Under 13 Home Page

Sun 5 Oct 08 Taverham v Drayton

Sun 12 Oct 08 Hellesdon v Taverham

Sun 19 Oct 08 Mulbarton v Taverham

Sun 26 Oct 08 Taverham v Lakeford

Sun 9 Nov 08 Taverham v Sprowston (Cup)

16 Nov 08 Taverham v Sprowston

Sun 30 Nov 08 Dereham v Taverham

Sun 14 Dec 08 Taverham v Thorpe

Sun 4 Jan 09 Old Catton v Taverham

Sun 18 Jan 09 Taverham v Dereham (Cup)

Sun 25 Jan 09 Taverham v Hellesdon

Sun 1 Feb 09 Taverham v Mulbarton

Sun 8 Feb 09 Lakeford v Taverham

Sun 15 Feb 09 Taverham v Norwich United

Sun 22 Feb 09 Sprowston v Taverham

Sun 1 Mar 09 Lakeford v Taverham (Cup)

Sun 8 Mar 09 Bressingham v Taverham

Sun 15 Mar 09 Norwich United v Taverham

Sun 29 Mar 09 Taverham v Jex

Sun 19 Apr 09 Taverham v Bressingham

Sun 7 Sep 08 Taverham v Dereham

Following our promotion to the ‘A’ league, pre-season training was even more important this time around.  A lot of emphasis was put on fitness, so lots of running as well as ball work! 

We also had a trip to Holkham beach where most of the boys were brave enough to go for a dip, despite the torrential rain – typical British summer!

Once the fixtures were announced, it was to be all systems go – last season’s top 3 in our first 3 matches!!

We couldn’t have asked for a harder first game – the ‘A’ league champions!  We started brightly, more than matching Dereham’s play.  However, they soon scored their first goal, and quickly made in 2 from an excellent free-kick, making the half-time score 2-0 to them.

Our heads definitely dropped, and they outplayed us many times in the second half, scoring another 4 goals to make the final score 6-0 to Dereham.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Freddie
 

Our first away game took us to Thorpe, and again we started well.  We took the lead following a tremendous shot from Jack G which the keeper could only parry, and Chris was on hand to tap it in.  We didn’t manage to capitalise on this lead, and they equalised making the half- time score 1-1.

It could have been anyone’s game, but Thorpe managed to dominate the play, and we conceded 2 sloppy goals, the game ending with Thorpe winning 3-1.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dom
 

Sun 21 Sep 08 Taverham v Old Catton

Old Catton are always a hard team to play against, so the boys knew they would be in for a battle!  Catton were having all the play, and were awarded a controversial penalty after 15 minutes, and went 1-0 ahead.  We still couldn’t get into the game and they scored a second, quickly followed by a third.  We pulled one back before half-time, with Chris being on hand to finish after a shot from Will.  Half-time score 3-1. 

The second half started with our boys dominating, Will was making some good runs, and this led to us being awarded a (controversial) penalty.  Jack G calmly put this away, and we really felt we could pull it back.  Chris had a great chance to equalise, but couldn’t find the net.  At the other end Mark handled the ball in the box, so Catton got their second penalty of the day.  This time however, it was brilliantly saved by Oliver.  We had one more chance, with Jack G shooting just wide before Catton scored a late goal to kill off the game.  Final score, 4-2 to Catton.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack G
 

Confidence was high following a good second half performance in the last game, and we started very well.  The ball getting out wide to Will and Jack G was causing a few problems.  We won a free kick 35 yards out, and Jack G smacked it into the net for us to take the lead.  Everyone was playing a part, and not long after this Jack G beat the offside trap, ran through and lifted the ball over their keeper to make it 2-0 to Taverham at half-time.

At the start of the second half we let them come back at us, and this resulted in us conceding a soft headed goal.  Almost immediately Jack G latched onto a through ball from Jack L, and their keeper made a good save.  We then won a free kick 25 yards out, and Jack G completed his hat-trick with a superb finish into the top corner.  We should have been comfortable after this, but a scramble in defence led to Jex scoring their second goal.  The pressure was taken off when with 5 minutes to go, Will broke away and scored a great goal from 25 yards out.  Game over, and first points of the season.  Final score 4-2 to Taverham.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack G

END OF SEPTEMBER LEAGUE POSITION:- 8th
 

Sun 5 Oct 08 Taverham v Drayton

The boys had been waiting for this one – the local derby!  The weather was awful, but everyone keen to play!  A very even start to the game, but our defence was holding strong, especially Dom and Freddie.  Jack G and Will were looking threatening up front, and Jack G outran the Drayton defence to make it 1-0.  Will then followed up well from a scramble to make it 2-0.  Drayton’s heads definitely seemed to drop after this, and although they had one half chance, Jack L scored a good header to make it 3-0 at half-time.

