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Archived Match Reports :

2007/8 Season

2008/9 Season

Match report 16/05 vs Thorpe

So our season boiled down to this one last game, a real relegation 6 pointer away to Thorpe. Both teams needed to win after hearing that it could possibly be 3 teams to go down and 3 to come up. Thorpe were second from bottom on 15pts and we were fourth from bottom on 17 pts. It was all to play for!!!

The team was raring to go and the pre match discussion was all about confidence, belief and desire. We knew they would come out fighting right from the whistle so we had to do the same. Play football, don’t panic and go out there, enjoy yourselves and you will get the result.

Joe was in goal, Manny, Dex, Brad and Elliott across the back, Callum, Max, Luke and Ollie in the middle with Josh and Rhys up front, Brannan started as sub.

Well we piled on the pressure right from the start and were rewarded after about 5mins when a good ball from the middle sent Rhys wide toward the right hand corner of the box where he beat the defender and un-selfishly squared his pass to Luke who had followed up the play and smashed home his 12^th of the season into the far corner. A great move and a great finish for 0-1.

We continued to have most of the play in this opening half and the defence were doing their job superbly well, closing and winning the ball and the distribution was also excellent. Max was controlling the middle well with Luke and after great work from Max his through ball put Callum free but his shot went wide. A good move though. Thorpe came back at us though and a great through ball on the left set their winger away and his shot was well saved at his near post by Joe.

We had a chance to go 2-0 up when a ball to the far post from the right saw Ollie unmarked and his effort was mis-hit and it bobbled to the right where Josh pounced but his effort went just passed the post (maybe take a touch next time Woody and get it under control?).

The second half began in similar vein to the first, both teams pushing and battling well. Brannan had come on for Ollie and was involved straight away as we tried to break down the right. The crowning moment of the game was a free kick for us10yards outside the box on the right hand side. Luke wanted it, but much to his disappointment the manager waved him away and asked the left foot of Callum Van Persie to go for the top left corner, and boy did he do it or what !!! A stunning shot that looped up and over the wall over the keeper and sailed in to the top left corner and 2-0, superb.

We did seem to lose our shape and discipline towards the end and great credit to Thorpe, they never gave up and pulled one back with about five minutes to go after some poor defending and failing to clear. Having said that it was the only error the defence made all game, it was a superb display.

So the final score was 1-2 and we were safe but unfortunately for Thorpe the result meant they would be relegated back to Division B.

We did what we needed to do today guys so well done. Twelve games in, and we had 2 points and no wins, Ten games left and we won 6 of them, a superb effort, very, very well done guys, you deserve to stay up after that. Lets just build on it for next season.

MOM – Bradley – an immense display, great heading, solid tackling and positive distribution, thoroughly deserved.

Match report 01/05 Vs Jex

This was the game that would show how far we had come as a team today as it was the return leg of the meeting with Jex the runaway champions of the league Cup Finalists (as you would expect with the pick of the crop in their squad). They couldn’t get a pitch however so the game was played Longdale but with their Ref.

Last time was 0-14 and a line was drawn in the sand that day, in that, no longer would we be brushed aside in that way and we committed, as a group, to improve in all areas of the team. So what would happen today??

Joe was in goal, Elliott, Brad, Dex and Manny across the back and a 5 man midfield saw Callum, Josh, Max, Luke and Brannan and Ollie started up front. Rhys and Ellery were subs. Rhys came on for Ollie halfway through the half and Ellery for Manny at half time (as he had a wedding to go to).

The plan was to defend as best as we could and to try and stem the flow of attacks that we knew would be coming. Well we weathered the storm for a while but the inevitable breakthrough came after about 15mins when neat interchanges saw them finish from the right, 0-1. This soon became 2 (a free header at the far post) and then 3. But we were still putting ourselves about and working hard to close people down quickly. We nearly nicked one as well when Brannan turned well on the edge of the box and rifled one low and to the keeper’s right, but he managed to get fingers on it and pushed it round for a corner (one of quite a few today, which is something we didn’t manage last time). Half time 0-3 which was a great effort guys as you may remember it was 7 last time!!

We kept battling really well but in fairness the difference in quality was plain to see, and that isn’t having a go at our lads, not at all, but when you are ex Academy and all PDC players you should be better than most. The big centre back went up front and scored two crackers and from a massive throw in, the ball hit the legs of the incoming midfielder and it bobbled over the line. Another came after a great shot from the left was well saved by Joe but his parry fell into the path of the striker and he netted easily from close range.

So the game finished 0-7, which although a hammering was far better than last time as we were actually involved a lot more and contributed more to the game.

Unfortunately the whole thing was spoilt by not just the visiting players’ lack of respect towards us but the awful attitude and total lack of respect of the people on the side. It was a disgrace. Even their manager came over and apologized for the behaviour of all concerned. If pushing to be the best makes you like that, then you can keep it, our philosophy is to see you all develop as honest and respectful players who enjoy playing footy and always behave accordingly (that goes for you lot on the side as well!!!!).

MOM – Josh for hassling, closing, challenging and covering a lot of ground, well done.

Match report 24/04 Vs Norman

Well the season is nearly over and today saw Norman visit Longdale for the return fixture that was cancelled earlier in the year. We drew 2-2 with them back then so it was felt that as we had improved since playing them we just might be able to get something today.

Joe, started in goal, Elliott Dex, Brad and Josh were across the back, Max and Luke in the centre with Brannan and Callum out wide, leaving Ollie and Rhys up front. Ellery and Manny (injured) started as subs.

Well we got off to a cracking start with some good work down the left and a clever infield pass to Ollie saw him turn and bury his shot into the corner for 1-0. Unfortunately we didn’t hold this lead for too long as their speed up front was causing us a few problems and when they broke down the right a mix up between the two central defenders and the outcoming keeper saw it bobble free and they calmly netted for 1-1.

Their second came shortly after this as they again broke far too easily down the right and the powerful shot that came in saw Joe get a hand to it but it wasn’t quite strong enough and it rolled in for 1-2 and this how the half finished.

We were still in it though and the half time chat was about belief and digging in to grind out a result. Unfortunately though this didn’t happen and one or two of the team were guilty of letting their heads drop once the visitors had scored again. 1-2 soon became 1-5 as Norman played some great football and were cutting through us too easily and their finishing was top notch.

Ollie pulled one back with a neat finish from the edge of the box but the final hit came near the end when an effort from the right saw Joe fumble his catch and the first to react was the striker who buried it from close range, and the game finished 2-6.

A disappointing second half really, the game was their to be taken by the team who wanted it most (a little like when we were 2-2 at HT against Hellesdon – on that day we lost 6-2 as well) and it was an excellent away team that showed they wanted it most today.

We battled well however, but it was just that despondency that crept in that spoilt our game and with only 2 games to go and no points today meant a battle right to the end of the season was upon us!!

MOM – Luke for great determination throughout, working hard for the team.

Match report 18/04 Vs Wymondham

This week saw us back at Longdale again, after a week off and the drubbing at Catton the week before, this time to face Wymondham in a re-arranged fixture from earlier in the season.

These guys had beaten us quite comprehensively at Ketts Park (5-0) but I think it was fair to say that at that point we were still finding our feet as a team. However today was a must win game given our current plight and the chasing teams. So we lined up as follows: Joe in goal, Elliott, Brad, Dex and Manny across the back, Brannan, Luke, Max and Callum in the middle and Ollie and Rhys up front, which left Josh as our only sub.

Well a cracking game ensued and the manager was on refereeing duty so was able to watch things unfold from up close!

