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2008/9 Season

2009/10 Match Reports

Taverham 3 Old Catton 2

After a week of glorious warm and dry weather, the pitch was rock hard, with all weather gear being the footwear of choice. Taverham, looking to finish the league programme strongly, opened in full flow against Old Catton (OC). With the Taverham defence looking assured and Tom sweeping up the thru’ balls confidently, the platform was built to support attacking play. Getting the ball wide, Taverham took the lead. TOBY was given too much room and comfortably beat the advancing OC keeper with a delicate lob – 1 - 0. Moving the ball quickly, pressure was built, forcing hurried clearances from the OC defence, with corners being won at regular intervals. From the left, Harley was dropping the ball just under crossbar with pace and power with the OC keeper doing very well to claw the ball away. From the right, Toby was creating chaos with similar accuracy. Eventually OC cracked. Harley varied the delivery. At the near post LUKE forced the ball home - 2- 0. HARLEY created the third with exquisite control, moving the ball delicately from right to left, and back again, firing a shot thru’ the smallest gap he’d created – 3 – 0. The major scare towards the end of the half was OC missing a penalty, after a shoeless Taverham defender lost his balance.

Football is a game of two halves, and this clique was proven accurate in this game. OC began to play with greater confidence, dealing with the bouncing ball with controlled headers; winning 50 : 50s and sensible second phase possession. With this platform, OC pushed forward and created spaces in the now lack-lustre Taverham team, scoring easily for 3 – 1. Playing on the break, Damon was unlucky to have a goal disallowed when OC were given a favourable offside decision some way away from the play. Tension was building as OC sensed a potential upset. After a mix up in the Taverham defence, the score became 3 – 2, with only a few minutes left. With the OC crowd giving lots of encouragement, it was all hands to the pump, with numerous, subtle, substitutions running down the clock. Even the weather turned against Taverham’s sunshine football, with a rain shower making the choice of ‘slicks’ rather than studs the wrong footwear choice on the grassy sward. Eventually the final whilst was blown, with Taverham hanging onto their lead by a slender margin, consolidating the runner-up spot in the League.

Gary’s Man of the Match – Jakob

Result: Taverham 5 Attleborough 0

The game kicked off with both players and spectators bathed in strong sunshine, and it was the home team who had the brightest start, Toby forcing an early save from the keeper. Attleborough immediately countered down the left, using the pace of their striker, but Tom was down quickly to save. A quick throw from Harley found Damon’s run out wide and he sent a teasing cross into the box, but the ball fell just behind Jake’s run. Harley and Damon combined again, this time Damon firing a fierce drive straight at the keeper.

Harley showed some great skill and close control under pressure, playing a wonderful ball through the defence for Jake, who did well to get his shot off on target under pressure. Taverham were starting to get hold of the midfield and Georgie was next to test the keeper with a long range strike. The break-through came when Harley played a ball over the defence for Damon, who calmly slotted the ball home (1-0). Attleborough launched one final attack before half time, forcing an excellent diving save from Tom.

Attleborough started the second half with real purpose, forcing consecutive corners. Tom launched a counter attack with a long goal kick, which Bradley then played a great ball through sending Toby free, who then rounded the keeper and fired home (2-0). A quick throw by Damon to Harley caught the visitors napping, and Harley’s first time strike was narrowly wide. Toby went close again after an excellent run but his chip beat the keeper and the cross bar. Attleborough were very much still in the game and a long range strike sent crashing against the cross bar was a warning.

With a few minutes remaining the game was nicely poised, the next goal was going to be decisive...and when an Attleborough goal kick was not cleared, the ball found its way through to Toby, who fired a low shot into the far corner (3-0). Shortly after the restart, Damon found space in midfield and spotted Toby’s run, Toby then fizzed a ball across the goal-mouth which Bradley was on the end of to smash the ball in the net (4-0). With the final whistle about to blow, Harley played another great ball over the top for Bradley, which he dispatched effortlessly lobbing the keeper (5-0).

Gary’s man of the match: Harley

Result: Hethersett 2 Taverham 5

Hethersett started well, going close with long range efforts. Toby and Harley combined well down the left countering, sending Damon through on goal but he shot wide. Damon then twisted and turned past three players, sending Jake through but his shot was also narrowly wide. Our back four looked strong and played the ball out nicely to the flanks for Toby and Georgie to pile the pressure on the home team.