The second half was all Taverham, and we had lots of chances to increase our lead.  Jack finally scored a fourth, outrunning the defence.  An excellent display, another 2 points and school bragging rights!  Final score 4-0 to Taverham.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dom
 

An afternoon match this week, away against Hellesdon.  The game started at a high tempo – they were a big team, but our defence was dealing well with the threat.  At the other end, Will’s speed was causing them a problem.  Oliver was called on to make a great one on one save, but shortly after this they took the lead.  We responded well, and Will equalised after a strong run down the wing.  1-1 at half-time.

We then proceeded to dominate the second half, having a few half chances.  Most of their balls were going straight through to Oliver.  We were looking very comfortable, when in the last minute, Hellesdon broke away and scored.  Final score 2-1 to Hellesdon.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Mark
 

Another afternoon kick off, on Mulbarton Common.  We dominated the play, and Reuben finished well with a header for his first Taverham goal.  Jack L was looking strong in midfield, and Will was having lots to do.  The back 5 looked very comfortable.  We then scored 3 quick goals, all from Jack G, and well deserved after some hard work.  Half-time score 4-0 to us.

With a full squad available, we swapped it around at the start of the second half, and Mulbarton came back into the match.  They dominated the first 20 minutes, and got a goal back.  Everyone was playing well, and we were awarded a penalty with Jack G put away.  Towards the end, Jack G latched on to a great through ball to score his fifth of the game.  After this, the game fizzled out.  Final score 6-1 to Taverham.

MAN OF THE MATCH : Jack L
 

Back to Hinks Meadow after 2 away games – again the weather was not kind!  Lakeford are another strong team, and they came at us from the first whistle.  We held our own and had a few half chances, before they got a corner and somehow the ball ended up in the net.  1-0 down at half-time, but we felt all to play for.

We started brighter in the second half, although their midfield were dominating.  We got a free kick 40 yards out.  Jack G smashed it into the box and it ended up in the back of the net as no-one got a touch.  This encouraged us to play our football, and Reuben slipped a lovely ball through to Jack G, who beat the offside trap and ran on to beat the keeper.  We were really flying at this point, but unfortunately they had a shot from 30 yards which squirmed through Oliver’s legs to equalise.  Lakeford stepped up the pace, but we held firm to the end.  Final score 2-2.

MAN OF THE MATCH: The whole team!

END OF OCTOBER LEAGUE POSITION:- 6th
 

The first round of the cup and we were drawn at home against Sprowston.  Another bright start – we were looking solid at the back and good going forward.  Will was combining well with Reuben and Jack G.  The first goal came when Jack G got the ball on the edge of the box and smacked a superb ball into the top corner.  Ben then put Jack G through again, and he lobbed the approaching keeper to make it 2-0.  From a corner, their keeper made a save and Dom followed up for our third.  Just before half-time Jack G again chased a long ball and finished coolly with his left foot.  Half-time score 4-0.

Sprowston came into the game in the second half, without causing too many problems.  Chris scored our fifth, finishing really well.  Dom soon made it 6, and also had another great effort cleared off the line.  An all round fantastic performance.  Final Score, 6-0.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack G.
 

Sprowston again, this time in the league.  We were fully aware that they would want revenge for last week’s cup defeat, and indeed they started strongly.  However, we did have a couple of decent chances before taking the lead when Reuben followed up to put the ball in the net.  It was 2 soon after, Reuben again on the score-sheet.  An own goal made it 3, with Jack G making it 4 soon after.  We were playing really well, although just before half-time Sprowston hit the bar.  Half-time score, 4-0.

