Moreton Hall Youth Football Club

27th September 2009

League

Bury Town     (0)   0       Moreton Hall YFC         (3)  7 

It appears the fixture secretary’s computer has a sense of humour. Two weeks off followed by an away trip to last season’s self-proclaimed ‘non-competitive league champions’ first game of the campaign; cheers for that! However, Ricky Cornish’s lads thrive on a challenge and put in an almighty display to run their hosts ragged for forty minutes. Hall handed league debuts to Kieran Moore in goal, Tom Gardiner in midfield and Oliver Ellis on the wing and the trio each played magnificently.

As is tradition, captain Lewis Tebbit lost the toss, but this was pretty much the only fifty-fifty situation Hall lost all morning. Right from the first whistle, Hall set about their opponents in determined fashion. Sharp in the tackle and quick in possession, they opened the scoring through Jack Stone who then turned provider for Oliver Ellis to mark his debut with a goal. Ellis further extended the lead with another clinical strike, before the home keeper made a fantastic stop (well done Tommy) to ensure the score remained at 0-3 at the break.

Hall were well prepared for the Bury backlash as the game resumed, but dealt with every threat superbly. Kieran wasn’t as busy as he might have expected but kept his concentration well. To keep a clean sheet today was first class, well done Kieran. He was assisted by dynamic defensive duo Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit who were fully committed, communicated well and looked a solid pairing throughout. Well played boys!

In midfield, Tom Gardiner posted a dominating display, breaking up Bury attacks, tackling cleanly and using the ball intelligently. He nearly scored with a well struck free-kick in the second half and enjoyed a near faultless debut, well done Tom! The wide players were sensational this morning, with Will Stobbart involved in many of the goals and whose range of passing and crossing was seen to full effect from the right-hand side. Although last season’s top scorer didn’t grab a goal himself today, his all round contribution was exceptional and delighted his manager. On the left, debutant Oliver Ellis was equally as tricky and he completed a cracking hat-trick with Hall’s fourth. The midfield three were brilliant this morning, very well played lads!

Jack Stone led the line like a boy possessed today and proved too hot to handle for the Bury backline. Hall’s fifth was a joy to watch as Stone spun his marker, flicked it beyond the last defender and effortlessly smashed it into the corner. Moments later, he completed his own hat-trick, which was richly deserved. Great performance Jack! However, Hall saved the best ‘til last, as the goal of the game came from second half substitute Aiden Sturgeon. His delicious first time rocket arrowed into the far corner and duly received the loudest cheer of the morning…superb strike Aiden! A 7-0 win against their talented derby rivals says it all; a fantastic start to the season and a great all round team effort, it could be a highly entertaining season, if this form is maintained. Thanks to referee Oliver Booth, your time this morning was much appreciated and to our hosts Bury Town.

11th October 2009

League

Moreton Hall YFC  (1)   2       Stow Falcons B    (1)  1

Hall christened their smart new home kit this morning, which is generously sponsored by Composite Material Supplies Ltd, well aware from two tough encounters last season that this opposition would provide a proper test of their ambition. We won’t mention the pathetic scenes prior to kick-off, where a collection of dads did their Laurel and Hardy routine with the goals, it was certainly another fine mess we got ourselves into!

The visitors came roaring out of the traps and looked bright in the early exchanges, playing neat attractive football. Hall had goalkeeper Kieran Moore to thank as he bravely dived at the feet of an attacker who looked poised to score. However, moments later as the hosts failed to learn their lesson, further hesitancy at the back allowed Falcons to take an early lead from close range, which they fully deserved.  

Handing your talented opponents an early lead is not ideal, but it did seem to produce a response and Hall now forced the issue. Tom Gardiner began to boss the middle of the park and drove the home side forward in search of an equaliser. Jack Stone again led the line superbly and when a moment of hesitation in the Falcons backline gave him an opening, Jack was quick to take advantage. He robbed a defender, beat the last man and finished clinically into the bottom corner to level the scores at halftime. Great goal Jack!