A scramble on the edge of the box gave Damon a long range chance, which was straight at the keeper. Harley then had an opportunity from a free kick, which he floated to the far post for Toby, his shot was blocked but Jake’s long leg stretched far enough to poke the ball home (0-1). Hethersett immediately went on the offensive down the right wing, and their striker finished superbly from the edge of box (1-1).

Taverham started the second half brightly, Toby and Georgie both finding a way through the defence, Georgie having a goal disallowed. Toby and Jake then combined with a one two, Toby slotting the ball home in the far corner (1-2). From the re-start, Taverham went on the offensive again, Harley and Georgie working the ball forwards, and this time there was no mistaking Georgie’s superb finish (1-3).

The game was very physical, some tough tackling all over the pitch with Damon and Lewis in the thick of it, breaking up the home team’s attacks. Hethersett were still hungry for goals and forced a great save from Tom. Harley and Jake almost worked another goal, but Jake’s shot was just wide. Hethersett were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and a powerful shot forced a tremendous save from Tom, and another, and another as the ball bounced around the penalty area before being cleared.

The home team were really struggling to handle Toby’s runs, he produced a great ball into the box for Bradley to finish with a classic poachers goal (1-4). Hethersett were still looking for a second goal, and their rewards came from a great break in midfield as the player rode several tackles before rounding Tom and firing home (2-4). Hethersett were then awarded a free kick just outside the box, and again, Tom was forced into a good save. Harley found some space in midfield and played a lovely ball out wide for Cameron, who then crossed into the box for Toby to finish neatly (2-5). Taylor and Sam went very close at the end of the game with superb long range efforts, but the keeper matched the shots with two fine saves.

Gary’s man of the match: Toby and Tom

Taverham FC under 12a match report – 24.01.10

Result: Taverham 8 Norman 0

Taverham started the game brightly with early chances falling to Toby, Damon and then a long range shot by Cameron. But it was Jakob who broke the deadlock early on with a fine near post header from Toby’s corner (1-0). Taylor showed great vision in midfield opening up the Norman back four with some lovely long passing, and it was Taylor’s great ball out to Toby that almost created the second goal. Under pressure, Norman were having to counter-attack and almost equalised after a good move through the middle of the park, but the shot was just wide.

Taverham looked strong and Harley was starting to dominate the midfield. Damon went close but his shot was saved. Damon and Taylor created the next chance for Jake, which he grabbed with a close range header (2-0). Shortly after the re-start, Bradley’s tenacious style paid dividends when he forced an opening for himself and calmly finished in the corner to extend the lead (3-0). Cameron went close with an excellent long range shot that dipped over the bar and Jakob’s header was cleared off the line. Toby’s run and great ball set Jake up but his shot was turned past the post. The wicked in-swinging corner was not cleared and Damon was first to react finishing well in the box (4-0). One final attack from Norman almost brought a goal but the post saved Tom’s prospects of a clean sheet.

The second half started with Taverham enjoying plenty of possession and playing some lovely one touch football. The back four for Taverham looked strong and this gave confidence to the midfield to play attacking football. Norman went close to opening their tally after a good move down the left but the shot flashed past the goal mouth and wide. Toby was carving numerous chances out down the left and surely it was only a matter of time before he scored. Cameron played a great ball out wide to Damon who then set Braydn up to smash the ball high into the net (5-0).

Despite dominating possession, Tom still had to be alert and was forced into a fine save. Another Taverham corner brought rewards when it was not cleared and Damon was again in the right position to put the ball away (6-0). A Norman free-kick forced a great punching save from Tom. Toby and Harley played a neat one-two but Harley was brought down for a penalty, Damon made no mistake and hammered it home (7-0). With the final attack of the game, Bradley forced an opening for Toby who turned quickly and fired past the keeper (8-0).

Gary’s man of the match: Jake

Fan-zone comment: “A good performance despite the long break between games”

13.12.09 - Taverham 6 Firside 3

With several players missing it was a new-look Taverham team that took to a very heavy pitch, and they immediately broke down the left with Damon and Cameron working the ball almost the length of the pitch, but Cameron’s header was over the bar. Firside came straight back and won a free kick just outside the penalty area, but the shot was easily saved by Toby. The visitors looked lively and almost opened the scoring but for a goal line clearance from Lewis. Bradley and Damon were linking-up well and almost unlocked the defense.

The deadlock was broken after some great work by Bradley and Georgie outside the box, when Harley hammered a long range shot into the top corner (1-0). Taylor was instrumental in sparking several counter attacks, playing great balls out to both wings. The Taverham back four were being tested regularly and Sam was in the thick of the action at right back. Some excellent work by Georgie out wide saw Damon attempt an acrobatic volley in the penalty area, unlucky not to get closer. Taverham were piling the pressure on and both Bradley and Cameron went close. Harley had a shot cleared of the line and Georgie shot past the post when one on one.