Taverham took the game by the scruff of the neck and put the visitors under constant pressure right from the whistle. The football was good to watch from both teams and it was clear both were trying to play the ball with no panicking. It was Taverham who took the lead though after a very even opening quarter and the goal came from a stooping header by Bradley after Ollie’s corner was floated perfectly into the danger area, 1-0 and thoroughly deserved.

We continued to play good football and our back four stopped everything today, they were immense and did not put a foot wrong, leaving Joe with little to do. In the middle Max and Luke were beginning to dominate and Max showed great skill and close control down the left beating two and then a third close to the side line, before setting up Callum, excellent to see, well done. Our hard work paid off with a second goal, this time from captain Luke with a good shot from just inside the box, 2-0. The visitors had one effort that Joe saved with a strong hand but it went up and behind him and fortunately for us landed on the very uneven goal line area and bounced up rather than in and Joe fisted it away to safety, a close shave!

Half time followed and Josh came on for Brad. Now it was a case of not letting anything slip and continuing to dominate. To be fair though the opposition were not going to go quietly and were putting in a dogged performance that showed commitment, desire and perseverance, and they kept us out for the bulk of the half. However our 3^rd came after a high ball into the box was pounced on by Max (who had pushed up front) but in the scramble that followed it was a defender who hit it high into the net whilst attempting to clear, 3-0. Max had the bit in his teeth though and was determined to get his first goal. He had the chances late on as twice he was clean through but pulled his shot wide of the far post and on his third attempt from about 8yards out he hit it high and wide. Great effort though fella! So it ended 3-0, a cracking game and a well earned clean sheet and 3 points, well done to all, great performances throughout, a true team effort.

MOM – Max for great work throughout, excellent close control, good distribution and perseverance in front of goal.

28/03/10 vs Old Catton

A windy but dry day saw us visit title challenging Old Catton at the Rec today. But unfortunately we could only manage 11 players due to injuries and illness (Brad and Josh out). Not the best day to turn up with no subs but there we had to give it a go.

We therefore lined up with Joe in goal, Ellery, Elliott, Dex and Manny across the back, Brannan, Luke, Max and Callum across the middle and Ollie and Rhys up front.

Well it started off really well as we competed all over the pitch and enjoyed some great possession during the first half. It was end to end stuff throughout and was great to watch. To cap off a great fifteen minutes we took the lead, as Joe’s deliberate kick out to Brannan saw him evade a cou0ple of challenges and clip a neat ball over the top of the defense which saw Rhys and Callum race forward. Callum got there first and his clever lob went over the keeper for 0-1.

We held this for about 10 minutes when after a long throw we had left a man clear at the far post (ball watching and not man marking) who took a touch and netted for 1-1. This shortly became 2-1 as we lost possession in their half and a great ball to their speedy left winger saw him cut in and bury one into the far corner. Luke struck a great free kick from about 25yards that caught the wind but it just went over. This is how a very even first half finished and it meant we were still in with a shout.

Obviously no changes were made and the management tried to rally the troops and get them motivated to continue the battle. However some already seemed to have their heads down and this began to show as the second half unfolded.

We failed to clear from a corner and second to the loose ball as they pounced and made it 3-1. We kept trying though and Brannan had a couple of chances that he pulled wide, Elliott put one over the bar. The home team broke again and Joe came out to clear 1v1 but came off worse and while down on the floor injured the ref played on and Manny committed a foul for a penalty, which they duly netted for 4-1.Unortunately we are guilty so often of putting ourselves under pressure and again failure to clear the ball in our own penalty area (trying to drag backs etc!!!!!) losing possession and 5-1. This could have been more if it was not for some great covering defending by Manny who twice cleared off the line after sprinting back, well done mate. However it did soon become 6-1 and then shortly after that from about 25 yards out Brannan (for a reason only he will know!!) was facing our goal and smashed a side footed pass/shot, not sure that used the wind perfectly and curled round everyone straight back into our net!!, bizarre!!!.

They nearly got an eighth but Joe was at full stretch to push it wide. So it finished 7-1 and it made them look so much better than us when in fairness that simply wasn’t the case. We were responsible for most of their goals.

MOM – Elliott for an excellent, strong and solid performance at the back, didn’t put much of a foot wrong all game.

21/03/10 vs Fakenham

Beautiful conditions for football greeted both teams at Longdale today and it was turn of Fakenham to visit us at this crucial part of the season. A narrow victory for them earlier on meant that we always felt there just might be chance…

Joe was in goal, Dex, Josh, Manny and Elliott across the back with Callum wide left, Luke and Max in the centre and Brannan wide right, which left Ollie up front partnering the returning Rhys after his injury, with Ellery starting off on the side.

After tactics were discussed prior to kick off the talk was more about belief and desire and the will to win. All our remaining games have to played like they are all cup finals, get out there and prove we are worthy of a place in this division was the message!

Well even though we were into the wind for the first half, it would not be unfair to say that we dominated the game and had a lot of early chances to bury the game. Rhys was the first to be put through, and he looked sharp and hungry for it today but his effort went agonizingly passed the post. He then had another chance but his touch past the keeper was too heavy and it went out. Ollie was then put in the clear after a great move down the right and slotted home for 1-0. He nearly made it two when his well struck free kick just went past the post. Luke also hit a superb volley from thirty yards that went over the keeper, hit the post and rolled along the line before being cleared. Great stuff to watch. Luke also had another chance that just went over the bar. A great half though and we were well on top. Joe had little to do in this half but when called on he pulled off a magnificent save diving to his left to keep them out.

Ellery came on for Elliott and the second half needed us to start taking some of our chances otherwise we just might get caught out. Once again we piled on the pressure and were playing some great football. We got our just rewards mid way through when some great work down the right saw the resulting cross from Brannan cause all sorts of confusion in the 6 yard box. Bodies were going everywhere as they chased the bobbling ball, luckily for us in this confusion (caused by great pressure) saw their skipper back heel it into his own net for 2-0.

This shortly became 3-0 as again a lovely ball from Max to Luke then to Brannan, back to Luke and his cross found Ollie unmarked just inside the box on the right and he swept home a sweet half volley into the far corner. Callum nearly got himself on the score sheet as well but his volley from the left was superbly saved by their huge keeper!

That’s how it ended, 3-0. A great performance against a very strong and capable team. It could have been more, but 3 points and our first clean sheet of the season is a fantastic result. Some notable performances today, Josh at the back was superb as was Dex (against some school mates which is always nice). Max had a very accomplished game in the centre and is already proving to be great asset to the team. Luke had another commanding performance as captain. But everyone played their part in a great team win, which is the main thing – and we played some good football as well!!

f/t 3-0

MOM – Ollie for a lot of hard work, 2 quality goals, excellent work rate and tenacity. The best performance he has put in this season.

14/03/10 vs Spixworth

A very windy and wet day (with the odd bit of sunshine) at Buxton saw us visit fellow strugglers Spixworth for our second meeting this season.

Joe was in goal, Dex, Josh, Brad and Elliott across the back with Manny wide left, Ellery and Max in the centre and Brannan wide right, which left Ollie and Callum up front and unfortunately Luke started on the side due to twisting his ankle in the warm up!!

Well we were against the wind in the first half and really under pressure from the whistle as the home team pushed forward at every opportunity. Joe set the precedent for the day within the fist few minutes as his fingertip save saw the ball hit the bar from close range.