Buoyed by a much needed halftime pep-talk, Hall came out fighting for the second period and looked a better side, with Oliver Ellis and Will Stobbart getting plenty of joy in the wide areas. The hosts began to get on top and forced a series of corners and throw-ins from deep positions. Stobbart’s delivery from both was typically impressive, but try as they might, the game remained locked at a goal apiece until Ricky ‘Capello’ Cornish (cough) made an inspired change. Aiden Sturgeon came into the fold and made an immediate impact. From a long Stobbart throw-in, Sturgeon reacted quickest and produced a deadly finish to stroke the ball home. Well done Aiden!

Now it was Falcons’ turn to respond to falling behind and to their credit they fought hard to get back into the game. However, they now found the Hall defence in far better form, with Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit standing firm and repelling all borders. The pair looked much more like themselves in the second period, well played lads! As Falcons chased the game and committed players forward, Hall looked dangerous on the break and on one such occasion, when Sturgeon looked to get a shot away, a last ditch tackle provoked much debate. It looked a stone-wall penalty from where I and some away supporters stood, however those stood elsewhere thought otherwise. Crucially, the man in the middle waved play on, the joys of being a referee! The final whistle blew shortly after.

Whilst Hall rarely showed their very best form, the ability to ‘win ugly’ is a valuable asset at any level and these were three points won that could prove crucial at the end of the season. Good luck to Falcons B in the coming weeks and we look forward to another close encounter in the reverse fixture. Thanks to Darren for refereeing this morning, your time is much appreciated, he also did the honours in the ‘B’ team game…………..

18th October 2009

League

Moreton Hall YFC  (4)   8       Stow Town    (1)  1

In stark contrast to last week, Hall started with real intent this morning and quickly raced into a 3-0 lead. Oliver Ellis opened the scoring against his former club from close range, before Jack Stone finished neatly after excellent work from Will Stobbart. Stobbart has been in great early season form and has played provider for plenty of Hall goals this season, without grabbing one himself. However, he didn’t have to wait long and smashed in his first of the season shortly afterwards, which was richly deserved. Well done Will!

To their credit, the visitors responded well and got themselves on the scoresheet following an own goal, as a lack of communication cost Hall a clean sheet. However, the three goal advantage was restored following a great move through the midfield which resulted in Ellis doubling his tally with a sweet finish high into the net. The Stowmarket keeper (Harrison) made a series of good saves before the break and was responsible for keeping the score down in the second period too. At the other end, our shot-stopper Kieran Moore dealt well with all that came his way, so well played both keepers! 

Aiden Sturgeon came on for Ellis at halftime and he was quickly in the thick of the action as Hall looked hungry for more goals. Following some neat interplay with Stone and Stobbart, Aiden fired the ball home from five yards to maintain his fine record of scoring a goal a game. He looked dangerous throughout, well played Aiden! Sturgeon then turned provider as Jack Stone got the sixth, which was his sixth of the season to cap another fine display, before he was given a rest, as Ellis returned to the fold. He duly completed his hat-trick and is also on six for the season. Something tells me he enjoyed this treble even more than a few weeks ago. Another good game Ollie, well played!

Whilst the attackers deservedly get plenty of credit for their attractive play, it is also important to note how secure the defence looked again today. Sam Cornish was at his combative best and enjoyed another fantastic game, I don’t think he’s lost a 50-50 tackle yet this season! He was ably assisted by Lewis Tebbit who swept up the play when required in confident fashion. But the standout performance of the day was again delivered by Tom Gardiner, who was like a human magnet to the ball and gives the team such great balance. His discipline in holding the midfield in defence and distribution in attack were first class, he barely put a foot wrong all morning and whilst we have never done MOTM awards, if we did, Tom would surely have got it, well played lads!

