Under 11a Home Page

Sun 28 Sep 08 Taverham v Fakenham

Sun 12 Oct 08 Taverham v Dereham

Sun 19 Oct 08 Taverham v Attleborough

Sun 2 Nov 08 Taverham v Hellesdon

Sun 16 Nov 08 Mattishall v Taverham

Sun 30 Nov 08 Taverham v Wymondham

Sun 4 Jan 09 Taverham v Sprowston

Sun 11 Jan 09 Fakenham v Taverham

Sun 1 Feb 09 Attleborough v Taverham

Sun 8 Feb 09 Taverham v Lakeford

Sun 15 Feb 09 Hellesdon v Taverham

Sun 22 Feb 09 Taverham v Mattishall

Sun 1 Mar 09 Taverham v Old Catton

Sun 8 Mar 09 Norman v Taverham

Sun 15 Mar 09 Old Catton v Taverham

Sun 22 Mar 09 Poringland v Taverham

Sun 29 Mar 09 Taverham v Norman

Sun 28 Sep 08 Taverham v Fakenham

A glorious autumnal morning greeted players and parents for this eagerly anticipated fixture with title contenders Fakenham Town. Both teams started the game positively with some good ‘pass and move’ action. Early exchanges saw Taverham make full use of a strong midfield line-up with Toby making his trademark runs on the left, Oakley lively on the right, with Harley and Damon providing the engine room in the middle of the park.

The first goal was always going to be crucial and the breakthrough came from Oakley’s clever through ball finding Harley, who finished beautifully with a right-foot shot. The visitors were a physically big team and threatened the Taverham goal several times but the defence held strong with commanding performances in goal by Tom and Craig leading the line. A quick throw in, a knock-on and a diving header by Damon took the home team into half-time with a 2 - 0 lead. 

Fakenham applied some sustained pressure early in the second half resulting in an indirect free-kick. A floated ball and a powerful, far-post header cut the lead in half. Taverham always looked dangerous and the third goal came after some great midfield play with Harley finishing ‘Roy of the Rovers’ style with a left-foot strike from the edge of the box. Sensing the visitor’s heads had dropped, and with fresh legs up front from Georgie and Brayden, Taverham continued to push forwards and secured the victory with an instinctive goal from Luke, pouncing on the edge of the 6-yard box and shooting low into the corner of the net.     

From the first whistle to the last, this proved to be a physical, lively and entertaining game. Well done the lads!     
 

Sun 12 Oct 08 Taverham v Dereham

The Dereham defence looked uncertain when under pressure and the breakthrough came against the run of the play, when Luke’s low ball deflected in for an own goal (1-0). The goal settled the home team down and they started to win more of the ball. Lewis showing great determination in the tackle, Damon and Harley both having good efforts cleared. Confidence was growing throughout the team, epitomised by Ashley’s 60 yard run from his own half, whipping an excellent ball into the box. The lead was almost extended when first Jakob, then Oakley, went one on one with the keeper. The game was tight, Dereham looked dangerous and Taverham needed a great save from Tom to prevent the equaliser just before half time.  

The second half started much the same as the first, with Dereham forcing the play and looking threatening. The equaliser came courtesy of an excellent long-range effort that Tom could only get his finger tips to
(1-1). With confidence still running high, Taverham continued to push forwards, Harley and Jakob causing confusion in the penalty area and forcing another own goal (2-1). Excellent work by Brayden found Jakob free in the penalty area, who played Damon in to finish first time from 10 yards out (3-1). The game was end to end, Dereham testing the Taverham defence on several occasions before getting a simple goal back, despite great defensive efforts from Cameron and Craig. (3-2).  

A high ball by Dereham brought Tom charging off his line, only to concede a free kick in the ‘D’ which was narrowly drilled over the bar. Harley was proving a handful for the visitors and he found Toby left of the penalty area, who took the ball on and finished well into the far corner (4-2). Taverham looked strong despite their exertions and they finished the game off when Brayden, showing great strength, broke into the box and set Jakob up to finish at close-range (5-2). Toby almost made it six before the end with a beautiful shot hitting the bar. 

