The Junior Roundup from the weekend matches
Cup games dominated the Junior matches this weekend, with a handful of friendlies for those not on cup duty.
The cup competitions often throw up ties against higher league opponents and this can often be reflected in the score lines, but the scores don’t show the positive impact these games will have on the teams, even in defeat the players will benefit playing against strong opposition and be better for it.
We start with the U7’s who’s first ever home game was one to remember. A video message from Joint First Team Manager Ian Watson, wishing the players luck, was a nice touch. In the friendly double header, the first game was a high score in favour of Benhall. Second game was a thrilling 4-4 draw with goals from Noah Clapp, Anthony Walne, Elliot Garnham and Charlie Richer.
The U9 Whites were in cup action and with the scores level at 2-2, lost 2-4 on penalties. Goals from Ned Ransome and Harley Todd (pen). MOTM Finn Brookes (Keeper). It was a great team performance despite the penalty heartbreak.
It was a good old fashioned cup tie for the U9 reds.. losing 4-3 to IVR after extra time. MOTM was given to goal keeper Ollie Talbot. Goals from Arthur Jacob and Ross
The U10 reds progressed with an excellent 9-0 away win at Framlingham with goals from George 4, Ashton 2, Tyler, Oakley and Kasper.
Success too for the U10 Whites, this in a friendly away to Ipswich Valley Rangers. Goals from Callum 3, Max and Jed secured a 5-1 win.
Tough day at the office for the Under 11 Whites who went down 10-0 to a good Kesgrave team in the Cup. The team worked hard throughout.
The U12 whites lost to Whitton Utd from Division One in the cup 5-1. The Seasiders goal came from Archie Dunne with a great free kick. Jake Webb was nominated MOTM thanks to some great work in defence.
A fine 1-12 away win for u13 reds in the cup, great team performance from back to front, good service from the wide areas and quick passing in the middle, all resulting in 3 goals for Asa Heron, 2 for Alfie Mundy, 3 for Kyle Middleton, 1 for Luke Baker, 1 for Mustafa Hussein and 1 each for Oscar Girling and Joe Smith.
The U14 Whites held their own for long periods against Division 3 leaders, but didn’t take their chances with only 11 players. The last 10 mins saw the opposition score 5 quick goals to win 8-1. The coach commented “It was a great free kick from Zac with lots of positives in the game, but we ran out of legs. Just wasn't our day!”.
It was the same score line for Under 14 Reds, 8-1 to a Needham side that were last season's double winners. The team showed excellent character with the goal coming from Goodhand.
What a turnaround from the u15 boys, who the management confirm were outstanding on Saturday. 3-1 down at half time to Division One side Martlesham Lightening, a half time team talk saw a slight alteration to formation and it worked! With the boys coming out on top 7-5. Wayne was buzzing as he commented “A stellar performance by all of the team. goal scorers were Diego 2 Nathan 5. Great ball movement to aid the strikers and allow the play”.
On Sunday the U12 girls were in friendly action at Kesgrave and went down 4-1 but produced a very promising second half. Goalscorer E Hope.
U14 girls also played a friendly and were 6-2 winners over Capel.
4 goals from Erika and one apiece from Brooke and Holly did the damage. Once again there was big help from the u13 girls with Erika, Tildy, Rihanna, Talia, Amy all stepping up to help out the older age group.
Finally, In the Eastern Junior Alliance the U15 boys were 2-0 down but pulled back to 2-2. They then couldn’t score when on top and were made to pay as 2 late goals saw them eventually to lose 2-4 away to Needham Market.