Saturday 20th January 2007 - League (Away)
Trimley Red Devils A 4 East Bergholt A 2
Again the battle of the 2 sides that have retained this age groups title between themselves proved to be a first class battle with excellent football played by both sides. Bergholt received the perfect start with Trimley old boy Alex Day power scissor volleyed a Remi Daniels cross past Reece Wilcox. Bergholt continued to press but as so many times this season forgot how to defend, giving away a goal whilst on top. If Bergholt’s first goal was contender for goal of the season their 2nd goal was a close second with Remi Daniels first time shot via a Alex Day cross field pass allowed Bergholt to restore their lead. Bergholt attempt to turn their possession into goals with Trimley always looking dangerous and again Trimley managed to pull level. Trimley upped their game in the second half and Bergholt relied on the counter attack. Bergholt looked sluggish as a lively Trimley attack took advantage to take the lead. Both sides had their chances to score but it was Trimley who managed to kill of the match floating home a free kick as Bergholt defence still seemed bemused why it was given.
Bergholt Man of the Match Alex Day
Trimley Red Devils B 2 East Bergholt B 2
This was always going to be a damage limitation match for East Bergholt with 2 B team regulars playing in the A side and Isaac Keinzley not available. Alex Biondi made up for the missing personnel buzzing around the pitch and it was no surprise when he gave Bergholt the lead via a mazy dribble around 3 defenders. Trimley battled and deserved to level the score. Bergholt were awarded a harsh penalty as Alex Biondi’s goal bound effort struck the unfortunate defenders arm but Bergholt failed from the spot for the 3 time this season. Shortly after Trimley shocked Bergholt taking a 2-1 lead. Both sides had chances and with time running out Conner Robertson waltzed though to gain Bergholt a well deserved point.
East Bergholt Man of the Match Alex Biondi/Conner Robertson
Saturday 6th January 2007 - League (Home)
East Bergholt A 1 Sutton Heath A 3
With conditions at Flatford Lane resembling a mud bath this was never going to be a pretty match and the players needed to show grit and determination as the heavens opened up. Sutton Heath commenced the game determined to win and fought for every ball and soon to a deserved lead. Sutton Heath defended in numbers and always looked strong on the attack. Bergholt forced several corners with Remi Daniel crossing deflecting off a defender into the net. After a team lifting talking to at half time Bergholt commenced the second half totally dominating play, so much so that the poor keeper Ben McGrath was rooted to his goal line as Sutton Heath scored a simple second goal. Ben McGrath could play no further part in the match as Bergholt tried to fight their way back into the match for the second time. Sutton Heath completed the win from the penalty after Alex Hardwick picked the ball up in the penalty area thinking the ball had run out for a goal kick.
Bergholt’s Man of the Match: -Louis Clarke
East Bergholt B 1 Sutton Heath B 4
Akin to the A sides Sutton Heath showed more spirit and fight to win the match and be the first side ever to complete a double of East Bergholt within this age group. Though Sutton Heath deserved the victory a 4-1 score line flattered them with Bergholt missing the same easy chances that Sutton Heath managed to score. Conner Robertson continued his scoring spree scoring a consolation goal after Sutton Heath had taken a 4-0 lead.
East Bergholt’s Man of the Match: - Alex Day
Saturday 16th December 2006 - (Home) League
East Bergholt A 3 Brantham A 1East Bergholt victory in this local derby allowed them to leapfrogged local neighbours from across the A137. Bergholt showed their intentions from the start with Remi Daniels hit the frame of the goal within 10 seconds. Both sides were determined to take early control of the game with Ben McGrath saving from an Alex Hood header. George Foster double shot was saved by Alex Evans and an excellently timed tackle by Alex Hardwick prevented George Clarke a free shot on goal. Bergholt broke the deadlock in the 17 minute of the match when William Harris curled a Louis Clarke through ball past the Brantham keeper. Brantham responded by lifting their game and pulled level just prior to half time as an Alex Hood shot proved to powerful for Ben McGrath. A clearance off the line by Alex Hardwick prevented Brantham taking an early second half lead with Bergholt clearing the resulting corner. William Harris goal bound effort was well saved by Alex Evans, being also alert saving at the feet of Jack Elomaa after he battled through 3 defenders. Seconds later Jack Elomaa made no mistake slotting home a George Foster corner. An injury to Jack Elomaa seemed to disrupt Bergholt and they seemed all at sea as Brantham surged forward trying to force their way back into the game but with his first touch of the game Isaac Keinzley gave fellow substitute Alex Day a simple tap in for Bergholt to extend their lead and clinch this important victory.