Braydn took Toby’s place in goal for the second half. Damon and Cameron combined well down the left to open up the defence and send Bradley clean through, and he finished calmly (2-0). Firside were pushing forward in numbers and found a way through on the right side of the box, their striker squeezing the ball past Braydn at the near post (2-1). Almost from the restart, Harley played a great ball through to Cameron in the box, his shot was blocked by the keeper, but Bradley was following up and finished from close range (3-1). Firside were throwing caution to the wind in attack and a rare mistake by the Taverham defence presented an easy chance for the visitors who grabbed it to close the deficit (3-2).

The game was end to end now, Harley causing problems with great skills just outside the box winning a free kick, which Damon powered into the top corner to extend the lead (4-2). Harley showed brilliant skills again weaving past three players and forcing a corner, but Jakob’s close range effort was easily saved. Firside won a free kick 25 yards out, and the floated ball was flicked on by their striker into the corner of the net (4-3). Damon and Harley were driving the team forwards, Toby’s fierce shot was tipped over the bar for a corner, but Damon was there to finish close range (5-3). Oakley and Georgie worked the ball down the right well and Cameron was through one on one, and just managed to chip the keeper (6-3). There was almost a seventh goal before the whistle following a goal mouth scramble, several blocked shots and a disallowed goal.         

Gary’s man of the match: Bradley

Fan-zone comment: “Good to bounce back from last week’s disappointment”

06.12.09 - Poringland 2 Taverham  1

Taverham started very brightly with Oakley and Georgie linking-up superbly. The next Taverham attack came down the right too, Oakley and Cameron this time playing the ball out of defense and creating a chance for Harley, who made no mistake in finishing from just outside the box (0-1). Taverham were playing great football all over the pitch, and Jakob almost sent Georgie clean through with a lovely weighted ball. Taverham were piling the pressure on but just not converting the chances, and Poringland fired a warning shot from the edge of the box, which Oakley blocked well.

Toby and Damon worked the ball well down the left almost finding a way through, but Poringland were starting to come into the game now and were enjoying more and more possession, forcing a good save from Tom. Poringland caught the Taverham team napping with a quick free kick, but the final shot was just wide of the post. The slick Taverham passing game we had seen for the first 15 minutes had all but disappeared and Poringland were growing in confidence. Harley was working his socks off in midfield and worked the keeper with a free kick. Toby also went close to extending the lead when Taylor played a lovely ball over the top, but his shot was just wide.  Poringland had a corner late on and Jakob did well to clear under pressure, but the ball was played high and wide, bypassing a narrow defense and leaving an easy close range chance which the home team grabbed (1-1).

Taverham started the second half brightly, Harley and Damon forcing a corner, but the keeper saved well. Cameron played a lovely ball over the top for Damon, whose shot was deflected for a corner. Jakob then saw his close range shot cleared off the line. Poringland were using their physical size and pace well, putting the Taverham back four under pressure, Braydn and Lewis both making essential tackles. Toby managed to steal the ball away from a hesitant defender and was clean through, but shot wide. Toby and Damon linked-up well again, forcing a fine save from the keeper. The game was very tight and no space. Harley was inches away from putting Taverham ahead with a left foot strike, and then played a great ball through for Damon who managed to force a corner, but the keeper made a finger-tips save.

Poringland were pushing forwards and managed to win a free kick mid-way into the Taverham half, and when the ball was not cleared away, it fell to a Poringland player to hammer home (2-1). Harley had a chance to equalise almost immediately after the re-start, but his effort was blocked. In the final few minutes, Bradley forced a good save from the keeper and Lewis’ close range shot was narrowly past the post... it just was not meant to be today.   

Gary’s man of the match: No one selected

Fan-zone comment: “A great start but took the foot off the gas too early”

29.11.09 - Sprowston 0 - 7 Taverham

Sprowston kick off and we concede a foul, but the free kick goes high and wide.  Damon and Toby were linking up well, and a Toby run down the left resulted in a cross for Cameron, who hit the ball high into the net to make it (0-1).  We were having all the pressure now.  A long throw in from Damon made its way into the box, but Georgie’s shot was well saved.  From a Harley corner, a Damon effort was saved, but Jake was on hand to tap it in for the second goal (0-2). 

