Under 18 Team Match Reports for Season 2006-2007

Wednesday 7th March 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  0 - 0  Harwich & Parkeston 
Squad:- Joe Miller, Kieron Jones, Sam Osbourne , Adam Dalby, Jake Hollis (Veitch), Rob Bozier, Ricardo Phillips, Callum Beecroft (Bateman), James Reynolds, Jamie Lewis (Butcher), Ryan Conaghan.
Subs:-  Mark Bateman, Jordan Butcher, Matty Egelton, Ashley Veitch.
We welcomed third placed Stanway Rovers to Dellwood Avenue on a good night for football and a pitch that had recovered well from the recent deluge. 

Stanway,  we knew were a strong physical side, so the instruction was to get at them from the start, don’t be intimidated, show no respect and let them know we are not going to roll over. This the lads did superbly as they worked terrifically hard when the visitors had the ball and we were winning most first and second balls. This rocked the visitor’s as we gained the upper hand, the downside was once we gained possession the adrenalin was kicking in we needed to take a breath and find some composure on the ball. That said their keeper was the busier of the two, but we spurned a couple of half chances, and then a fine delivery from Ricardo Phillips saw Callum Beecroft head over from 6 yards, what a goal that would have been! Once again were we going to rue our missed chances. HT-0-0. 

We spoke at half time about composure on the ball, and most importantly communication with the player on the ball, but still keeping up the intensity when the opposition have it. We once again started the second half strongly, but Stanway then had a long period where they pressed us back, but resolute defending kept them at bay. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after a second yellow card, and we started to get forward again, the introduction of new striker Ashley Veitch also helped the situation. It was an open even game now going from end to end but neither side could find the net, in the 92^nd minute a Stanway striker got in, his first shot was saved well by Joe Miller and then Sam Osbourne threw himself in front of the follow up brilliantly to save the day. Overall probably a fair result, not one for the purists but thoroughly entertaining, with both sets of lads giving 110%.

Sunday 4th February 2007 - ISYFL Open Cup  (Under 18s)
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 0 Ipswich Exiles (1-0)
Squad:- James Midgley, Kieron Jones, Matt Egelton , Adam Dalby, James Reynolds, Sam Osbourne, Aaron Pearce, Jordan Butcher, Callum Beecroft, Ricardo Phillips , James Mayhew.
Subs:-  Tom Monk, Ryan Conagahan, James McCallum.
With so many games postponed in the Ridgeons youth league our next game played was the next round of the ISYFL open cup.
In the last round we played on a bog in atrocious conditions, played good football and convincingly beat a top Sunday side. This round we were at home on a lovely day in perfect conditions against another side from the top of their Sunday league, but what took place was one of the worst games of football I have ever witnessed.

That said it was the quarter-final, and tension took hold. We took the lead early in the first half with a good goal from Callum Beecroft, then it was nip and tuck after that.
Beaver (James Reynolds) and Sam Osbourne soaked their long ball up well at he heart of our defense, we worked two great chances to wrap it up but Aaron Pearce and Adam Dalby both missed over the bar !!!!  something we will talk about. It was a tense 1-0 lead with Exiles always in with a shout as we failed to increase our lead, but we saw it out, and we go into the semi-final on April 1^st against Stowmarket.

Sunday 7th January 2007 - ISYFL Open Cup  (Under 18s)
Bildeston Rangers  2 - 5 Felixstowe & Walton United  (0-3)
Squad:- James Midgley, Kieron Jones, Matt Egelton (McCallum) , Adam Dalby, James Reynolds, Sam Osbourne, Aaron Pearce, Jordan Butcher, Callum Beecroft, Ricardo Phillips (Monk), Ryan Conaghan (Mayhew).
Subs:-  Tom Monk, James Mayhew, James McCallum.
The ISYFL Open Cup is the only Sunday competition that we enter the Ridgeons squad into, and this was a potential banana skin as Bildeston sit top of ISYFL Division 1. 

