U14 Blues Reports

Stanway Villa U14’s  3 – 1  Long Melford Blues U14’s (January 24^th 2010)

In another tight match against the league leaders, Melford equipped themselves very well in the early exchanges, Melford defended resolutely and stifled the Villa attacks on goal and only allowed the home team speculative long range efforts. Towards the end of the 1^st half, Melford broke the deadlock, Cameron-Dolan Roberts made a superb pass to split the Villa defence and striker Joel Challis smashed the ball home from just inside the 18 yard box.

Shortly after, Villa mounted another attack on the Colts goal and despite a great save from keeper Ollie Green, the ball rebounded to a Villa player who levelled the match just before the stroke of half time.  In the second half most of the early exchanges were in the midfield with neither side having any credible chances on goal, however, after a well delivered corner by the home team they scored their second goal of the game.

All was not lost and Melford themselves went close shortly after. The next goal was always going to be crucial and it came from the home team rather fortuitously. A brilliantly timed tackle by Melford’s man of the match James Spurway was ruled a “foul” and a penalty was awarded and subsequently scored.  The game was now out of reach for a spirited Melford side and despite their best efforts the game ended a 3-1 home victory for Villa. 

Woodbridge Alliance U15’s 13 – 0  Long Melford Blues U14’s (January 17^th 2010)

Disaster strikes! In this eagerly awaited quarter final of the U15’s Suffolk County Cup, Melford were pitched against a useful Alliance side in Woodbridge Town, having done brilliantly to reach this stage of the competition, Melford fell well short of any further progression in the tournament.

Woodbridge raced to a four zero lead at half time and went on to complete an emphatic victory with a dominant second half display, in fairness there were no real goal threats or passages of play that Melford could take much heart from and to add to the misery of this heavy defeat, there were injuries to a few players including an x-ray required for goalkeeper Ollie Green who was taken off midway through the second half, having made a brave save, all in all, a good cup experience, but playing up a year eventually took its toll.

Long Melford Blues U14’s 1 - 4  Tempest Blues U14’s (December 13^th 2009)

In the last match before the Christmas Break, the Colts entertained Tempest, having beat Tempest away from home comprehensively in the opening match of the season, the Colts started favourites for this fixture.

Unfortunately for the Colts it was the away team that took the initiative and goals in the first half gave them a well deserved lead against a very under par Melford side. Most of the game was played in Melfords half and the away team continued to dictate the game and thoroughly deserved their win. A consolation goal by Joel Challis was the only positive from the game.

Stanway Villa U14’s Blues 4 - 2  Long Melford Colts U14’s Blues (December 6^th 2009)

It is a terrible football cliché, but this was definitely a game of two halves. The Colts were on the attack from the off and seemed in complete control of the early exchanges of the match. Our midfield and strikers were dominant as was the defence, which welcomed back Liam Andrews from injury and an inform Jordon Whitehead to keep Villa in check. The midfield and attackers were pushing forward with confidence at every opportunity. The first goal came after Alex Fuller broke the off side trap and raced towards goal, his shot was well saved by the Villa keeper, but fortunately for us rebounded at the feet of Brett Savage who made no mistake and confidently slotted home from close range.

 The Colts continued their dominance throughout the first half and the Colts scored again, another sweeping move again between Brett and Alex, saw Brett smash the ball in the net from just outside the box to double the Colts lead. However, with five minutes to go before the end of the first half and very much against the run of play, the home team grabbed a goal back giving them renewed confidence for the start of the second half.

In the second half, it was the Colts turn to play against the wind and sun and predominately found themselves on the back foot for most of the half, it is fair to give the home team credit for a spirited fight back, they looked dead and buried in the first half and the Colts should have been out of sight, but Villa came back strongly and managed to score three vital goals which inevitably settled this enjoyable cup tie. The Colts never stopped trying but with only a few credible attacks on the Villa goal they were unlikely to get back in the game. The man of the match award was given to Alex Fuller. Special mention for Ross Marsh, who stepped up to the plate to play in goal, covering for our inform goalkeeper Ollie Green who has suffered a foot injury.    