East Bergholt’s Man of the Match; - Alex Hardwick
East Bergholt B 3 Brantham B 2
East Bergholt B gave their Manager the perfect Christmas present as they continued the winner run to keep in touch with the league leaders. An Early goal by Connor Robertson as he continued his scoring run gave Bergholt the perfect start and they should have extended the lead after a pin ball wizard effect saw 4 players having shots cleared off the line. Bergholt looked in total control but forgot that you still have to defend and in the 8th minute Brantham pulled level. The goal lifted Brantham putting Bergholt on the back foot with Jonathan McGrath saving Bergholt on 2 occasions. Brantham took a deserved lead in the 18th minute but were still celebrating as Alex Biondi waltzed through to allow Connor Robertson to follow up a parried shot for his 2nd of the match. Substitutions and changes disrupted the 2nd half with both teams struggling to play the flowing football they both played in the first. Bergholt had to wait until late in the 2nd half when Isaac Keinzley finished of a goalmouth scramble to give Bergholt the 3 points.
East Bergholt Man of the Match: - Conner Robertson
Saturday 25th November 2006 - (home) League
East Bergholt 'A' 5 Martlesham Mustangs 'A' 2Unfortunately the wind and a slippery pitch made football difficult with both teams struggling to make any real impact in this match. In a slow opening period the game had to wait until the 8th minute for its first shot on target that was dealt with by Ben McGrath. William Harris produced Bergholt’s first effort but his shot lacked power. In the 16th minute, George Foster commenced a move with William Harris laying off for Remi Daniel to slot past the keeper. This woke up Bergholt and they bombarded the Mustangs goal with both William Harris & George Foster having shots saved. William Harris went solo in the 19th Minute for Bergholt’s 2nd. Mustangs forced Bergholt back and just prior to half time Laurence Portaluri battled his way into the box with Ben McGrath only being able to parry the shot into the net. 5 minutes into the second half William Harris blasted a shot that cannoned off the bar into the net for Bergholt to extend their lead and 4 minutes later Alex Hardwick screamed a shot past the Mustangs defence after a William Harris lay off. Mustang’s heads did not drop as the game swung from end to end and midway through the 2nd half Martlesham reduced the arrears shooting past sub keeper Jonathan McGrath. Jonathan was alert to stop a Martlesham comeback on 2 occasions and with time running out a persistent Alex Hardwick scored his 2nd and Bergholt’s 5th of the match to secure a Bergholt victory.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - George Foster
East Bergholt 'B' 2 Martlesham Mustangs 'B' 1
Bergholt struggles against the wind to make any progress at the start of this match as Martlesham Mustangs totally dominated the early stages. Dominic Barker came to Bergholt’s rescue on several occasions but could only stand and watch as a long distance effort flew past into the net in the 10th minute of the match. Bergholt attempted to play football against the wind and Conner Robertson’s shot was well saved. A quick counter attack by Bergholt saw Isaac Keinzley latch on to an Alex Day through ball to allow Bergholt to go into the break level. A wind assisted Bergholt threw everything forward in the 2nd half with often route 1 football being the best option. Alex Day was on a mission trying his luck from long range with his powerful shots flying wide on 3 occasions. The Mustangs keeper saved superbly after a goal mouth scramble with efforts from Joe Arnold, Alex Day and Isaac Keinzley all fail to hit the back of the net. Midway through the 2nd half an Alex Day corner swung straight into the net to give Bergholt the advantage in this tight match. Mustangs did not give up and Bergholt had to rely on Sub Keeper Lawrence McGrath to superbly tipping over a Mustangs effort in the dying minutes of this match.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Alex Day
Saturday 18th November 2006 - (Home) U11's KO Cup
East Bergholt A 2 Woodbridge Town A 0East Bergholt progressed into the 3rd round of the cup with a 2-0 win against a previously unbeaten Woodbridge Town. Though the game started slowly with passes going astray by both side East Bergholt received the perfect lift in the 3rd minute with Jack Elomaa poaching his first of the season via a George Foster corner. Woodbridge shot wide trying to force a quick return in to the match whilst at the other end William Harris battled through only to see he goal bound effort well saved. The Woodbridge keeper was alert again to save from Jack Elomaa when he looked destined to score. Just prior to half time Bergholt received a bitter blow when William Harris had to leave the field after an accidental clash of heads but every cloud has a silver lining and sub Alex Day scored with his first touch from a Remi Daniels cross. Woodbridge commenced the second half bombarding the Bergholt goal with Ben McGrath saving on 2 occasions. Bergholt relied on the counter attack and Jack Elomaa was unlucky not to extend Bergholt’s lead. Alex Hardwick shot was deflected wide after an excellent lay off by Alex Day. The game swung from end to end with Ben McGrath coming to Bergholt’s rescue again and George Foster’s corner cannoned against the post. With time running out Bergholt missed a golden chance to extend their lead when Louis Clarke missed from the penalty spot and in the final minute Alex Hardwick shot wide after an Alex Biondi pull back.