We were minus the Trimley lads so it gave a couple of our own ISYFL players the chance to step up. It showed why Bildeston do well on Sunday’s as they were a big strong side who relied on power and set pieces, but we defended these very well, with captain for the day Sam Osbourne and James Reynolds outstanding at the heart of our defence. I was pretty sure that if we played the game the right way, kept good shape and did the basics we would get a result, this the lads did very well, and on chances created we could have had a far higher scoreline.  

We had a new look frontline in Callum Beecroft and Ricardo Phillips, and a new central midfield paring of Jordan Butcher and Adam Dalby. The midfield duo looked good and Jordy in particular was another contender for man of the match. Callum Beecroft gave us the lead with less than 3 minutes on the watch, then “Beaver”, James Reynolds ventured forward for a corner and made it 2-0, and after some lovely approach play Ricardo Phillips rounded off a very competent and satisfying half with our third. HT-0-3.  

In atrocious conditions where the pitch was a bog, both sides competed well, and we were now defending up the slope. We made three changes and immediately Bildeston’s tricky right winger got in behind our left back and set a team mate up who pulled a goal back. The lad’s response to this was terrific, as we took the game by the scruff of the neck, Beaver scored his second and was unlucky not to get his hat-trick, and Callum also bagged a brace to make it 5-1. The home side scored a second deep into injury time, but a score line that certainly reflected the game, and the boys experience playing in the Ridgeons league shone through.

Wednesday 13th December 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 2  Harwich & Parkeston  (0-1)
Squad:- Joe Miller, James Reynolds, Matt Egelton (Osbourne) , Mark Bateman, Jordan Butcher (Pearce), Rob Bozier, Ricardo Phillips, Adam Dalby, Sean Twomey , Jamie Lewis, Ryan Conaghan.   
Subs:-  Kieron Jones, Aaron Pearce, James Mayhew, Sam Osbourne.
The last game before the Christmas break was the old proverbial game of 2 halves, and with Harwich drawing 4 of their 8 games played, including 3-3 with us at the Royal Oak. I suppose it was inevitable we would share the spoils in this one, although it didn’t look that way for a while.

 Now to say we were poor in the first half would be an understatement, we looked like boys against men, and looked like conceding every time the visitor’s put a ball into our box, especially from set pieces. On 10 minutes a Harwich player received the ball, from one of our players, ran through several tackles like a knife through butter, squared it to an unmarked player who deservedly put them 1-0 up. We did battle and Ryan Conagahan back in the side, but on his last warning does look the part, and won a lot of ball in the air. HT-0-1. 

Once again, sorry if it’s boring, but we started a half slowly, and Harwich had a couple of chances to extend their lead. Then somebody flicked that magic switch and the lads showed their true potential as we totally dominated the rest of the game. However, a twist saw the visitor’s go 2 up totally against the run of play, but it was a set piece, a far post header from a corner. We were attacking from all angles and 6 minutes later Ricardo Phillips won a tussle on the right flank, slipped the ball to Aaron Pearce who’s pin point cross picked out the in rushing Ryan Conagahan who headed home. Constant pressure saw the young Shrimpers’s defending for their lives now, a succession of corners saw nothing fall for us, but after another attack a poor clearance fell to Aaron Pearce who drilled in the equaliser. We were going for the win now, but after a couple more good chances, it looked like a goal mouth scramble won it but somehow the Harwich keeper cleared off the line with his knees.

Wednesday 6th December 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 4  Braintree Town (1-3)
Squad:- Joe Miller, James Reynolds, Sam Osbourne , James Mayhew (Pearce), Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, Ricardo Phillips, Callum Beecroft (Monk), Sean Twomey (Jones) , Jamie Lewis, Jordan Butcher.      
Subs:-  Matt Egelton, Kieron Jones, Aaron Pearce, Tom Monk.
A quick return of fixture saw Braintree Town come to Dellwood Avenue and give us a lesson in quality, and must surely be a benchmark for us next season. I have seen our lads play like the young Iron’s we just have not done it for long enough or consistently enough, but we know it’s in there and gives me optimism for next year. 

