Under 14’s Saturday10 May (Felixstowe and District Cup
Final)
Brantham 2 East Bergholt 5
On this
hot sunny day at Framlingham, more suited for cricket than football, Bergholt’s
first half performance put the cup beyond Brantham’s grasp. Bergholt came off
the blocks flying and in their very first attack Macfarlane, playing down the
right, pulled the ball across the area for Garner to knock it beyond the
Brantham keeper for an early lead. Six minutes later Bergholt extended their
lead when Jones’ free kick was hit hard and low and into the goal, courtesy of
the post, while the Brantham defence expected a shot to the top corner. Brantham
might have got one back when their striker turned Lamb, but his shot was way off
target. There then followed a period when the Bergholt defence looked hesitant
but Brantham were unable to capitalise. On the half hour Macfarlane was brought
down in the area and Welham made no mistake from the resultant penalty. There
was no urgency from the Brantham team and all too often they were second to the
ball. Their midfield was too deep and persisted with long balls over the top for
their strikers to run onto without prevail. Just before half time Welham headed
a Jones free kick onto the bar and Lamb was on hand to knock the rebound into
the net. Just one change was made to the Bergholt team at half time with Ballard
replacing Welham – who was off on cup duty for Woodbridge. Brantham’s manager
had obviously done his team talk well as they looked a different team in the
second half and constantly hassled the Bergholt players and gave them no time on
the ball. Within the first few minutes Brantham had reduced the deficit when the
Bergholt defence were severely punished for not clearing the ball. The heat was
beginning to take its toll but it wasn’t until the final 15 minutes that fresh
legs were introduced. Prior to that Barwick had to track back quickly and
managed to tackle the Brantham striker when clear on goal. On error down the
left in the Bergholt defence saw Brantham get their second. Brantham continued
to pressurise but Bergholt still looked dangerous on the counter attack. With
just minutes remaining Ballard’s shot, from an acute angle, beat the Brantham
keeper to secure the win. So the league and cup double for Bergholt.
This is the final report of the season so
congratulations to all the players involved. It's a shame that this team is in
the process of losing its local identity and an example to the FA as to why
children leave football.
Under 11's Thursday 1 May
East Bergholt A 4 Holbrook Hornets A 2
The newly crowned Division 2A champions looked anything but champions as
Holbrook Hornets ripped through the Bergholt defence on numerous occasions in
the opening 5 minutes and were rewarded in the 5th minute when a punted free
kick skimmed off the head of Joe Keinzley and past Ben McGrath. The Bergholt
manager quickly reorganised the Bergholt formation and it was not long before
this Bergholt side commenced to show why they managed to win the league. Alex
Biondi’s turn and through ball to Giorgio Dimuccio ended just wide. Excellent
one touch football ended with Alex Biondi slotting home a George Foster cross.
East Bergholt continued to dominate the match and before long George Foster
smashed home a loose ball to give Bergholt the lead and shortly after extended
their lead when an excellent run by Giorgio Dimuccio gave George Foster an easy
tap in. Holbrook came out in the second half determined to finish the season
being the only side to double the Champions and again were rewarded in the 10th
minute of the second half when their striker ran through to slot the ball past
Ben McGrath. The game switched from end to end with Alex Biondi missing a golden
opportunity to seal the match blasting his penalty wide. They season drew to a
close with Jordan Southgate scoring Bergholt’s 4th with 5 minutes of the match
remaining. This has been an excellent first season for this squad and they have
worked hard together and deserve their promotion. Let us hope they can build on
this season’s success.
East
Bergholt B 2 Holbrook Hornets B 3
With runners up spot secured this gave the Bergholt manager the chance to mix
the B side about. The Hornets strikers caused the Bergholt defence trouble from
the start and were rewarded when their striker slammed home a long goal kick.
Mini man Hayden Seaman continued his excellent run drawing Bergholt level and
then scored one of the goals of the season with a Zola like back heel volley
from a corner. The game swung from end to end and within 3 minutes of the
restart a clever scoop from the Hornets striker over Dominic Barker’s head
levelled the score and minutes later the Hornets retook the lead. Bergholt threw
all they could forward without joy as the Hornets defended their goal with great
success. With the sides moving up to 11 a side next season the squad has to be
reduced and the performance of all the B players is going to make the choice
very difficult
Under 14's Saturday 26 April
East Bergholt 8 Felixstowe 1
Top of the table versus bottom of the table was always going
to have one outcome- three points for Bergholt and with the added bonus of the
league title.
These two teams had only played each other on Thursday and following this
victory Bergholt started in a confident mood. Unfortunately no one had told
Felixstowe the plot and they were the first to get the ball in the back of the
net although ruled out for offside. With no sign of Thursday's 'guest player'
Jake Hughes, the Bergholt back four looked more settled. Bergholt started to control the game and
their dominance was rewarded when Macfarlane’s turn was much too quick for the
Felixstowe defence and his shot beat the Felixstowe keeper. Five minutes later
Bergholt went two up when Armstrong knocked home the loose ball following a
corner. Just before half time Ballard’s shot from the edge of the box beat the
keeper at the near post for 3-0. This goal saw Bergholt’s league total for the
season reach 100. Within the first few minutes of the second half Barwick’s pass
cut through the Felixstowe defence and Armstrong was on hand to slot it home.
The Felixstowe keeper was kept busy with a number of long range efforts; Lait
coming closest to scoring. Midway though the second half Macfarlane and Bambridge made
it 5 and 6 respectively.
Felixstowe were not done, a long clearance saw their striker win the race for
the ball and he calmly knocked it through the legs of the approaching Gallifant
and into the goal. A re-jigged Bergholt side saw Lamb pushing forward and his
persistence was rewarded with Bergholt’s 7th goal. Ballard, on goal
scoring form, saw his 20 yard half volley beat the Felixstowe keeper. The dying
seconds saw Barwick don the keeper’s jersey and the stats show that he was {i}
the best keeper of the season (goals conceded: 0) and {ii} the worst keeper of
the season (shots stopped: 0}. As the final whistle went news came through that
Claydon had beaten St Johns and so Bergholt were league champions. As the season
draws to an end the next two matches on 10 and 11 May see Bergholt in cup
finals.
Under 11's Saturday 26 April
Capel Colts A 2 East Bergholt A 6
A convincing score line finally sealed the Division 2A title for East Bergholt.
Bergholt received the perfect start with Alex Biondi latching onto a George
Foster through ball to give Bergholt the lead within 30 seconds of the start.
Moments later Alex Biondi’s first touch enabled the defender to make a challenge
when he looked destine to extend Bergholt’s lead. Capel did not sit back and in
the 5th minute a shot come cross was deflected into the net by the Colts
midfielder. Giorgio Dimuccio quickly restored the lead for Bergholt to settle
and nerves, dribbling past the last defender to slam the ball past the lone
keeper. George Foster shot over and Ben McGrath came out of his box to thwart
the Colts striker in a match that switched from end to end. Just prior to the
interval George Foster slipped the ball into the net from 3 yards to give
Bergholt a 2 goal cushion. Within 10 seconds of the restart Jordan Southgate
scored from the edge of the box to extend Bergholt’s lead as the Bergholt lads
commenced their title celebrations maybe too early. Giorgio Dimuccio had an
effort parried and Alex Biondi was denied, blasting the ball at the keeper.
Capel started to pile pressure on the Bergholt goal but it was a long drop kick
from the Colts keeper that troubled the Bergholt keeper bouncing over his head
just wide. With plenty of confidence the keeper repeated this moments later with
the ball falling into the net for 4-2. Bergholt looked terrified and Capel were
denied a third by sub keeper Dominic Barker. George Foster secured the victory
with 5 minutes remaining slipping through to score his second with regular
keeper Ben McGrath crashing his header against the woodwork. With very little
time remaining George Foster completed his hat trick and the celebrations truly
started.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Giorgio Dimuccio
Capel Colts B 0 East Bergholt B 5
A win for East Bergholt B would have all but secured the B side a much deserved
runners up place in the Division 2B league. Rowan Harvey gave Bergholt the lead
in the 8th minute firing a wonder free kick from the half way line in of the
post. James Moloney dribbled through for Bergholt’s second within a minute.
Bergholt controlled the midfield with Joe Arnold seeing his effort cleared off
the line. Hayden Seaman’s free kick flew just wide and the keeper denied Joe
Lawrence. Harry Cobbold denied the Colts just prior to half time as they tried
to force their way back into the game. In the second half Bergholt returned to
the silky football that saw them top the B league for much of the season, and
before long Deryn Clarke waltzed through to give Bergholt a 3-0 lead. Joe Arnold
had 2 efforts saved by the Colts keeper but he persisted and slotted the 3rd
home. James Moloney ran through to complete the scoring for Bergholt with his
second of the match. With Holbrook B losing Bergholt play their final match on
Thursday with runners up stop secured.
Bergholt B Man of the Match: - Joe Arnold
Under 11's Saturday 19 April
Sutton Heath A 1 East Bergholt A 2
East Bergholt A
secured a hard fought victory to inch closer to the Under 11’s Division 2 title
at a wind swept Hollesley Bay. Bergholt commenced the game strongest against the
wind with Jordan Southgate shooting wide after excellent pass play involving
George Foster, Alex Biondi and Giorgio Dimuccio. The Sutton keeper had to be
alert saving at the feet of Alex Biondi via a George Foster through ball as
Bergholt tried to take advantage of Sutton Heath’s slow start. Sutton Heath
strung a few excellent passes and were only denied by Ben McGrath followed by a
cheeky back heel by Giorgio Dimuccio ending the wrong side of the post. 9
minutes into the match, Callum Braker’s corner was headed home by a jubilant
Alex Biondi to give Bergholt the lead. Bergholt went in search to extend their
lead with Jordan Southgate being denied by the Heath’s keeper after a Kaka like
mazy run with the keeper showing fine form saving from Alex Biondi moments
later. A quick counter attack saw Bergholt short in numbers in defence and Jack
slotted past Ben McGrath. Bergholt looked nervous with the fear of not receiving
the much required points with the Sutton striker shooting wide. Giorgio Dimuccio
settled Bergholt’s nerves slipping a George Foster through ball past the
advancing keeper. A facial injury to George Foster allowed Bergholt to commence
the second half with a more defensive formation with Rowan Harvey & Joe Keinzley
looking solid in defence. The Sutton keeper saved with his feet a long range
free kick by Jordan Southgate and moments later the keeper denied Jordan “Kaka”
Southgate again after a second mazy run. Alex Biondi’s turn & shot finally beat
the Sutton Heath keeper only to see his effort crash against the bar with Kaka
Southgate seeing a hat trick of mazy runs being denied by the keeper again.
Sutton Heath finished the game the strongest with Sub keeper Harry Cobbold
showing why he is in contention of being next seasons number 1 with 3 excellent
saves.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate.
Sutton Heath B 3 East Bergholt B 0
East Bergholt
lost any hope of stopping Martlesham Bombers claiming the title with a weak
display against one the strongest B sides in the league. Sutton Heath commenced
the game strongest with Harry Cobbold saving well. A busy Hayden Seaman tried to
lift Bergholt spirits with a strong run. Two further saves by Harry Cobbold
denied Sutton Heath as Bergholt struggled to get out of their half. Bergholt
slowly started to force their way back into the match and whilst playing their
best football Sutton Heath counter attacked to score a well taken goal for a
half time lead. Sub keeper Dominic Barker proved how fortunate Bergholt are to
have 3 excellent keepers denying Sutton Heath on 3 occasions prior to the Sutton
Heath striker slotting the ball past Dominic Barker to extend their lead. Deryn
Clarke attempted to wake Bergholt up seeing his effort fly just wide but
Bergholt again had to rely on Dominic Barker superbly saving flying across his
line with the Sutton Heath striker looking at an empty net. In the dying minutes
Sutton Heath extended their lead ensuring Bergholt had no route back.