It was all one way traffic, and Gary was even heard to shout ‘this is brilliant’!!  Lots more pressure ensued, although we were getting caught offside a lot.  Following a long kick from Tom, Jake headed the ball on – the keeper came to claim, but Harley was too quick for him, and scored our third (0-3).  Sprowston came more into the game, and Jakob cleared well over the bar – other than that, their pressure came to nothing.  We pushed forward down the right, and a clearance by Sprowston went straight to Cameron who hit it hard and low to make It (0-4).  We were into the last 5 minutes of the half, and were still having lots of possession.  Sprowston charged into our goalmouth, forcing Tom to save with his legs, taking a bit of a knock in the process.

The second half started with Georgie off, and Bradley on.  Sprowston made the better start, having a long range shot which Tom caught with ease, followed by a cross which he got his fingers to and cleared.  Damon made a run into the box, ending with Bradley having a shot.  It was end to end stuff now, but not many chances being created.  Luke came on to replace Braydn, and nearly scored with his first kick. 

We began to take charge of the game again, and Toby crossed, but no-one was able to get to the ball.  Harley also came close.  Toby chased down a long ball, and was brought down for a penalty.  Damon duly converted to put us five up (0-5).  Georgie and Braydn came back on, replacing Jake and Taylor.  Georgie had a shot well saved after doing some tricks out on the wing.  A good run by Toby saw Luke unable to finish.  Sprowston then had a great chance, but blasted it over the bar.  Good play between Luke, Georgie and Harley resulted in a Damon shot being well saved.  The sixth goal was scored by Damon, after a Toby cross (0-6), and number 7 came via Harley following a cross by Georgie (0-7). 

22.11.09
CUP Result: Taverham 2 Lakeford  4 (AET)

Keen to revenge the defeat two weeks ago, Taverham started brightly and looked comfortable on the ball, despite the dreadful conditions. An early half-chance came by way of a throw in, Jake flicked on for Harley to cross into the area and Damon’s powerful header was just wide. As expected, the midfield was tight with each team cancelling out the other. Tom made an excellent scrambling save in the mud down to his right. Taylor was in the thick of the action enjoying his defensive midfield role. Some excellent football by Taverham down the right, Damon and Harley with some lovely one touch football to set Jake up, but his shot was well saved.

Taverham’s defense looked strong and was dominating the Lakeford attack, Oakley, Jakob, Cameron and Lewis playing tough but intelligent football. Lakeford mounted a good attack down the left stretching the defense, but Toby cleared to safety. Another attack by Lakeford, and this time Taylor with a crucial tackle. Taverham responded with a good move deep in their own half, Cameron with a great ball for Harley, but his shot was well saved. Another decisive attack by Taverham involving Harley, Cameron and Georgie, resulted with a powerful header by Jake just over the bar.

Lakeford started the second half positively with a quick break down the right, but Damon was back to defend and blocked the shot. Another attack by Lakeford down the left, Oakley quick to spot the danger and his sliding tackle cleared the danger. Lakeford were starting to get a foot hold in the game, but Taverham were creating good chances on the counter, Damon and Toby both forcing the keeper into saves. Tom pulled off a good save from a long range strike, and Oakley blocked another good chance on the edge of the box. The game was a battle all over the pitch, both teams matching each other in every department.

Lakeford forced a corner late on and the ball fell kindly in the six yard box for a close range finish (0-1). Taverham looked hungry for an equaliser and were thrown a lifeline when Harley’s turn was too quick for the defender and he was brought down in the area. Under great pressure, Damon stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home (1-1). The last attack in normal time involved Damon and Georgie down the right, some lovely football that almost opened up the Lakeford defense (1-1 after full time).

Lakeford started the extra period well and won a free-kick just outside the box. The shot flashed across the face of the goal. Lakeford were putting pressure on the defense and an individual piece of skill broke the deadlock with a fabulous strike (1-2). Another Lakeford attack forced a corner, Taverham were caught napping by their short corner and it was an easy close range finish for the visitors (1-3). Taverham were starting to throw numbers forwards, Harley was brought down on the edge of the box, but Toby’s free-kick was just over the bar. Toby and Braydn then worked the ball down the left, forcing another save from the keeper.

Final period of extra time and everything still to play for. Again Lakeford started well but Oakley with a good tackle to stop the attack. Lakeford worked the ball through midfield and found their striker in space just inside the box, and he finished well to put the game beyond reach (1-4). Taverham did not stop though, and very late on Damon went on a powerful run into the penalty area, pulling the ball back for Harley to finish well (2-4).         