We started the game well and got on the front foot for a change, A superb 40 yard pass from Mark Bateman released Sean Twomey, who out paced the Braintree defence and rolled it past the keeper to open his account and put us ahead inside a minute. From this point on the visitors took control of the game, and were not going to make any slip up’s onto what I believe is their title. A superb 30 yard equaliser set them on their way, and with my reporter being absent, from memory I believe they took a 3-1 advantage into the break. 

We did have a period in the second half, but their defence always looked in control, of our attacks, and they rounded off a superb display with a 4^th goal, inflicting only our 2^nd defeat at home, but our heaviest of the season.  

Wednesday 29th November 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Witham Town  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-0)
Squad:- Joe Miller, James Reynolds (Jones), Sam Osbourne (Egelton) , Adam Dalby, Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, Ricardo Phillips, Callum Beecroft, Sean Twomey , Jamie Lewis, Aaron Pearce (Mayhew).    
 Subs:-  James Mayhew, Matt Egelton, Kieron Jones.
After a weeks break we were back on the road this time to Spa Road home of Witham Town. We had no complaints with the 2-0 defeat at Braintree, but this defeat flattered our hosts somewhat, as we gave the first period where Witham shaded it, we battered them second half but alas with nothing to show for it. 

After 15 minutes or so of constant Witham pressure, in which they took a 1-0 lead we gradually began to get into the game, again once we had gone behind. A good ball from James ‘Beaver’ Reynolds found Shaun Twomey, but a flag from the elderly linesman from a good 10 yards behind the play saw him ruled off side. On 20 minutes the ever willing Jamie Lewis won a corner and a scramble in the box saw it just go past the home sides post. Witham still looked dangerous, especially their number 9 who has had 1^st team experience and it showed, but we were in the game now and playing much better. Callum Beecroft’s long range effort just went over, and then after a good 5 man move Beaver venturing forward put his effort over also. Meanwhile at the other end Joe Miller did well to deny their centre forward, as both sides continued to attack. Ricardo Phillips and Mark Bateman had efforts that just went wide, then just as half time approached their centre forward scored his second with a clever finish to give us an uphill task in the second half. HT-0-2. 

Not the best of starts to the half as on 48 Sam Osbourne and on 56 minutes Beaver both had to come of injured. Sam was replaced by Matthew Egelton, and Beav, who had been excellent, by 15 year old Kieron Jones. Once again a slow start saw us under pressure, but every so often this lot seem to click into gear and all of a sudden their was only one team in it, as we were winning everything all over the park, and finding each other with good passing. Ricardo Phillips was causing them lots of problems with good wing play down the right hand side, and putting in some fine crosses. Callum headed one over, Jamie Lewis had two 1v1s with the keeper, but put them wide, Adam Dalby, James Mayhew and Sean Twomey all missed good chances to get us back in the game. After 30 minutes of constant Seasider pressure with no reward, in one of their rare attacks a poor clearance fell for their No 9 to complete his hat-trick, and punish our poor finishing. The relief for the home side was there for all to see, but pure frustration on our part, it does however show that natural goalscorer’s at any level are a godsend.

Wednesday 15th November 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Braintree Town  2 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (1-0)
Squad:- Joe Miller, Matt Egelton, Sam Osbourne (Pearce) , Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Ryan Conaghan (Mayhew), Adam Dalby, Callum Beecroft, Sean Twomey (Lewis), Jordan Butcher.    
Subs:-  James Mayhew, Jamie Lewis, Aaron Pearce, Ricardo Phillips. 

We can have no complaints in losing to the best side we have played this season, and my tip for the title. We had two 15 minute spells either side of half time when we were on top, but once again failed to take our chances, but when you are second best for an hour of the game you usually lose.

For the first 10 minutes we hardly touched the ball, as our hosts kept superb possession, but also attacked with menace and we had to be on full alert at the back. Two shots early on saw one go over and the second tipped over by Joe Miller in goal tonight, a good save. Braintree had two really hard working full backs and they got forward at every opportunity, but were fit lads who could get back as well. Finally we got a small foothold in the game, and we were getting some joy particularly down the right where Ryan Conaghan started to impose himself on their left back.