Gary’s man of the match: Jakob                   
 

Sun 19 Oct 08 Taverham v Attleborough

The second half started with Taylor and Oakley replaced by Georgie and Braydon. Taverham carried on from the first half with some purposeful play down the right wing from Georgie, and Luke playing some great football up front. The home team applied the pressure on Attleborough forcing a good save from the keeper at the far post. Attleborough came close to pulling a goal back late on, hitting the crossbar from a good shot, but the game finished 5-0.       

Gary’s man of the match: Luke 
 

Sun 2 Nov 08 Taverham v Hellesdon

A tentative start to the game by both teams was not helped by the wet, heavy conditions underfoot.

Following some scrappy play, Georgie made a good run down the right and created a half chance for Luke, who shot narrowly wide. The visitor’s were well organised with a five-man midfield, and applied some early pressure on the Taverham goal, with Craig and Cameron called into action. Toby and Jakob combined well on the left wing, with some neat football, and almost found an opening in the resilient Hellesdon defence.

The game was scrappy, with rare glimpses of quality from Taverham, who were now starting to dominate possession in the middle of the park, but were struggling to find a way through a well-organised defence. A corner for Taverham caused a goal-mouth scramble and Toby shot wide of the post. Cameron looked very solid at the back, limiting the visitor’s chances, and then starting the next wave of attack. The break-through came when Cameron won the ball and spread it wide to Toby down the wing…who finished with a powerful, long-range shot (1-0). Damon and Jakob both went close to extending the lead, but the Hellesdon keeper was proving hard to beat.

Hellesdon started the second half brightly, with some sustained pressure resulting in a powerful shot, which was brilliantly saved by Tom. The game was still scrappy, with a few chances created at both ends. Damon and Harley were coming into the game more now and some great passing opened up the Hellesdon defence once again, only to see the keeper make another fine save. With the final whistle in sight, Oakley was played through by Damon, taking the ball into the penalty and finishing well with a low shot into the bottom corner (2-0). Shortly after the re-start, Toby broke free on the left and whipped a ball into the box, where Damon and Oakley were waiting, and it was Oakley who got the simplest of tap-ins to finish the game off (3-0).

Gary’s man of the match: Cameron
 

Sun 16 Nov 08 Mattishall v Taverham

Taverham were quick off the mark, applying early pressure down the right, with Harley and Georgie forcing a corner. The out-swinging ball was only cleared as far as Toby, who floated a great ball in for Damon to head home (1-0).  From the re-start, Mattishall went searching for an equaliser, and almost found it, with a great shot which Tom dealt with superbly. At the other end, Georgie’s throw found its way through the defence, and Jakob pounced to slot the ball home (2-0).

Harley, Toby and Damon were dominating the midfield, and following a beautifully floated ball from Harley, Damon volleyed into the net (3-0). Taverham were completely in control, and the chances were coming thick and fast, and following some excellent team play between Harley, Toby and Damon, Georgie found himself inside the box, and unselfishly pulled the ball back for Jakob to net (4-0). No sooner had the match re-started, and Toby was on a jinking, twisting run, riding several tackles before whipping the ball in for Damon to fire home (5-0).

The second half started as the first had finished, with Harley giving a powerful display in the middle, and following a great cross by Georgie, Damon netted for his hat-trick (6-0). Mattishall were hanging in, and showed glimpses of form, but Tom was in no hurry to break his run of clean sheets. Another brilliant run by Toby set Harley up for his first (7-0). Georgie and Toby both had fine shots saved before a mistake by the keeper, let in the ever-alert Jakob to slot into an empty net (8-0).

Taverham, detecting their opponents heads had dropped, piled the pressure on, and this time it was Oakley as provider, playing Cameron through, who drilled the ball into the far corner (9-0). Jakob was looking dangerous, and he pounced again inside the six yard box, this time with his left foot (10-0). Another magnificent run by Toby set Cameron up for his second of the game (11-0). With the whistle about to blow, Jakob took the final opportunity of the game, stabbing home his fifth goal of the game (12-0). 