Straight from the whistle we dominated, looking solid at the back, Dom and Mark playing especially well.  The 5^th goal came when Jack G lobbed the keeper from 25 yards.  Soon after, he rounded the keeper to make it 6.  We were playing some super football, and Will got a well deserved goal, following up after his initial shot was saved.  Another lob from Jack G made it 8, with Alex scoring from out on the touchline to make it 9.  Right at the end Sprowston scored a consolation goal – an excellent strike from outside the box leaving Oliver no chance.  Final Score, 9-1.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Reuben
 

A dull and wet Aldiss Park saw the first of our ‘return’ fixtures against Dereham.  We were slow to get into our stride, with Dereham having a lot of possession and playing some good football.  They hit the bar from a deflected header, but had no other chances.  We soon hit back with Jack G, Reuben and Will coming into the game, and Jack G shot just wide of the post after cutting in well.  Half-time score 0-0.

The second half started the same as the first, and we allowed Dereham to have too much of the play, their left winger in particular getting in some dangerous crosses.  Once we got a grip on the game, we began to look threatening.  From a corner, Tom hit a great left foot shot to put us 1-0 up.  This gave us some belief that we could go on to get the points.  A couple of great saves from Oliver kept us in front, and we were still looking dangerous.  With a few minutes to go, Dereham were awarded a dubious penalty, which they converted to equalise.  Final score, 1-1. 

MAN OF THE MATCH: The Team!
 

The last game of 2008 arrived, with dull weather, and a struggle to get a team together.  We managed to get 11 players, but no subs!

The first half saw us start well, without creating very much.  Thorpe were strong in midfield, but all of the defence were holding firm.  Then Thorpe were awarded a contentious penalty, which Oliver just failed to save.  Almost immediately, they scored again, following some poor marking from a throw in.   After this, we dug in, and Will and Reuben began to come into the game.  Some tactical changes saw Mark move into centre midfield, and he played some lovely balls out wide to Will, with Reuben just failing to convert.  Half time score 0-2.

The boys were told to continue battling hard, but against the run of play at the start of the second half, Thorpe added a third.  We created a couple of good chances, and eventually got the goal we deserved, Will finishing calmly for a deserved goal.  Unfortunately, we were unable to score again, and right at the end Thorpe scored again to make the final score 1-4.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Oliver
 

We were on the attack straight from the start, and were unlucky not to convert a couple of chances.  We then got caught twice by a ball through the middle, but their striker shot wide with the first and Oliver saved the second.  Back to the other end, and Reuben had a good chance to open the scoring.  There then followed a succession of corners – Dom just missing the goal with one header, otherwise no other threat.  The first goal eventually came after a great run from Jack G, who crossed the ball for Will to tap in.  Jack G also had a part to play in the second goal – shooting well, with Mark on hand to net his first goal of the season.  Will then scored again following a goalmouth scramble.  Half time score 3-0. 

Jack D came on at the start of the second half, replacing Jack L.  Immediately we were on the attack, Will working really hard down the right, and Mark down the left.  We had numerous corners, but no goals came, although we were totally dominant.  Finally the fourth goal came, Jack G staying on his feet in the area, rounding the keeper and putting the ball in the back of the net.  The fifth goal followed quickly – again from Jack G following some good work from Will and Luke.  The Mulbarton keeper made a couple of good saves, and their defence stuck to their task well, blocking a few shots before Will finished another good move to make it 6.  Jack L came back on to replace James.  Will swung in a corner which the keeper pushed into the goal for number 7.  We were pressing constantly, with no threat to our goal.  Mark broke down the left, crossed well for Jack L to volley home number 8.  Almost at full time, Jack G intercepted a poor clearance and scored with his left foot to make it 9.  Final score 9-0. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Will  
 

The second half started with us trying to get the ball forward more.  Freddie made a great saving tackle as Lakeford broke.  From another Jack G free-kick Reuben reduced the arrears at the far post.  This proved they could be vulnerable, but within 5 minutes Lakeford again went 2 goals ahead.  Jack D came on to replace James, with Reuben dropping into midfield.  The game proceeded to fizzle out, although Lakeford hit the post from distance.  We never really looked like scoring apart from one great run down the left by Jack G, who got to the by-line and crossed, but Will and Reuben were unable to connect.  Final score 1-3. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Freddie
 