The young Irons took the lead on 14 minutes, when their wide left man ghosted in between our unusually static defence to finish a cross off well. After 30 minutes, we started to look dangerous ourselves, Mark Bateman fired wide from our first corner, and minutes later a powerful shot from Callum Beecroft just missed the post. We were winning in  midfield, and a good tackle and slide rule pass from Adam Dalby released Callum, he tried to round the 6ft plus keeper but he spread himself well and took it off Callum’s foot, our best chance of the game. Just before the break an unfortunate clash of heads saw a Braintree player stretcher'd off with an Ostrich egg above his eye, but fortunately he was OK after some treatment to watch the rest of the game. H-T-1-0.

The half time team talk seemed to work for a while as we came out competing all over the park. We forced a couple of corners and were awarded three free kicks on the edge of the box. Most of these set pieces were not attacked well enough, something we will be working more on, but the last free kick was well struck by Callum, and nearly found its way under the keeper. From that point on our hosts took control again, as some of our lads still seem to be struggling to last 90 minutes again. We were defending well but not creating anything going forward, and finally the home side’s pressure told. We switched off from a throw in an unmarked striker was found and he put the ball into the top corner of the net despite Joe getting a hand to it. Thanks to Braintree for excellent hospitality, (hotdogs after) with superb facilities, its always a pleasure to go to Cressing Road, despite the score line this visit.

Wednesday 8th November 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 0  Long Melford  (0-0)
Squad:- Kieron Real, James Midgley, Sam Osbourne , Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Ryan Conaghan (Pearce), Callum Beecroft, Sean Twomey (Dalby), Jamie Lewis, Jordan Butcher.
Subs:-  James Mayhew, Matt Egelton, Aaron Pearce, Adam Dalby, Ricardo Phillips.

If we deserved something at Long Melford last week then they certainly did this week at our place. From a positive point of view for both sides, with the few goal scoring opportunities in both games they could easily have been draws so we are both a point up.

 The visitors started the game at a ferocious pace, looking for an early advantage, combined with our now common place slow start we were under pressure for a while but the defence held firm, with tonight’s captain Rob Bozier organising them well. Rob was skipper due to the absence of Matt Glading in goal. A personal issue may see him out for a while, our thoughts are with him and he will be back when he is ready. Melford looked a better side than last week at home, and you could see why most of their joy has come away from home so far. Gradually we got into the game and on 17 minutes a good run and shot from Callum Beecroft was blocked, Mark Bateman was first to react his shot was parried by the keeper but nobody followed up. We were in the game now and frustration from not capitalising early on was creeping into the visitors play, several good moves and set pieces came to nothing as we gained the upper hand. HT-0-0.

 Once again we let the opposition dominate early on, with 47 minutes gone a ball into  the back post saw a free header  knocked back to a player whose shot just went wide of our post. We weathered it, thanks once again to our defence, which meant Kieron Real in goal for the first time was not too busy, however what he had to do he did very well and is an able keeper. Once again we clawed our way back into it, and we started to create the better chances. Mind you Long Melford were dangerous from set pieces, and they had plenty of them, with maybe a touch too much whistle from the ref. At the other end their two outstanding centre halves were keeping us at bay.  

Substitutions by both sides changed the game, the visitors brought on a defender and moved their skipper into midfield. Suddenly we were finding space behind their defence down the flanks and quick balls to Ryan Conagahn on the right and Jordan Butcher on the left were stretching the visitors. We then made a couple of changes, and on 73 minutes sub Adam Dalby broke through, and scored the only goal of the game. Training Monday night saw us work on finishing and he would have got three points for that one putting it in the far corner. A late scare from yet another free kick went just over and we took the three points and our first clean sheet, in a gritty not pretty performance.

Wednesday 1st November 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Long Melford  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0) 
Squad:- Matt Glading, James Midgley, Matt Egelton , Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Callum Beecroft (Conagahn), Adam Dalby (Mayhew),  Sean Twomey, Jamie Lewis, Jordan Butcher.   
 Subs:-  James Mayhew, Sam Osbourne, Aaron Pearce, Ryan Conagahn, Ricardo Phillips. 