Halstead Town U14's 1 – 1  Long Melford Blues U14's (November 6^th 2009)

 In an eagerly awaited return derby match, the Colts were up against a strengthened Halstead side that included players from their alliance side to help bolster their team. The Colts were on the attack from the off and Halstead's keeper was kept very busy in the early encounters. Colts wide men Cameron Dolan-Roberts and Brett Savage caused lots of problems for the home team, firing in plenty of dangerous crosses for the forwards to try and latch on to. The deadlock was finally broken before the end of the first half after a blistering strike by Cameron Dolan-Roberts found the top corner of the net.

Halstead themselves, did carve out a few chances of their own, however an outstanding defensive performance by the Colts man of the match Jordon Whitehead, kept the home team strikers at bay. Defensively Melford were very strong and another solid performance at full back by Ross Marsh and goalkeeper Ollie Green, who for the second week produced some confident handling in wet conditions.

In the second half, the Colts continued to dominate possession and restricted Halstead to the long ball game. With just minutes to go before the end of the match, another hopeful punt up field allowed Halstead an opportunity to equalise, their striker finished the opportunity confidently.

The game was now on a knife edge, both teams were keen to try and get the winner but also nervous to concede. In the dying seconds of the game, Melford were awarded a corner, which James Spurway met with a powerful header that just when agonisingly inches over the bar. Games ends a draw.

With an injury list that included team captain Josh Bolton, Liam Andrews, Cameron Dolan-Roberts and James Spurway this was a great achievement well done to all the lads to for stepping up to the plate.

Long Melford Colts Blues U14’s  2 – 1  Harwich & Parkeston U14’s (November 22nd 2009)

Played in absolutely terrible conditions, this match was never going to be one for the purists, because of the subsequent weather conditions, the Colts usual passing game had to be put to one side and a more direct approach was taken. It took until mid way through the first half before the deadlock was broken.

The goal was made by a beautifully an in-swinging corner by Brett Savage, which Alex Fuller met with a firm header in the back of the net. Numerous other chances fell to Brett, Alex and Joel but they were all unable to convert the opportunities. Despite Melford controlling the game, Harwich grabbed themselves a lucky equaliser just before the end of the 1^st half.

The 2^nd half kicked off and the weather slightly improved as did the Colts penetration on Harwich’s goal, whilst Harwich rarely got out of their own half, Melford again were helping themselves to shots on goal, Harvey and Adam both went close but could not quite force the 2^nd goal.

The 2^nd goal finally came after Alex Fuller’s shot rebounded off the keeper and Brett Savage picked up the loose ball and slotted into the empty net, a well deserved goal for Brett who had terrorised Harwich’s full back all game.

In a game lacking pure football quality, Harvey Cawtheray was named the Colt’s man of the match for his superb contribution in midfield, showing touches of class and control with the ball in slippery conditions.

Long Melford U’14s Blues  3 – 1  Halstead Town U’14s (November 15th 2009)

The Colts welcomed Halstead Town to Stoneylands for the first derby game of the season. Despite an outstanding performance last week against an Alliance side, Melford were well below par against the newly promoted Halstead side. In a very poor first half neither side showed any real quality to threaten their opponent’s goal. The respective defences remained on top along with confident handling by both keepers.

After a heated halftime team talk by Manager Mick Spurway, the Colts finally got in to gear and pressurised the Halstead goal, numerous corners were delivered brilliantly by Cameron Dolan-Roberts, however no one seemed to be able to get on the end of them. The first goal finally came from the Colts Man of the Match, James Spurway who’s fiercely struck shot found the bottom corner of the net.

Colts now had their tails up and were on the attack at every opportunity. After a piece of individual skill, Alex Fuller scored the second goal of the game, turning the Halstead defence inside out and superbly placing his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Despite going 2- 0 down, Halstead showed some spirit and fought back immediately and responded with a goal of their own, after a mix up in the Colts defence. The two goal cushion however, was restored again shortly after, when striker Joel Challis smashed home the Colts 3^rd from close range, giving the keeper no chance.