25th October 2009

League

Hadleigh United (0)   0       Moreton Hall YFC      (3)  5

Ricky Cornish was again unable to assemble a full squad, this week it was captain Lewis Tebbit’s turn to be struck down with illness (get well soon mate). The armband was handed to Sam Cornish and as usual he led by example, posting a fine performance at the back and tackling like his life depended on it. He phoned his mate post-match to tell him he won the toss, something which Lewis is notoriously useless at! Well played Sam!

Kicking into a fresh wind in the first period, Hall quickly found their stride and produced some magnificent attacking play. The speed of Hall’s passing and movement was impressive right from the whistle. When Aiden Sturgeon flicked on a Will Stobbart cross from the right, Oliver Ellis was in the right place at the right time to fire home the opening goal. This was Ellis’ seventh goal in four games, the young attacker always carries a goal threat and has made a superb start to his Hall career, well done Ollie!

Settled by the early goal, Hall dominated the first half and Hadleigh had their outstanding keeper (James) to thank for several superb saves. Despite conceding five goals, he can be proud of his efforts, the lad is extremely talented. He denied Ellis and then Stone with fine stops and Hall also saw a Stobbart left-foot volley whistle past the post. However, the pressure soon told and Hall’s leading marksmen Jack Stone who was asked to play a little deeper today, produced two clinical strikes to put the visitors firmly in control. He twice smashed the ball into the top corner to make the score 0-3 at the break.

Sam Barrett and Alex Lee were unavailable through illness last week, but both lads were back in the squad today and both came on at half-time, replacing Aiden and Ollie. Hall continued where they left off and when Stone burst down the wing, his cross was met by Barrett who was desperately unlucky to see his effort skim the wrong side of the post with the keeper beaten. A goal would have been a fitting reward for an excellent second half display, very well played Sam!

Jack Stone grabbed his hat-trick following a scramble from an excellent Stobbart corner. Alex Lee demonstrated great composure to lay the ball off unselfishly to Stone who made no mistake. Well done Alex! Moments later Stone completed a superb morning’s work by netting his fourth. Four goals away from home, in a tricky fixture against a good side; say no more! Brilliant stuff from Jack who now has ten goals in four games!

Stone and Stobbart were given a rest, which saw Ollie and Aiden return to the action. Sturgeon broke through and nearly added to the tally, his shot narrowly missing the target. To their great credit, the home side’s attitude remained first class and they came on strong in search of a consolation goal. However, with Alex Lee and Sam Barrett tackling hard in midfield and captain Cornish alongside Tom Gardiner dominant in defence, threats on goal were a rarity. Tom was another who was asked to play slightly out of his usual position, but he did so magnificently, carrying the ball from defence with great composure, starting attacks with superb distribution. Well done boys!

1st November 2009

League

Moreton Hall YFC (3)   7       Needham Phoenix A  (0)  0

If we have worse weather conditions than these to contend with this season, I shall stage a sit-down protest in the centre circle until the game is called off! A vicious howling wind and torrential rain made the dads’ task of assembling the goals a real joy and the mums’ valiant attempts at running a cake stall near on impossible! Thankfully, the players from both squads are made of tougher stuff and to their enormous credit, gallantly played their hearts out. Although a few were still harbouring coughs and colds, Ricky Cornish had a full complement of ten to choose from this morning and the strength of the squad was clearly in evidence again, as all ten boys played a full part in a convincing win.

With the worst of the weather in their faces in the first half, Hall did extremely well to take a three goal advantage into the break. Leading scorer Jack Stone continued his excellent form and opened the Hall account early on following good work from Tom Gardiner and Aiden Sturgeon before Will Stobbart got himself on the scoresheet to double the lead. Jack Stone grabbed his second of the game as Stobbart turned provider as Hall’s link up play in the final third proved too good for the visitors. Sturgeon, Stobbart and Stone all went close to scoring and looked dangerous throughout. Keeper Kieran Moore did superbly in the tricky conditions and looked composed whenever he was called upon to earn another clean sheet. Well done Kieran!