Gary’s man of the match: Wow, what a choice…but Harley just edged it!     
 

Sun 30 Nov 08 Taverham v Wymondham

The tricky conditions were creating numerous scrambles in the penalty area, Toby had a shot cleared off the line and Jakob went close again. Wymondham were proving resilient though, and following a quick break, the home team conceded a free kick just outside the area. A good shot forced Tom to push wide for a corner, which was almost converted from a far post header. The Taverham back four looked strong, with some tough tackling and excellent break-up play. Taylor intercepted on the edge of his own area and started the next move, which ended with an excellent long range effort from Harley saved, but Jakob followed up and rounded the keeper for his second (3-0). Some lovely football from Cameron who played Luke through, but his shot was well-saved, only for Georgie to follow up and slot the ball home (4-0). Another great interception by the Taverham defence set up the next attack, with Lewis playing a great first-time ball to Toby down the left, who charged into the penalty area and finished with a sublime chip (5-0). 

The second half started as the first had finished, with more Taverham pressure on the visitor’s goal, and from another penalty area scramble, Braydon finished well in the far corner (6-0). Wymondham were still showing some attacking ambition, but the Taverham defence consistently mopped up the danger. Despite the conditions, Taverham were playing some great pass and move football with Lewis, Cameron and Georgie all going close to scoring. It was Braydon who added to the tally, with a fine poacher’s goal, following another goal mouth scramble (7-0). 

The visitors were starting to look tired, and Jakob took full advantage of some good midfield work from Harley to find space to fire in (8-0). Lewis and Oakley both made good interceptions and started another attacking move, with Toby and Harley having their shots well saved. Harley was looking good for a goal, and it finally came from a corner, with a fine far post header (9-0). Toby had ran the defence ragged for most of the match, and after another penetrating run, he was brought down in the area. Lewis stepped up to take the penalty, and crashed the ball against the cross bar. Wymondham had a final attack down the left, resulting in a free kick. The ball was fired into the box, headed towards the goal, but Harley was there to clear off the line.               

Gary’s man of the match: Tom, for an assured performance and his fourth clean sheet on the bounce!
   

Sun 4 Jan 09 Taverham v Sprowston

A bitterly cold morning for the first match in 2009, and it was the visitors who settled first. With lots of early possession, the Sprowston team applied pressure on a nervous Taverham, without creating a clear chance. Braydn and Jakob combined well to set up Georgie, who chipped just over the bar. Harley played a great through-ball for Toby on the edge of the box, but the shot was deflected for a corner. From the corner, Jakob tried a near-post flick, but it went the wrong side of the post.  

Sprowston were enjoying the majority of possession and had a good move down the left, testing Ashley and Craig, but their long range effort was easily saved by Tom. The pressure was mounting and when an in-swinging corner was not cleared, Sprowston had a simple chance to score, and they took it (0 – 1). The goal further unsettled the home team and they were soon under more pressure. A high-ball into the Taverham box was not cleared and the ball bounced kindly for a Sprowston player, who headed it into the net (0 – 2). The second goal seemed to spark Taverham into life and inject some urgency into their play, first Jakob and then Toby broke through the defence and tested the keeper.  

The home team started the second half as they had finished the first, with some good possession. Taverham broke well down the left and a high cross from Toby found Luke in the area. Luke’s effort was well-saved but Jakob followed up and finished from close range to pull one back (1 – 2). Taverham looked more positive in the tackle now and were winning more of the second ball but Sprowston still looked dangerous and tested Tom’s goal numerous times before they broke down the right side, stretching the defence with a low cross, which was converted at close range (1 – 3).  

The game was end to end, Taverham having half chances but the ball was not falling kindly for them. Again Sprowston stretched the 3-man Taverham defence, Oakley heading a goal-bound ball off the line. The visitors found space down the right once again and whipped a good ball into the box which Tom was unable to hold onto, and left a simple tap in (1 – 4). 

