hayden gets away with a little push in the back down the left, ref doesn’t see that one, gets it to Murray then Dominic who plays Tom B in, this is good quick, accurate and confident passing and moving by the Blues, working hard. Tom gets his shot off but easy gather for their keeper, who has been in the right position every time, with very safe hands. End to end stuff now as LO have a break and a great position with men spare and running on but the through ball is too long and Dan comes to gather with James in close attendance. Dan’s kick is massive and Tom B is there again, Tom gambles and reads it better than the second defender who misses the header as it bounces over him, Tom collects and he could be through but a covering defender has run right across and nicks it from Tom – great defending.

Tom K is totally dominant down the left – nothing gets past him. He wins the ball again and feeds Dom who accelerates and takes it past three challenges and feeds brother Jonathan wide on the right. Jonathan crosses hard and it comes over to Murray who hits a shot low, but its blocked straight back to him. This time he makes no mistake and hits it hard, high and rising, bulging the net at the far post giving the keeper no chance. A superb strike and that gives Brooklands a crucial margin now at 3 – 1 on twenty-eight minutes, any player at any level would be proud of that one, but don’t forget the superb build-up play that went into it.

Ethan continues what for me is his outstanding performance of the season on the right, he looks second favourite to get to this dangerous ball, but gets there, persists, battles and clears, and makes it all look just another routine piece of work for a total pro, an inspiration. Callum has to be brave as he stands up, times his tackle perfectly and does enough to stop the LO centre forward in his tracks. James can clear to Murray. Ethan has to step in again to clear, brave and cool, outstanding. Lee’s anxious as LO pressure stays on, he wants sharper reactions. Hayden gets the ball to feet, collects and is running instantly, rounds the keeper and in, that feels decisive to make it 4 – 1.  End to end stuff, a real thriller. James makes a great clearing header under pressure,  Jordan is winning his battles in the middle, tussling and battling and getting the ball away. Ronnie from LO is making his mark on the game, he looks strong, wins headers and shows some good skills leaving defenders in the mud. LO win the ball down their left, the cross eludes Tom K who can’t get his balance in the mud, and guess who’s lurking – the number 17 smashes home to give LO hope 4 - 2. Some last ditch defending from Brooklands is just keeping them out. The halftime whistle blows just as the No.17 shoves James in the back, would have been a free-kick.

Second half, the rain has stopped, there’s some bright sun behind our lads and there’s no wind. The mud though, remains. James is completely covered in it, head to toe, Jordan’s legs must weigh double with the amount that’s stuck to him. Harry’s come on for an excellent Dom, Murray comes centre-mid. Harry dummies his man brilliantly, gets past down the left, sees Tom B in the middle and hits it straight across to him, Tom is clear but as the keeper comes he slides it just wide, chance missed. James battles with the big lad, has to get his foot in twice, but wins  the battle. Jordan battles again and just brings the ball away under pressure. Ethan feeds Murray who looks to find the through pass, but the ball stops dead in the mud of the centre circle. Ethan joins the attack, but the mud slows his cross and LO can clear for a throw. LO danger man turns and changes direction, beats two but Callum is there, gets close enough and stops the ball, vital challenge three minutes in. The ref has spotted a handball wide on the left about 15 yards from the corner flag, free-kick to LO. James scrambles the kick out for a corner. Some muddy pin-ball from the corner with shots, blocks and half clearances, none very clean. Fantastic goal-kick from Dan, nearly hits the halfway line.

Daniel is called on to make a save as LO’s long throw from the right gets past the Brooklands missed clearance and is hooked goalwards, but Dan catches cleanly. Good goalkeeping – alert, in the right position and safe hands. LO keep the pressure on and the ball in our half, seven minutes in. Murray gets his foot on the ball and runs it, but is caught just at the back of the centre circle, James takes the free-kick. Jordan comes out with the ball from another scrappy tussle in the mud, Jonathan gets a run down the right and gets his cross in, but Hayden has run too early and is offside. Jordan chips and Murray can look to get in, but the defender does enough to force his away and the keeper blocks with the rebound off Murray for a goal kick – much to his disgust!

Murray gets a run to five yards outside their box on the left, gets a little nudge in the back and makes the most of it – free-kick decides the ref. Not quite enough height on the kick, half cleared for a corner on our left, Jonathan to take. LO break from the clearance, flick it on, but Callum is there, composed, controls it, back up front. James just leaves his man for a second, getting too far forward and so their through ball finds the No. 17 with only the keeper to beat – he plays the ball just too far ahead so that as Dan comes he has to shoot in a hurry, and it just spins off Dan’s body and wide for a LO corner, very good keeping by Dan, important save. The corner comes in, James heads with Dan right there, should someone have called for it? Another shot is punched down by Dan, but only a couple of yards to the feet of the No. 17 who can’t miss from there, and LO are right back in it, 4 – 3 with eighteen minutes left to play. Not comfortable.

Jordan wins a flying interception, Hayden gets through but just screws his shot wide as the keeper comes, full marks to the keeper for putting him under pressure. At the other end its still desperate stuff – Callum gets a foot in and Tom K has to put it out for a corner to LO. Brooklands have to soak up some more LO pressure, but they do it, getting the blocks in and working hard to defend. Harry clears well and Jonathan runs through the middle, eventually running into three defenders. Tom K is alert again, makes sure of the clearance. Jonathan comes off exhausted, Cameron goes right mid. Murray loses out in the middle, but as LO bring it forward, Hayden gets in and wrests the ball away, what a contribution to the team by this lad!