Changes were made at halftime, with Sam Barrett, Oliver Ellis and Alex Lee getting into the action. A rolling substitutions policy allowed all the outfield players to take a rest at some stage and it is most encouraging that whenever changes were made, the side remained well balanced and in the ascendency. Now with the elements at their backs, Hall dominated the second period and set about increasing their lead. Oliver Ellis wasted no time to grab himself a quick-fire double to take the score to 5-0. He has an uncanny habit of popping up in the right place and before the game had ended, had completed the third hat-trick of his five game league career with Hall! When a Will Stobbart effort was only parried, Ellis reacted quickest to force the ball over the line. Well played Ollie!

The home-side looked solid at the back with a combination of Lewis Tebbit, Sam Cornish and Alex Lee providing a great platform for the attacking players and with Tom Gardiner anchoring the midfield brilliantly once again, the home goal was rarely threatened. On a rare counter-attack, Sam Cornish made a superb late intervention to snuff out the danger. Conceding only two goals in our first five games is extremely satisfying and is an element of our game the manager is keen to maintain.

The highlight of a miserable morning was Hall’s sixth goal, which saw Sam Barrett score his first of the season. Sam was in commanding form today and posed a constant threat. I was lucky enough to be standing directly behind the ball, as Sam unleashed an unstoppable long range effort into the top corner. It was a goal as soon as it left his boot and capped a most impressive display. Great strike Sam and well played!

 8th November 2009

League

Moreton Hall YFC (3)   9       Ipswich Valley Rangers  (0)  0

Both sets of players gave their respect with an impeccably observed minute of silence.

Hall maintained their perfect winning start in bright sunshine this morning, but don’t let the scoreline fool you; IVR matched their hosts early on and played some excellent football in the first period. Indeed, they must have felt a little hard done by to go into halftime three down. The opening exchanges were pretty even, keeper Kieran Moore had plenty of early touches and the solid defensive unit of Sam Cornish and captain Lewis Tebbit had to be on their toes to earn Hall a third consecutive clean sheet. Both lads defended magnificently this morning, well done Sam and Lewis.

The deadlock was broken from a Will Stobbart set-piece, which following a small deflection, saw the ball nestle in the net. He’s claiming that one after he felt robbed of one last week (!) and shortly afterwards Oliver Ellis doubled the lead with a sweet finish from a tight angle. Some idiot parent/reporter was heard to offer the following statement at 10:45am; “we never score from corners, I don’t like this secret signal thing we do.” It was barely 10:46am by the time Ellis had made a clever signal and Will Stobbart, comfortably the smallest player on the pitch, had drifted to the back post to power home a header from a perfectly flighted cross. Thanks a lot boys! Silence followed much ridicule.

Hall’s leading scorer Jack Stone was twice left frustrated by outstanding work from the visiting goalkeeper. Once put through by Tom Gardiner and on another occasion on the back of his own fine play, Jack found young Pacey Laughlin in top form. Pacey produced some quality saves this morning and he should be thoroughly proud of his efforts. Changes were made at halftime, with Tom looking a ghostly colour, he was given a rest, as was Ollie, which saw Aiden and Sam Barrett run out for the start of the second half. Sam Barrett was quickly in the thick of things and had an another excellent game.

A well worked short-corner (yes another goal from a corner!) saw Jack Stone in acres of space and he smashed a venomous left footed shot into the top corner, there was plenty of frustration behind that rocket! Alex Lee stepped up from the bench and slotted into defence superbly, enjoying a fine match. Hall started to dominate and chances were created at regular intervals, with Aiden Sturgeon enjoying a sublime second half. It really does speak volumes for the strength of the squad and the selection dilemmas facing Ricky Cornish, when you consider that last week Ellis came off the bench to grab a hat-trick and not to be outdone, this morning Aiden did the same! He was in superb form today, constantly posing problems to the visiting defence, linking the play intelligently and firing three extremely well taken goals, well played Aiden, fantastic stuff!