Poor play in both boxes was our undoing tonight, and disappointing because this game could easily have been 3-0 to us. Unfortunately Matt was under the weather in goal, and the three goals we conceded were poor ones, but he was big and brave enough to admit they were down to him afterwards, it was disappointing as he did not have to make a save of any note throughout the whole game, where as we carved out a host of chances, but poor, poor finishing let us down.

As usual, even after speaking about it we took our customary 10 minutes to warm up, which allowed our hosts plenty of possession, but without too much threat on our goal. However on 7 minutes a free kick was put into our box it by-passed everybody going straight through to Matt, but unfortunately with him complaining of dizziness it bounced into an empty net. After some treatment he said he was ok to carry on, but really we should have swapped it around and rested him, hindsight is a wonderful thing. We were struggling to get any rhythm to our game on a very bumpy surface and a narrow pitch, but gradually our ball winners started to get into the game and chances started to come.

The first saw Jamie Lewis burst through but his tame shot was easily collected by the Melford keeper. Jordan Butcher was working hard on the left flank and 2 good deliveries saw nobody attempt to get on the end of them. A good 4 man move saw Jordy put Sean Twomey in, and his powerful drive was saved well by the keeper. We were dominating now, and from the resultant corner Rob Bozier rose highest at the far post, he knows he should have scored but his header went across the goal where Sean unmarked somehow headed it over from 2 yards. As half time approached we spurned 3 more glorious chances where surely it was easier to score. HT-1-0.

Once again a sluggish start to the second half occurred, but we soon got on top again and were putting the pressure on, forcing a number of corners. Then a free kick form Jordan once again saw the dependable Rob Bozier time his run perfectly leap well but headed over when I would have put money on him scoring. Disaster struck as Long Melford broke, a ball forward saw James Reynolds, who is a superb defender, just take his eye off it, it went under his boot, the home attacker pounced and beat Matt, who had been virtual spectator until then. This knocked us for six, and the game became scrappy with Long Melford gaining the upper hand, but still not troubling our goal too much. However on 85 minutes a tame free kick which Matt usually gathers easily spilled off of him and the in rushing striker compounded our misery. We still had time for one more great chance Sean Twomey’s pace got him in he rounded the keeper but could only find the side netting. Taking nothing away from Long Melford, they capitalised well on our mistakes, but this was the ultimate lesson in being punished for not taking your chances.     

Wednesday 11th October 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 1  Brantham Athletic (1-1) 
Squad:- Matt Glading, James Midgley, Sam Osbourne , Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Ricardo Phillips (Beecroft), Adam Dalby (Mayhew),  Sean Twomey (Pearce),  Jamie Lewis, Jordan Butcher. 
 Subs:-  James Mayhew, Matt Egelton, Aaron Pearce, Callum Beecroft.

At last we got a win that our play has deserved for a while now. Yes we won last week, but it was not good against a struggling side, this week we beat the third place side that have averaged 2 goals a game.

Brantham started strongly, and were 1-0 up through Kieron Lawler within the first 5 minutes, and it took another 5 for the lads to get to grips with the game. We welcomed Sean Twomey into the team up front, after illness had kept him out of the frame since the start of the season. We made 4 changes in all, just resting some players, as I have explained to them they are not dropped at this level just rotated, as they are all good enough to do a job.

Once we got up to speed we were matching Brantham and starting to create some good chances, and what’s particularly pleasing is how hard the lads were working. The hard work paid off when top goal scorer Jamie Lewis equalised for us to send us in all square. HT-1-1. 

The second half was ours, as we dominated the game, but without taking our chances, as the visitors still looked dangerous on the break. Our defence however was outstanding once again, and looked so solid and organised restricting their pacey strikers well. Talking of pace Sean Twomey was causing the Brantham defenders all sorts of problems with his, I had not realised how fast he was, and on several occasions the only way he could be stopped was by a foul. We do just need to work on his composure in front of goal, but his pace is phenomenal. At around the 75 minute mark we finally got the breakthrough we deserved, when after neat build up Jamie Lewis spun and shot home well from a tight angle. From then on we piled on the pressure forcing numerous corners, but could not find the third goal. In fact on a breakaway a Brantham substitute struck the bar with a fine effort, but we saw it out for a fine win. Just a mention for the referee young Alan Dale who was superb, and I’m sure has a bright future.  

