Match Report

7th January 2008

Bergholt Heath 1 – Earls Colne 12

Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Without wanting to sound negative about standing around a freezing cold pitch of a Sunday morning, it was nice to have a break.

What a return! Without even a training session the boys put in their highest scoring game. What that says about the impact I have I would rather ignore.

Bergholt’s manager had suggested before the match that he thought we might win. He had lost a number of his side to larger predators in the area, and for some of his lads it was their first ever football match. Even with this information, I thought it prudent to start off in a traditional formation, but within minutes it was clear that their manager had not been bluffing me. Even with Luke wearing iceskates he was able to open the scoring within a few minutes of the kickoff. After that, goals flowed like mineral water at a health farm. James and Sam scored deserved first goals, and Louis and Harry seemed to score at will. By half time it was 10 nil. Of course we were playing well, such goal scoring leads to immense confidence and composure, but the opposition were weak, with only a few looking comfortable anywhere near a ball. Thomas had not touched the ball, and Bergholt had barely managed to get in our half. Jamie came on for Luke, and Calum moved up front, bagging two goals in the process.

At half time it was clear something had to be done. We have been on the receiving end of drubbings, and we know how demoralising they are, so it was time to take our foot off the pedal and ease up on our hosts. Off came Louis, Patrick, and Harry. The centre of midfield was given to the impressive Sam and Cameron, whilst the right flank was given to George, whilst Daniel came on to deal with the left. Thomas left his goal to become right back, and Luke took over between the sticks. Callum took over central defence. Jake became captain.

The second half was more balanced, but not equal. We still dominated possession, but our finishing went awry. It was good to see other lads dealing with the responsibility of running the match, and to a lad they excelled. Particularly impressive was Sam, who fed through a number of great balls, and also helped the less experienced by constantly yelling guidance and instructions.

In the last ten minutes Louis, Harry and Patrick returned. All were given specific instructions to help Patrick score. Despite a number of chances this didn’t happen, but Daniel did open his account.

I did feel sorry for Bergholt. These score lines do little for either side, and certainly do not encourage the losers to want to play again. I was very proud to watch our parents applaud their goal, and every foray into our half. Few teams have such kind spirited supporters as Earls Colne. Thanks to you all, but also Kevin for running the line, and Val for snacks.

Man of the Match – Sam King – his most confident, mature and dominant game so far.




		Under 12s Match Report



		7th January 2008 Bergholt Heath 1 – Earls Colne 12 Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Without wanting to sound negative about standing around a freezing cold pitch of a Sunday morning, it was nice to have a break. What a return! Without even a training session the boys put in their highest scoring game. What that says about the impact I have I would rather ignore. Bergholt’s manager had suggested before the match that he thought we might win. He had lost a number of his side to larger predators in the area, and for some of his lads it was their first ever football match. Even with this information, I thought it prudent to start off in a traditional formation, but within minutes it was clear that their manager had not been bluffing me. Even with Luke wearing iceskates he was able to open the scoring within a few minutes of the kickoff. After that, goals flowed like mineral water at a health farm. James and Sam scored deserved first goals, and Louis and Harry seemed to score at will. By half time it was 10 nil. Of course we were playing well, such goal scoring leads to immense confidence and composure, but the opposition were weak, with only a few looking comfortable anywhere near a ball. Thomas had not touched the ball, and Bergholt had barely managed to get in our half. Jamie came on for Luke, and Calum moved up front, bagging two goals in the process. At half time it was clear something had to be done. We have been on the receiving end of drubbings, and we know how demoralising they are, so it was time to take our foot off the pedal and ease up on our hosts. Off came Louis, Patrick, and Harry. The centre of midfield was given to the impressive Sam and Cameron, whilst the right flank was given to George, whilst Daniel came on to deal with the left. Thomas left his goal to become right back, and Luke took over between the sticks. Callum took over central defence. Jake became captain. The second half was more balanced, but not equal. We still dominated possession, but our finishing went awry. It was good to see other lads dealing with the responsibility of running the match, and to a lad they excelled. Particularly impressive was Sam, who fed through a number of great balls, and also helped the less experienced by constantly yelling guidance and instructions. In the last ten minutes Louis, Harry and Patrick returned. All were given specific instructions to help Patrick score. Despite a number of chances this didn’t happen, but Daniel did open his account. I did feel sorry for Bergholt. These score lines do little for either side, and certainly do not encourage the losers to want to play again. I was very proud to watch our parents applaud their goal, and every foray into our half. Few teams have such kind spirited supporters as Earls Colne. Thanks to you all, but also Kevin for running the line, and Val for snacks. Man of the Match – Sam King – his most confident, mature and dominant game so far.