Shortly after that Elliott came close as he had pushed up well from right back (something he did very well all game) and from the cross from the left he was on the 6 yard line and managed to hit the bar, unlucky bounce just as he went to strike it. We weathered this early pressure and a neat through ball from Max to Callum saw his shot saved well by the keeper but Ollie was the first to react and buried it for 0-1. They went straight back down our end where Joe pulled off another great save diving to his left and pushing it away. We got our second when a neat interchange that started with Elliott saw Ollie’s flicked header reach Brannan wide on the right he crossed for Callum who got it under control turned and laid it into the path of Manny who struck it well from the edge of the box into the corner, 0-2. This is how the half finished. One of the best things of the half was some great passing football, all the guys were trying what we had practiced in training and some of the triangles were excellent, well done.

Ollie had a breather and Luke came on up front for the second half and he made quite an impact as shortly after the start he received the ball from Brannan, who was having an excellent game, took a touch on the right side of the box and unleashed a great shot that rifled into the roof of the net for 0-3. Luke then had a great run down the left after picking the ball up in our half, evading 3 challenges he then crossed for Callum to shoot but the keeper closed him down well and came away with the ball, good work though guys.

We got a fourth when Max, who was also having a good game laid the ball to Manny whose clever lob over the defence, caught them out, but not Luke who nipped in and poked the ball under the keeper for his second and 0-4.

We then seemed to take our foot off the pedal and began to leave holes everywhere as Joe suddenly became the busier keeper. He pulled off a great save down to his left and from the resulting corner got down really well to stop another effort from going in. Shortly after that they broke away down the right and the resulting shot was saved again by the fingertips of Joe who managed to push it onto the post and we cleared it. They were then clean through and it was 1v1 Joe and the striker but his touch was heavy and Joe pounced to stop him in his tracks, great work.

Well just as Joe (and to be fair the manager as well) was thinking of our first clean sheet our midfield pushed up to far and left a great big hole which the home team capitalized on and a good through ball saw the striker slot one past Joe into the corner for what was, to be fair no more than their hard work deserved. Unlucky Joe, and it finished 30 seconds after that as well!!! 1-4

Some great performances today, notably, Bradley, Brannan, Elliott and Max, everyone else did well as well but these guys stood out today. But the player of the day was an easy and unanimous decision for the players and coaches.

MOM – Joe for some great saves throughout, keeping us in the game and filling his team with the confidence that we all need.

07/03 vs Blofield

After a 3 week lay off due to the weather, today saw the return fixture against Blofield. They beat us quite comfortably earlier in the season, while we were still ‘finding our feet’ as a team, but after our last outing at Longdale where we comprehensively beat Dereham, the feeling was reasonably positive about today’s game.

So we lined up with Joe in goal, Manny, Josh, Dex and Elliott across the back, with Brad, Ellery, Callum and Brannan in the midfield which left Ollie and new signing Max up front. Rhys was out injured so this left Luke on the side.

Unfortunately we looked like a different team in this first half compared to the one that thrashed Dereham. We did have a couple of early chances, the most notable of which fell to Callum whose shot flew over the bar from close range, but that was it really, in what was a pretty poor showing in the first period. We failed to act quickly enough to any ball, our passing was not at its best and we fell foul of basic mistakes, which yet again cost us the game. Failing to track a runner from a throw in on the edge of our box led to the first. A clumsy challenge in the corner when there was no need to make one, led to the second, and ball watching and failing to close down led to the third and fourth. Which is how the half ended 0-4.

For the second half Luke came on in the middle, Manny had a breather so Elliot switched to left back, Brad dropped back in the centre of defence and Dex came out to the right. Well these changes did seem to spark us back into life for the second half as we really took the game to the visitors and kept them in their half for most of the time. Luke came close after a short corner with a well struck shot that the keeper pushed wide. But it was Luke again who fuelled the resurgence with a long throw from the right that was left to bounce over everyone and Ollie nipped in with a backward header that went over the keeper and 1-4.

However all our pressure amounted to little else as we failed to find the net again in the remainder of the half and it ended 1-4.

So a disappointing game really, and one where we really needed to try and get something from it, given our position (and theirs), but it just wasn’t to be.

Still we now have 7 games to go to try and survive, none will be easy, all will require commitment, enthusiasm, desire, passion and the will to win (even against Jex!!) so lets go for it guys!! 110% from everyone and believe in yourselves!!!!

MOM – Callum for some great work on and off the ball, strong tackles and great determination.

14/2/10 v Dereham

The snow showers had passed and the sun was out ready for today’s clash at Longdale against Dereham. This was the second of a run of 6 games that we needed to get some points from, we had won the first, could we now win this one??

The previous meeting between the two, saw us lose a 2 goal lead to finish the wrong side of a 3-2, but the belief was there that today we could beat them. The game plan, was the same as before, shut their main striker out and close them down quickly, so we could play our passing game.

We lined up with Joe in goal, Manny, Ellery, Dex and Josh across the back, with Brad sitting just in front of them supporting Luke in the middle, with Callum and Brannan wide, leaving Dean and Rhys up front. Elliott and Ollie started as subs.

Three minutes after kick off we were one down as some confusion between Josh and Joe saw neither claim the ball and their striker poked his toe at it and saw it sail over Joe into the roof and 0-1. This was the kick up the backside we needed and we began to settle down and apply some pressure. From a quickly taken short corner Luke’s cross found Ellery who slotted home for 1-1. This was followed by some good work down the left from Manny whose cross found Rhys who netted for 2-1. Manny twice won the ball from the edge of our box and made blistering runs down the wing, leaving everyone in his wake, superb, but unfortunately the crosses didn’t connect with anyone, excellent stuff though. Shortly after this the visitors broke down the left and the cross / shot was headed clear off the line by Josh, great defensive covering. Then it was our turn to come close again as Rhys found the ball sneak through to him on the 6 yd line but his effort on the turn went wide and over.

We got our 3^rd from some good work down the right with Brannan and Luke combining well and again Luke was provider as his pass found Dean on the edge of the box whose half volley on the turn nestled into the far corner, a great finish and 3-1 which is how the half finished.

Ollie came on for Callum and Elliott for Brad. Shortly after kick off a great move down the right saw Luke cut in to the box and smash home our 4^th from close range and a tight angle, superb and 4-1. We needed to concentrate at this point to ensure we didn’t concede but we got caught ball watching as we left a man clear at the back of the box and he collected the cross drove in and slotted one past Joe for 4-2. This didn’t knock us out of our stride and a great clearance from Joe saw a neat interchange between Luke and Rhys allowed Luke to net his second with a low drive across the keeper into the far corner, a great finish and 5-2. Brannan had a chance as well but just pulled it wide. Then a quality move down the right saw a clever cross and a superb finish from Callum for 6-2. The final goal came from the right again and Rhys’s cross was met by a backward headed flick from Dean and Brannan out jumped the keeper to head home for 7-2, which is how it ended.

The only down side to the game saw some fairly rash challenges from the visitors which left Manny injured (leg and shoulder) and Luke was carried off with nasty stud marks across his shin and ankle after a very poor and late tackle.

A superb effort lads, an all round team performance that’s 2 wins in 2, lets carry this form on and take it to Thorpe next week.

MOM – Manny again, for some superb defensive work, great runs and superb commitment, well done.

07/02/10 – vs Sprowston (Cup QF)

After two wins against lower division opposition in the previous rounds today saw us visit the home of Sprowston for a really tough quarter final clash. Obviously as the underdogs for the game, the aim was to go out there and try our best to contain them and at least give them a game.