Congratulations to Martlesham Bombers on claimed the Division 2B league.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman
Under 14's Wednesday 16 April
Kesgrave 1 East Bergholt 3
Bergholt moved three points closer to the title as they overcame lowly Kesgrave.
However for the first 45 minutes it looked like the points would be staying with
the home team.
For much of the first half Bergholt had the majority of possession but just
couldn’t find the back of the net. In the opening minutes Welham shot just wide
while a second chance was hit straight at the keeper. Jones came closest with
his free-kick and required a fine save from the keeper. With the Bergholt
defence pushing forward they were prone to long balls over the top and it was a
one of these that a Kesgrave forward latched onto and deftly knocked the ball
over the approaching Gallifant and into the Bergholt goal. Bergholt continues to
pile on the pressure and had numerous corners but somehow Kesgrave managed to
clear the ball away. Kesgrave looked dangerous down the Bergholt left flank but
their forward was often left with no one in support. The second half commenced
in much the same vain as the first but it wasn’t until the 45th minute that
Garner knocked Rutter’s floated ball into the Kesgarve net. You could see the
flood of relief from the Bergholt players. Seconds later Bergholt had taken the
lead when Welham’s near post corner was headed in by Macfarlane. Victory was
sealed when Welham
rose to get a precise glancing header on Gallifant’s free kick to turn it into
the net past the Kesgrave keeper’s outstretched hand. Bergholt now have three
games left with two wins and a draw being sufficient to secure the league title.
Under 11's Saturday 15 March
Whitton A 7 East
Bergholt A 6
In a 13 goal thriller, Whitton ensured that Bergholt would continue their
nervous end to the season attempt to claim the title. On a small pitch Bergholt
commenced with an attacking formation with Giorgio Dimuccio seeing an early
effort deflected by the wind. Whitton did not take long to take advantage of the
hesitant Bergholt defence slotting past Ben McGrath. Bergholt flooded forward
without really troubling Whitton’s keeper with Alex Biondi flicking the ball
wide and Jordan Southgate seeing his goal bound effort blocked by his own
player. 11 minutes into the game Whitton counter attacked with speed to double
their lead and with Bergholt looking shell shocked extended their lead minutes
later. An excellent pass and move involving George Foster & Alex Biondi enabled
Alex Biondi to reduce the arrears. Bergholt pegged Whitton back with the Whitton
keeper saving a weak Alex Biondi effort via a Jordan Southgate through ball and
only a timely sliding interception prevented Giorgio Dimuccio a simple tap in.
Bergholt’s defence was non existent and Whitton scored every time they entered
the Bergholt area leading 5-1 within 2 minutes of the restart. Giorgio
Dimuccio’s effort was parried around the post and from the resulting corner
Jordan Southgate headed home to reduce the arrears. A long Rowan Harvey throw
enabled Giorgio Dimuccio to half volley past the keeper as Bergholt finally
looked determined to beat one of their title contenders. A Callum Braker through
ball saw an Alex Biondi effort well saved as Bergholt forgot to defend again
allowing Whitton to counter attack for 6-3. The Game switched from end to end
with Giorgio Dimuccio slotting the ball past the keeper at one end and the
Bergholt defence failing to deal with the lively Whitton attacker to return to
the 3 goal advantage. Bergholt again decided to fight until the final whistle
with Giorgio Dimuccio scoring a hat trick and Jordan Southgate running from his
own half to blast the ball past the Whitton keeper. Bergholt failed to score an
equaliser in a frantic final minute that saw Ben McGrath the Bergholt keeper
venture forward for the final corner.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Giorgio Dimuccio
Whitton B 2 East Bergholt B 3
After an exciting A match this B match did not disappoint. Whitton forced the
early pressure with Harry Cobbold preventing Whitton taking advantage of
Bergholt’s slow start with 3 excellent saves. Both sides played excellent
football with mini man shooting into the side netting. An excellent move
involving Hayden Seaman and Joe Lawrence saw James Moloney header wide and a
long ball by Whitton enabled Harry Cobbold to prove what an excellent keeper he
is becoming with a double save but the keeper could do very little when Whitton
took the lead moments later. James Moloney & Deryn Clarke combined early in the
second half allowing James Moloney to equalise for Bergholt with only the
Whitton keeper preventing Deryn Clarke for giving East Bergholt the lead. Joe
Lawrence shot wide via a Bradley Orton head on and James Moloney shot wide.
Whitton retook the lead with Harry Cobbold saving the first effort but failing
to prevent the striker slotting the ball home. James Moloney scoped the ball
over the bar but moments later a Hayden Seaman shot was deflected into the net
by James Moloney. Both sides looked for the win and Bergholt gained the
advantage when Joe Lawrence battled through and mini man Hayden Seaman headed
home following a goalmouth scramble for the winner.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Harry Cobbold
Under 14’s Saturday 8th March
Ipswich Royals 1 East Bergholt 8
For the second week running the both the weather and the pitch prevented
Bergholt from their usual free flowing game. Despite this Bergholt had the best
possible start when Armstrong’s shot was only partially saved by the Royal’s
keeper and Garner had an easy tap in. Minutes later Bergholt were 2 up when
Welham’s cross was converted by Macfarlane. Royals snatched one back when a long
ball from defence was carried by the wind and bounced on the hard surface over
the central defenders for the striker to make no mistake in finding the back of
the net. After 15 minutes Garner extended Bergholt’s lead from an acute angle.
Garner completed his hat trick will a goal similar to his first. This time it
was Welham’s shot that the Royals keeper pushed out to Garner. Prior to half
time Rutter set up Armstrong to make it 5-1. In the second half the Royals
defended in depth and although Bergholt had most of the possession they couldn’t
capitalise on it until the 50th minute when Welham beat the keeper from the edge
of the area. With just minutes remaining Garner latched onto a long clearance
and his incisive finish made it 7.There was just enough time for Lamb, who was
pushing forward, to knock in number 8. Overall Bergholt were never really
troubled in this game but why do they play in virtual silence. The most noise on
the pitch came from the adjoining hockey match.
Under 11's Saturday 8th March
East Bergholt A 0 Martlesham Bombers A 1
East Bergholt A tasted defeat in the league for only the second time this
season as Martlesham arrived at Gandish Road knowing they would have to be at
their best in defence and hope to catch Bergholt out on the break. Bergholt
piled on the early pressure with 4 corners without troubling the Bombers keeper.
Ben McGrath was out at the feet of the speedy Bombers Midfielder Tyler Dickson
with the same player causing Bergholt problems with his pace moments later with
Ben McGrath out quickly again. Alex Biondi failed to connect to a George Foster
cross prior to seeing his goal bound effort blocked by the stubborn Martlesham
Defence. Giorgio Dimuccio was the next Bergholt player to test the Bombers
keeper with 2 efforts well saved as Bergholt controlled the territorial battle.
Jordan Southgate shot wide via an Alex Biondi lay off and Callum Braker lobbed
the ball over the bar from the edge of the box. Alex Biondi looked like he would
break the deadlock but somehow managed to scope his shot over from 3 metres and
George Foster’s shot was well saved just prior to half time. The second half
commenced with Martlesham’s defence continued to soak up the pressure with
Bergholt missing the half chances that have won them so many games this season.
An early George Foster cross was headed wide by Alex Biondi and 3 defenders
closed down Giorgio Dimuccio preventing him from scoring. The Bombers looked
dangerous going forward with Ben McGrath spectacularly pushing a Bomber effort
over the bar and had to rely on a goalmouth scramble to prevent Martlesham
taking the lead from the resulting corner. Bergholt cursed their luck as both
Alex Biondi and Jordan Southgate came close with headers via a George Foster
free kick followed by Callum Braker seeing his effort well held. Giorgio
Dimuccio shot over from close range as Bergholt tried to break through this
tight organised defence but 3 minutes from full time Martlesham delivered the
killer blow when an innocuous looking shot looped over Ben McGrath into the net.
It never nice losing but with a match of this standard both side can walk away
with their heads held high.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate
East Bergholt
B 1 Martlesham Bombers B 2
Martlesham Bombers completed the double over East Bergholt B to take a big
advantage in the B title race. Bergholt commenced on the attack with Deryn
Clarke shooting wide. Harry Cobbold saved from the Bombers attacker prior to the
Bombers attacker shooting over via a long goal kick. This entertaining match
switched from end to end with Joe Lawrence flicking the ball over the advancing
keeper but the ball drifted wide. In the 12th minute Bergholt took a deserved
lead with mini man Hayden Seaman half volleying from the edge of the box past
the keeper. James Moloney laid back for Rowan Harvey to shoot over as Bergholt
tried to take advantage of their period of dominance. The Bergholt defence fell
asleep with the Bombers striker slotting home a floating free kick to level the
score and moments later the Bergholt defence conceded a needless penalty to give
the bombers a half time lead. Bergholt piled forward in the second period with
James Moloney being denied by the Bombers keeper. The Bombers keeper was the
hero again saving from the same player following an excellent Joe Lawrence
cross. Mini man shot over from a free kick with both James Moloney & Deryn
Clarke seeing decent efforts saved by the excellent keeper. The keeper became
the hero again in the final moments denying James Moloney for the 3rd time
ensuring that the title is now in their hands and only a defeat will allow
Bergholt the chance to snatch it from their grasp.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Deryn Clarke
Under 11's Saturday 1st March
Sizewell & Knodishall A 1 East Bergholt A 3
East Bergholt A came from behind to win this wind affected battle to take
another step towards the title and promotion. East Bergholt, supported with the
wind, surged forward and SKY had to rely on their keeper saving a George Foster
strike. Giorgio Dimuccio supplied Alex Biondi and only a last ditch tackle
prevented Alex from scoring. In the 14th minute Bergholt fell asleep as a long
Sizewell throw enabled the striker to slot the ball past Ben McGrath. Their lead
was short lived when Bergholt used the wind to their advantage with George
Foster heading home a Callum Braker corner. Both sides attempt to play football
in difficult conditions with the alert SKY keeper saving from George Foster but
with time running out in the first half SKY could do very little as Alex Biondi
& George Foster combined superbly for Alex Biondi giving Bergholt a half time
lead. Bergholt commenced the second half playing some excellent passing football
with SKY using the wind for speedy counter attacks. SKY’s keeper saved an early
Callum Braker effort and Alex Biondi missed a simple tap in when Giorgio
Dimuccio crossed from a tight angle. Ben McGrath saved at the feet of the
striker prior to Alex Biondi racing through only to be denied by the SKY keeper.
Giorgio Dimuccio slammed an effort against the crossbar and could not believe
his luck seeing another effort cleared of the line with the keeper stranded.
Sizewell continued to look dangerous with Ben McGrath saving and Joe Keinzley
clearing the follow up off the line. With Sizewell pushing forward in an attempt
to level the score, Bergholt ensured they could relax for the final minutes when
Alex Biondi returned the favour for George Foster to score his second of the
match.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Joe Keinzley
Sizewell & Knodishall B 3 East Bergholt B 2
Sizewell & Knodishall B completed the double over East Bergholt B to dent the
Greens title hopes. Bergholt commenced the game on the attack with a Joe Arnold
effort being saved. The wind caused problems as Harry Cobbold relied on his
defence to save an embracing situation. Joe Lawrence shot wide and Hayden Seaman
saw his effort well saved. The strong SKY midfield ran the length of the field
and shot wide in an attempted to take the lead and on the next attack the same
player smashed the ball past Harry Cobbold into the corner of the net. SKY
knocked Bergholt’s confidence and were unfortunate not to extend their lead with
the striker scoping the ball over the bar with only Harry Cobbold to beat.