We now have a 2 week break, which gives us a good chance to work on plenty of stuff on the training ground before we meet Long Melford in our next game.

 Wednesday 4th October 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 1  Haverhill Rovers (2-0) 
Squad:- Matt Glading, Sam Osbourne , Matt Egelton, Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Aaron Pearce, (Midgley) James Mayhew (Dalby)  Callum Beecroft (Colson), Jamie Lewis, Ryan Conaghan. 
 Subs:-  Jack Colson, Adam Dalby, Ricardo Phillips, Jordan Butcher, James Midgley.

We started where we had left off against Harwich for the first 35 minutes of this game at Dellwood Avenue. We dominated possession, played neat passing football and cruised to a 2-0 lead inside 30 minutes.
Ryan Conagahn got his second in as many games, when a scuffed shot (or clever lob) from the edge of the box caught the keeper off of his line to put us one up. Our constant pressure, forced several corners and free kicks in dangerous areas, and it was from one of these set pieces that the impressive Rob Bozier timed his run well rose highest to nod in number two. Now it was at this point I said, if we lose this game I’ll eat the new match balls given to us today. For the last 10 minutes of the first half our play dropped off allowing Haverhill into the game more, but we thought no problem, lets sort it out at the break.

Well I can only apologise to those who paid to watch as the second half was a total shambles from our point of view. You would not have believed it was the same set of players on the pitch from the first half, as the basics deserted us completely, we couldn’t string 2 passes together let alone 3 or 4. Individual decision making was poor, and everything they have been taught seemed to go out of the window. All credit to Haverhill, who were finding more space now and used it well, as they totally dominated the half. Fortunately from our point of view they have a similar problem to us, lack of goals, and ironically we had the two best chances of the half, but were not getting on the end of things. The visitors did score from a free kick late on to give us a jittery last 12 minutes, but we hung on for our first win and it saved me from a supper of leather and lace, but it was not the way we would have wanted it.

Several theories have abounded since, did we panic going 2-0 up for the first time, if it is a fitness issue, as some did look tired and leggy, then they know that is up to them, we cannot give them enough fitness training in just 2 hours a week. My opinion is, most are still only 16, perhaps one or two need a rest mentally as well as physically. The good thing is we have plenty of quality to rotate it, and although it was an unbelievable downturn in our play, I’m sure we can sort it.

On Sunday 08-10-06 The ISYFL side had an excellent result, winning away at Bury Town ‘A’  1-0, no details to hand, apart from Jordan Butcher was our goal scorer

Wednesday 27th September 2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Harwich & Parkeston 3 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-2)
Squad:- Matt Glading, Sam Osbourne , Matt Egelton, Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Aaron Pearce, (Phillips) James Mayhew (Dalby)  Callum Beecroft (Colson), Jamie Lewis, Ryan Conaghan. 
Subs:-  Jack Colson, Adam Dalby, Ricardo Phillips, Sean Twomey. 

For the third game in a row an opposition manager has said to me you should have won that, and what Harwich have to say I always appreciate, and although we got our first point tonight, their honest opinion was correct and 3 points would not have been unjust. That said both sides contributed to a superb game of youth football which was a pleasure to be part of.

Harwich kicked off and for 4 or 5 minutes had us chasing our own shadows as they kept the ball well, but once we gained possession we dominated the first half with some of the best football a group have played under me. This was emphasised on 8 minutes where nice 1 and 2 touch play between  Sam Osbourne, Mark Bateman and Aaron Pearce down the right flank saw Mark put a perfect killer pass through two defenders for Aaron to run to the by-line, his perfect far post cross was met by Ryan Conaghan, and his bullet header hit the back of the net, a fine goal to grace any game. Our defence were playing really well and restricting our hosts well, however when a cross came into our box Matt in goal didn’t connect properly with his punch and it dropped just outside our box where the Harwich striker thumped it home, and we all thought here we go again. Especially when a few minutes later and certainly against the run of play, a spectacular strike out of the blue from all of 35 yards put  Harwich 2-1 up. The lads showed the right attitude to this knock back, and kept the Shrimpers on the back foot. On 35 minutes the ever running Jamie Lewis broke the offside trap with just the keeper to beat and was tripped by the keeper, he got up dusted himself down and scored the penalty himself. H-T-2-2.