The plan was to have a defensive set up for the first half to see if we could hold them at bay and maybe hit them on a counter!!!

We set up then with Joe in goal, Manny, Dex, Brad Elliott and Josh across the back, Ollie wide right, Callum wide left with Luke and Brannan in the centre, leaving Rhys to start up front. This meant Dean and Ellery started as subs.

Well the plan didn’t seem to work as they were very quick out the traps and within 5 minutes we were 1-0 down as a clever chip from a neat through ball went over Joe into the roof of the net. We were managing to string a couple of attacks together and a lovely ball over the top for Callum saw him run in and his shot from the left went just past the far post. We soon went 2-0 down as they caught us ball watching. This soon became 3-0 as a fantastic and very quick break from their left winger saw him run ¾’s of the length of the pitch and rifle one past Joe, a great goal. Not long after that Joe scuffed a clearance from a pass back and the resulting shot hit the bar.

We continued to battle and push forward and another great pass to Callum on the left who was having a good game so far allowed him to run at goal but again his effort went wide of the far post. Luke then won the ball in the middle and pushed forward only to see his effort loop just over the bar. This good spell though came to an abrupt end just before half time when we caught napping from a low corner that was met at close range for 4-0.

The formation was changed at half time to allow two up front as it was going to be all or nothing in this second half. Ellery came on for Elliott and Rhys back on for Dean, who in turn came back on after 10 mins for Ollie who just couldn’t seem to make an impact today.

Unfortunately it just wasn’t going to be our day as they had two efforts that hit the bar and instead of coming back out they both bounced straight down and both behind the line, unlucky but we had talked about cutting off the supply before the game and we just couldn’t seem to do it today, 6-0.

However for the first time this season we managed to score against them and after strong work in the middle from Josh and Luke the ball came over the defense for Brannan to coolly bring it down and with a calm head he evaded the challenges, took it round the keeper and slotted into an empty goal, a great finish and 6-1. This seemed to fire the home team up again and a great low shot from just outside the box found the net for 7-1. Joe was again in action and pulled off a great save at close range but could do nothing about their final goal and the game finished 8-1.

A lesson in control, pass and move today guys but having said that we did create some great chances and did play some great football (especially that move down the left with Callum, Manny, Josh and Rhys, excellent one touch stuff). Let’s move on and concentrate on the league!!

MOM – Manny, for an outstanding performance throughout, strength, desire, great tackling and movement down the wing, excellent to watch and thoroughly deserved.

24/01/10 Vs Spixworth

Today’s visitors to Longdale, after a very lengthy break were fellow strugglers Spixworth. Both team were finding it difficult this season so it was thought this would be a very even match  and one that could indeed have a major influence on the outcome for both at the end of the season.

So the team that started this tense ‘six pointer’ was; Joe in goal, Elliott, Brad, Manny and Josh across the back (the latter with his first time in the role of centre back), Ollie and Callum wide midfield, and Luke (the new Captain to the end of the season) and Brannan in the centre, with Rhys and Dean up front. This left Ellery and Dex to start on the side.

The boys were fired up and motivated to be first to the ball, close people down and chase every ball and even though the visitors kicked off we won possession almost immediately and began to play some neat football. After just a couple of minutes Luke played a good through ball to Rhys who turned well and fired a shot that was well saved, but the loose ball was pounced on swiftly by Dean whose left foot strike hit the roof of the net for 1-0. We kept the pressure on really well and were dominating the early exchanges when before 5 minutes were up Luke’s great threaded pass found Dean to net his second past the out-coming keeper, 2-0, a great start. This soon became 3-0 as some excellent work down the right from Ollie helped to set up Brannan who in turn passed neatly to Luke who took it round a defender and smashed home his shot from the edge of the box. This time another great move down the left involving Manny, Luke and Callum saw the latter push into the box and his shot was well saved but the rebound fell to Dean to poke home his 3^rd from close range. Really great stuff to watch, 4-0. We took our eye of the basics though a little at this point and began to allow the opposition back into the game and from one of their very few corners we failed to clear the ball effectively from within our 6 yd box and the ball fell to their captain to smack one home from a couple of yards out, 4-1 which is how the half ended.

Brad had a rest (back injury) and was replaced by Dex, Brannan also had a breather and allowed Ellery to come on in the middle.

So the second half required us to keep our shape, discipline and focus to ensure we didn’t let the lead go and we had to hold out for that elusive first win. We managed to keep the pressure on and withstand a little pressure from them as well but in truth Joe was not really troubled much this half. Luke was covering alot of ground and his intelligent run down the right took him past 3 defenders and he cut into the box and smashed his shot high into the net at the near post for 5-1, a great run and excellent finish (although if he had missed he would have got a telling off for not pulling it back to the supporting players!!).

Rhys was desperate to get one against his old team and a great headed flick from Dean on the half way line set him free but he couldn’t connect properly and the keeper managed to block his shot. The move of the match came down the left as Manny played in Callum who laid it into Rhys whose pass found Dean and his flicked pass found Callum who had continued his run into the box to rifle home his first and our sixth, 6-1. Another great down the right from Luke saw his pass find Dean and his effort looped up and hit the top of the bar. Finally from a great corner form Brannan (who had come back on for Ollie (injured knee) swa  abit of a goalmouth scramble and Josh saw his touch hit the keeper who fumbled it over the line for an OG and a final score of 7-1.

Thoroughly deserved guys, its been coming for a while now and all we must do is use this as a starting block to get another couple of wins under our belt.

MOM Dean for a much better performance and a well taken hat trick, good lad (our chat must have worked!!).

13/12/09 Vs Hellesdon

Sunshine, showers and a sticky wet pitch greeted the teams at Longdale today, and it was the turn of one of the best footballing teams in the division to visit us – Hellesdon. We met them earlier in the season with a weakened team due to injuries, on a very hard pitch with a very strong wind and were beaten quite convincingly. Was it to be the same today?

We lined up with Joe in goal, Elliott right back, Manny left back and Brad and Ellery in the middle. Callum was wide left Luke and Josh in the centre and Brannan wide right, leaving Ollie and Rhys up front. Subs to start were Dex and Dean.

A fantastic first half ensued, real end to end stuff that was a pleasure to watch. Some great football from both teams and the visitors were not having it all their own way this time around. However it was they that took the lead mid way through the half when a perfect defence splitting pass left us standing and their sharp centre forward slotted calmly passed Joe for the first of what turned out to be hat trick for him and 0-1.

Heads didn’t drop though and Taverham fought back well with some great challenges all over the pitch from all players and the equalizer came after some great work down the left and Callum drilled home his second of the season for 1-1. Taverham were on a roll now and could see the opposition losing a little discipline due to the pressure being put on them and a cross from Rhys was fumbled by the keeper and Callum, who had followed up well, anticipating the loose ball, pounced and prodded home his second for 2-1, great pressure that paid off, well done lads. Just before the break though we allowed them to break free down the right and an inch perfect cross was headed well into the top corner for 2-2. A great way to end what was a great half, superb all round. Dean came on in midfield for Brannan and Dex replaced Ellery.

The game was there for the taking, the question was which side was going to act and seize the points. Well, unfortunately for us it was the visitors, who really showed their quality in the second half playing some great football. But yet again it was a couple of errors on our part that led to them taking the lead. One goal came from a corner that we failed to clear and was prodded home from close range and another from some mis-communication between defender and keeper that gave the centre forward his hat trick and 2-4. Their 5^th came as we lost the ball on the halfway line then failed to put a tackle in on their midfielder as he ran through at least 3 players and rifled one into the far corner from just inside the box. This was soon followed by a 6^th which is how the game finished, 2-6. The score flattered them a little, yes they were better than us on the day, but again we gave away silly goals that made the result look better than it should have.