East Bergholt’s Man of the Match: - Louis Clarke
Saturday 11th November 2006 - (Home) League
East Bergholt A 1 Felixstowe Hawks 0
East Bergholt A continued their winning run with a 1-0 win at home to a determined Felixstowe Hawks side. Bergholt played excellent football in a first half they totally dominated but again their lack of being able to kill off opponents nearly proved costly. William Harris headed wide following an excellent build up on Bergholt’s right by Remi Daniel & Jack Elomaa. Remi was supplier again as Stephen Cole’s header cannoned against the post. Remi Daniel’s found space on the right but his effort flew wide of the near post when a shot to the far with 3 Bergholt strikers flying in may have been a better choice. Bergholt camped themselves into the Felixstowe half and William Harris goal bound effort was saved by the excellent Hawks keeper. Ben McGrath proved he was wide awake despite not touching the ball by tipping a thunderous shot aiming for the corner over the bar. This lifted The Hawks with the corner hitting the post and crawling along the line prior to Bergholt’s defence clearing the ball. Jack Elomaa and the Bergholt crowd thought he had broken the deadlock but the Referee’s whistle had broken and play had been stopped for handball. Jack Elomaa tried to make amends but the Felixstowe Keeper was equal to Jack. 3 minutes prior to the break, Stephen Cole changed the direction of a George Foster shot to give Bergholt the lead. The Hawks came out in the second half determined to make a fight of this match and a speedy counter attack in the first minute drifted just wide. The Hawks keeper produced the save of the day from a half volley by Jack Elomaa and Stephen Cole volley just wide seconds later. Alex Hardwick rescued Bergholt with an excellent tackle on the Hawks striker and the resulting corner was headed just wide. The 2nd half swung from end to end and the Hawks keeper saved at the feet of Jack Elomaa when Jack looked destined to score, but Bergholt had to rely on Alex Hardwick in injury time for a last ditch tackle just as the Hawks strike was about to shot. A tackle that surely gave East Bergholt all 3 points, proving that a defender can win you points as well as strikers.
East Bergholt Man of the Match: - Alex Hardwick
East Bergholt B 3 Felixstowe Hawks 3
Current champions East Bergholt B played hosts to current league leaders Felixstowe Hawks in a game that both sides may look at the result as 2 points lost rather than 1 gained. Bergholt started the stronger with Conner Robertson’s strike hitting the post with Isaac Keinzley failing to score with the follow up. An Alex Biondi header flew wide from an Alex Day corner and tackle on Conner Robertson prevent Bergholt taking the lead. Bergholt took a deserved lead after 10 minutes when Alex Biondi battled through 3 Hawk players to allow Conner Robertson an easy shot in from close range. Dominic Barker saved well at the feet of the Hawks strike. The Hawks soon pulled level after the Bergholt players forgot that once you kick the ball back from a drop ball you have to actually defend. Bergholt quickly surged forward and a shot by Conner Robertson was bundled in by Isaac Keinzley. Against the wind The Hawks looked the stronger in the 2nd half and Bergholt had to rely on counter attacks. 13 minutes into the second half Felixstowe Hawks pulled level for the second time and looked like they would steal the points scores their 3rd in the 20th minute. Alex Day blasting over from the edge of the box as Bergholt threw every thing forward, and in the final minute a forward surge by Leighton Ticcarone found Conner Robertson for his 2nd of the match to give Bergholt a share of the points.
Bergholt’s Man of the Match: - Alex Day
Saturday 4th November 2006 - (Away) League
Felixstowe & Walton A 0 East Bergholt A 3
A Hat trick by William Harris gave East Bergholt a deserved victory in a game they could easily have thrown away if Sam Newman had been in the sort of form that has seen him destroy many sides previously. A saving tackle by Felixstowe’s last defender prevented Jack Elomaa giving Bergholt a deserved lead after an excellent through ball by Alex Hardwick and the excellent Walton defender performed the same routine when Jack broke clear and looked destine to score minutes later. Bergholt dominated possession but seem to have lost their ruthless streak in front of goal with shots flying wide or lacking power on many occasions. William Harris gave Bergholt the lead when his shot from the edge of the box eluded everyone in the crowded box to creep in of the post as the unfortunate keeper tried to scope the ball off the line. Felixstowe & Walton slowly started to gain more of the possession and Sam Newman should have equalised after beating Bergholt’s last defender. Sam broke through on 2 other occasions with the same end result as Bergholt’s defence played a dangerous game of leaving one on one. With time running out William Harris slotted home his second from a George Forster corner and gained his hat trick in injury time after an excellent move with Stephen Cole pulling the ball back from the by line to allow William Harris a simple tap in.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - William Harris.