Gary’s man of the match: None selected   
 

Sun 11 Jan 09 Fakenham v Taverham

Following the disappointing performance last week, the boys had much to prove to themselves, and a cold, windy Fakenham Town, provided the perfect opportunity. From the whistle, Taverham took early possession with some composed, confident and purposeful play. The first chance came through some great link-up play from Oakley, Cameron and Damon, sending Harley through who shot just wide. Despite the physical size of the home team, the boys showed no fear in the tackle, and the likes of Harley and Damon were starting to dominate midfield. 

Harley set Braydn up for a chance in the box, but he shot narrowly wide. Showing power and pace, Damon burst into the box, cutting the ball back for Harley who sent a great ball into the far post, just missing Toby’s run. Results in the league showed Fakenham were dangerous and they soon forced a good save from Tom, diving at the striker’s feet. Chances were coming regularly, Toby, Jakob and Oakley each having long range shots, but the breakthrough came following great work by Jakob down the left wing and a far post cross for Damon to put in the net (0 – 1). Toby was next to find a way through, a powerful run from just past the halfway line, riding tackles into the box and rifling the ball home low into the corner (0 – 2). 

Taverham continued the pressure by forcing a corner, which was only cleared to Cameron on the edge of the box, who whipped a first-time curling shot just wide. Taverham were playing some great one-touch football, and after good work by Toby down the left, Jakob finished with a stunning shot into the top corner (0 – 3). The back four looked confident and were winning just about everything in front of their own goal, but it was Craig that took the ball on deep in Fakenham territory, twisting and turning past four Fakenham players before setting Jakob up, who shot just over the bar. 

The start of the second half was end to end, with Fakenham enjoying their best period of play, forcing Tom into some fine saves and one on ones. But Taverham showed their edge with another midfield break sending the ball up to Braydn who neatly squared it to Toby for a sublime chip over the keeper (0 - 4).The defence were holding out well, Lewis and Craig in the thick of the action, but following a breakthrough by the Fakenham striker, Tom raced off his line and cleanly took the ball first (and then a bit of the player) only for a penalty to be awarded, but the spot kick was sent over the bar…justice had been served!  

Taverham continued the pressure, searching for another goal, and they found it after a break down the right by Damon, whose low cross avoided everyone in the box, and found Toby at the far post for a tap in (0 – 5). Fakenham had not given up and had one final attack on goal, but Tom was up to the challenge of yet another one on one, diving at the striker’s feet. 

Gary’s man of the match: Joint award for Tom and Toby    
 

In tough ‘arctic’ conditions Taverham enjoyed early possession without really creating anything. Attleborough had improved a lot from the start of season, and with their first possession of the game down the left, they fired in a shot which Tom could only able palm away into the path of their striker, who slotted home (1-0). Damon and Harley were engineering play in the midfield, Jakob was sent clean through, but their keeper was quick off his line to clear.

The snowy conditions were proving difficult for both teams with plenty of unforced errors. Taverham were starting to dominate and Harley went close with an overhead kick, crashing against the bar and Toby hitting the outside of the post. The break-through came from Tom’s kick; Damon anticipated the high-bounce over the defenders head and was clean through, a superb chip over the keeper (1-1). Shortly after, Cameron split the defence with a great ball, sending Harley one on one with the keeper, but he shot narrowly wide.

Taverham started well in the second half, Ashley creating a good chance after a powerful run down the wing set up Damon for a near post header. At the back, Craig was marshalling the defence well, restricting the home team’s chances to long range efforts. Harley and Jakob combined well to set Toby through, but he was brought down in the box for a penalty, which was coolly converted (1-2).

Taverham were making their possession count, creating numerous chances to extend their lead, and Jakob played a brilliant ball deep from midfield for Damon to get on the end of, and he made no mistake, slotting the ball home (1-3). Attleborough looked lively and managed to force some good saves from Tom late-on, but he was more than a match for them.   