Bergholt flooded forward with the wind in the second half but forgot that they
still were required to defend and found themselves 3-0 down within 5 minutes of
the restart. A switch of tactics saw Bergholt finally start to play the football
that has seen them top the table for most of the season and they were rewarded
when Hayden Seaman slammed the ball home from the edge of the box. Minutes later
Hayden Seaman scored his second of the match as SKY failed to clear a James
Moloney corner. In an exciting final five minutes SKY defended in numbers
throwing all bodies in the way as Bergholt attempted to gain a point but it was
Sizewell who nearly extended their lead with Harry Cobbold stranded up front
trying to score from a Bergholt corner in the dying seconds.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman
Under 14's Saturday 1st March
Sizewell and Knodishall 1 East Bergholt 3
With strong blustery conditions prevailing and a bumpy pitch it was never
going to be a game of one touch football. Bergholt, with a make shift back four,
played with the wind in the first half. Armstrong and McFarlane had early
chances but the SKY keeper made virtually identical saves, diving to his right,
to keep the ball out. After ten minutes SKY took the lead when a cross from the
byline found an unmarked forward to head it home. McFarlane came close to the
equaliser but his shot hit the ball. After 20 minutes a long ball from Lamb
found Garner insider the SKY area and he made no mistake with his finish.
Bergholt could easily have been three or four up but Ballard squandered the
chances. Welham swapped places with Ballard and within seconds Welham latched
onto a long ball from Lamb and half-volleyed it into the back of the net to give
Bergholt the half time lead. Although playing with the wind in the second half
SKY lacked the momentum and determination they showed in the first half.
Bergholt had most of the possession and dominated play but the wind prevented
any real scoring chances until Garner latched onto a spinning ball and hit it
past the SKY keeper. Last week’s squad rotation was obviously a one off with the
substitutes only getting a short runout despite the long journey.
Under 14's Saturday 23rd February
Trimley 1 East Bergholt 4
Bergholt progressed into their second
semi-final of the season with a 4-1 win over Trimley. The match can be summed up
in the old football cliché ‘a game of two halves’. Trimley started well and
within 5 minutes were one up after a misunderstanding in the gaol area between
Lamb and Gallifant. With Barwick in central defence and Welham on the bench
Bergholt lacked their usual width and ball play. Trimley were unlucky not to go
two up when a header from a corner hit the post and the ball rebound straight
back to Gallifant. The Trimley defence struggled to deal with long balls from
Gallifant but none of Bergholt’s forwards could capitalise on this. Just before
half time Bergholt thought they had scored when a free kick by Lewis rebounded
between players, like pin ball, before finishing in the Trimley goal.
Unfortunately Bergholt were offside. The second half saw Welham and Garner
upfront and instantly Bergholt looked dangerous. Garner nearly scored from a
Ballard cross and from the resulting corner Ballard was free to equalise. Five
minutes later Welham did well to control the ball, midway into the Trimley half.
He took the ball on and hit it past the approaching Trimley keeper to make it
2-1. Trimley began to push up and a fine tackle by Lamb prevented the Trimley
striker being through on goal. Garner’s precision pass to Ballard resulted in
Bergholt’s third. While the goal of the day saw Garner accelerate pass the
Trimley defence and finally flip the ball, with the outside of foot over the
diving keeper. Bergholt now meet Whitton on 12 April in the semi-final.
Under 14's Saturday 9th February
Whitton 0 East Bergholt 2
This wasn’t one of Bergholt’s best performances and for 65 minutes it looked
like Whitton would hold on for a draw but two goals in the final minutes saw all
three points go to Bergholt. A reshuffled Bergholt side saw Welham playing in
central defence and so his incisive runs down the wing were sorely missed.
Bergholt dominated most of the first half but struggled to break through the
Whitton defence. Macfarlane coming closest to scoring but his dipping shot was
just too high. Bergholt though that they had scored just before half time but
were not aware that the linesman had, quite rightly, flagged for an offence in
the goal area. The second half commence in similar fashion to the first and
Bergholt’s long range efforts were either straight at the keeper or just wide.
With five minutes remaining Garner gather the ball on the edge of the Whitton
area and managed to hold off two defenders before side footing past the keeper.
The number of niggly tackles increased and Whitton gave away a needless free
kick. From the resulting delivery the ball fell to Bambridge who, unmarked in
the 6 yard box, knocked the ball into the net to make the score more respective.
Under 11's Saturday 9th February
Framlingham Town A 5 East Bergholt A 6
If this was a boxing match it would have equated to 2 two boxers standing
toe to toe slugging the battle out with neither side willing to fall to the
canvas. Framlingham started the match the sharpest as East Bergholt struggled to
cope with the small pitch and had to rely on Ben McGrath to prevent Framlingham
from taking an early lead. Giorgio Dimuccio’s shot was saved with George Fosters
follow up slamming against the bar. Framlingham had Bergholt against the ropes
as Ben McGrath saved from the Fram attacker but he could do very little as the
Hoops striker slammed the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the
box. The Bergholt defence disappeared but Ben rescued Bergholt from losing a
second goal. Jordan Southgate’s late run for an Alex Biondi corner levelled the
score but Bergholt still look nervous. Ben McGrath pushed the attackers shot
wide then parried the resulting corner on to the bar. 17 minutes into the match
Framlingham re-took the lead, counter attacking with speed and moments later
Framlingham searched for the knock out scoring a third. Bergholt tried to
counter punch with a Giorgio Dimuccio through ball allowing Alex Biondi to score
from the edge of the box with their joy being short lived as Framlingham
restored a 2 goal advantage with the half time whistle coming at the right time
as Bergholt looked shell shocked. A switch of formation enabled Bergholt to
place Framlingham on the back foot with Alex Biondi seeing his effort well saved
and George Foster hitting the post with the follow up. George Foster lifted
Bergholt’s spirits, side footing home a Giorgio Dimuccio cross, and were unlucky
not to level the score with the Framlingham keeper triple saving from Jordan
Southgate & Giorgio Dimuccio. Bergholt were on a high as Alex Biondi battled
through allowing Jordan Southgate to level the score as Framlingham started to
wobble. Like a cornered animal Framlingham came out fighting and restored their
lead and within minutes Bergholt counter punched again with Jordan Southgate
gaining a hat-trick as the two sides slugged it out. With time running out Alex
Biondi ran through to give East Bergholt the lead for the first time in this
match which they managed to hold onto as Framlingham threw all they could
forward to try gain what would have been a deserved point.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate.
Framlingham Town B 0 East Bergholt B 7
East
Bergholt B maintained their lead at the top of division 2B by waltzing through
the first half scoring 6 quick goals. Hayden Seaman started the scoring in the
5th minute and then provided an assist for Deryn Clarke to give Bergholt a 2-0
lead. A one-two with Joe Lawrence lead to Hayden Seaman’s second goal and Joe
Lawrence superbly turned and shot for Bergholt's 4th. Bergholt looked like
scoring on every attack with a busy Hayden Seaman gaining a first half hat
trick. A Joe Lawrence miss kick slipped through the keepers hand but the keeper
made amends saving from Joe Lawrence to prevent him scoring a hat trick. Harry
Cobbold was called into action diving at the feet of the oncoming striker. In an
even second half that Framlingham battled through with sub keeper Dominic Barker
parrying the striker’s effort around the post. Bradley Orton danced through and
found the Framlingham keeper in fine form. Framlingham looked like they would
keep a clean sheet second half until Kyran Green ventured forward from his
defensive duties to score his first goal for the club.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman
Under 11's Saturday 2nd February
East Bergholt A 6 Trimley Red Devils A 2
With rumours suggesting that only one side will get promoted this season, this
top of the table clash was a real 6 pointer. Bergholt took full advantage of
Trimley’s tentative start, by dominating the early play. TRD keeper Thomas Page
produced a magnificent double save from Jordan Southgate and was on hand again
when Giorgio Dimuccio volleyed an Alex Biondi corner towards the goal. Khaled
Aziz shot over on the counter attacker as Trimley tried to force their way back
into the game. Giorgio Dimuccio saw his shot deflected over just prior to
supplying an assist for Callum Braker to fire home Bergholt’s first. Bergholt
quickly doubled their lead as Giorgio Dimuccio headed home an Alex Biondi
corner. TRD were chasing shadows as Bergholt knocked the ball around with both
Giorgio Dimuccio and Alex Biondi having efforts well saved and it was no
surprise when Alex Biondi slotted home from 2 metres to give Bergholt a 3-0 half
time lead. Trimley commenced the second half determined to make a battle of this
game hitting the post within seconds of the restart but were rocked as Alex
Biondi collected the clearance and shot past the out coming keeper. Ben McGrath
saved at the feet of the Devils striker and Callum Braker saw his effort will
saved in a balanced second half. Bergholt extended their lead with Callum Braker
following up a George Foster effort prior to Alex Biondi winning then missing a
penalty. In the 17th minute of the second period Trimley pulled a goal back then
surged forward trying to reduce the arrears leaving gaps for Bergholt to exploit
which they duly accepted with Alex Biondi completing his hat trick from close
range. There was still time for TRD to score a 2nd but they could not stop
Bergholt extended their lead at the top of the table.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Callum Braker
East Bergholt B 2 Trimley Red Devils B 0
East Bergholt B continued to ensure that both Bergholt sides remained top of
their respected leagues. East Bergholt’s free flowing football saw them create
plenty of early opportunities with Lawrence McGrath shooting over from distance.
The Trimley keeper was out quick at the feet of Joe Lawrence then saved well
from the same player. In the 10th minute a shot come clearance from mid way in
his own half flew straight over the keepers head for Rowan Harvey’s first goal
for Bergholt. Rowan Harvey tried desperately to extend Bergholts lead but found
the keeper in fine form. Joe Arnold skipped through the last defender to supply
Deryn Clarke for Bergholts second. Bergholt upped their performance in the
second half but found the Devils keeper in fine form saving from James Moloney,
and Hayden Seaman. Lawrence McGrath hit the cross bar and Joe Arnold shot wide
following an excellent run from Felix Symonds. With time running out the TRD
keeper’s double save from James Moloney prevented Bergholt extending their lead.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Felix Symonds
Under 14's Saturday 2nd February
Trimley 0 East Bergholt 5
Bergholt’s only defeat of the season was at the hands of Trimley so they had a
lot to prove in the return match at Stennetts Playing Field. It was clear from
the start that Trimley were going to defend and often had six or seven players
behind the ball. For much of the first half Bergholt piled on the pressure,
Trimley soaked it up and looked dangerous on the counter attack. Ballard came
close to breaking the deadlock but his shot hit the bar. In the 27th minute
Trimley paid for their deep defending when a headed clearance from the six yard
box went straight to Armstrong who was unmarked on the edge of the area. He made
no mistake with his shot and Bergholt were one up. The Bergholt defence wasn’t
as sound as it normally is and Gallifant was called upon to stop Trimley from
equalising. In fact it was a long ball from the Bergholt keeper the found Welham
deep in the Trimley half. Welham’s shot easily between the Trimley keeper so
Bergholt were 2-0 at half time. The second half was played in much the same vain
but Bergholt had more confidence up front. Several players came close to scoring
but it was Welham who was successful when he side-footed the ball into the back
of the net. The result was secured when Lait, playing more than the
customary 10 minutes, scored two well deserved goals to make it 5-0. Trimley had
their share of the chances and on a couple of occasions Bergholt had to scramble
the ball off the line.