A great first half lads and an okay second. We battled well and it was great to see such effort and tackling but we didn’t really test the keeper enough in the second period.

Keep working hard and it will pay off, the effort, understanding and quality of play is improving.

MOM – Elliott for not putting a foot wrong all game: confident, solid, calm and assured , excellent to see.

06/12/009 Vs Sprowston

So it was back to the beginning again for the second round of matches this season and an away visit to last years champions, Sprowston. Last time we met on the opening day, we ended up with 9 men on the pitch and were emphatically beaten, that was not to be the plan today. Last time round we didn’t have Rhys or Manny and were struggling with injuries, today saw us at full strength.

Joe was in goal, Brannan started at right back to give us some additional speed, Dex and Brad in the centre with Manny on the left. Ollie started wide left and Callum wide right with Luke and Josh in the middle. Josh was given the additional responsibility of supporting the back four and assisting Dex with the centre forward. This left Dean and Rhys up front and Ellery and Elliott on the bench.

Well the first fifteen minutes went by with little to report as we seemed to be giving them a decent game across all areas but then  we lost the ball on the half way line and within seconds were one down after a lucky strike crept in at the near post. This soon became two as again we lost possession rather to easily and the lad rounded Joe and slotted one towards the corner that brave attempts to keep out couldn’t stop, 2-0. Their third came shortly after when a deflected shot sent Joe the wrong way and it bobbled over the line for yet another unfortunate goal. We rarely got it out of our half during this first period and when we did we seemed to lack the direction and commitment to make anything happen, it was all unfortunately, fairly lacklustre. Just before half time they scored another as again the striker was put through the middle and even after valiant attempts to get him off the ball from Dex he rounded Joe and Brad couldn’t prevent his shot from going in and the half finished 4-0.

Attempts were made to rally the troops as the home side would be with the wind in the second half and we needed to ensure the score was kept down and that we continued to battle. Ellery came on for Brad and Elliott for Brannan. Well it was all one way traffic in this half and our goal was peppered constantly with efforts as we struggled to stem the flow. Our passing was continually going astray, and when we did get the ball were not strong enough in the tackle and continually lost it, putting us back under immediate pressure. Guys we have always been saying that we must be stronger and start to be the ones who put others under pressure and push them off them ball not let them do it to us. The home team had corner after corner and effort after effort but couldn’t seem to get past us this half and we even managed a couple of attempts ourselves!

They did get one more before the end and it finished 5-0. A better second half and in the end a better result than last time. But it wasn’t a great performance from us, we are capable of better than that and were a little scared of them today as we gave them too much time on the ball, didn’t close and apply pressure.

Still, onwards and upwards guys, keep the faith, keeping working hard and we will get our just rewards!!

29/11/09 - Vs Norman Wanderers 

The management knew today would be tough as this was a strong team we were facing with a keeper and a left back who are both being monitored by the academy. But the mood was optimistic as we were unbeaten in two games and on a bit of roll. Confidence was growing and the team was settling into a rhythm and performances were definitely improving. So we lined up with Joe in goal, Dex right back, Elliott and Brad in the middle, Manny left back. Brannan was wide right and Callum wide left with Josh and Luke in the centre, leaving Rhys and Ollie up front (a new challenge for Ollie and an opportunity to try something different). This meant Dean and Ellery started as subs.

Well, the talk had been about pressure and closing (again) and what a start! We kicked off and in less than a minute had taken the lead after a neat interchange of passes down the right from Rhys, Brannan and Josh leaving Callum to stroke it home from just inside the box. Great stuff! This lead improved as we really began to exert some pressure and a superb through ball from Josh allowed Brannan to run on to it and fire a low shot that from where the manager was standing looked to go in to the side netting, but on seeing the celebrations realized it had gone into the corner for 0-2. Superb.

Norman though are no pushover and there immense speed up front caused us no end of problems and this paid off for them shortly before half time, when a good move down their left saw a ball into the middle for an easy slot in and 1-2. Which is how the half finished.

Dean came on for Ollie and Ellery for Elliott and the message was the same keep pressurizing and push for a 3^rd.  Our problem in this half though was twofold, yet again we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure by failing to clear the ball effectively (either with head or foot) and our clearances were going backwards. And our finishing in front of goal was not its best, we definitely lacked composure in this area, as too many went over the bar or were dragged wide.

Still the work rate was excellent and performances all over the pitch were excellent. Luke had a great run down the right late on and clipped a ball over that was just headed wide. Brannan had a couple of chances but shot straight at the keeper or over the top. Rhys had a couple of chances and pulled them wide, as did Dean. But the thing was we were creating the chances and that’s important to note. However we were undone by their speed up front again and the centre forward punished us with a late equalizer. They could have nicked it at the death as well but the lads shot came off the underside of the bar having beaten Joe but he reacted well and at full stretch palmed clear the rebound.

So it finished 2-2, but in all honesty I think we should have won it. An excellent performance from all 13 players, well done lads. The win is just round the corner!!

MOM – Rhys for his shielding / strength when holding the ball, pressurizing the defence, running off the ball, an all round strong performance.

22/11/09 vs Hethersett (Cup 2^nd Round)

After a good performance last week today saw us visit the home of Hethersett in the 2^nd round of the Cup and an excellent, but slightly soggy pitch greeted us and so did a blustery wind, from one end to the other.

A slight change of tactics was the order of the day today as it was an unknown quantity we were facing so we lined up with Joe in between the sticks, Lewis at right back, Dex and Elliott in the middle and Manny left back. Ollie was wide right and Callum wide left with Ellery and Brannan in the centre. Josh and Dean were up front (an old partnership that worked quite well last season) which left Luke, Rhys and Brad as subs. The key was to get it wide to use the trickery of the lads and to get the ball over the top to be able to release the speed of the front two.

A very tense and surprisingly even half ensued as we were playing some good football but were also continuing to make a few errors and subsequently found ourselves under pressure and before long 2-0 down. Failure to clear a corner resulted in the smallest lad on the pitch head the ball from inside the six yard box into Joes arms, however Joe was already behind the line from the previous save and subsequently it was 1-0. This was how the half finished, which meant we had the wind in the second period.

Brad came on for Elliott, Rhys for Josh and Luke for Ellery.

Unfortunately however soon after the re-start they broke free and the blond striker (formerly of Jex) slotted it past Joe, only for Lewis and Brad to both try and stop it from crossing the line. Well a lack of communication (again guys – when are you all going to start talking to each other!!) meant that Lewis’s clearance hit Brad and it went in for 2-0. We stuck at it though and continued to dominate the play and eventually after a great piece of work in the middle that started with Josh and after some neat interchanges found Dean who smashed it in for 2-1. The pressure mounted and the home side struggled to get it out of their half as Taverham pushed for the equalizer. And this came from a great lay off from Dean and Rhys powered his way passed the defender and slotted it wide of the keeper, 2-2. This is how it finished and we went to extra time.

A few minutes in and their main striker was through again and although Dex hadn’t put a foot wrong all game, timing his challenges perfectly, this time he caught him late and it was a penalty. However to add insult to injury the ref deemed it worthy of a red card which was received with bemusement from both sets of supporters and coaches. Totally unjust, but we had to deal with it. Justice was done however as the lad hit it straight at Joe and it was saved ! (That’s 3 now Joe – well done).