Gary’s man of the match: Oakley

Fan-zone comment: “The back four were magnificent, and we were very unlucky not to snatch the win in normal time”.

15.11.09
Result: Attleborough 1 Taverham 6

Attleborough started brightly with an attack down the left side, and Lewis had to make an important tackle to stop the move. Taverham looked a little nervous, perhaps a hangover from last week’s defeat, but they forced a corner, and Toby’s long range effort produced a great save from the keeper. Taverham were starting to settle down and some great football by Harley and Toby sent Damon through, but the shot was just wide. Attleborough responded with an attack down the right, but the shot from outside the box was just wide. The game was evenly poised, with some crunching tackles being put in all over the pitch.

Harley played a great ball out wide to Georgie who beat his man and crossed the ball into the danger zone, and Luke was on hand to finish at close range (0-1). Harley and Georgie again played some lovely one touch football, skipping past players and forcing a good save from the keeper. Cameron and Toby both had good chances to extend the lead but against the run of play, the home team scored from a corner after Tom lost the flight of the ball in the autumn sunshine (1-1). From the re-start, Taverham went on the attack, Cameron, Harley and Toby combining well to set Damon up for a close range finish (1-2). The visitors extended the lead after some great work by Taylor and Harley, setting Damon up for a good left foot finish (1-3). Damon went close again with a chip, and a clever back-heel by Harley set Georgie up for a cracking drive which was just past the post.

Taverham started the second half brightly, with Toby showing great strength and determination under pressure to get his shot off, but the keeper saved comfortably. Damon turned provider for Harley next with a clever through ball which Harley dispatched on the volley for a perfect finish in the top corner (1-4). Attleborough were still pushing forwards on the counter, and both Lewis and Jakob were in the thick of the action. Following a Taverham corner, Braydn put the defender under pressure, forcing a blocked ball through to Georgie, who finished well into the bottom corner (1-5). Looking for more goals, Damon played a defense-splitting ball, sending Toby one on one with the keeper, but he saved well.

Damon and Georgie carved out the next chance on the edge of the box with a lovely one-two but again the keeper made a good save. Harley was causing problems for the home team and his quick feet in the box invited a rash challenge, and a penalty was awarded. Damon stepped up and smashed the ball home (1-6). Attleborough were not finished yet and forced a good save from Tom with a free-kick and then Jakob produced a great sliding tackle. Harley and Toby played some lovely football down the left, and Braydn almost forced the ball home from close range. The final attack came with some brilliant individual skills by Harley in the penalty area, but his curling shot was inches past the post.     

Gary’s man of the match: Lewis

Fan-zone comment: “Important to bounce back after last week’s defeat, a great performance boys”.

08.11.09
Result: Taverham 1 Lakeford 3

This eagerly anticipated ‘top of the table clash’ would test the league’s best defensive record against the best offensive record. It was Taverham who made the best start, working the ball down the left with Toby and Jake creating an early half-chance. Lakeford looked dangerous though, and both Jakob and Lewis were called into action to break down counter-attacks. Taverham were enjoying plenty of possession but the game was very tight in midfield. The back four for Taverham were playing well with Sam and Oakley controlling the right side of defense very well, and Tom alert always willing to come off his line early.

Harley and Cameron were working hard in midfield but with time and space at a premium, chances were proving few and far between. Lakeford forced a corner, but the in-swinging ball was only glanced across the face of goal. Taverham responded with break a break from deep inside their own half, Harley and Cameron with some neat football, playing Georgie in on the right who whipped the ball into the box, but Damon’s effort was just wide. The game was end to end, Lewis clearing the ball in the six yard box with a great defensive header. Late on, Harley went close with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

Taverham started the second half where they had left off, on the attack. Good work by Cameron and Jake to set Georgie up, but his shot was well saved. The breakthrough for Lakeford came from a throw in after a momentary lapse of concentration, and the striker was sent clean through and finished well (0-1). Lakeford were piling the pressure on now and after a poor clearance, they forced a corner. A goal-mouth scramble to clear the ball resulted in an unfortunate own-goal from Lewis (0-2). From the re-start Lakeford were looking to capitalise on a dented Taverham defense, and a brilliant piece of individual skill resulted in a third goal in a ‘mad 10-minutes’ (0-3).

Damon and Harley were trying to drive the team forwards, looking for a goal to haul themselves back in the game, but the clean, crisp passing from the first half had deserted them. Taverham took a long throw-in deep into the penalty area, and the header was only cleared as far as Jakob just outside the box, who calmly chipped the keeper, a great finish (1-3). Lakeford were still pushing forwards and creating chances late on, Braydn and Lewis making great defensive tackles and Tom forced into a fine save. Damon and Georgie combined well with some one touch football, but the shot was just wide. Damon and Harley produced the final chance of the game down the left side, but Harley's chip beat the keeper and the far post.    