Under 11's Saturday 26th January
East Bergholt A 4 Wickham Market A 0
East Bergholt A took full advantage of second place Trimley dropping points
against Martlesham with a convincing 4-0 win against a lively Wickham Market.
Wickham Market did not make their early pressure count as Bergholt’s customary
slow start was not helped with Joe Keinzley limping off due to a pre-match
injury. Bergholt re-organised themselves with George Foster curling the ball
past the far post. Ben McGrath came out well to save at the feet of the Wickham
striker and a Callum Braker effort lacked power as the evenly match game
switched from end to end. A Giorgio Dimuccio effort was deflected wide and from
the resulting short corner, Alex Biondi slotted home a Callum Braker assist.
Bergholt went in search of the second with both Giorgio Dimuccio & Alex Biondi
both having efforts pushed around the post. Bergholt commenced the second half
on fire. Jordan Southgate’s effort lacked real power but managed to avoid
everyone to nestle into the corner of the net. Jordan Southgate then shot just
wide after excellent football involving Italian due Giorgio and Alex. Alex
Biondi latched onto a Callum Braker corner but his effort lacked power and a
Jordan Southgate header was cleared of the line. Bergholt surged forward trying
to kill of any hopes of a Wickham come back with a George Foster flick on
enabling Jordan Southgate to slam home his second. The Wickham keeper prevented
Jordan and then had to really on the last defender clearing off the line from an
Alex Biondi effort. With time running out Jordan Southgate returned to the field
of play up front in search of his first hat trick for Bergholt and succeeded
with the last attack of the match.
Bergholt Man of the Match:- Jordan Southgate
East Bergholt B 3 Wickham Market B 0
East Bergholt B continued their winning run to remain joint top of the B league.
Wickham had an early effort just wide and Joe Lawrence slammed the ball at the
Wickham keeper in a hectic opening minute. James Moloney shot wide when through
and a Lawrence McGrath power shot from distance stung the keepers hand. Lady
luck was on Bergholt’s side when Harry Cobbold spilled the ball into the path of
the Wickham striker only for Kyran Green to get back & clear the ball. A cross
come shot by Bergholt’s Hayden Seaman gave Bergholt a 19th minute lead and
moments latter James Maloney unselfishly played Joe Lawrence through to give
East Bergholt a 2-0 half time lead. With too many substitutes in the second half
killing the pace of the game, Bergholt extended their lead with Bradley Orton
slipped home a Hayden Seaman cross for the only goal of the second half.
Bergholt Man of the Match:- Kyran Green
Under 14's Sunday 6th January (Open Cup)
East Bergholt 17 Stow Falcons 0
If this made been a boxing contest then the referee would have stopped it in
within five minutes. Despite Lexden having an afternoon game Bergholt fielded all
17 players in this second round cup tie. Right from the start it was
evident that the two sides were not evenly matched. Within the first minute Welham latched on to cross from Trott to make it 1-0. Minutes later Barwick had
an easy tap in for 2-0 and then set up Garner to score. A Welham corner was then
headed home by Lamb and Welham again provided Barwick with a precision pass to
make it 5-0. The sixth goal resulted from good attacking play from Bambridge
whose pass was touched on by Jones to Garner who slotted it into the back of the
net. Minutes later a long clearance from Gallifant was picked up by Garner
who lobbed the approaching keeper to secure his hat-trick. After 25 minutes
Bambridge beat several players down the right and shot past the Falcons keeper.
Welham's second was the result of a well placed shot. Barwick’s hat-trick
resulted from the Falcon’s keeper just misjudging a shot and seconds before
half-time Trott placed the ball just outside the keeper’s reach to make it 11-0.
A number of substitutes came on for the second half and Bergholt continued to
dominate. It was evident that Barwick was enjoying his role as striker as he
scored two more in the first 10 minutes, the second a header from a Ballard
cross. Welham and McFarlane were the next players to score, although the later
was close to being an own goal. In fact there could have many more goals but the
Falcon’s keeper produced a number of fine saves. Additionally Barwick was keen
to spread the goals around and on several occasions where he could have scored
he passed to colleagues to give them a chance. However Barwick scored the final
two goals to bring his tally up to seven and the final score 17-0. The Stow
Falcons team should be congratulated on they way they played. They never gave
up and showed a true team spirit throughout.
Bergholt progress to round three where they play at home against Ipswich
Warriors or Thetford Independent.
Under
11's Sunday 6th January (Open Cup)
Thetford 5
East Bergholt 1
Thetford proved
that there is plenty to learn when teams make the step up to 11 a side football
from mini soccer. East Bergholt’s Under 11’s first match at 11 a side commenced well with
Alex Biondi robbing the last defender and slotting the ball past the Thetford
keeper within 40 seconds of the start. Their joy was short lived with Thetford
replying within 3 minutes as Bergholt defended too deep. In an even period of
the match Bergholt tried to learn how to play on a full size pitch and found
that the strikers would have to learn the hard way about the offside rule and
the defenders must quickly learn that they must close the gap and not defend to
deep. James Moloney & Alex Biondi were both unfortunate not to restore the lead
and Ben McGrath was out quickly to save Bergholt. Twenty minutes into the match
Thetford took advantage of poor defending from a corner to take the lead and
seconds later Thetford extended their lead with a well taken effort from a deep
cross. The second half switched from end to end with both sides looking
dangerous though Bergholt still struggled with the offside. Midway through the
second half Thetford’s speedy attacker extended their lead. Both Alex Biondi &
Joe Keinzley headed efforts off the line as Thetford looked to extend their lead
and George Foster shot wide at the other end. With team running out Bergholt
lost their energy and Thetford took advantage of this to score their fifth. This
was certainly a learning curve for the boys and they will have to learn quickly
prior to commencing 11 a side next season.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Joe Keinzley
Under 11's Saturday 5th January
Bourne Vale A
0 East Bergholt A 1
Table topping East Bergholt scraped an important victory away to a determined
Bourne Vale side to maintain their 7 point lead at the top of Division 2. In a
closely contested first half in which East Bergholt gained the slight
territorial battle, Bourne Vale came out on top with efforts on goal. Callum
Braker was first to see his effort via a Jordan Southgate corner fly wide.
Bourne Vale looked determined to knock Bergholt back, with their striker
flashing a shot just wide. Ben McGrath smothered the ball well as the Vale
player homed in and the Vale keeper was alert to save an Alex Biondi effort from
a tight angle. Bergholt were fortunate not to be penalised with a penalty for a
push on the Vale attacker then when unlucky when Jordan Southgate’s effort was
blocked by the keeper. The competitive match continued in the second half with
the Bourne Vale keeper getting the better of a Jordan Southgate effort and a
fast counter attack saw the Vale’s player shoot wide. Ben McGrath came to
Bergholt’s rescue, superbly saving a Bourne Vale effort with most the Vale
supporters thinking they had scored. Alex Biondi ran through from the half way
line only to be thwarted by the brilliant young Vale keeper. The game switched
from end to end with Ben McGrath proving what a great keeper he is becoming.
With very little time remaining, Alex Biondi’s through ball unfortunately
slipped out of the keepers hands to give George Foster his easiest tap in of the
season, an unfortunate way for Bourne Vale to loss such a fair competitive
battle.
Bourne Vale B
1 East Bergholt B 3
East Bergholt B continued their fine form this season with a 3-1 win away to
Bourne Vale. Bergholt started brightly with Hayden Seaman slotting home a Rowan
Harvey long throw. Bergholt went in search for a second with Deryn Clarke
shooting just wide and a Rowan Harvey goal bound effort headed wide. Lawrence
McGrath cracked his effort from distance that smacked against the bar and down
onto the line prior to being cleared. Bourne Vale slowly clawed their way back
into the match with Dominic Barker saving just prior to half time allowing
Bergholt to enter the break leading. Both sides continued to play some excellent
football in the second half with Deryn Clarke missing a simple tap in via a Joe
Arnold cross. Mini-Man went on a mazy run only to be denied by the Vale keeper.
The keeper then tipped a Deryn Clarke effort onto the post but could do nothing
when the same player volleyed home for Bergholt’s second. Bergholt killed of the
game minutes later when stand in striker Bradley Orton turned and shot passed
the outstretched keeper. With time running out Bourne Vale scored a deserved
consolation goal to reduce the arrears.
Under 11's Saturday 22nd December
East Bergholt A 8 Capel Colts A 0
Capel Colts made the short journey across the A12 only to find East Bergholt in
no Christmas spirit to give away any points in this top verses bottom battle.
The game started slowly with Giorgio Dimuccio seeing his effort cleared off the
line. Bergholt were somewhat fortunate to take the lead in the 5th minute when a
George Foster effort slipped through the keeper’s hands into the net. The first
half was played at a very lethargic pace with Giorgio Dimuccio seeing his effort
well saved. Alex Biondi connected to a Callum Braker cross but his shot lacked
power. Capel Colts ventured forward with their striker shooting wide then seeing
Ben McGrath save from the same player. Bergholt came to life in the second half
bombarding the Capel goal. George Foster was first to see his shot drift just
wide and Alex Biondi watched in disbelief as his goal bound effort was well held
by the Colts keeper. The Colts keeper parried Alex Biondi’s shot around the post
via an excellent Giorgio Dimuccio cross as Capel struggled to venture from their
half. Bergholt received a slice of luck for their 2nd goal when Giorgio
Dimuccio’s effort deflected off the Colts defender to wrong foot the poor Capel
keeper. This goal lifted Bergholt and Alex Biondi slammed home a Callum Braker
assist for Bergholt’s 3rd. Alex Biondi continues his goal scoring spree this
season slotting home from close range and was denied a 2 minute hat trick when
his header via a Jordan Southgate corner crashed against the post. Ben McGrath
handed over his keepers gloves for his striker’s boots for the final 10 minutes
of the match and was soon on the score sheet finishing off a George Foster
through ball. Ben McGrath quickly scored his second when Alex Biondi’s strength
and determination allowed Ben McGrath to score from close range and the regular
first team keeper finished off the scoring by completing his hat trick in the
closing minutes of the game.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Ben McGrath
East
Bergholt B 6 Capel Colts B 0
East Bergholt B gave their manager the perfect Christmas with their win to
ensure that both East Bergholt under 11’s sides were sitting top of their
tables. Capel started brightly with Harry Cobbold saving in the opening minute.
Harry Cobbold was alert again as Capel attempted to take early control of this
match. Deryn Clarke sped down the line to commence a counter attack that Hayden
Seaman shot wide. James Moloney gave East Bergholt the lead against the run of
play, dribbling through a crowded defence. Harry Cobbold was Bergholt’s hero
again as the Bergholt defence was split apart by Capel Colts as the match
switched from end to end. Excellent football involving Deryn Clarke and James
Moloney allowed Joe Lawrence a simple tap in for Bergholt’s 2nd as
they finally woke up. Bergholt controlled the pace of the second half and it was
no surprise when Felix Symonds scored his first goal for the club finishing off
a Hayden Seaman cross. Hayden Seaman was unlucky to his effort well saved just
prior to Joe Lawrence striking his effort into the far corner of the net from
the edge of the box. On form Deryn Clarke connected to a Joe Lawrence rebound
off the post for a deserved goal and with time running out James Moloney
dribbled from the half way line for Bergholt’s final goal of the day.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Deryn Clarke
Under 14's
Saturday 15th December
Witnesham 2 East Bergholt 4
East Bergholt moved three points clear at the top of the table as a result of
this victory. On a bitterly cold morning Bergholt played into the wind in the
first half. No one team dominated the early stages but Bergholt had a number of
half chances. With Welham in a central defending role Bergholt had no one out
wide to take on the Witnesham defence. A ball through the Bergholt defence
resulted in a Witnesham free kick on the edge of the area when
Gallifant was booked for a reckless tackle on
the approaching striker. However Witnesham were unable to capitalise on it as
the kick was off target. Bergholt took the lead after 25 minutes when Colbeck’s
through ball found Garner just inside the Witnesham area who then placed the
ball out the reach of their keeper. At the start of the second half Bergholt
quickly increased their lead when Welham’s free kick found the back of the net.