The second half was more even, has Harwich switched to 3-5-2 and we responded likewise, but we were still shading the possession and we were all watching a fine youth football match. Once again our hosts took the lead against the run of play, when for once we got caught at the back, and their tricky left winger cut inside and finished well from a tight angle. The lads once again responded well, and Aaron Pearce levelled the game with a similar goal to their third, but cutting in from the right and putting it in the far corner. At least we have had a result that our play over recent weeks has deserved, and that first win is just around the corner, I’m pretty sure.

 Thursday 21st September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League Cup
Framlingham  1 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
Squad:- Matt Glading, James Midgley , Matt Egelton, Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, James Reynolds, Ricardo Phillips (Pearce), Adam Dalby (Mayhew),  Callum Beecroft (Butcher), Jamie Lewis, Ryan Conaghan.
 Subs:-  Jordan Butcher, Daniel Potts, Aaron Pearce, James Mayhew, Sam Osbourne. 

We went out of the cup at Framlingham for the second year in a row, despite having totally dominated this game, in what their manager described as a back to the wall job for his lads from the 1st minute until the 90^th.

Once again we played good football, not quite as good at Stanway, as Fram are the type of team that I call stoppers, lots of bodies behind the ball, they work extremely hard and are organised. That said once again not taking our chances, which came frequently in the first half was our undoing. Our host’s only foray into our box in the first half saw an unfortunate slip by Beaver (James Reynolds) which allowed Fram’s Robert Varela to smash home the only goal of the game. It was very unfortunate for Beaver as the defence have been superb thus far this season, but we missed good chances, over the bar, just wide or straight at the keeper.

Now I was very frustrated in the dressing room at half time and the lads knew it, but it was pure frustration because they are doing everything right, and the commitment and effort is second to none. So we must not panic and get even jitterier in front of goal, because I think that first victory is just around the corner, and I feel it will be a good one, which will boost the lad’s confidence no end. We continued to dominate the game second half, with not as many clear cut chances, but still should have scored, but alas we didn’t and we bowed out of the cup and into the plate. Good luck to Framlingham, who are excellent hosts, in the next round.    

 Wednesday 13th September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Stanway Rovers 2 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United 
Squad:- Matt Glading, James Midgley (Reynolds), Matt Egelton, Mark Bateman, Rob Bozier, Ted Nichloos, Ricardo Phillips, Adam Dalby (Potts),  Callum Beecroft (Colson), Jamie Lewis, Ryan Conaghan. 
Subs:-  Jack Colson, Jordan Butcher, Daniel Potts, Aaron Pearce.
This result sees us got to the foot of the table, but if we continue to play like this we won’t be there for long. As our hosts acknowledged after the game we should have had it wrapped up by half time.

In the first two games we had to concentrate on defending for long periods and did not impose ourselves onto the opposition enough, as the lads come to terms with what’s required at this level. Well tonight, despite the result the lads came of age, against a side equally as strong and physical as the previous two opponents, after a shaky start we dominated this game until the last 15 minutes

Stanway started strongly, we had Ted Nicholls making his debut at centre half and I also changed things around a bit. It took 15 minutes to settle in and our hosts were on top, but it was if a switch was flicked and the lads started to put their foot on the ball and pass it around very effectively. What’s more we were starting to dominate Stanway and created several good chances. We had 4 or 5 good chances in the first period but alas failed to take any of them, and in the back of my mind from experience knew we would rue them. H-T-0-0.