Straight from the kick off we took the game to them, making a very positive start.  Some good long balls were coming in, mainly from Jack L and Oliver, and from one of these Jack G hit a strong shot, which beat the keeper but hit the post.  Will then put in some dangerous crosses, but Jack G and Jack D were just unable to connect.  Alex played a good through ball which Jack G reached, and saw his shot deflect past the keeper to put us one up.  After this we began to struggle in midfield, and from a hopeful looking ball Norwich United equalised.  We then had a good penalty shout turned down.  Still we were looking dangerous, Jack G and Will playing well, and some nice balls were being played up to the front.  Jack G miscued a shot when well placed, whilst Will shot from distance over the bar.  As the half went on, play become more even and they were getting past us too easily on both flanks.  From a disputed free kick Norwich United scored to make it 2-1.  Will and Jack G were still working hard, and from another good ball forward by Jack L, Jack G outstripped their centre half, took the ball on and finished superbly to equalise.  However, just before half time, a nothing ball into the area was not cleared, and it found its way into our net from 2 yards.  All 3 goals conceded were preventable.  Half time score 2-3. 

The second half started well, with play fairly even, although Oliver and Freddie were averting danger well.  We were still looking capable of scoring, and from another attack we were awarded a penalty.  The normally reliable Jack G hit the ball straight, and the keeper saved well with his legs.  The next goal would be crucial.  From a ball into the centre, their keeper made another good save, with Will smacking the crossbar from the rebound.  It didn’t look like it was going to be our day.  Virtually straight away they broke and a deflected shot beat Liam – from 4 shots they had scored 4 goals!  Time was against us now, and the ball spent a lot of time in the midfield area.  There appeared to be an air of inevitability about this game, and this was compounded near the end when a cross from wide floated over Liam and into the net.  There was time for a consolation goal from Jack D before the whistle blew.  Final score 3-5. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Oliver
 

We looked lively in midfield, with Will, Jack L and Tom all working hard and playing some good balls.  Jack L played in Jack G with a lovely ball, but he took his shot too early and it was easily saved.  Oliver then saved well, diving at the feet of the Sprowston striker.  Eventually our domination paid off, and Dom hit a superb left footed half-volley past the keeper from a corner.  We almost increased our lead, but Jack G shot wide.  Will also had a left foot shot from distance.  Good play down the left from Mark saw him lay the ball off to Alex, who played a nice ball through for Jack G to score another great left footed goal.  We were well on top, but a minute before the break Sprowston pulled a goal back.  Half time score 2-1. 

James and Jack D came on for the second half, replacing Tom and Alex.  We were now playing downhill and down wind and started brightly.  Jack G played a great cross field ball to put Will through, but he missed the goal.  Sprowston began to come back, especially in midfield.  However, we were still creating chances.  Eventually the third goal went in, Jack G hitting an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.  After this the game fizzled out, apart from Freddie making a fantastic clearance after the attacker had taken the ball round Oliver.  Final score 3-1. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Tom/James  
 

An afternoon visit to Eaton Park for the cup semi-final against Lakeford. 

Right from the kick off we went on the attack, earning an early corner which gave us good momentum.  Lakeford were pinned in their own half for a long period, with our midfield looking to win the battle.  Another corner was earned following a great run down the left, but it was Lakeford who were first to the ball.  Jack G then hit a free kick which landed on top of the net. Totally against the run of play, Lakeford broke and scored the first goal.  Encouragingly, we went straight back on the offensive, forcing more corners.  Jack G sent Reuben away with a lovely cross-field ball, but he chose to pass when well placed to shoot.  Finally we got the reward to our pressure – Dom playing a lovely through ball which Jack G latched onto, beating the advancing Lakeford keeper with a great finish.  Almost immediately, Will challenged the keeper to a high ball, as they fell Will did really well to hit the ball towards an empty net, but the ball went agonisingly wide of the post.  Unbelievably, Lakeford then broke again, and scored a second.  Just when we thought we would go in at half time unlucky to be 2-1 down, worse followed.  From a break down their left, a Lakeford player turned on the by-line and crossed, only to see the ball curl in off the far post.  Very harsh on the balance of play.  Half time 1-3. 

James came on for the second half, replacing Tom.  Will and Luke also swapped flanks to see if this would help.  Play was really even to start, with Jack G especially looking sharp and strong, but without enough support.  As our midfield tired, we looked to be in for a tough second half.  Lakeford probably could have increased their lead, and although Will had a couple of good runs, it wasn’t meant to be.  Tom came back on in place of Jack L, but we still didn’t manage to get enough of the ball to our forwards.  Final score 1-3. 

MAN OF THE MATCH: - Jack G
 

The longest journey of the season took us to Bressingham for a re-arranged fixture.  It was a dry and bright day, with a strong wind. 