Soon after Witnesham were awarded a penalty when Jones was adjudged to have
brought down a Witnesham striker. Jones was booked for dissent and Witnesham’s
well placed penalty gave Gallifant no chance. A
poor clearance by the Witnesham keeper saw
McFarlane
kick the ball back over the keeper into the empty net to make it 3-1. Witnesham
took advantage of a number of Bergholt substitutions to score while the Bergholt
defence was sorting itself out. Bergholt had several chances to secure the game
but were unable to score. As full time approached Garner made amends for an
earlier miss when he knocked the ball past the approaching keeper to make the
final score 4-2.
Under 11’s
Saturday 15th December
Sporting 87 A 0 East Bergholt A 4
Despite half the Bergholt A side travelling half way round Bury to find the
ground, East Bergholt commenced the game determined to continue this season’s
fine form. George Foster went close in the opening minute connecting to a Callum
Braker corner. East Bergholt controlled the early pace of the game and took a
well deserved lead when George Foster showed great composure dribbling from the
halfway line to slip the ball past the Sporting keeper. Alex Biondi tried
desperately to extend Bergholt’s lead seeing one effort blocked on the goal line
and his second effort palmed around the post by an on form Sporting keeper. The
alert keeper was out quickly at the feet of Giorgio Dimuccio and a double save
from efforts by Giorgio Dimuccio & Callum Braker and the frame of the goal from
George Foster denied Bergholt extending their lead. George Foster resorted to
ball juggling in the penalty area but still could not beat the excellent
Sporting keeper and when Alex saw his goal bound effort saved again Bergholt
began to wonder what how they would extend their lead. Bergholt finally extended
their lead one minute into the second half when Giorgio Dimuccio slotted home
from close range via a Callum Braker cross. Ben McGrath was finally called into
action early into the second half saving from the Sporting attacker. Ben McGrath
ensured that Bergholt maintained their 2 goal lead with an excellent save from a
curling free kick as Sporting tried to force their way back into the game.
Bergholt secured the points halfway through the second half when Alex Biondi
reached the ball just prior to the keeper to via a Giorgio Dimuccio through ball
to score Bergholt’s third. With Sporting changing their keeper Bergholt surged
forward hoping to capitalise but found the Sub keeper handling was on par to the
first choice keeper, saving from Alex Biondi, Callum Braker and Jordan Southgate
but could do very little when George Foster scored his second goal of the match.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - George Foster.
Sporting 87 B 2 East Bergholt B 3
East Bergholt B ensured they remained joint top of the B league with a closely
fought win over fellow title challengers Sporting 87. Deryn Clarke gave East
Bergholt the perfect start with a lofty boot midway into Sporting’s half that
may have collected some snow on the way down. Bergholt looked to build on their
lead with Lawrence McGrath seeing his shot well held. Lawrence McGrath and
Hayden Seaman combined well but James Moloney’s shot lacked power. Joe Arnold
connected at the far post to a James Moloney corner to extend Bergholt’s lead.
Bergholt made an excellent start to the second half when Joe Lawrence slotted
home a Hayden Seaman assist. Bergholt must have considered their work complete
as they failed to fight for the ball and soon found that Sporting 87 were able
to benefit from East Bergholt’s charity scoring 2 quick goals. Bergholt finally
woke up again and were unlucky not to extend the lead with Dominic Barker
striking his effort against the bar and a last ditch tackle on James Moloney in
the dying seconds.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman
Under 11’s Saturday 8th December
Saxmundham A 2 East Bergholt A 2
East Bergholt A showed great character to recover for an early double set back
to gain a well deserved point. Bergholt commenced the game looking for an early
goal with excellent one touch football involving Giorgio Dimuccio & Jordan
Southgate ended with George Foster shooting wide. A Callum Braker corner was
fired wide by Giorgio Dimuccio and Alex Biondi failed to hit the target as East
Bergholt dominated early play. Saxmundham rocked Bergholt back in the fifth
minute when sloppy defending allowed the Sax striker to fire past Ben McGrath.
Ben McGrath saved Bergholt from going further behind as the top of the table
side looked shocked. Bergholt slowly started to win the territorial battle with
Giorgio Dimuccio seeing his shot parried onto the bar by the on form Saxmundham
keeper and the keeper saved well from George Foster after Alex Biondi’s run &
cross. Jordan Southgate thought he had scored only to see his goal bound effort
blocked by his team-mate Alex Biondi with the keeper well beaten, and when
George Foster’s superb strike from the edge of the box cracked against the frame
of the goal Bergholt looked up to the heavens for a change of fortune.
Saxmundham took advantage of a sleepy Bergholt defence from a long throw to make
matters worse. A changed formation allowed Bergholt to surge forward but found
the Sax defence, especially the keeper, in excellent form as Jordan Southgate
had two efforts well saved and George Foster held his head in disbelief as the
keeper stopped his goal bound effort. Bergholt camped themselves in the
Saxmundham area in the second half with Saxmundham relying on the counter
attack. The keeper again got the better of George Foster and also turned a
Jordan Southgate shot around the post. With all the excellent strikes and saves
Bergholt had to rely on a scrappy goal with Giorgio Dimuccio scoring from a goal
mouth scramble to pulled East Bergholt back into the game. Despite having little
to do Ben McGrath was awake to save a quick counter attack and a last ditch
tackle on Alex Biondi by the Sax defender Jarvis prevented an equaliser. Luck
has a habit of levelling itself out in a match with Jordan Southgate’s second
shot from a free kick deflecting off the Sax defender, wrong footing the
unfortunate keeper, to gain Bergholt a valuable point.
Players Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate
Managers Player of the Match: - George Foster
Saxmundham B 0 East Bergholt B 3
The start of the B match coincided with the start of the cold wind and rain
which made conditions difficult for both sides. With mini-man missing due to
illness Bergholt surged forward for an early goal with Deryn Clarke being quick
of the mark as his shot was parried by the Saxmundham keeper but the effort had
enough power to creep over the line. Deryn Clarke made no mistake with his
second blasting home a James Moloney cross. Both sides attacked well and
Saxmundham were unlucky in the second half with sub keeper Dominic Barker saving
Bergholt on three occasions and the Sax attackers missing two open goals this
looked like Bergholt’s day. This was confirmed as against the run of play East
Bergholt extended their lead when Joe Lawrence shot past the advancing keeper
from a Joe Arnold through ball to complete the scoring.
Man of the Match: - Deryn Clarke
Under 11’s Saturday 1st December
Martlesham Bombers A 2 East Bergholt A 5
Despite the East Bergholt manager arriving late with the away strip due to his
error of forgetting that the Bombers also played in green the A side made the
perfect start with Callum Braker delightfully clipping a through ball for
Giorgio Dimuccio to bury for a first minute lead. Martlesham looked for a quick
response and a double save by Ben McGrath to prevent an immediate equaliser. The
two sides settled well with both sides wanting to playing attacking football
giving an open match with plenty of goal scoring opportunities. Jordan Southgate
pulled his shot wide and an amazing run and shot by George Foster was only
matched with an excellent save by the Bombers keeper. On fire Giorgio Dimuccio
slammed a volley via a Callum Braker corner against the cross bar as Bergholt
tried desperately to extend their lead. Martlesham did not sit back with Ben
McGrath speedily out to the strikers feet prior to commencing an quick counter
attack with the Bombers keeper foiling George Foster for the second time.
Giorgio Dimuccio could not believe his luck with his goal bound header being
cleared of the line and the Bombers striker’s effort being well held by Ben
McGrath as the game switched from end to end. Just prior to half time Alex
Biondi smashed home a Giorgio Dimuccio lay off for a 2-0 half time lead. The
action continued in the second half with Giorgio Dimuccio firing over. Bergholt
played some excellent football and it was no surprise when they extended their
lead when Alex Biondi was sharpest to a parried Jordan Southgate free kick. This
was followed with Alex Biondi gaining his third hat trick of the season superbly
volleying home a Callum Braker corner in a crowded area. Credit must be giving
to Martlesham who never let their heads drop and were rewarded midway through
the second half with their striker beating the last man and slotting the ball
past Ben McGrath. The Martlesham keeper was alert to save a Bradley Orton header
and then prevent George Foster’s follow up but any hopes of a comeback were
killed off when the Bombers defender stupidly gave away a penalty for hand ball
that Jordan Southgate duly dispatched past the outstretched keeper. Martlesham
finished the game on top scoring a much deserved second goal just prior to full
time.
Players Man of the Match: - Alex Biondi
Managers Man of the Match: - Giorgio Dimuccio
Martlesham Bombers B 4 East Bergholt B 1
Like the A match this match was closer than the score line suggested with both
sides playing excellent football. The Bombers made the perfect start shooting
past Harry Cobbold. Bergholt tried to fight their way back into the match with
James Moloney shot cannoning against the frame of the goal. Twelve minutes into
the game Martlesham extended the lead with their striker reacting quickly as the
Bergholt defence looked on bewildered. The introduction of mini-man Hayden
Seaman gave Bergholt some life and just prior to half time he gained an assist
for Joe Lawrence to slam the ball home. Both sides continued their search for
goals in the second half with a last ditch tackle on Deryn Clarke preventing
Bergholt from equalising. With time running out Martlesham took advantage of
gaps at the back as Bergholt surged forward in search for an equaliser and
quickly followed this up with their fourth goal of the match just prior to the
final whistle.