Final Score: Attleborough 1 Taverham 3

Gary's man of the match: Damon.     
 

A slightly tentative start by both teams for this eagerly anticipated match, with possession shared evenly. Braydn, Jakob and Harley worked well together to carve a half-chance for Toby on the left, but Lakeford’s well organised defence meant space was tight. Harley was the first to force a save from the keeper with a good left-foot drive. Harley was at the heart of the next move, supplying a floated ball over the top for Toby, but the keeper was quick off the line to gather.

Lakeford responded with some good football in midfield setting up a long range strike which was just over the bar. Toby started the next attack from deep in his own half, linking well with Jakob down the left with a one-two, but Toby’s shot was cleared off the line. The Taverham defence looked solid, Lewis showing the way with some crunching tackles.

Lakeford looked very dangerous and after some good work around the penalty area, they forced a corner, which Tom came out to meet. Tom was then forced into another save and the visitor’s increasing possession was soon rewarded when their striker broke from midfield and rounded the keeper (0-1). Taverham almost conceded another goal shortly after, but the shot was just wide.

The second half started as the first had finished, with Lakeford enjoying plenty of possession, first forcing a corner which was headed over the bar, and then a great long range strike that Tom saved well. Lakeford were starting to dominate the game and after a great run down the left wing from deep in his own half, the no.9 fired home the visitor’s second goal (0-2). Taverham were still in the game and trying to carve out opportunities, but the final ball seemed to be lacking. Despite the scoreline, Taverham looked strong at the back, Craig and Lewis standing out particularly.

Damon and Jakob combined well on the right to open up the Lakeford defence, setting up Georgie for a strike which was well saved by the keeper. Lakeford were looking quicker to every ball, and another chance forced an excellent save from Tom, pushing the ball round the post. Damon nearly found the net at the far post, from a Toby cross, but again, the ball not falling kindly. Another decisive break down the left by Lakeford created a great chance for their striker, and he calmly fired home (0-3). Georgie, Cameron and Damon all went close; each forcing a save from the keeper but it was not meant to be today.  

Final Score: Taverham 0 Lakeford 3

Gary's man of the match: Lewis     
 

The game started brightly with both teams passing the ball well and enjoying possession. Georgie was looking lively and he soon broke down the right to the edge of the penalty area, pulling back for Harley to smash home (0-1). Cameron was enjoying a more advanced role and he found Georgie in space out wide, who crossed the ball in for Jakob to head just wide. Cameron was in the thick of the action next finding Harley on the edge of the box, but his shot was just wide.

Taverham were dominating the game and were creating numerous chances, and it was Toby who found his way through, riding several tackles before firing home (0-2). Toby wide left and Georgie wide right were causing problems for the home team, whipping some great balls into the box for Damon, Harley and Jakob to attack. The Taverham back four once again looked strong and were the source of several attacks. After some great work by Harley, Georgie found himself in front of goal and finished well with a left foot strike (0-3).

The Taverham team were playing some sexy, one touch football with Damon, Harley and Cameron at the heart of it. A rare Hellesdon attack forced a corner, but the defence held strong and Ashley was quick to break out, starting the next wave of attack down the right, neatly pulling the ball back for Harley’s top corner finish (0-4).

Hellesdon started brightly in the second half, forcing Tom off his line with a diving save at the feet of the striker. Toby found Craig in space, and sent him clean through, only for his goal to be disallowed. Another good chance was created by Harley when he set Toby up, only for the shot to fizz wide of the post. Jakob was proving too strong for the home defence, holding the ball up well and bringing the midfield into play.  

Braydn and Jakob combined to set Luke up just outside the six yard box, but his shot was straight at the keeper. Jakob and Harley both went close to extending the lead late on in the game, each forcing a fine save from the keeper.    