It finished all square and went to penalties:-

They scored first, Luke missed (1-0), they missed (wide), Ollie scored (1-1), they scored (as Joe fumbled the save), Elliott scored (2-2), they missed (wide), Callum scored (2-3), they scored, Dean missed (3-3). Sudden death - they missed (great save from Joe, down to his left), and Rhys buried his shot for 3-4 and into the Quarter finals!!!

A superb effort all round, coming from 2-0 down and then playing with 10 men, to keep it together and eventually win on penalties showed great commitment and work rate from the whole team.

MOM – Brannan for a totally committed performance in the middle, with great movement, tackling and distribution, well done, excellent.

After the downpours of the previous day, the pitch at Longdale was in surprisingly good condition for today’s visit of Thorpe Rovers. A well organized, strong and quality opponent, which the coach was all too familiar with, after meeting them twice in the league last season.

The performance last week had left the boys in good spirit and the realization that we can play well when we really put in the effort was beginning to sink in. So a quick motivational blast of I’ve Got a Feeling in the changing rooms helped us to focus on today being a good day (that’s the Black Eyed Peas for those of you that are not familiar with the tune!).

So we lined up with a very sick Joe in goal (he’d been in bed all day Saturday with a bad cold), Lewis, Brad, Elliott and Manny made up the back four, with Ollie wide left, Josh and Luke in their familiar roles in the middle with Brannan wide right, leaving Rhys and Dean up front. This left Callum and Dex on the side as Ellery was still off with an injury.

Well Thorpe certainly had the bit between their teeth today as I am sure they saw us as possible ripe pickings given our current plight. The first twenty minutes was all with the visitors as we struggled to get out of our half and we were very fortunate not to be at least 4 down as they had a couple of good efforts that went wide early on. Following that we were riding lady luck again as Joe pulled off two great saves in quick succession from 2 or 3 yards out. A yard either side of him on both occasions and they were definite goals. It was great keeping but he wasn’t finished there, as we then conceded a penalty that he managed to block and push away to keep it at 0-0.

Unfortunately though this did not last, as the pressure from the visitors was intense and although we had begun to get a few chances of our own, with Dean, Rhys and Brannan coming close, it was Thorpe who took the lead with a well taken strike from the left edge of the box for 0-1. However if it wasn’t for a pass played ‘blind’ into the middle of the pitch giving away possession it would never had happened. Concentrate guys and look where you are playing the ball.

At half time and only one down we were still in it and we talked about keeping possession, applying pressure keeping the ball wide and the fact that it was only one goal. We came out with a real purpose and Callum had come on for Brannan so Ollie pushed over to the right and Dex for Elliott.  This paid off as Josh did some great work on the edge of the box and laid back a ball for Ollie to hit one hard and low that although the keeper got his hands to it, still found its way into the net, 1-1 and game on!

We continued to soak up the pressure but were now exerting our own and Callum (who had replaced Dean up front with Brannan coming back into the midfield) came close as he cut in from the left but as the ball bobbled he missed his kick and it went for a goal kick, very unlucky! He soon had another chance though as he sped across in front of the keeper and nicked it past him but chose to shoot instead of pulling it back for a team mate to strike – easy option mate, easy option.

As Thorpe continued to push we committed  more self inflicted pain as a misplaced clearance fell kindly to the striker who was clean through and past Joe to slot into an empty net. Guys, we put pressure on ourselves by not clearing the ball effectively, that was a second goal, that by rights they should never have got.

Still with the clock ticking down and from a throw in the corner Josh touched it back for Callum to net his first of the season with a stunning looping volley into the top corner, which the keeper (who had a great game) had no chance of getting, for 2-2. A fair result in what was a great game. Some superb performances all over the pitch today guys, well done.

MOM – Joe for keeping us in the game and for a great penalty save.

So after last weeks humiliation, today’s visit to Aldiss Park the home of Dereham Town was hugely important for the team’s confidence and a win could go towards defining our season.

It was a beautiful morning and the pitch was in great condition, perfect conditions for a great game. So, training had all been focused on closing, being first to the ball and applying pressure to cause errors and hopefully the team could put this into practice today.

We lined up with Joe in goal, Elliott at right back, Dex and Brad in the middle with Manni at left back. The midfield was Ollie on the left, Luke and Josh in the middle and Brannan wide right. Rhys and Callum were the two strikers leaving Dean and Lewis as subs.

Well the boys came out of the traps really well and everything we had discussed was being done very well. Josh and Dex were given the task of sticking tight to their main striker as he was very quick and very talented and they did this superbly all game. Ollie was having a great half wide on the left and was causing their right back all sorts of problems and the front two were also working well. Well, it was this trio that led to us taking the lead as a good move down the left from Manni and Ollie to Callum and Rhys playing a neat one – two and Callum’s cross was netted easily by Brannan for 0-1.

The joy shown by the team in celebrating this was plain to see and this spurred them on to continue the pressure and this was rewarded when Josh robbed the strong striker of the ball (not for the first time) and carried it forward releasing Rhys who strode forward and slotted home our well deserved second, 0-2. Unfortunatelly though we couldn’t carry this lead into half time as a mix up between Joe and Brad meant the latter conceded a corner, which was delivered to the near post and their striker flicked a header over Ollie on the post for 1-2. We must listen to the communication guys, if Joe calls for it let him have it!!

So a rousing half time talk for more of the same as we had not been in this position so far this season!! No changes were made as things were too tight, both subs accepted this and were happy for tit stay as it was. Eventually though Dean did come on for Callum and Lewis for Elliott.

The game was from end to end and was great to watch as both teams battled for the win. Even though Josh and Dex had kept tight to their main man, he managed to break free and  they scored an equalizer, 2-2. We had a couple of chances from Rhys and Brannan (who had a great game) but unfortunately failure to clear a corner led to them netting a 3^rd and subsequent winner, which was a real shame as we definitely didn’t deserve to get nothing from the game. Rhys let fly with a great effort that just missed with a few minutes as we piled on the pressure and then shortly after that he hit another which actually hit our own player in the box otherwise I am sure it was in. When your lucks out its out guys!!

So it ended 3-2, a great effort all round and real signs of improvement across the team. Keep the momentum up guys and that win will come, I promise!!

MOM – Josh for great work in tracking, challenging, pressure and sheer determination, superb.

01/11/09 vs Jex Rangers 

A blustery autumnal day greeted the teams at Longdale today as after torrential rain in the morning there were massive puddles in the goalmouths that, after putting the nets up the manager could be seen with a bucket, scooping up as much as possible  and throwing it to the side! 

Well this was a top vs bottom clash today as high flying Jex were our opponents and all knew it was never going to be an easy match. They were always going to be favourites for 3 points but our job was to try and make it as difficult as possible for them. 

So we lined up with Joe in goal, Dex, Brad, Elliot and Josh across the back, Luke just in front of the back four and then Callum, Josh, Ellery and Ollie in the midfield and Dean up front. This left Brannan, Lewis and Rhys as subs (the latter only because he fell in the warm up hurting his thumb and feeling a bit sick). The order of the day was to defend as much as possible, close everyone down quickly and not to let them pass it about, because if we did let them we would undoubtedly be punished. Training the previous day had focused on these elements so hopefully we could give it a good go. 