Oliver Ellis doubled his own tally with a fine individual effort, beating three players before thundering home from the edge of the box, before the red-hot Sturgeon was fouled inside the area. A penalty! Sam Cornish is our designated spot-kick specialist and he buried the opportunity to score his first league goal for the club to an enormous cheer. Sam is one of the team’s unsung heroes, not especially flashy in his play, but a tough, reliable, absolutely vital cog in the Hall machine, the delight amongst his team-mates, the supporters and parents, says plenty for what a popular character he is. Well done Sam!

A sincere well done to Ipswich Valley Rangers who played a full part in a good game, we wish you good luck for the rest of the season. Thanks to ref Peter Tebbit who had very little to do due to the great spirit of both teams, he also did the ‘B’ team game………

15th November 2009

KO Cup (Round 1)

Moreton Hall YFC (2)   6       Stow Falcons A  (2)  2

Hall took a break from their league campaign and welcomed Stow Falcons ‘A’ to Symonds Road this morning, for a cup tie on a heavy pitch. It was however, freshly whitewashed, thanks go to Lee Stone for taking this task on, it is much appreciated. Not for the first time this season, Hall started sluggishly and it was the visitors who played the better football in the early exchanges, moving the ball well and competing in all areas. On too many occasions, Falcons broke easily into dangerous areas, as the home side lacked a little shape and discipline, especially when not in possession of the ball.    

A moment of magic from Hall’s leading marksman Jack Stone broke the deadlock, after good work from Tom Gardiner saw the young striker in possession with his back to goal. Jack rolled his marker, evaded a strong challenge and lashed the ball in off the crossbar. I’m not sure the keeper saw it, never mind had a chance to stop it. It was a moment of sheer quality. Great goal Jack! A lesser side might have been disheartened, but far from it, the goal seemed to spur Falcons into action and to their great credit, they worked a good equaliser before their talismanic No.10 placed a stunning free-kick into the top corner from distance. It was a superb strike and well appreciated by all.

Now it was Hall’s turn to show their fighting spirit and they came on strong in search of an equaliser. Stone, Stobbart and Gardiner all went close, before on the stroke of half-time, Hall grabbed an important goal. From a well delivered Will Stobbart set-piece, Aiden Sturgeon timed his run superbly and delivered a deft finish from close range, which nudged the post on its way into the bottom corner of the net. Aiden dedicated his strike to Nan, who was cheering from the sidelines and must have enjoyed her promised birthday goal this morning. Well done Aiden and happy birthday Nan!

At halftime, Ricky Cornish rallied the troops and asked for an improved twenty minutes. Oliver Ellis came off the bench to replace Aiden and the ten man squad was completed as Alex Lee and Sam Barrett rushed over from a Taekwondo exhibition and both were itching to get on the pitch. With the manager’s words ringing in their ears, Hall were fired up and quickly assumed control of the game. Jack Stone prodded home his second goal with his weaker left foot (must be that practice in training Rick…he told me to say that!) and Will Stobbart made it 4-2 with a powerful drive into the roof of the net. Hall then introduced the Kung-Fu two, Alex and Sam B coming on for Will and Jack.

Alex Lee almost scored with what might have been his first touch, his header going narrowly wide, before Sam Barrett tried a repeat of his thunderous strike two weeks ago; his long-range effort was well saved by the visiting keeper. Our own keeper Kieran Moore was at his brave and brilliant best to smother the ball in a goalmouth scramble moments later as Falcons continued to pose a threat in attack. Kieran had another good game between the sticks, well done mate! Oliver Ellis nearly got on the scoresheet but his effort was well saved. The Hall goal was well protected in the second half as Sam Cornish and captain Lewis Tebbit defended well as a pair, communicating well, tackling hard and covering each other superbly. Well played boys!