We made a very positive start, even though the wind was against us.  Any long balls from Bressingham were being dealt with by the defence.  Luke and Will combined well down the right, and Jack G had a shot blocked by the keeper’s legs.  A great cross from Mark saw Will unlucky to head just wide.  Reuben then hit the bar from 25 yards.  James was dominating the midfield, and we were using the ball well.  Oliver was felled by a dangerously late challenge when collecting a high ball.  Half time score 0-0. 

We had a lucky escape straight from kick off when the Bressingham attacker should have done better, as we were caught napping.  With the wind at our backs, play was nearly exclusively in their half.  Luke was linking well with Will, and we missed a couple of chances to take the lead.  However, finally Jack G latched onto a nice through ball from Dom, and lobbed the keeper to make it 1-0.  Will hit the inside of the post with a great shot, whilst Jack G lobbed just over.  Luke and Will then combined superbly, Will crossed to Reuben who turned well and smacked a shot onto the underside of the bar.  Thankfully, Jack G was on hand to head in the rebound to make the score 2-0.  We continued to play some decent football, Dom, Luke and James playing particularly well.  Their keeper had a good game, and although Dom shot wide from distance, and just missed with a header from a corner, we were unable to add to our tally.  Final score 2-0. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- James
 

A lovely bright day greeted us for the visit to Norwich United, and revenge was on everyone’s minds following our recent defeat. 

We kicked off uphill and into the wind.  Ben and Will were linking well down the right, but the final ball was lacking.  The first 20 minutes were fairly even, although we looked the most likely to score.  Will crossed across the face of the goal, and we had a couple of shots charged down.  A great cross from Reuben ended with Jack G just failing to score with his head.  At the other end, their attacker got in behind our defence, but never looked likely to hit the target.  The half fizzled out.  Half time score 0-0. 

With the wind and the lay of the pitch now in our favour, it was important to make the most of this in the second half.  The boys knew this, and from a lovely through ball from Will, Jack G ran through and calmly finished for the first goal.  Almost immediately we regained possession, and this time roles were reversed, with Jack G the provider, and Will the goal-scorer.  Although we continued to pressurise, Norwich United were still in the game, and a great covering challenge from Dom prevented them from getting a shot in on goal.  Goal number 3 came from Reuben, who finished with his left foot after a good team build up.  Luke was playing well in centre midfield, and he nearly got our forwards away a couple of times.  Jack G then ran onto a long kick from Oliver, and was unlucky to see a strong drive hit the post with the keeper beaten.  Final score 3-0. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Dominic
 

The penultimate home game of the season today, saw us against Jex.  It was a sunny but chilly day, and the pitch was poor. 

Straight away we were on the attack, with Will putting in a cross which was just a bit too close to their keeper.  A great move down the right finished with Jack G shooting over the bar from just 2 yards – the pitch surely to blame.  Will then sent in another dangerous cross which managed to evade everyone.  At the other end, Oliver had to pluck a couple of long shots out of the air, otherwise their attack was unable to penetrate our solid defence.  Jack G smashed a volley from distance which looked a goal all the way, but it went inches wide.  Oliver had to deal with a long shot which bounced awkwardly.  We went straight on the attack, and following good work from Reuben, Jack G played a lovely one two with Will and was unlucky to see the keeper smother well.  Dom then shot wide from distance.  Half time score 0-0. 

Alex and Jack L replaced Ben and Tom.  From the restart we looked more in control and Will went close with a cross/shot.  Mark was able to get forward more, combining well with Alex.  Jex still offered no real threat.  Their keeper made 2 more good saves, and twice defenders blocked goal bound shots.  It really was beginning to look like one of those days, but we just had to keep plugging away.  Reuben was unlucky to see the Jex keeper make another save from his volley.  Alex then had a shot which went too close to the keeper.  Jack L and James were now dominating the midfield, with most of the game taking place in their half.  Finally, we got our reward, when Jack G made space in the box and fired in a strong left foot shot into the far corner to make it 1-0.  Reuben then missed a great chance, as we continued to press for a second.  We had lots of possession, but it didn’t come to anything, despite some neat build up play.  With 8 minutes remaining, Jex equalised with a free header from a corner.  Tom came back into central midfield to replace James.  Despite working hard, another goal wasn’t to be.  Final score 1-1. 

MAN OF THE MATCH:- Mark