Nineteen minutes gone and its well-balanced, with Brooklands looking the sharper team with more skill but that doesn’t count for a lot in these slippery conditions. Great example of Brooklands team work as LO break through wide on their left and most Brooklands players get back very quickly to cover, pack the box and stop the danger, great work rate and team effort at this stage of a tough game. Massive goal kick again from Dan finds Cameron who plays it early and accurately inside to Tom B, lovely skill from Cameron. Murray is still getting the ball quickly under control, the body-swerve beats his man and the cross looks dangerous until a LO toe diverts it out for a corner on twenty-one minutes of the second half gone. Murray’s corner has enough height and James attacks it with his head in the middle, but its blocked. Callum collects the clearance, finds Jordan who feeds Murray, he looks up and aims for Cameron but the mud intervenes. Intelligent, good technical defending as Callum passes back carefully to Dan under pressure and Dan makes no mistake, thumping the clearance high and wide, you can’t ask for better play.

Brooklands break and look for a bigger lead, Hayden beats his man, uses his pace to accelerate away and towards goal, but the keeper comes out and forces him wide and just saves the angled shot with his feet. Within seconds Harry uses great skill to beat his marker wide, cuts inside and shoots at what looks just like the right moment – it stays low, bounces awkwardly and slips under the keeper’s diving body and just wide of the goal. I think the keeper got a touch on it, but goal kick is the decision. LO again grateful to the excellent guardian. Harry is growing in skill and composure, he looks a very good attacking player here.

Its not over, the LO main man sends James flying with a shoulder that the ref thinks was OK, but Jordan somehow covers and tackles, saved again. Passing move finds Cameron in space who again turns quickly and gets a superbly weighted pass to an onrushing Harry who hits it well but just wide, bad luck lovely move. The game is still there to be won, chances at both ends, real quality football in terrible conditions, five minutes left to play. James has to show his flexibility and reading of the play as he sprints across to his left to cover the through ball and put it out to safety. Harry shows he can defend too down near the corner flag. The last dramatic incident comes with LO’s good corner, flicked on near post, hooked on the volley hard and straight at Brooklands’ net, but Dan is there in position, great clean catch at chest height. Its all over.

Probably the toughest match of the season so far, and Little Oakley will be very disappointed they didn’t get a result. Brooklands defenders were tested again and again today, through balls, skilful dribbing and sheer muscle and pace from the No. 17, they kept battling and kept the score down, brave, skilled, hard-working, superb team defending. James did a great job on the centre-forward and will be a much-improved centre-half after that battle today, Callum did a very intelligent, technical job as sweeper, Ethan and Tom K ruled the wings with bravery, skill and professionalism. A great job well done. Tackles, passing, dribbles, runs, shots and goals came from the lads in midfield. Tom B and Hayden gave another exhibition of quick, skilled, tactically brilliant attacking play, and offered more to the team as tacklers and markers too. Dan got nine out of ten difficult decisions right, and that’s a very good ratio for a keeper, great hands and very strong kicking that makes such a difference to the team – look what a mess LO got into when their goal kicks couldn’t clear their lines.

Great performance by a very alert, involved ref who had a great attitude to the boys, and able support from his assistants. Very enthusiastic coaches and parents and families – without them there wouldn’t be the atmosphere that keeps the boys at maximum effort and committed teamwork. Murray has a claim on the man of the match for his two goals, but then Hayden, Tom B and Harry were only inches away from doing the same. Jordan’s battling was again totally committed and crucial to stopping LO in their tracks, time after time. James had the hardest job of marking LO’s goal threat, but for sheer bravery, and professional coolness, I’m going to give it to Ethan just ahead of Tom K on the other wing, for a really outstanding performance – I have never seen him so dominant and so calm and confident

Heybridge Youth U14’s Colchester and District Youth League, B division

Great Bradford 0, Heybridge Youth 9
Heybridge were in rampant form, smashing nine goals past Great Bradfords on a water soaked pitch. The visitors dominated from the first whistle, controlling the play in both halves of the pitch with clinical attacking and precise defending Heybridge ensured another good win and importantly another clean sheet.

Scorers were Jordan Ansell, Thomas Jobson, Bradley Morgan, Russell Hilditch, Josh Perry & Eddie Costa 

Heybridge Youth U11’s Colchester and District Youth League, B Division

Brooklands 0, Heybridge Youth 6 Heybridge took on out of form Brooklands and continued their winning streak with a good all round team performance.  The first three goals came from the boot of Nick Duwia before Ryan Knill-Jones scored his first goal of the season having already hit the cross bar twice.  Nick Duwia added his fourth goal shortly after before the goal of the game from Matthew Byrne with a trademark run down the wing and chipping the goalkeeper.  The defence had a quiet day and goalie Laurence Whymark was only called into action once!!  Great performance by the whole team, notably from Will Wilkinson, Scott Morehead, Edward Hepburn and Callum Loveland.