Players & Manager Man of the match: - Rowan Harvey
Under 11's Saturday 24th November
East Bergholt A 1 Sutton Heath A 0
An Alex Biondi penalty midway through the second half was enough to award East
Bergholt the 3 points and extend their lead at the top of Division 2A. With
Jordan Southgate missing due to illness Bergholt commenced slowly and only a Joe
Keinzley goal line clearance stopped Bergholt giving away their customary early
goal. Bergholt failed to get to grips with the game as Sutton Heath forced the
early pressure winning 10 corners in the opening 10 minutes. Slowly Bergholt
began to win the territorial battle and a snap shot by Alex Biondi flashed just
wide. Giorgio Dimuccio soon had an effort cleared off the line and George Foster
shot flew over in a hectic two minute spell. Sutton Heath’s keeper looked solid
as Bergholt piled on the pressure, safely clearing a Callum Braker cross then
being quickly out to the feet of Giorgio Dimuccio, after Alex Biondi had played
him clear. Joe Keinzley was next to see his effort cleared by the Heath’s
keepers legs. George Foster headed a Callum Braker cross just wide as Bergholt
looked for a first half lead. Bergholt continued to dominate in the second half
with Bergholt’s keeper, Ben McGrath, a spectator. George Foster’s early effort
flew wide with the keeper producing an excellent save from the same player. Joe
Keinzley’s rocket shot from distance looked like it had finally beaten the
Sutton keeper but the woodwork prevented Bergholt the lead. The keeper was alert
again as Alex Biondi ran through with George firing the follow up wide. Midway
through the secon half Bergholt were awarded a penalty that was superbly slotted
home by Alex Biondi. Bergholt were determined to defend their lead, dropped back
to a more defensive formation and counter attacked with speed. A strong
challenge by Rowan Harvey stopped Sutton’s striker from having a free run on
goal and Alex Biondi finished the game running through only to be prevented from
extending Bergholt’s lead with an another excellent save by Sutton Heath’s Man
of the Match.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Callum Braker
East Bergholt B 3 Sutton Heath B 2
East Bergholt B rose to second place in the B league with a win against fellow
title chases Sutton Heath. Bergholt commenced the game forcing the early
pressure with James Moloney shooting wide. Joe Arnold was next to see his goal
bound effort deflected the wrong side of the post and the resulting near post
corner went into the side netting via a Deryn Clarke knock on. Lawrence McGrath
ventured out of defence only to see his shot pushed wide as Bergholt looked to
take advantage of Sutton Heath’s slow start and Bergholt made no mistake from
their second corner with Deryn Clarke slotting home a near post James Moloney
corner. Bergholt extended their lead when James Moloney & Deryn Clarke combined
will to feed Joe Lawrence for his 13th goal of the season as Bergholt looked
dangerous with every attack. Sutton Heath finally woke up and in the 16th minute
their striker was quickest to react to a loose ball. Both sides attacked in this
open game and just after half time Sutton Heath finally completed their comeback
from 2 goals down. Sub keeper Dominic Barker saved well to prevent Bergholt
going behind and commenced Bergholt’s attack for James Moloney to dribble and
shot past the outstretched keeper for the winning goal.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Deryn Clarke
Under 11’s Saturday 17th November
Ransomes A 5 East Bergholt A 2
The second round draw paired up the 2 division leaders in a match that East
Bergholt could test their credentials for the ambitions for next season. This
was always going to be tough for the Division 2 leaders and they left themselves
an up hill battle by going behind in the opening minute when the ball deflected
some what fortunately into the path of the Ransomes’ striker who had an easy tap
in. Ransomes dominated the early stages with Bergholt relying on the counter
attack with George Foster having an effort tipped wide. Ransomes tried to kill
the game off and a long throw and poor marking gave Ransomes a second simple
goal. Bergholt decided to make a fight of the game and a free kick by George
Foster was knocked on by Alex Biondi into the net. Bergholt surged forward with
Jordan Southgate running through to shoot just wide. Jordan Southgate then
connected with a Callum Braker corner with the same result. Alex Biondi skipped
past the last defender but his cross was blocked and Cullum Braker crossed but
Giorgio Dimuccio’s shot flew past the post. Bergholt tried to force an equaliser
just prior to half time, but left gaps at the back and Ransomes counter attacked
with speed to give them a 3-1 half time lead. Bergholt started the second half
looking for an early goal but again a fast counter attack in the opening minute
extended Ransomes lead. Bergholt kept their heads and battled for every ball but
luck was against them when Alex Biondi received a knee injury, bravely
challenging the keeper and 2 defenders for a loose ball that went just wide.
With Ransomes ex-player Hayden Seaman on in place of Alex Biondi Ransomes
struggled to cope with his pace but Bergholt failed to hit the target. Midway
through the second half Ransomes killed off any chance of an upset by slotting
past Ben McGrath. Bergholt can hold their heads up high and battled until the
end with a consolation goal by a second ex-Ransomes player Deryn Clarke.
Bergholt Man of the Match: Hayden Seaman
Under 11's
Saturday
3rd November
Wickham Market A 0 East
Bergholt A 1
East Bergholt
managed to gain maximum points away to a stubborn Wickham Market side that could
easily have taken them all had it not been for an excellent first half
goalkeeping display by Bergholt’s Ben McGrath. East Bergholt commenced the game
looking for an early goal with Jordan Southgate, Alex Biondi & Callum Braker all
having efforts either blocked or saved. Bergholt dominated play but left large
gaps at the back as Wickham relied in the counter attack; a long distance effort
by the Wickham striker was comfortably saved by Ben McGrath. Bergholt then had
to rely on lady luck as a Wickham shot hit the post and crawled along the line
prior to being cleared. Again Ben McGrath saved Bergholt as Wickham defended in
numbers and counter attacked with speed. Bergholt had their chances with Alex
Biondi flashing an effort over the bar from a Giorgio Dimuccio through ball and
Jordan Southgate’s effort ended the same way via an Alex Biondi lay back.
Bergholt camped themselves in the Wickham penalty area in the second half but
found the stubborn Wickham defence not willing to give up easily. A Giorgio
Dimuccio deflection from an Alex Biondi effort was cleared off the line and the
same player shot wide when an excellent passing move involving most of the
Bergholt side deserved better. George Forster’s free kick stuck the cross bar
and Jordan Southgate’s effort crashed against both posts prior to flying out
with the Bergholt supporters convinced that the effort had crossed the line. An
on fire Jordan Southgate must have thought it was not going to be his day as a
mazy run ended with a shot slamming against the foot of the post but moments
later the Bergholt midfielder shot through a crowded penalty area into the
corner of the net for a deserved winner.
Bergholt Man of the match: - Ben McGrath
Wickham Market A 2 East Bergholt B 4
East Bergholt B
had to come from behind to gain all three points in this battle and return to
winning ways following last weeks shock defeat. Bergholt started well with
Hayden Seaman dancing through and shooting just wide. A double save by Harry
Cobbold prevented Wickham taking the lead on their first attack. Bergholt
continued to force the early pace and Hayden Seaman gave Bergholt a deserved
early lead after a James Moloney dribble and cross gave Hayden an easy tap in.
Rather than build on this lead Bergholt lost the ball all too often and allowed
Wickham time to build and it was no surprise when Wickham Market pulled level in
the 18th minute. Bergholt seemed all at sea and by half time Wickham had taken a
deserved lead. A strong half time talk woke up Bergholt and they were soon on
level terms when Joe Arnold coolly chipped the keeper. Bergholt continued to
build on their new found form with Joe Lawrence returning to his early season’s
goal scoring form to give Bergholt the lead. The game opened up and swung from
end to end with Harry Cobbold sitting on the ball to prevent the Wickham striker
from scoring a hat trick and Hayden Seaman having an effort blocked on the line.
Wickham surged forward and were unlucky with an effort that struck the post.
With time running out Joe Lawrence secured a Bergholt victory turning and
shooting home in a crowded area.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman.
Under 11's
Saturday
3rd November
East Bergholt A 4
Sizewell & Knodishall A 1
East Bergholt A overcame a strong battling performance from SKY to maintain
their position at the top of Division 2. To avoid letting in the customary early
goal Bergholt commenced the game with a more defensive formation. Whist
maintaining a solid defence Bergholt piled on the early pressure with Callum
Braker shooting wide via an excellent cross field pass by George Foster. Callum
made no mistake with his second effort, half volleying an Alex Biondi cross into
the corner of the net. SKY were determined not to lose their way in this battle
and in the 13th minute pulled level when the SKY striker blasted home from the
penalty spot. Both sides attacked with force with George Foster & Giorgio
Dimuccio combining well with George Foster shooting over. Just prior to half
time Alex Biondi slotted home a Giorgio Dimuccio pass to restore Bergholt’s lead
and Alex could have extended the lead pulling a second effort seconds later just
wide. SKY came out of the blocks in the second half determined to pin Bergholt
back with Ben McGrath saving well and Joe Keinzley clearing when the striker
looked destined to score. A Referee substitution was required early in the
second half when
Steve
Bassingwaite limped off with a calf injury. Ten minutes into the second half a
well taken effort by Alex Biondi extended Bergholt’s lead as he ran through and
slotting past the
SKY
keeper. A last ditch tackle prevented Alex Biondi from gaining a hat trick but
the SKY defence could do very little as Jordan Southgate waltzed in from a tight
angle for Bergholt’s fourth.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Callum Braker
East Bergholt
B 1
Sizewell & Knodishall
B 5
East Bergholt B must return quickly to the standard of football that saw them
top the B league earlier in the season. Deryn Clarke’s early shot was pushed
around the post but were rocked back when in the second minute SKY striker
slotted past Harry Cobbold. James Moloney shot could not match his mazy dribble
and Deryn Clarke run and cross was met by Joe Lawrence as Bergholt looked for a
quick response. Bergholt camped themselves in the SKY penalty box but excellent
defending restricted Bergholt’s goal bound efforts. Bergholt broke through in
the 16th minute when James Moloney slotted home from a Bergholt corner but their
joy was short lived as SKY quickly restored their lead. The next goal would be
important and Bergholt started the second half determined to take all 3 points,
but again were rocked by a quick counter attack from SKY to take a 3-1
advantage. Bergholt fell apart trying to run the ball in rather than passing.
Hayden Seaman was nipping through but Bergholt failed to have the killer touch.
2 more goals in the final 5 minutes killed off any chance of a Bergholt come
back.
Bergholt Man of the match: - Hayden Seaman
Under 14's
Saturday 3rd November
East Bergholt 8 Sizewell & Knodishall 3
Bergholt continued their winning ways but the final score doesn’t show how close
Sizewell came to staging an upset.
It took Bergholt eleven minutes to take the lead when Barwick pulled the ball
back from the by-line for MacFarlane shoot home, the ball deflecting in off the
near post. A neat passing moving resulted in Welham being put through with just
the keeper to beat, which he did with confidence, to double Bergholt’s lead.
Garner came close to extending the lead but his side foot lacked place and was
cleared off the line. From the resulting corner, Rutter scored to
make it 3-0 and suggestions of an easy victory ahead. The half time talk from
the Sizewell manager was obviously extremely good as within seconds of the
restart Sizewell got one back when Gallifant slipped. Two minutes later it was 3-2
when Bergholt stood and watched the Sizewell number nine score. Bambridge was
unlucky not to extend Bergholt’s lead but his shot was just cleared by the
Sizewell defence with their keeper beaten. In the 46th minute Barwick chipped to
approaching keeper for Bergholt’s fourth. Again Sizewell replied quickly when
they took advantage of a lack of communication between two Bergholt defenders
and their striker slipped between them to score. Sizewell were back in the game
but a Welham free kick found Barwick free in the area who calmly knocked the
ball into the net. He could easily have scored his hat trick after Welham beat
several players down the left and provided him with an inch perfect pass but the
resulting shot was just wide. Bambridge got Bergholt’s sixth when a Sizewell
defender, in trying to clear a corner, headed the ball to him and he fired it
into the goal. Welham then scored two goals in quick
succession. The first an
easy tap in from a Ballard cross and the second a through ball from Barwick
which he knocked past the keeper to make the final score 8-3.
Under 14's Saturday 27th October
Brantham 0 East Bergholt 4
For a few of the Bergholt squad this local derby
was effectively a home game as the match was played at the High School. With
Brantham unbeaten this season the match was going to be crucial to both sides -
a Brantham win would see them six points clear at the top of the table while a
defeat would put Bergholt on equal points.
Bergholt started the game with Welham playing at right back and Garner on the
right up front. Usually Welham would play wide with Garner in the middle to pick
up the crosses. It was the lack of a target man in the middle that Bergholt only
scored four. Both teams started well and had their share of chances.
It was Garner who broke the deadlock, running onto a through ball to beat the
Brantham keeper. Five minutes latter Rutter passed the ball into the path of
Ballard who slotted the ball into the Brantham net. The match became a scrappy,
hard fought contest - not a day for flowing football. In the second half Lamb
extended Bergholt's lead when he rose above the Brantham defence to head home
from a corner. In the final minute Barwick produced fine individual goal to make
the final score 4-0. So Bergholt picked up the three points and are now equal on
with Brantham in the league. A speedy recovery to Trott who dislocated his jaw
in the first half.