 Thunder, lightning and torrential rain were adding to the excitement. The lads were still taking the game to Stanway with neat play, but we needed to finish things off. Ted Nicholls and Rob Bozier were looking a formidable partnership at the back for us, and with the midfield up to speed we were looking good. The tireless Jamie Lewis pounced on a through ball with 30 minutes to go, raced ahead of their defence and cleverly lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box to put us into a thoroughly deserved lead. However we needed to get a second and were trying. With 18 minutes to go Stanway responded bringing on two big lads with fresh legs, and with 85% of our lads having played 80 minutes football at under 16s last season, suddenly there was some very tired legs out there. Before we could react in a disastrous couple of minutes Stanway scored twice, through sheer physical presence, but how we did rue those first half misses. 

Since writing this I was given the bad news that Ted had broken his leg in a 5-a-side game at the weekend, our best wishes go to him for a speedy recovery, but it looks as though he will have just the one very impressive game for us this season.  

 Monday 4th September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Halstead Town 1 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (1-0)
Squad:- Matt Glading, James Midgley, Matt Egelton, Daniel Potts (Osbourne), Mark Bateman, James Reynolds, Ricardo Phillips, Adam Dalby, Callum Beecroft (Colson), Jamie Lewis , Aaron Pearce (Conagahan). 
Subs:-  Jack Colson, Ryan Conagahan, Sam Osbourne, Joe Miller.
We went down 1-0 against a college side who showed what daily training does for you, but our lads had the desire to compete at this level. What is interesting this year is, because of a low intake last year from the under 16s of the previous season, we have basically started again this season. I hadn’t realised that 95% of the squad are only 16. In training this didn’t show, but when they took the field against Witham and tonight, playing teams of second years, it does really show from the physical point of view. We have only three second years and none of those have played at this level either.

So it will take time for us to get up to speed, and as showed tonight we are expending all our energy on keeping the opposition out, consequentially we are not getting forward and creating too many chances. The results so far show, that we are working well as a defensive unit, which is encouraging, although some of the basics still need working on, but in the two games so far we have not imposed ourselves on the opposition for long enough periods, but it will happen, because we have good players just not experienced ones yet.

Having said that we could easily have got something from both games, tonight’s game didn’t see too much goalmouth action at either end, Halstead scored in the first half, we just got caught square, but equally their keeper had to make a good save from Callum Beecroft.
HT 0-1.

The second half we made some changes and the boys that came on, changed it a little more in our favour, and the effort was very pleasing. Neither side could find the back of the net second period so it ended 1-0 to our hosts.

Wednesday 30th August 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League Southern Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 2  Witham Town  (1-1)
Squad:- Joe Miller, Rob Bozier, Matt Egelton, Daniel Potts, James Midgley, James Reynolds, Ricardo Phillips (Pearce), Mark Bateman, Callum Beecroft (Colson), Jamie Lewis (Dalby), Jordan Butcher.       
 Subs:-  Jack Colson, Adam Dalby, Jake Hollis, Sam Osbourne, Aaron Pearce.
It was a real baptism of fire for the new look under 18s tonight, with Callum Beecroft the only one with Ridgeons experience, the other lads hadn’t realised how tough and fast this standard will be. That said, the majority of the Witham side were second years and have had a season at this level.  From experience I know good players learn very quickly what is required, and we do have good players, but the gulf between junior football and this standard is huge.

The visitors started with pace and purpose, and immediately had us on the back foot, and all though the feet can do it, with our lads the brains are not up to that pace yet. Because the Witham lads were stronger and quicker the basics deserted us, but when we did get it down and played we got some joy, we just didn’t do it enough. Witham took the lead with a well placed free kick from outside the box from Mainstone. Within minutes however a slip by their keeper allowed Callum Beecroft in to level it. H-T 1-1.

An explanation! At half time let the lads know exactly what was required, and to be honest for the first 15 minutes of the second half we were the better side, and indeed could have taken the lead. However from that spurned opportunity Witham went down the other end and scored with a well taken shot from Luke Johnson. From then on there was only one team in it as we dropped off the pace and they stepped it up. From my point of view however there was many better individual performances second half, although as a team we were found wanting.