Felixstowe & Walton B 1 East Bergholt B 2
An early brace by Alex Biondi was sufficient to give East Bergholt 3 valuable points as Bergholt continued to keep in touch with the B league leaders. A brilliant volley in the second minute by Alex Biondi following an excellent build up involving Isaac Keinzley & Conner Robertson gave East Bergholt the lead. Bergholt extended their lead minutes later when Alex Biondi got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble. Rather then build on Bergholt’s amazing start, Bergholt players started to ran with the ball trying to beat several players instead of the pass and move football that had giving them the early lead. Felixstowe forced Bergholt into their own half and pulled a goal back just prior to half time. In a quiet second period no further goals were scored though Conner Robertson was unlucky to see his shot skim the bar & an superb save by the Felixstowe keeper prevented Louis Clarke scoring a long range effort. In the dying minutes Joe Arnold could have extended Bergholt’s lead blasting over when clear on goal.
Bergholt’s Man of the Match: - Louis Clarke
Saturday 14th October 2006 - (Home) League
East Bergholt A 3 St. Johns A 2
East Bergholt gained 3 valuable points in a 5 goal thriller that could have ended with either side worthy winners. East Bergholt struggled to settle with several players playing in new positions that they did not like and had to rely on Ben McGrath saving Bergholt on several occasions in the opening 5 minutes. St. Johns punished Bergholt’s slow start in the 8th minute giving Ben McGrath no chance with a strike from the edge of the box. Stephen Cole tried to lift Bergholt but his shot went straight at the Saints keeper. A quick reorganisation and Bergholt slowly started to gain territory and in the 11th minute William Harris equalised ghosting in at the far post from a Stephen Cole corner. William Harris nearly extended the lead shooting just wide via a Louis Clarke through ball. With half time approaching William Harris gave Bergholt a complete change to a half time chat by connecting to a Stephen Cole cross to give Bergholt a half time lead. Bergholt commenced the second half in the same fashion as the first with St. Johns bombarding the Bergholt goal and were soon on level terms when Woody stabbed the ball past Ben McGrath. Both teams tried to secure the win with Stephen Cole having a shot cleared off the line and Ben McGrath saved at the feet of the Saints attacker as the game switched from end to end, Stephen Cole scored the winner for Bergholt’s finishing off a cross from Remi Daniel. St. Johns had chances to equalise with Alex Hardwick clearing off the line, but also have to thank their keeper for a miracle save from a volley by William Harris on the stroke of full time.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - William Harris
East Bergholt B 3 St. Johns B 1
The battle between these to sides always produces great football and this game was no exception to the norm. Alex Biondi crossed but Conner Robertson just failed to connect whilst at the opposite end Jonathan McGrath saved well with the rebound being placed just wide. Isaac Keinzley gave Bergholt the lead in the 12th minute running from the edge of the box to slot past the advancing keeper. Bergholt went in search for a 2nd with Alex Biondi skipping past 2 defenders only to see his shot tipped over. St. Johns shot over on 2 separate occasions as the tried to force their way back into the game. A long goal kick by Alex Day eluded the St. Johns defence to give Isaac Keinzley a simple 2nd goal. The Saints keeper double save prevented Bergholt extending their lead and Jonathan McGrath was alert to prevent Harvey from pulling a goal back just prior to half time. St. Johns commenced the 2nd half camped in the Bergholt half with Harvey shooting just wide. A long through ball by Leighton Ticcarone and a miss control by Isaac Keinzley gave Joe Arnold a chance that flew wide. Alex Biondi had a shot cleared of the line as Bergholt counter attacked at every opportunity. Alex Day on his debut blasted home an Alex Biondi pass to extend Bergholt’s lead and the 2 Alex’s combined well again for Biondi to shot just wide. The Saints spent the last 10 minutes camped in the Bergholt area with Adam Magilton deservedly pulling a goal back for the Saints but good or lucky defending by Bergholt was good enough for Bergholt to maintain the 2 goal advantage.
East Bergholt’s Man of the Match: - Leighton Ticcarone.