Under 14’s Saturday 20th October
East Bergholt 6 Whitton United 2
With only one player injured and no one away for half term Bergholt fielded a
full strength squad for this game. During the first 30 minutes the teams were
evenly matched and both came close to scoring. Glover broke the deadlock when he
timed his run to perfection to meet an incoming corner and the resultant header
beat the Whitton keeper. In the ensuing minutes both Garner and Welham came
close to increasing the Bergholt lead. After 43 minutes (but still the first
half) Garner latched on a cross from the right to make it 2-0. Bergholt
dominated the early part of the second half and after series of quick passes
Welham found free space to make it 3-0. Within minutes Bergholt scored two more;
firstly with Garner setting up Welham to slot the ball into the net and then
Bambridge’s shot hitting the far post and rebounding in. Now all the Bergholt
players wanted to score and the defence had moved too far up so a clearance by
the Whitton keeper enabled one of their forwards to run onto the ball and knock
it past Orchard in the Bergholt goal. Whitton scored again shortly afterwards in
a goal mouth melee from a corner. This jolted Bergholt back into life and in the
36th minute a through ball from Gallifant found Ballard unmarked who provided
the finish to make it 6-2. So another three points for Bergholt after a rather
long (83 minutes) match.
Under 11's Saturday 20th October
East Bergholt A 4
Framlingham Town A 1
The early start must have confused many of the East Bergholt A players as they
struggled to pass, run or even compete in a first half which Framlingham
controlled. Ben McGrath saved Bergholt from conceding their customary goal in
the opening minutes flying across to save a top corner effort from the Town
striker. A stalemate first half came to life minutes prior to half time with
East Bergholt’s Jordan Southgate missing a penalty after Alex Biondi was brought
down in the box and seconds later Alex Biondi battled through but was denied by
Ashley Wright in the Framlingham goal. A constructive discussion at half time by
the Bergholt players saw them start the second half with the same passion that
has seen them climb the table. Ashley Wright was alert to a George Foster effort
then the same player curled the ball wide. Alex Biondi missed Bergholts second
penalty of the day as Bergholt attempted to take advantage of the early second
half pressure. Five minutes into the second half George Forster coolly slotted
home an Alex Biondi cross to give Bergholt the lead and seconds later Ashley
Wright’s cat like dive and save prevented George for scoring his second of the
match. Bergholt extended their lead via Giorgio Dimuccio slotting home an Alex
Biondi assist and with Jordan Southgate hitting the post after a mazy dribble
Bergholt had final got out of second gear. Giorgio Dimuccio scored his 2nd of
the match from the edge of the box to give Bergholt some much needed breathing
space as Framlingham tried to battle their way back into the match. The third
penalty of the match was saved by Bergholt’s Ben McGrath but the Bergholt keeper
could do very little after superbly parrying a town strike as the Framlingham
striker was first to react. Giorgio Dimuccio was determined to restore
Bergholt’s three goal advantage and slotted past the Framlingham keeper for his
first hat trick for the club.
Bergholt Man of the match: - Giorgio Dimuccio
East Bergholt B 1 Framlingham Town B 1
A goal by Deryn Clarke in the firstt minute gave Bergholt the
advantage against the only side to beat East Bergholt B this season. Bergholt
piled on the early pressure with Framingham’s keeper Johann Hannay saving from
Joe Lawrence. Hayden Seaman was causing the Framlingham defence trouble with his
pace with the town keeper saving Town on several occasions. Framlingham slowly
clawed their way back into the match with Harry Cobbold coming to Bergholt twice
but just prior to half time Harry could do very little to prevent Framlingham
pulling level. Bergholt dominated the second half with Framlingham defending
deep. Johann Hannay prevented Hayden Seaman, Deryn Clarke, and Joe Lawrence for
restoring Bergholt’s lead. With time running out Bergholt piled forward though
it was Johann Hannay who had the last say in the match by superbly saving from
Deryn Clarke to gain a valuable point.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Harry Cobbold
Under 11's
Saturday 13th October
East Bergholt A 3 Saxmundham Town A 2
A goal in the dying seconds by East Bergholt secured the 3 points in this top of
the table battle. For the fourth time this season Bergholt gave themselves an up
hill struggle conceding a goal in the opening 30 seconds when the nippy
Saxmundham striker rounded Ben McGrath and slotted into an empty net. Bergholt
surged forward for an immediate reply and excellent one touch football involving
Callum Braker and Giorgio Dimuccio allowed Alex Biondi a simple tap in. Giorgio
Dimuccio gave Bergholt the lead in the sixth minute latching on to a poor goal
kick by Saxmundham and they were unlucky not to extend the lead via Joe Keinzley,
whose shot drifted wide. Saxmundham were happy to sit back, soak up the pressure
and hit Bergholt on the counter attack with pace with Ben McGrath saving at the
striker’s feet. Callum Braker and Giorgio both had efforts deflect wide with
Jordan Southgate’s free kick cannoned against the post. Saxmundham always looked
dangerous and were unlucky to see a shot hit against the post and then cleared
off the line. The pattern was already set for the second half in the opening
minute when Alex Biondi had an attempt on goal well save, and Callum Braker’s
cross avoid all skimming the far post. Ben McGrath saved well from the
Saxmundham striker and from the resulting corner Saxmundham slammed the ball
past the Bergholt keeper. Bergholt piled forward but the 3 Town defenders soak
up all the pressure and when it looked like everyone had settled for a draw Alex
Biondi found himself unmarked to turn and slam the ball off the bar into the net
for a dramatic winner.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Alex Biondi
East Bergholt B 6 Saxmundham Town B 2
East Bergholt B
went on an early rampage to jump to the top of the B league. Deryn Clarke & Joe
Lawrence both had early efforts saved prior to Joe Lawrence heading home a
Hayden Seaman cross. Within 30 seconds Hayden Seaman ran through for Bergholts
second and a minute later Joe Lawrence hammered home a penalty as Bergholt took
an early command of the match. Joe Lawrence scored his second hat trick of the
season in the tenth minute with Haden soon scoring his second of the match after
16 minutes. Bradley Orton supplied fellow substitute James Moloney for Bergholts
sixth as they looked like scoring on every attack. Saxmundham lifted their game
in the second half and played some good passing football as Bergholt struggled
to string two passes together often trying to go solo rather than the passing
game that had served them well in the first half. Saxmundham pulled a goal back
midway through the second half that resulted with all the senior players warming
up for their afternoon fixture to stand and applaud and seconds later reduced
the arrears as Bergholt failed to clear. Bergholt regrouped and held out to
secure the victory.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Harry Cobbold
Under 14's Saturday 6th October
Kirton 1 East Bergholt 10
Bergholt strolled
though this first round cup tie to secure a home game against Whitton in the
next round. Right from the kick off Bergholt always looked the eventual winners
and after 12 minutes Welham side footed a pass from Rutter past keeper to make
it 1-0. In the next few minutes both Garner and Trott both hit the woodwork
before Grover found himself unmarked at the far post to head home from a corner.
Garner made it three when he lobbed the approaching Kirton keeper. On 29 minutes
Ballard took advantage of a poor clearance by the Kirton defence to provide
Garner the opportunity to secure his second. Just before half time Bambridge
made it 5-0. Seven minutes into the second half Bambridge ran onto the ball,
from a suspiciously off side position, for 6-0. Rutter then made it 7-0 with an
easy tap in and moments later was brought down in the area. The Kirton keeper
made an excellent save, low down to his right, from Ballard’s penalty kick.
Sloppy defending enable Rutter top punish the loose ball. Kirton scored a
consolation goal after 63 minutes when their striker was quick to follow up on a
rebound from the Bergholt crossbar. In the final five minutes Bergholt had
several chances although it was Rutter who scored twice to make the final score
10-1. Overall a good all round performance with the rotation of the substitutes
working very well. Every player knew how long they were playing for and was
therefore able to maximise their effort – let’s hope this continues.
Under 11's Saturday 6th October
East
Bergholt A 10 Framlingham Town A 2
East Bergholt progressed into the next round of the cup by hitting double
figures against a weakened Framlingham Town side. With their 2 best players away
on holiday this was always going to be a tough challenge for Framlingham and
with Bergholt at full strength they piled on the early pressure. Alex Biondi
shot an early effort across goal and Jordan Southgate skimmed the top of the bar
in the opening minutes. Giorgio Dimuccio made the early pressure count as an
Alex Biondi cross cannoned of Giorgio into the net. The excellent Framlingham
keeper made five superb saves as Bergholt bombarded the Framlingham goal prior
to commencing a counter attack that rocked Bergholt back to 1-1. Alex Biondi
slotted home a Callum Braker cross to restore the lead for Bergholt straight
from the kick off and were unlucky when Giorgio Dimuccio slammed his effort
against the post. George Foster gave Bergholt some breathing space just prior to
half time when his shot come cross slipped through the keeper’s hands. A goal
blitz in the second half was started when George Foster scored his second of the
match within a minute of the restart and Callum Braker gained a second assist
for Alex Biondi to give Bergholt a 5-1 lead. Alex Biondi skipped past the last
defender to gain his second hat-trick of the season and Callum Braker shot
avoided all in the crowded penalty area as Bergholt continued their scoring.
Giorgio Dimuccio scored his second as Bergholt heads were high and Framlingham
seemed demoralised. Jordan Southgate fired a free kick for his first goal for
the club. Framlingham managed to lift their spirits and scored a deserved
second. Jordan Southgate scored his second and Bergholts tenth just prior to the
referee blowing the final whistle.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate
East
Bergholt B 1 Framlingham Town B 3
East Bergholt B lost their first game of the season to end any hope of a cup run
this season. An early goal for Framlingham meant that Bergholt had to chase the
match as they struggled to play the flowing football that has seen them placed
near the top of the B league. Framlingham were happy to defend the second half
and counter attack with pace. 6 minutes into the second half James Moloney
pulled Bergholt level and Bergholt were unlucky not to take the lead as
Framlingham defended in numbers. Bradley Orton saw 2 shots saved as Bergholt
chased the win. Lawrence McGrath was left with little support as Framlingham
striker counter attacked to give Framlingham the lead again and with Bergholt
trying to take the game into extra time Framlingham extended their lead to
progress through to the second round of the cup.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Haden Seaman
Under 14's Saturday 29th September
Claydon 0 East Bergholt 5
The slope down to the pitch at Claydon makes this
venue one of the best in the league for spectators. Those who watched his game
witnessed Bergholt continue goal feast.
Bergholt couldn't have asked for a better start when, after two minutes,
Garner gathered the ball from a throw-in and passed the ball back, from
the by-line, to Welham to side foot home. Garner continued to worry the Claydon
defence and provided chances for McFarlane, who shot wide, and Bambridge, who
presented the Claydon keeper with an easy save. It wasn't all one way and the
Claydon number 7 looked dangerous but all too often was left without support.
Bergholt's attacks came down the left leaving the right hand wing empty. Several
times Claydon exploited this gap to launch attacks. After 32 minutes a Claydon
defender lost possession on the edge of their box and Garner slotted the loose
ball into the net to score Bergholt's second. At the beginning of the second
half Ballard moved out to the right giving Bergholt much needed width while
later in the game he swapped sides with Welham. Claydon didn't give up and once
again their number 7 came close to scoring. After 60 minutes Ballard made it
three and seven minutes later a defence splitting pass found Welham in empty
space on the right and he calmly put the ball away for Bergholt's fourth.
In the last few minutes Garner's fine individual effort made it 5-0.