Player watch: Though the team did not play as well as they can, it would be unfair to not mention, Jordon Whitehead for a strong defensive display at full back, Harvey Cawtheray for his work rate in midfield and Ollie Green for another confident and commanding game between the posts including a brilliant reaction save to deny Halstead an equaliser when we were 2-1 ahead.

A very welcome three points, to keep tabs on the front runners.

Long Melford Colts U’14s Blues  4 – 3  Woodbridge  (November 8^th 2009)

Melford were drawn against an Eastern Alliance side in the 2^nd round of the cup.  In a very high tempo first half, Alex Fuller opened the scoring finishing confidently from close range. After constant pressure, the away team finally equalised just before the end of the 1^st half. Melford defended resolutely and stood firm throughout the match and centre half Liam Andrews collected the man of the match award for his contribution.

In the 2^nd half, Melford went ahead again, Alex Fuller scored his 2^nd of the match with a neat lob over the Woodbridge keeper. Melford piled on more pressure and minutes after, Joel Challis fired in the third from a goal mouth scramble. Melford appeared to be cruising to victory, but with lots of quality in their side, Woodbridge came back strongly. Melford lost their discipline for a short period of the game, Fuller and Andrews both picked up yellow cards for over zealous challenges. Woodbridge went on to score twice to level the game, their 3^rd goal came agonizingly in the final minutes of normal time.

You could be forgiven, for thinking Melford would let this one slip away, having had Woodbridge on the ropes but then allowing them back in the game. This however, was not the case, the team showed spirit and determination and were probably the stronger of the teams in extra time. With time running out and a penalty shoot out looming, the game was eventually settled with a brilliant strike from Harvey Cawtheray from just inside the box. Harvey has been desperate to get on the score sheet this season and what a tremendous way to get off the mark.

Melford through to the next round of the cup, largely because every single player worked their socks off, when all fourteen players chip in, this is the result you get. A brilliant win !!!!

Long Melford U14’s Blues  14 – 1  Aylesford Colne Rangers U14’s Reds  (1st November 2009)

In this very one sided cup tie, A-league were matched up against D-League and despite a good spirit shown by the away team, Melford ran out very comfortable winners. In the 1^st half Melford roared into a 2 – 0 lead with both goals coming from in form striker Alex Fuller. Ollie Huckle scored his first goal for Melford to make it 3 - 0, Brett Savage made it 4 – 0 shortly after after rounding the keeper confidently. A late goal at the end of the 1st half by the away team kept their interest in the game.

Melford were totally dominant in the 2^nd half and notched up 10 well taken goals. Fuller completed his hatrick although his third was deflected off a Rangers player (we have gave him that one !!), Melfords' man of the match Brett Savage got his second of the game, 2 further goals each for Joel Challis and Cameron Dolan-Roberts, a great headed goal from James Spurway, superb long range goals for Ross Marsh and Jordon Whitehead and the last goal of the game came from Melford's effervescent full back Adam "The Machine" Clark.

Stanway Rovers Blues U14's  2  - 2 Long Melford Colts Blues U14's (25th October 2009)

In a tough away game, Melford scored the first goal after some positive play in midfield allowed Joel Challis to coolly slot home from just inside the penalty area. Much of the play was contested in the midfield and Melford's man of the match James Spurway had a superb game breaking up Rovers' efforts to attack. With 10 minutes left to the break, Brett Savage went on a great run down the wing, cut inside the fullback and powered home Melford's second. In the 2nd half, with the wind behind them, Stanway scored almost immediately from the kick off.

 The game remained 2 - 1 for much of the second half, with Ollie Green making some important saves.

Unfortunately with a few choice decisions, Stanway managed an equaliser and despite Melford creating a few chances they were unable to score a third to secure all the points. Jamie Skeggs also deserves a mention for a solid defensive performance.