Final Score: Hellesdon 0 Taverham 4    

Gary's man of the match: Ashley     
 

Sun 22 Feb 09 Taverham v Mattishall

When the visitors were able to muster an attack, the back four held their shape well, with Cameron busy as ever clearing up. Taverham were dominating the game, and Jakob was next to find space beyond the defence after a great run, but the keeper saved well. Cameron and Ashley linked well in their own half to make space for Harley to play a great curling ball down the wing for Georgie, who whipped the ball into the box, but Jakob’s header was just past the post. When Mattishall went forwards they posed a threat, and Craig was forced into a two good save but chances were coming thick and fast for the home team, first Damon, then Toby and then Jakob, each missing glorious chances to extend the lead.  

Finally, following some great work by Harley and Cameron, Georgie was sent through one on one with the keeper, and hammered the ball home with a curling top corner finish (3-0). Good pressure by Damon forced an opening for Toby, who took his chance well with a rare, right foot finish (4-0). Just before the half time whistle, Craig was called into action again, making a fine save after a poorly-timed goal kick. 

Fresh legs for the second half made an instant impact, with Oakley and Georgie making space for Harley’s powerful shot, but the keeper saved well. From the corner the ball fell to Damon inside the box, who played a perfectly weighted pass back for Cameron to strike a powerful shot from the edge of the box (5-0). From the kick-off, Damon gained possession and played a great ball through for Toby, who hit a great strike in off the post for his third of the match (6-0). Oakley and Damon combined well outside the area, setting Harley up for a long range strike with his left foot, which flew into the net (7-0).  

Taverham were rampant, and Harley returned the favour soon after by playing Oakley through for a one on one, which he slotted home in the bottom corner (8-0). With a slightly over-enthusiastic coach, Mattishall were digging deep and getting their shape after a barrage of goals, but they could not find a way through the Taverham defence. At the other end, in a goal mouth scramble, the ball bounced around until it hit Toby, going in off his knee (9-0). Having swapped his goal keeping gloves at half time, Craig almost found the net with a good long range effort, and shortly after, he burst through the defence, forcing a fine save.       

Gary’s man of the match: Craig and Braydn jointly     
 

Sun 1 Mar 09 Taverham v Old Catton

The Taverham back four were in for a busy game, both Cameron and Craig were in the thick of the action, eventually clearing a goalmouth scramble. At the other end, Harley’s floated free kick was met by Damon with a powerful far-post header, but just over the bar. Old Catton looked dangerous on the break, and twice went close, forcing Tom into action. The visitor’s sustained pressure was eventually rewarded following a high chip into the box, which the outstretched Tom could only get fingers tips too (0-1).  From the kick off, Taverham went on the attack, Jakob holding the ball up for Damon to slide a ball through into Toby, who shot narrowly wide. 

The equaliser came when Toby found Damon in the 6-yard box, and his clever flick found the net (1-1). Taverham were looking likely to score again when Toby was fouled on the edge of the box. Damon’s well-struck free kick was curling into the top corner, but the defender headed off the line. Lewis was proving hard to beat at the back, and he started off another attack by winning the ball and playing Toby in down the wing to fire a fierce shot on goal which was fumbled, and Jakob followed up to slot the ball home (2-1). Taverham were now starting to pass the ball around with real composure, but they could not find the net again before half time. 

Both teams looked up for it in the second half with some great battling in the middle of the park, and the home team had the first chance to extend their lead when Toby was through one on one, but the keeper made a great save. Defending a narrow lead the back four were strong and decisive in clearing their lines. Oakley and Toby linked well down the left, almost finding a way through. The game was end to end, another goal mouth scramble and another Old Catton shot just wide of the post. Damon played a clever ball into the box which Oakley hit on the half volley, but just wide of the post. With a tight game, the next goal was always going to be crucial, and after some great football between Oakley and Damon, Jakob was free in the box and he calmly finished with his left foot (3-1). 

A good interception from Oakley was played out wide for Toby to cross in, again it was Jakob who pounced on it, but shot just wide. Old Catton were not out of it yet, and with some superb one touch football, they broke through the defence and fired home (3-2). The game was set up for a nervous finish but the boys held on comfortably for a well deserved win.  