Under 11's Saturday 29th September
East Bergholt A
4 Whitton A 3
An excellent comeback by East Bergholt or Whitton throwing the game away, I’m
sure you would get two different opinions from both managers. Again Bergholt
found themselves a goal down in the first minute of the match when the Whitton
striker headed home from an in swinging free kick. Bergholt struggled to settle
with Ben McGrath coming to Bergholts rescue time after time in a first half that
Bergholt were always second to the ball. Just prior to half time and totally
against the run of play, a Joe Keinzley shot from distance flew past the Whitton
keeper. Whitton did not drop their heads and in injury time a silly cross field
pass enabled Whitton to walk off at half time with their heads held high.
Bergholt’s managers half time talk must have sent the boys to sleep as within 15
seconds of the restart the found themselves 3-1 down. Something finally snapped
into place for Bergholt when George Foster headed home a Giorgio Dimuccio cross
to give Bergholt some hope, then minutes later Giorgio Dimuccio headed home a
Cullum Braker corner to pull level. On fire Bergholt surged forward as the
bewildered Whitton looked shell shocked as Alex Biondi ran through to complete
the scoring and steel all 3 points.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Ben McGrath
East Bergholt B 7 Whitton B 5
The free scoring B side continued their excellent start to the season against a
Whitton side that made a fight of a match they looked to have completely lost in
the first 15 minutes. Joe Arnold started the scoring within 2 minutes, lobbing
an advancing keeper. This was closely followed by Joe Lawrence and Hayden Seaman
as Bergholt looked like scoring every time they attacked. James Moloney skipped
past the last defender for Bergholts fourth and the game looked over as Haden
Seaman scored his second. Hayden went in search for a first half hat trick and
was only denied by an excellent stop from Whitton United’s keeper. A silky ran
by Leonardo Ciufo pulled Whitton back into the game and the same player was
involved as Bergholt were tested for the first time in the match. Just as you
await the half time whistle both sides decided to carry on scoring with Joe
Lawrence restoring a 4 goal advantage for Bergholt followed by Whitton going
into half time by reducing the scoring on the very next attack. The goal feast
slowed down in the second half but did not stop. Whitton scored their fourth of
the match 11 minutes into the second half but could do nothing as a strong Joe
Lawrence ran through for this hat-trick and Bergholts seventh. Whitton made for
a nervous ending to this match by scoring in the last minute then slotting a
penalty just wide in injury time.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Joe Arnold
Under 11's Saturday 22nd September
East Bergholt A 5 Sporting 87 A 0
A hat-trick from George Foster and a brace from Callum Braker secured East
Bergholt their second win of the season against a determined Sporting 87 side.
Bergholt, for the third week running, took time to settle into the match and had
to rely on a last ditch clearance from Rowan Harvey to prevent Sporting taking
an early lead. Slowly Bergholt took control of the match with Callum Braker
having a shot blocked and Jordan Southgate seeing his follow up deflected wide.
Giorgio Dimuccio was next to be denied with Alex Biondi & George Foster both
coming close in a hectic 5 minutes that ended with a double save from Sporting’s
keeper, Kieran Podbury, preventing Giorgio Dimuccio giving Bergholt a deserved
lead. Sporting counter attacked well with Matt Clements firing a shot against
the bar. In the 20th minute George Foster gave Bergholt the lead, skipping past
the last defender via an Alex Biondi knock on and doubled the lead a minute
later with George Foster slotting home from a tight angle. Bergholt continued to
play some excellent football in the second half but over eagerness let Bergholt
down; shooting from long distance instead of playing in a more suitable team
mate. Half way through the second half Bergholt realised they could pass and a
move involving George Foster & Jordan Southgate allowed Callum Braker to slot
home. Callum Braker followed this up with a header for his second from a Giorgio
Dimuccio flick on and with time running out Alex Biondi crossed for George
Foster to complete his hat trick.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - George Foster.
East
Bergholt B 5 Sporting 87 B 5
East Bergholt B’s gave away a convincing lead to draw a match they should have
secured. Hayden Seaman celebrated his return from holiday with a 9th minute goal
from a James Moloney cross. Joe Arnold was unlucky to see his half volley fly
just over as Bergholt looked comfortable. A manic end to the first half saw
Sporting pull level in the 18th minute prior to Hayden Seaman scoring his second
minutes later, when Joe Lawrence unselfishly played him through. In first half
injury time Bradley Orton slotted home to extend Bergholts lead with Sporting
replying immediately, prior to Joe Lawrence restoring Bergholts 2 goal lead. The
half time whistle was a relief to all. The second half continued as the first
with end to end action. Ben McGrath shot wide from the penalty spot but made
amend seconds later by scoring his first of the season. Sporting then grabbed a
life line with the Bergholt midfield forgetting they had to defend. A corner by
Sporting made it 5-4 and minutes later the comeback was finished with Sporting
scoring from their 3rd consecutive corner. Bergholt threw everything forward to
try to secure the win that would have ensured them top position but found the
stubborn Sporting defence not willing to give away the points.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman/Ben McGrath
Under 11’s
Saturday 15th September
Holbrook Hornets A 3 East Bergholt A 2
East Bergholt A were giving a first minute setback when Holbrook Hornets were
award and scored from the penalty spot. Bergholt struggled to come to terms with
the decision and gave the ball away on several occasions with Ben McGrath saving
on twice. Once Bergholt settled they played excellent passing football with
Jordan Southgate testing the Hornets keeper. In the fifteenth minute Giorgio
Dimuccio scored a contender for goal of the season with a volley following
excellent build up involving all the other 5 outfield Bergholt players. Both
sides played excellent football with the speedy Holbrook attacker shooting just
wide prior to Alex Biondi & Jordan Southgate coming close for Bergholt. Alex
Biondi & Jordon Southgate combined for Cullum Braker to shot just wide early in
the second half and George Foster saw his shot fly wide from the edge of the box
as Bergholt took territorial control. Six minutes into the second half Cullum
Braker slotted home from two metres after the excellent Holbrook keeper could
only manage to parry a Giorgio Dimuccio shot. A sliced kick by Bergholt’s last
defender gave the speedy attacker a free run on goal to allow the Hornets back
into the match. The game swung from end to end with a goal mouth scramble being
cleared of the line with three Bergholt attackers homing in. Holbrook regained
the lead in the eighteenth minute with a well worked goal then defended the
final eight minutes resolutely to hold out for three valuable points.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Jordan Southgate
Holbrook
Hornets B 3 East Bergholt B 4
East Bergholt B maintained their 100% record with an excellent win away to
Holbrook Hornets. Harry Cobbold was called into early action, saving from the
Holbrook attacker. Bergholt took a seventh minute lead when a corner from Joe
Lawrence was deflected into the net. Holbrook instantly responded when the
Bergholt keeper let a shot slip through his legs and minutes later took the lead
scoring from close range. Bergholt flooded forward with Deryn Clarke supplying
James Moloney with a simple tap in. Both B sides wanted to gain three points
from this tight fixture and it was Bergholt who regained the lead when Joe
Arnold scored from long range and extended their lead. Fifteen minutes into the
second half Bradley Orton slotted home a James Moloney corner to extend
Bergholt’s lead. Holbrook Hornets bombarded the Bergholt goal and reduced the
arrears with a clever flick over Bergholt’s last defender. Bergholt managed to
hold out for the remaining eight minutes with back to the wall defending as
Holbrook fired in from all angles with Harry Cobbold producing four superb saves
making up for his earlier error.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Bradley Orton
Under 14’s
Saturday 15th September
St Johns 1 East Bergholt 2
Over the summer Bergholt have strengthened their side with a number of players
from Lexden Saints. These players certainly made the difference in this game
against rivals St Johns who, in the same fixture last season, had won 10-1. Both
sides took time to settle but it was Bergholt who took the lead after nine
minutes after an excellent individual goal from
Diasko Garner. Bergholt continue to pile on the pressure and came close
to adding a second when Trott headed just over from a Welham cross.
St Johns, rather than moving
down the weaker wings, continued to attack down the middle of the pitch where
Elliot, in the Bergholt defence, removed any danger. Just before half time St
Johns reminded Bergholt that the game was not over when they came close the
equalizing but the shot was just wide. In the second half
St Johns
were more determined and should have scored but their striker shot straight at
Galifant, the Bergholt keeper, from six yards. Bergholt replied with both Garner
and Armstrong having chances. St Johns equalized after 63 minutes when their
striker lobbed, from the edge of the box, the approaching Galifant. Garner
continued to worry the St Johns defence and was unlucky not to score after
beating three defenders. Galifant, who was often acting as a sweeper for
Bergholt, ran into trouble when the bounce from the ball caught him out and he
was booked for deliberate handball. However from the ensuing free kick he
redeemed himself with an excellent save. With time running out (although the
referee was playing 40 minutes each way and not 35), and a draw
looking likely, Garner passed the ball to Armstrong who somehow managed to hold
off both a defender and the keeper with the resultant shot hitting the inside of
the far post before rebounding into the goal to give Bergholt the victory.
Overall a fine team performance from Bergholt and one on which to build on.
Under 11’s Saturday 8th September
Trimley Red Devils A 1 East Bergholt A 4
This new East Bergholt side commenced the season in great form
with a convincing 4-1 win away to Trimley Red Devils. Cullum Braker’s early shot
was well saved and Ben McGrath was also called into early action as both sides
tried to settle. Bergholt took territory control with George Foster shooting
just over. Against the run of play The Red Devils took the lead in the 8th
minute when the Bergholt defence failed to clear an early cross. Bergholt looked
for a quick response but had to wait until the 15 minute mark when Deryn Clarke
turned and shot via an Alex Biondi assist to pull level. This lifted Bergholt’s
spirits and they started to play excellent one touch football with George Foster
shooting over after a move involving 5 Bergholt players. Jordan Southgate shot
over and Alex Biondi & Cullum Braker both having shots well saved just prior to
the break. The on form Trimley keeper started the second half akin to the first
with 2 excellent saves from George Foster & Jordan Southgate. Soon after Alex
Biondi gave Bergholt a second half lead scoring his 50th competitive goal for
Bergholt following a delicate knock on from Deryn Clarke. A header & shot went
just wide from Alex Biondi as Bergholt went in search of more goals and it was
no surprise when Alex Biondi latched onto a Giorgio Dimuccio pass to power his
shot past the Trimley keeper. Alex followed this up minutes later to complete
his hat-trick with a mazy dribble and shot to score Bergholt’s fourth.
Bergholt Man of the
Match: - Alex Biondi
Trimley Red Devils B 0 East Bergholt 4
A 4-0 win gave East Bergholt B’s a perfect start to the season.
Giorgio Dimuccio & Joe Arnold both were unlucky not to score early as Bergholt
settled quickly. Hayden Seaman’s shot was well saved just prior to Giorgio
Dimuccio finishing off a goalmouth scramble in the 10th minute. A one-two
between Giorgio Dimuccio & James Moloney was tipped around the post. Bergholt
extended their lead when Lawrence McGrath coolly shot through a crowded area
into the corner of the net. Hayden Seaman’s pace was causing problems for the
Trimley defence as he supplied the Bergholt attack with several chances that the
Trimley keeper managed to halt. Bergholt continued to attack early in the second
half with Joe Lawrence scoring after the Trimley keeper could only parry a James
Moloney shot. Joe Lawrence’s turn and shot gave him his 2nd and Bergholt’s 4th
as Bergholt over ran the Trimley defence. This seemed to lift Trimley and they
were unlucky on 2 occasions not to reduce the score line.
Bergholt
Man of the Match: - Hayden Seaman