Saturday 30th September 2006 - (Away) U11's KO Cup
Kesgrave Kestrels A 1 East Bergholt A 2
East Bergholt progressed into the 2nd round of the Under 11’s Cup with a hard fought 2-1 win over Division 2 leaders Kesgrave Kestrels. George Foster tried his luck from the edge of the box but found the Kestrels keeper well alert. Ben McGrath in the Bergholt goal was equal when the Kesgrave Kestrels striker looked destined to score. Ben could do very little when Kesgrave took the lead in the 5th minute, with the Kesgrave striker shooting from an angle. William Harris failed to trouble the keeper with a shot from distance as Bergholt showed determination to fight their way back into this cup tie. A deflected shot by Alex Hardwick gave Bergholt an equaliser in the 12th minute. Both teams continued to attack with Jack Elomaa pulling his shot wide after an excellent turn. Just prior to half time Ben McGrath came to Bergholt’s rescue saving well with the follow up being placed over the bar. Kesgrave started the second half the strongest with their striker rattling the crossbar with the follow up being headed off the line by William Harris. A change of tactics by the Bergholt manager seemed to give Bergholt a lift with Alex Hardwick seeing two shots well saved in succession. The Kestrels keeper parried another shot by Alex Hardwick into the path of Lewis Knights but he could only place his shot into the side netting. William Harris made no mistake following up another saved shot from Alex Hardwick to give Bergholt a 2-1 lead. Bergholt tried to kill off the game with Lewis Knights hitting over when through and in the dying minutes Alex Hardwick crashed his shot against the upright.
Bergholt Man of the Match: - Ben McGrath
Kesgrave Kestrels B 5 East Bergholt B 2
The first round of the B cup drew last seasons two finalists with the beaten finalists gaining revenge with a 5-2 win to see them through to round two. The game started evenly with Lawrence McGrath holding a cross from Kesgrave Kestrels and the Kestrels keeper saving at the feet of Joe Arnold. Kesgrave took control of the game in the 12th minute and totally took Bergholt apart for the rest of the half scoring 3 more goals. A discussion at half time and a complete switch about of players saw Bergholt make a fight of the second half with Louis Clarke pulling one back 4 minutes into the second half. Alex Biondi scored Bergholt’s second in the 8th minute as they bombarded the Kestrels goal. Bergholt left gaps at the back and found the pace of Isaac Keinzley coped well with the Kestrels counter attacks. Alex Biondi had a header cleared of the line and Conner Roberson hit the post as the Kestrels defence battled superbly to try to tame Bergholt. With time running out and every Bergholt player thrown forward, Kesgrave exaggerated the score with a well finished strike. Good luck to the Kestrels B side in this competition and hopefully they can go one step further than last season.
Bergholt Man of the Match:- Isaac Keinzley
Saturday 9th September 2006 - (Away) League
Sutton Heath A 0 East Bergholt 3
Dubbed the Charity Shield of the Under 11’s, Champions East Bergholt received the perfect start in defence of their league title when an Alex Hardwick shot looped over last seasons Cup winners Sutton Heath’s keeper. The goal woke up Sutton as they piled on the pressure on the Bergholt goal shooting just wide. Jonathan McGrath saved and Alex Hardwick blocked the goal bound rebound to maintain the 1 goal advantage. William Harris headed just wide after the Heath’s keeper saved from Stephen Cole. Sutton Heath continued to win the midfield battle as Bergholt relied on counter attacks with Jonathan McGrath saving Bergholt again. Just prior to half time Stephen Cole shot just wide following a Lewis Knights cross. The second half continued as the first with Sutton Heath having the better of the possession. William Harris headed clear a free kick from the edge of the box. Ten minutes into the second half Jack Elomaa laid off for William Harris to score from the edge of the box. Within seconds Jack Elomaa hit the post as Bergholt went in search for more goals. Stephen Cole dragged his shot wide, when clear, as Sutton Heath left gaps at the back trying to pull themselves back into the game. A counter attack run by Alex Hardwick, with several interchanges with his team mates wrapped up the scoring for Bergholt though it took a great save by Jonathan McGrath within the dying seconds to keep a clean sheet.
Bergholt Man of the Match:- Alex Hardwick.
Sutton Heath B 2 East Bergholt B 0
East Bergholt B commenced their defence of their B league title with a 2-0 defeat at the hands off Sutton Heath. Bergholt started lively with both Elliot Jones and Alex Biondi having shots saved. Bergholt had plenty of possession in this game but failed to make any real clear chances with players dibbling instead of passing. A shot from the edge of the box gave Sutton Heath B the lead after 6 minutes and they extended their lead midway through the second half. Bergholt B will have to find their team spirit of last season quickly if they are to repeat their double winning season. Both games were well refereed by the Sutton Referee and Sutton Heath were also the perfect hosts.
Bergholt Man of the Match:- Louis Clarke