Gary’s man of the match: Harley

Fan-zone comment: “A tight game with teams matching each other for skill, passion and determination for all but a mad 10-minutes”.

01.11.09
Old Catton 0 Taverham 1

In conditions more akin to the Amazon than Old Catton, Taverham were quick out of the blocks with the first half-chance coming from a long ball out of defence by Oakley, sending Damon through into the penalty area, but the tight angle working against him. Harley and Georgie combined well down the right to create an opening, but Luke was unable to capitalise. Despite the dreadful conditions Taverham were playing some great ‘pass and move’ football and dominating the early play.

Damon and Toby worked the ball down the left and a half-chance fell to Harley, but he shot wide. Oakley and Luke combined well for the next attack, but the Catton keeper was quick off the line. Toby showed his pace by beating three players and firing a shot just wide. Harley picked the ball up just inside the Old Catton half, and played a great ball that split the defence and put Damon one on one with the keeper, but again he saved well. Despite the lack of possession, Old Catton looked capable of scoring on the break, and nearly did with a decisive move down the left, but Jakob’s sliding tackle saving the goal-bound effort. Taverham’s back four looked strong and confident, Braydn was in the thick of the action, Oakley and Jakob rock-solid in the middle and Lewis tenacious as ever.

Taverham started the second half brightly, Sam threading a good ball through for Toby who beat his man and then pulled it back for Damon’s strike, but it was just wide. Old Catton were starting to come into the game more and Taverham needed a sliding block by Lewis to keep the danger away from Tom. Taylor won the ball deep in his own half and played a great ball through to Toby whose shot was blocked by the keeper, the rebound fell to Damon just outside the box but his effort was over the bar. Then a quick throw by Lewis caught the defence napping, and after some great one-touch football from Damon and Harley, Jake was clean through and made no mistake with a good finish low into the corner (0-1).

Toby was giving the Catton right side a torrid time with his quick, skilful runs, and he almost found Damon in lurking the penalty area looking for a close range effort. Harley was enjoying possession in midfield and played a clever ball through for Jake who shot just inches wide. At the back Taverham were absorbing the pressure, Braydn showing great strength in the tackle and Jakob making a great sliding block to clear the danger, and then in the dying seconds, Tom was unable to hold a powerful strike as it bounced awkwardly in front of him, but Lewis was quick to see the danger and cleared.

Gary’s man of the match: Braydn

25.10.09
Result: Taverham 5 Hethersett 0

A great start by the home team, and some simple one-touch play between Jakob and Harley, setting Damon up for a shot, but it was just over the bar. The early break-through came when Damon played a superb ball out wide to Toby, who showed great strength to hold the defender off and finish into the bottom corner (1-0). Shortly after the re-start, a long ball out from defence and Cameron’s clever flick found Georgie free who half-volleyed into the top corner (2-0).

Taverham were looking comfortable and starting to play some lovely football, Cameron going close with a shot just over the bar. Hethersett were a big team, and Taylor showed no fear with a sliding tackle to dispossess the striker when under pressure. Another good move by Hethersett saw a powerful shot curl just over the bar. Harley played a great ball out wide to Toby, who fizzed a ball across the face of goal, Damon’s lunge just inches short. Harley and Georgie played a lovely one-two and but Harley’s shot was well saved.

Taylor and Jakob were looking strong in the middle of the back four. Hethersett had a free-kick just outside the box, and a powerful shot was flicked on but over the bar. Hethersett were coming into the game more now and forced Tom into a good save from a long range shot. Then a great counter attack by Taverham, Cameron threading a lovely ball through for Harley who hammered the ball home with a left-foot strike (3-0).

Hethersett were on the attack at the start of the second half, forcing a corner, but the defence held strong. Taylor played a great ball out wide to Georgie who turned the defender inside and out before unleashing a fantastic strike from 25 yards into the top corner (4-0). From the re-start Harley and Cameron worked the ball through midfield to set Jake up, but his shot was just wide.

Toby was next to pile the pressure on with a good run down the wing and a great ball into the box that Luke was unable to get on the end of. Hethersett were also pushing for a goal and looked more than capable of scoring. Toby and Harley combined well down the left, and Toby’s effort forced a good save, and a corner, from the keeper. Toby took an in-swinging corner which Damon read well for a close range finish to close the match out (5-0).