Gary’s man of the match: Jakob     
 

Sun 8 Mar 09 Norman v Taverham

The blustery conditions were going to provide a challenge for both teams, and it was Norman who had the first sight of goal following a clever through ball, but the shot was narrowly wide. Norman continued to press and had another good chance that went just wide of the post. Taverham’s first move of the game came through Oakley and Harley, who linked up well on the right, but the final ball was too close to the keeper. Oakley then flicked on Damon’s cross, but Toby’s shot was just wide.

The visitor’s were starting to settle down and enjoying more of the ball. Harley had a great shot from the edge of the box that produced a fine save from the keeper. From the corner, Jakob’s flick hit the cross bar and Braydn’s close range header was scrambled over the bar. Another corner, and another great shot from the edge of the box by Cameron. Taverham were starting to dominate play, and just before half time, Oakley played a great ball through for Toby to fire into the back of the net (0-1).   

Norman started the second half well but failed to carve any clear chances. Harley and Damon were playing some excellent one-touch football in midfield, creating chances for Georgie and Luke. Ashley produced a huge throw in that found its way to the far post, but Toby’s outstretched leg was just inches short. Damon was next to test the keeper with a fierce shot from the edge of the box, but the keeper was in fine form. The wind was playing a major factor and following a long goal kick and Jakob’s flick on, Georgie was clean through, but the keeper made another great save.

Tom was also in excellent form, commanding his goal area with confidence and willing to come out for the ball. Taverham were looking good for another goal and after some good work by Luke, Harley fired in a great strike from the edge of the box (0-2). Norman were still in the game and produced a terrific finger tips save from Tom. At the other end, a high lob caused the Norman keeper to fumble, but Luke’s follow up shot was straight at the stranded keeper. From the corner, Damon attacked in the air, but was just off target with his volley. A tense finish to the game with Norman attacking until the very last minute, but the back four for Taverham held them off admirably.    

Gary’s man of the match: Harley     
 

Sun 15 Mar 09 Old Catton v Taverham

A beautiful spring morning for the players and parents made a pleasant setting, and perhaps the warm sunshine sparked the game for both teams. Taylor was soon in the thick of the action, breaking the play up and finding Georgie wide on the right. A great in-swinging corner from Toby found Craig’s run at the far post, and he made no mistake from 3-yards (0-1). Jakob and Georgie worked well together in the corner area, pulling back for Harley to fire just over the bar.

Another great corner, this time from Harley, found Damon at the far post for a side foot volley (0-2). Old Catton looked positive in attack, and following a move down the left, a free-kick was awarded for hand ball. A wonderful left foot strike gave Tom no chance as it hit the top corner (1-2). Despite conceding, everyone of the back four looked comfortable, with Craig and Cameron leading the line well. Taverham looked the more likely to score again and were enjoying lots of possession. Jakob’s half volley was just wide, and Harley’s left foot strike was just over the bar.

Damon was seeing plenty of the ball, and out wide he managed to pick-pocket the defender and whip a great ball in, narrowly missing Jakob’s run. Taverham were cranking up the pressure around the penalty area, and Harley managed to find some space for a shot, which crashed against the bar. Some good work by Georgie found Jakob in space, and he took on three players before shooting just wide. Ashley was having a great game, keeping the lively left-wingers chances to a minimum. Just before half time, Craig almost sneaked in for his second of the game, this time finding the side net.

Old Catton went on the offensive early in the second half, but Tom was alert to the dangers and quick off his line. Georgie was working hard down the right and whipped another good ball into the box for Jakob, but mis-timed his shot. Old Catton were enjoying more of the ball now, and were pressuring the visitor’s back four. From a great in-swinging corner, Tom produced a finger tips save to clear his goal mouth.

Taverham were digging in for a tense, scrambled finish. Harley played a great ball through for Toby, who under pressure from the defenders, shot just wide. Harley again was creating the chances, this time for Damon, but his header was just wide. The last attack of the game came from Old Catton, with a great long range effort, but Tom was in good form and saved comfortably.    