Long Melford Colts Blues U14s  8 – 0  Long Melford Colts Reds U14s (18th October 2009) 

The two Melford teams were drawn against each other in the first round of the cup this week.  Joel Challis opened up the scoring for the Blues with a well placed strike.  This was quickly followed by a slot into the back of the net by Alex Fuller.  Josh Bolton and Adam Clark were solid in defence even though the ball rarely came out of the Reds half.  Liam Andrews crossed a great ball into Challis to score his second and then go on to complete his hat trick.  Ollie Huckle and Ross Marsh worked hard in midfield as more goals were scored for the Blues by Fuller, Brett Savage and Camie Dolan-Roberts seeing the Blues comfortably into the next round.

Melford Colts U'14s  5  - 0  Needham Market U'15s (11th October 2009)

A good win for Melford in the first round of the Suffolk County cup against a very physical Needham side, Alex Fuller opened the scoring with well struck effort from just outside the box, Liam Andrews had a solid game in the centre of a tight defensive unit, which restricted the away side mostly to long range efforts of which keeper Olllie Green dealt with comfortably. In the 2nd half Joel Challis calmly slotted home his 1st of the match and shortly after a powerful run saw him score his 2nd. Melford's Man of the match was Harvey Cawtheray for an outstanding midfield performance, a constant thorn in Needham's side. Cameron Dolan-Roberts and Brett Savage scored one each late on the game to secure Melfords place in the 2nd round.

Harwich & Parkeston U14s  4 – 4  Long Melford Colts U14s (4th October 2009) 

Melford played some excellent football in the first half, despite going one  down in the opening minutes of the match. An own goal from Harwich seemed to give Melford the impetus they needed to pepper the Harwich goal, but only one of their many attempts hit the back of the net as Alex Fuller tapped in past the keeper. Colts went in at half time 2-1 up.  

This was definitely a game of two halves, in the second half it was end to end as Harwich levelled the score, quickly followed by another goal for Fuller, followed and by yet another equaliser for Harwich.  Melford man of the match, Brett Savage, who worked brilliantly all game on the wing, crossed the ball to Cameron Dolan-Roberts to score their fourth.  Their glory was short-lived as Harwich soon equalised again.

Melford Colts U14's Blues 1 – 2  Coggeshall U14's (September 20th 2009) 

Melford's second game of the season unfortunately ended in defeat, having played exceptionally well last week, Melford were not at the same high levels today. Despite some resolute defending by Club Captain Josh Bolton, Coggeshall scored to take the lead early on in the first half, Melford rarely attacked the away team's goal and the midfield and defence were under pressure for the most part. Against the run of play a half chance fell to Melford's Alex Fuller but his miss hit shot went agonisingly wide.

Shortly after Matt Hill scored his second of the half and Coggeshall lead 0 - 2 at the break. In the second half, Melford made a much better start and Harvey Cawtheray (man of the match) worked tirelessly in midfield creating lots of problems for Coggeshall’s defence. Most of the play was condensed to the midfield with neither team looking likely to score, until the last five minutes of the game, Alex Fuller poked home a goal from close range to reduce the deficit, but it was all a little too late.

Tempest U14’s Blues  1 – 5  Long Melford Blues  U14’s (September 13th 2009)

After a good preseason season Melford kicked off the new season with a tough away fixture to Tempest and despite starting the brighter of the 2 teams found themselves a goal down after just 5 minutes. Far from panicking this seemed to spur the team on and were level after 15 mins when Alex Fuller rounded the keeper and coolly finished. It seemed only a matter of time before Melford’s excellent play would be rewarded with more goals but a swift counter attack meant the team were somehow trailing 2-1 at the break.

Any worries about it being one of those days however were soon dashed when straight from the kick off, Cameron Dolan-Roberts got on the end of a Brett Savage cross . Dolan-Roberts then curled one in from 25 yards to give Melford the lead. The team were now flying with Spurway, Cawtheray and Savage all going close, the win was secured when man of the match Fuller headed in and Savage finished after being teed up by Cawtheray .