Gary’s man of the match: Georgie and Jakob

Some good early pressure by Taverham forced a corner, and Georgie was unlucky to hit the side netting with his close range effort. Norman responded with a good move over the top of the defence, forcing Tom into a fine save. Harley and Cameron played a great one-two just outside the box, but good pressure by Norman forced the shot wide. The game was tight and physical, both teams having to battle hard. The Taverham defence were being tested, but both Jakob and Taylor were keeping their composure.

The game was end to end, Toby and Harley forcing saves at one end, Tom with a finger tip save at the other, and Braydn was in the right place with a brilliant header off the line to prevent a certain goal. From Tom’s goal kick, Damon showed great strength to hold off the defenders and get a shot on target, but it was well saved. Damon turned provider when he chipped the ball over the defence for Toby to run onto, but his shot was straight at the keeper. Taverham were getting to grips with the game now and first Damon, Cameron and then Harley taking turns to test the keeper with close and long range efforts.

Taverham started the second half where they had left off with some early pressure on the home team’s goal. Luke set Harley up on the edge of the box for a great strike, but it was just wide of the target, and just when a draw was looking likely, Harley took a corner which Georgie met at the near post with a clever flick that left the keeper with no chance (0-1).  Norman were still looking dangerous and forced a corner after a good move down the right. A great ball into the box and a glancing header left Tom stranded in the goal mouth (1-1).

The game was still very tight, both teams looking capable of taking all three points in the last few minutes. An in-swinging corner from Toby was met with a towering header by Damon into the top corner (1-2).  Taverham were looking comfortable now, Oakley and Jakob strong at the back, Cameron, Harley and Damon dominating the midfield. Another corner for Taverham, and this time a close range effort from Damon secured the win and three hard-fought points (1-3).

Gary’s man of the match: Damon

Fan-zone comment: “Probably the toughest game of the year so far!” 

It was Taverham who took the early initiative in this must-win cup tie, with Toby making one of his trade mark runs down the left and with it a warning of things to come. Toby was pivotal in the next attack, holding a more central position and playing a one-two with Harley, whose shot was just wide. The Watton keeper was called into action again from a fierce strike by Cameron. The breakthrough came from a long goal-kick by Tom, Damon flicking the ball on for Harley who finished sublimely (1-0).  Watton had come to play and they signalled their intentions with a decisive break down the right, forcing Tom to save at the feet of their striker.

Taverham were creating plenty of chances, Damon had a close range effort blocked and the subsequent corner hit the bar. Harley took another corner and this time it was Jake who leapt highest at the far post to extend the lead (2-0). Damon’s long throw-in and Toby’s flick was met with a finger-tip save by the keeper. Lewis and Cameron were combining well to break up any attacking play.  Damon showed great skill when under pressure in the penalty area, teeing up Harley for a great volley, but it was just over the bar. Excellent defensive work by Jakob launched the next attack down the left, Toby finding a way past two players before cutting the ball into the box for Luke to finish at close range (3-0). Luke then turned provider on the next attack, setting Harley up, who dragged the ball back before curling the ball into the top corner (4-0).

The defence looked impressive, this time some great work by Oakley and Sam, breaking up the play and starting the next attack. But Watton still looked dangerous on the attack and forced Tom into making two successive saves, and in the process colliding with the post. The visitors were starting to enjoy more possession and were unlucky not to score after a high bounce deceived everyone including Tom. Luke was again the provider, this time for Jake, who calmly finished with a low, powerful drive (5-0).

The final quarter of the match and Taverham had seen off the attack from the visitors, and were now looking for a final goal. Following good work by Cameron, Toby had a shot saved. Sam and Oakley worked the ball well down the right side with some one-two’s before setting up another chance for Damon, whose shot was blocked for a corner. An in-swinging corner created a scramble in the penalty area and it was Cameron who was quickest to react with an early strike (6-0).      

Gary’s man of the match: Tom

Fan-zone comment: “A fast-paced game, but was the referee fit enough to keep up with play?” 

Due to the lack of rain, the pitch was understandably hard and was certainly going to cause a few problems. Taverham took the initiative early on with Toby breaking down the left but unable to get the ball into the box. Jake and Damon linked well just outside the box, Damon’s shot beat the keeper but not the post! Good early possession was still lacking the final killer ball, but from Toby’s corner, Damon volleyed home from close range (0-1). Shortly after the re-start, Braydn took a quick throw-in that caught the defence napping, Harley watched the ball come over his shoulder before a hitting great first-time strike into the net (0-2).  