Gary’s man of the match: Joint - Harley and Damon     
 

Sun 22 Mar 09 Poringland v Taverham

Glorious spring sunshine made a refreshing change for the penultimate game of the season. With less than a minute gone, Jakob played a great ball through to Toby, who unselfishly squared it for Damon to side foot home (0-1). Cameron was busy breaking up play in front of the defence, and the back four generally looked in confident mood. Taverham were enjoying plenty of possession in the last third, Jakob and Damon both went close to extending the lead, before Harley found Toby just inside the area, and he calmly slotted home right-footed (0-2).

Jakob looked dangerous up front and went close with a left foot drive. Harley then made some space, playing a wonderful ball through for Jakob who finished well in the far corner (0-3). Poringland mustered a rare attack down the right with a good ball into the box, but the Taverham defence held strong. Ashley combined well with Damon, who then took on three players powering into the penalty area, but ran into trouble. Harley was working his magic just outside the box with some clever skills and played Jakob through for a one on one, but the keeper saved well. Poringland went close to pulling a goal back late on in the half, with a ball fizzed across the face of the goal, but with no one on the end of it.

The second half started with good early possession for Taverham, resulting in a free-kick just outside the box. Toby stepped up, and fired home a great strike (0-4). Tom had not been called into action much, but had to be alert and quick off his line to help the defence out. A few minutes later, another free-kick by Toby, another goal (0-5). Taverham were relentless in pursuit of more goals, Oakley and Damon working the ball well down the right, a quick ball into the box found Toby, who slotted the ball under the keeper (0-6).

Taverham were playing some excellent football all over the pitch, Toby and Lewis playing a one-two down the left, and Lewis found himself clean through, making no mistake firing the ball home (0-7). Toby switched flanks and almost produced another goal, crossing into the box, but Oakley’s out-stretched leg was just inches short. Harley played another great ball into Craig who knocked on for Toby to head home (0-8). The visitors had turned on the style with a great performance.      

Gary’s man of the match: Toby     
 

Sun 29 Mar 09 Taverham v Norman

With a chance of finishing as league runners-up, the final game of season was a must-win for Taverham, and they started brightly. Damon and Jakob combining well to find Harley out wide, whose floated ball into the far post found Toby poaching a goal (1-0). Shortly after the re-start, Toby turned provider with a great break down the left, crossing in for Jakob to control and fire home (2-0). Taverham came flying out of the traps, dominating possession and creating some good chances.

Despite the tight midfield, Harley managed to work some space, finding Jakob free just inside the box, who played the ball back for Cameron to hit a wonderful long range strike into the back of the net (3-0). Damon was next to test the keeper with a fierce effort, Toby followed up the rebound and headed home (4-0). Norman were starting to find their feet after a torrid first half, forcing Tom into a fine save. Then, just before the whistle, a break down the left by Norman produced an unstoppable 30-yard strike (4-1). The visitors almost found another goal from the re-start, with a training ground free-kick confusing the defence, but the shot was just over the bar.

A new-look shape for Taverham took to the pitch for the second half, and from Norman’s first attack, they scored (4-2). Taverham looked for a quick response, and Oakley almost found it with a good shot on target, but the keeper saved well. The visitors looked up for the challenge and piled on the pressure, eventually winning a free-kick on the edge of the box. A good strike but Tom managed to punch it clear. Damon and Oakley worked the ball well down the right into the box, but the ball was cleared. From the resulting throw, Harley fired home from the right side of the penalty area (5-2).

Taverham continued to apply the pressure, Toby had a shot blocked after some good play by Taylor. Taverham were then caught offside just inside the Norman half, and from the free kick, they conceded a sloppy goal (5-3). Damon was pushing for another goal, combining with Toby and then Jakob, but their efforts were narrowly wide. Harley played a great ball through for Damon, but he also fired just wide. Craig started the next attack from defence, playing it out to Damon who created a chance for Toby, but his shot was well saved. Norman had one final chance of the game, a long range effort but it was comfortably saved by Tom.

Gary’s man of the match: Pending...!