Well for the first 15 minutes we did this really well and were containing them well with Josh putting great pressure on the central midfielders and the back four working well. However once they got their first the flood gates opened and although heads didn’t drop we were unfortunately completely outclassed. One soon became 6 and in the closing seconds of the half a miss timed challenge in the box from Elliott saw them net a 7^th from the resulting kick. This is how the half ended and although we were not playing that badly we had gifted them their goals by not closing quickly enough. Having said that their finishing was a lesson in how it should be done. It was first class; Joe didn’t stand a chance with any of them – high and in the corners, superb. 

Well the second half was much the same as the first, we made too many basic errors in not tracking the runners, not closing, walking and watching and failing to clear our lines effectively and the end result was us conceding another 7 to be on the wrong end of an embarrassing 14-0 hiding. 

So let’s use this game as a marker in the sand guys, it has to get better from here, we don’t want another game like that. But let’s put it behind us and use the experience as the driving force to get a win in the next game. 

MOM – Manny, for an outstanding performance throughout, strong, committed, aggressive and full of desire regardless of the score, all others take note!

A treat for both teams today as the match was to be played on the Fakenham Town  1^st team pitch, which meant we had the use of the changing rooms and the supporters could all use the stands around the pitch (funny how most of them were located outside the bar though!!).

So the game plan was to carry the confidence from last weeks win into todays game, and in an attempt to build on the team spirit we had some music and a bit of a jamming session in the changing room before going out, which seemed to go down quite well!!

So we kicked off with a 4-4-2 formation – Joe in goal, Dex, Brad, Elliott and Last weeks MOM Lewis across the back, Ollie, Luke, Ellery and Callum across the middle with Dean and Rhys up front. This left Brannan, Josh and Manny on the bench (and yes it was actually a proper bench / dug-out – cool!).

Well the wind was yet again going to play a part today, as well as the big pitch and big goals and it was the home team who took the early advantage playing with the wind. And no surprise that it was another ex TFC player Christian who netted their first after only a few minutes, when we failed to clear the ball convincingly and the shot from outside the box lopped with the wind over Joe into the empty net, 1-0.

However heads were still held high and we battled away but were struggling contending with the runs through the middle so a quick change was made. Dean came off to make way for another midfielder, Josh who went into the middle. This seemed to give us that extra drive we needed and a great move that started midway in our half with Elliott saw his pass reach Ellery who evaded a couple of challenges to slot a great ball behind the defence into the space for Callum to run on to and his low angled cross toward the far post was met by Rhys who followed the play well, 1-1.

This soon became 2-1 to the home team after another shot was hit high and over Joe, but yet again we came back strongly and were matching them in all areas and Rhys soon claimed his second. After some good work down the right from Ollie, Rhys turned on the edge of the box and clipped a great shot over the keeper and into the net for 2-2, a very calm finish, well done mate.

Half time was approaching and to go in level would have been great (given we were into the strong wind) however this wasn’t to be as a good move down their right allowed them to get close to the by line and with no one closing down or challenging the lad, he shot high from close range into the top corner and we went in 3-2 down.

A couple of changes were made; Manny came on for Lewis, Dean for Rhys and Brannan for Luke. Well it has to be said that we completely dominated the second half but just couldn’t capitalize on the wind or find the net. Callum had a couple of chances but the keeper was strong and kept the efforts out, Rhys who had come back on mid way through for Dean who was struggling with fatigue had a great opportunity from a scuffed clearance but shot wide.

Unfortunately a great move from Fakenham that started at the back, where they were allowed to make 5 or 6 passes in neat triangles without being closed down or pressured, set them free and a resulting free kick on the edge of box was converted well and the game finished 4-2.

It was a fantastic effort and proves we are improving with each game and to be fair we perhaps could / should have got more from the game, but we have to get better at closing and applying pressure, oh yes and our work in front of goal needs to improve as well, we must take our chances or we will continue to get punished. Great effort lads keep it up and lets look forward to Jex at home next week !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOM – Bradley, outstanding today, solid and committed throughout, superb.

18/10/09 – vs St Andrews (Cup)

All hope was pinned on this game for our first win of the new season as St Andrews appeared to be having a tricky start to the campaign themselves in the B Division.

The subs today were Josh, Ollie and Manny and the back four was Dex, Elliott, Brad and Lewis who put in an excellent performance and thoroughly deserved his MOM award. Midfield was Callum, Brannan, Ellery and Luke with Dean and Rhys up front.

In truth, even though we were currently the worst performing team in the A division we dominated the game from the start and put in a very good performance all round. We were given more space and time to play our passing game (which tells us that if we want to have success in the league we need to understand the necessity of closing down and putting players under pressure) and this helped us take a 3-0 lead into the break. Some great work down the left between old Horsford teammates Callum and Manny saw the latter net his first and second for his new club (although the first everyone was convinced was a cross!!). The visitor’s keeper had a really good game today and got his hands to a number of our goals but just couldn’t keep them out, really bad luck. Dean also scored one that went over the keeper and he admitted it was a cross (mate, never say that, you always mean to do it!!!).

Callum was doing his best to score today but the keeper managed to stop all his efforts, which became frustrating for the lad as he was so keen to get on the score sheet. Keep going mate, you know you’ll get one soon.

At 6-0 up and cruising Bradley dived in inside the box (when he knows he should have stayed on his feet) and a penalty was the outcome. However this produced the highlight of the day - a save from Joe from the spot kick! His first ever at 11 a side, well done fella, a great dive to his right saw him get a good hand on it and push it wide. Good stuff. However the visitors did eventually get their just rewards as their quick and talented striker broke away and slotted one in and it was thoroughly deserved as they never gave up and kept pushing to the end (this did upset Joe though as he was desperate to keep a clean sheet).

Well it ended up 7-1 (2 for Manny, 2 for Dean, 2 for Luke and 1 for Ollie) a well deserved and needed win to help with the confidence levels. Good effort lads keep it up.

If there was one criticism of today though  it was that a lot of players could see we were on top and began to lose their discipline going forward and trying too hard to score a goal. Remember guys its not about who scores it’s about teamwork and if someone is in a better position than you to score then let them!!

MOM – Lewis, strong tackling, great work rate and good runs.

04/10/09 vs Wymondham

Due to the rock solid surface at Longdale, today’s game was switched to Ketts Park to allow it to go ahead. So now it was the turn of Wymondham to have a go at us on a very good and fairly large pitch and yet again an ex TFC player Ed, was going to try and stop us from getting anything. We didn’t have Callum today either as he was away.

Very windy conditions determined the game plan and formation today and again we started in a 4-4-2 and ended up 4-5-1.

We started with the wind but as before could not capitalize on our chances we really struggled to get the ball out wide and were being closed down well. There were a couple of chances from Dean and Rhys with one that everyone felt the keeper had got his hands too behind the line but this was not given and we finished the half 1-0 down. We were still in it though and the half time talk tried to rally the troops and give them the belief and confidence to battle through.

This meant that they had the wind advantage with them in the second half so we were going to have to work hard to keep them out. Unfortunately though we again failed to clear our lines effectively and struggled getting strong challenges in and therefore they scored 4 more in this half and ran out (a flattering) 5-0 winners. In all honesty some of the goals we simply shouldn’t have conceded so we need to work a lot harder on putting our foot through the ball and clearing more effectively.

Never mind lads, remember there will be a win just round the corner; you have to keep going, keep building the team spirit. The management and the supporters believe in you, all that remains is that you believe in yourselves.

MOM – Josh – for all his running and battling.

27/09/09 vs Blofield

Well even though we had no wins from 3 games and zero points there was still a team worse off than us in the league standings (on goal difference) and that was our opponents today Blofield.