The Taverham defence was holding up well with Jacob and Oakley strong in the line and Lewis tenacious as ever. Georgie’s quick feet on the right were starting to cause the home team some problems. Cameron was also enjoying his midfield role and was all over the pitch. Jake was next to test the keeper, taking the ball down just inside the box, turning and getting a quick shot off, but the keeper saved well. The unpredictable bounce of the ball was causing problems for both teams, but Harley judged his control perfectly before setting Damon up, whose powerful shot was unstoppable (0-3).      

At the start of the second half Sam, Braydn and Damon worked the ball beautifully down the right, before Damon shot just over the bar. Taverham were playing some great football, next Toby and Harley combined well down the left, whipping the ball into the box for Cameron to narrowly miss. The pressure on the Hellesdon defence was growing, Damon hit the post and Luke’s shot was cleared off the line. Harley showed some wonderful skills to dodge and weave past three players before being tripped on the edge of the box, but the free-kick was wide. 

Cameron forced a good save from the keeper, and Jake went close again. Cameron looked to have got his rewards for a great game when his shot appeared to go in the net, but the referee disallowed it. Harley’s quick thinking at a free-kick sent Jake clean through, and this time there was no doubt, firing the ball home (0-4). Harley seemed to have shrugged off an earlier knee injury and was spraying the ball around beautifully. Jake came very close to adding to his goal tally when his close range header seemed destined for the back of the net, but the keeper tipped it onto the bar. Sam and Georgie were also enjoying the freedom down the right, combining well, but the final goal came from the penalty spot, which Toby slotted home (0-5).    

Gary’s man of the match: Lewis 

Fan-zone comment: “Impressed by the oranges at half and full-time”  

The goal seemed to spark the Dereham team into life, and they were enjoying more possession. A great ball from midfield opened up the Taverham defence, but Tom was quick off his line to smother the ball at the striker’s feet. Dereham were getting on top and posing a real threat. From a corner, the ball broke to a Dereham player on the edge of the box, but his shot crashed against the bar. From Tom’s goal kick, Damon flicked the ball over the defence for Luke to have a close range shot, but the keeper made a good save.     

Taverham started the second half very positively, Damon, Jake and Harley working well in midfield and dominating possession. Toby went close with a powerful left foot drive, but it was Dereham that took advantage of a long ball over the defence and despite sliding in at the near post goal line, Oakley was unable to keep the shot out (1-1). Taverham were pushing for a response and found it from an in-swinging corner when Jake’s powerful header gave the keeper no chance (2-1). Dereham were gifted a goal when Tom’s kick went straight to the visiting striker, who made no mistake in tucking the ball away (2-2). 

A tense finish to the match was on the cards with both teams willing and able to find a winner. Harley ripped a long range shot on target, only to see the keeper make a wonderful finger-tips save, and Damon rose highest from a corner but headed just wide. The game was end to end, but Taverham were finishing the stronger. With a couple of minutes remaining, Damon sent a long chip into the box where a handful of players tried to intercept the ball...but the chip found its way through all the players and into the back of the net to clinch the win (3-2).   

Gary’s man of the match: Jake

The game took place at Firside school, on a very windy, dull and chilly day. 

We kicked off against the wind, with Taylor and Jake starting as subs.  Right from the start we had a lot of the play, Georgie shooting well from a Cameron ball and Toby putting wide following a good ball from Harley.  The first goal came from a Toby cross, which made its way into the net with a bit of help from a Firside defender.  They made one of their first runs into our half, and Tom came out well, forcing their striker to shoot across the goal and wide.  Our good play continued, Damon sending in a good drive to the right of the keeper, but also past the post.  At the other end, Jakob had to kick the ball clear following a defensive mix up.  A great Cameron run resulted in a corner, from which Georgie hit the bar.  Our second goal came again from Toby, curling in a Georgie ball.  His hat-trick came minutes later, this time Damon supplying the cross.  Half time:- 0-3. 

The second half began with Oakley and Luke being replaced by Taylor and Jake.  Our defence was holding firm, whilst at the other end Jake hit the post with a good shot.  A great Harley corner beat everyone, and Damon shot wide.  Further good play saw Cameron shoot over the bar.  Oakley came back on for Braydn.  Harley then got injured – Luke replacing him.  Taylor made a great defensive challenge when Firside were attacking.  Just when it seemed no more goals were coming, the Firside keeper parried a shot from Jake, leaving Toby with a simple tap in.  Final score:- 0-4.