So following last weeks heroics and with confidence a little higher due to a great effort there were some expectations to try and get a result today against our fellow strugglers.

It was also a chance to put out new signing Josh (who will be known as Manny because we already have a Josh and will just get too confusing!!) for his first game in the blue of Taverham at left back (big shoes to fill as TFC favourite Matty G had left to join Blofield in the close season).

Unfortunately things definitely didn’t go to plan today; it was like watching a different group of lads. We started with Joe in goal, Dex, Elliott, Josh and Brad in defence, Ollie, Luke, Ellery and Callum in midfield with Rhys and Dean up front and now had 3 subs, Josh and Lewis and Brannan. However even though it was a similar line up, we fell behind to an early goal from, yep you guessed Matty! It was a great strike though from the edge of the box. We continued to look very ordinary throughout the half, making basic error after basic error. No communication, ball watching and a general lack of effort. Half way through the first half at 4-0 down Rhys gave way for Brannan to join the midfield (to try and stop the flow), and that is how the half ended.

Once again a frustrated management team tried to give a motivational team talk to encourage the boys to perform to the level we knew they were capable of and this did seem to work. We began to take the game to the home team and the pressure started to mount. However our finishing let us down today as we had 3 efforts in quick succession that all hit the post from close range. A quick break and good through ball for Dean allowed him to poke one past the keeper for 4-1 and maybe, just maybe we could build on this? Well, no, we couldn’t, as almost immediately they scored a fifth, followed by a sixth. We did manage to pull one back from the spot that Ollie netted well. But then we gave away a penalty for a push in the back and the game ended 7-2. Bitterly disappointing after last week. But, guys we are a new team and we are in a transitional period so keep going, keep your heads up and try as hard as you can and it will come.

MOM – Bradley, worked his socks off at the back.

20/09/09 vs Old Catton

Well it never rains it pours!! After 2 really hard games against quality opposition, this time it was the turn of one of the favourites for the title to visit the very solid turf (mud?!) of Longdale – Old Catton. And after a resounding 11-1 thumping in a pre season friendly the visitors were confident of a result, okay the friendly saw many of our team missing and we had some of theirs so wasn’t really a true reflection, but it was definitely in the back of their mind.

We lined up with Joe in goal, Jack, Brad, Dex and Callum in defense, Ollie, Josh, Luke and Ellery in midfield and Dean and Rhys up front. Elliott was injured during the warm up and Lewis was still suffering the effects of his pre season knock so neither played today, and Rhys only managed 15 mins run out after his injury. Therefore Brannan started as sub.

Well we completely dominated the first 20 minutes and the visitors rarely got an opportunity to break. We were challenging for everything and chasing them down really well and when Brannan came on for Rhys we were still in with a shout. Callum moved up front and Jack came over to the left with Brannan dropping in at right back. Then they brought on ex TFC striker Rizzo who netted a glancing header from inside the box (unmarked!!) for his first touch and 1-0, they quickly got a second and then somehow squeezed in a third from a very tight angle and we went in 3-0 down at half time, bemused as to how it happened. However after a morale boosting team talk we knew we were still in the game and went straight out to take the game to the visitors. Well this seemed to work as shortly after the re-start Brannan won the ball on the right and from just inside their half launched a great looping shot over the keeper for 3-1 (the talk of shoot when you can ‘cos the keepers are quite small in these big goals, obviously sunk in). Unfortunately they broke away again and although Joe put a strong palm to a great low shot couldn’t stop it from making it 4-1

We were not done yet though, and some great work from Luke paid off as he too rode some challenges to let one fly from outside the box again over the keeper for 4-2.

More pressure from Taverham saw Ollie deliver a great corner which Ellery managed to get a head on at the far post for 4-3, Game on!! We continued to pressure them and the noise form the sidelines was great as the team pushed forward and this time it was Dean who let fly from the edge of the box on the right and saw his shot go over the keeper for 4-4 (at this point the manager could be seen jumping along the line in sheer joy at what was unfolding). Shortly after this however both teams were pushing for the winner and with only a few minutes remaining we made a couple of defensive errors that allowed them to play a through ball to their very quick and talented striker who on this occasion beat Joe as he rushed out to stop him and calmly slotted away his shot for 5-4. They celebrated like they had just won the league, which is a sign of how close we came to an upset.

What a great game! Even their guy came over and said ‘That’s the Taverham I know- well played’ a great compliment after the friendly a few weeks earlier. A draw would have been great but never mind the performance was superb. Look what you can achieve when you really battle guys! Brilliant stuff.

MOM – Luke , covered the whole pitch and worked tirelessly.

13/09/09 vs Hellesdon

An incredibly windy morning and an ever harder pitch than Longdale, was awaiting us today at Hellesdon High School and once again we didn’t have a full squad. Rhys was still out injured, and just before kick off Bradley advised the boss of a knee problem and subsequently took no part in the game. Lewis was still carrying an injury from last week but had to play through the pain barrier as without him we would only have had 10.

So again not ideal when up against one of the best teams in the league, but we lined up with Joe, in goal, Lewis, Elliott, Dex and Callum across the back, Ollie, Ellery, Luke and Brannan in midfield with Josh and Dean up front week with Luke playing more of a defensive role this time.

The home team took advantage of the wind and a lot of ball watching in the first half and some good through runs and quality finishing saw them go in 4-0 up at half time. It is key guys that we watch our men and their movement rather than the ball otherwise we’ll continue to get caught out. 2 of the goals came from shooting from distance and capitalizing on the big goals, so lets learn from that guys!

So we had the wind in the second half and Josh was pulled back a bit more to act as an extra midfielder but we just couldn’t capitalize on this as we struggled to get out of our half and although they failed to clear a corner and Elliott struck a sweet half volley into the net for 4-1 they broke free twice and with some more calm finishing saw them run out 6-1 winners.

We need to start to communicate a bit more and work a little harder guys and trust me it will happen for us soon.

MOM – Callum for an excellent effort in a very unfamiliar position.

06/09/09 vs Sprowston

The new team consisted of GK - Joe, Defenders – Elliott, Lewis, Dex, Bradley, Midfield – Brannan, Ollie, Luke, Ellery, Josh and strikers – Callum, Dean and Rhys. However for this opening match Rhys was unavailable due to injury so we only had 12.

What followed was not the best start, as unfamiliarity became the main cause of our downfall and at half time we were 4-0 down, which under the circumstances was not too much of a disaster. Ex TFC keeper Tom wasn’t really tested today, only 1 save to make throughout.

However injuries to Callum, Dean and then Lewis on the very hard surface at Longdale meant we were soon down to 11, then to 10 and then to 9 – nightmare!! This eventually took its toll and we ended up on the wrong end of a 9-0 thumping. Credit to the lads who stayed on and battled their hardest but we were no competition really.

It wasn’t great but we all have to start somewhere!

MOM – Dex (followed closely by Bradley) great work at the back.

Welcome back

Well, after a mass exodus of players in the summer TFC had to juggle the remaining lads and bring in some new ones in order to keep 2 teams going this season. So the only remaining manager had a lot of decisions to make with the help of the chairman and outgoing manager and fortunately a happy conclusion was reached. Both teams were able to continue.

So for the A division lads, a new season, a new team and a new manager and we kicked off with a positive pre season that saw 2 wins against Taverham U13 (6-1) and Norwich Utd (9-1) a draw against the very talented Taverham U12 (2-2) and a loss to Old Catton (11-1) although this was with a much depleted squad. We had to start our league campaign however against last year’s champions, Sprowston!!