 22nd November 2009

League

St Johns  (0)  0    v    Moreton Hall YFC (0)   0

Ricky Cornish’s young squad travelled over the Orwell Bridge (which was quite interesting in the high winds) to face St.Johns in gloomy conditions. The pitch was understandably heavy but perfectly playable, there was a real sense of anticipation in the air as the teams sitting first and second in the table went head to head. Quite how Hall returned home having failed to score will remain a modern day mystery for some time!

With the strong wind at their backs in the first half, Hall enjoyed much the better of the early exchanges and applied all the pressure. Tom Gardiner fired over from ten yards following good work from Will Stobbart and moments later Lewis Tebbit roamed forward and narrowly missed the target. The St.Johns keeper handled well and bravely denied Jack Stone from close range as Hall continued to be frustrated. Oliver Ellis looked dangerous on the left and Will Stobbart was giving his man a hard time on the right, as Hall did all they could to break the deadlock. It was however 0-0 at halftime.

St.Johns emerged from the halftime break determined to stick with what appeared to be a rather defensive formation, but to their credit they were exceptionally well organised and became the first team in our season and a half of existence to stop us from scoring a goal. Kieran Moore didn’t have a save to make, but did organise his defence well in his own unique way (I wouldn’t argue with him!) and recorded another clean sheet, well done Kieran. He was magnificently protected today and with Tom Gardiner anchoring the midfield well and Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit in quite imperious form at the back, Hall recorded their fifth shutout in seven league games, well done boys, superb stats!

Aiden Sturgeon was introduced at halftime and immediately went on a customary run from the left wing. He beat two players before laying the ball off smartly to a team-mate and a remarkable goalmouth scramble ensued. Again the St.Johns keeper bravely dived on the ball to much disbelief from the visiting supporters. Despite kicking into the worst of the weather, it was Hall who continued to dominate and chances continued to be created. Will Stobbart shot just wide following superb work from Lewis Tebbit, before a brilliant Cornish cross eluded three Hall attackers and went behind for a goal-kick.

Jack Stone was narrowly denied a goal after excellent midfield play from Tom Gardiner and Aiden Sturgeon was desperately unlucky not to win the game for Hall as his snapshot following a magnificent run rattled the crossbar. More good defending from Sam Cornish snuffed out a rare St.Johns attack late on and Hall still had time to force a couple of late corners which were well defended. An extremely frustrating morning, but Hall could do no more. It was one of those days in football where the dominant team simply could not convert their chances and a point apiece means that whilst Hall lose their 100% record, they stay three points clear at the top of the league standings and remain unbeaten this season. The game was played in great spirit, so well done to both sides on an entertaining match in tricky conditions and sincere thanks to the referee.

 29th November 2009

Open Cup (Round 1)

Moreton Hall YFC (0)   2   v   Bungay Town   (0)  2      MHYFC win 3-2 on PENS

WOW; what a game! This was storybook stuff, a cup-tie right out of the top draw between two excellent sides, played in terrific spirit. It was a desperate shame that a nail-biting sudden death penalty shootout was required to split the teams, as a draw would have been a perfectly fair result, as neither Bungay nor Hall deserved to lose the game this morning and both should take enormous credit for their part in a pulsating tie which was a superb advert for u9 football.

Currently laying second in division one of The Norfolk and Suffolk league, Bungay started the game well and it soon became very clear that Hall had plenty on their plates this morning. The action was fast and furious and swept from one end to the other, as both teams sought out the opening goal. The visiting keeper was kept busy but handled extremely well and exuded confidence between the posts. Jack Stone, Tom Gardiner and Will Stobbart all saw early chances well saved and it was Bungay who broke the deadlock with a well taken goal following a well weighted through ball from the No.10 who enjoyed a superb game. Oliver Ellis made a great run down the left, but his cross was again well gathered and the whistle blew for halftime.

Ricky Cornish made a tactical switch at halftime, asking Lewis Tebbit to play further up the pitch in midfield and Tom Gardiner to slot in alongside Sam Cornish in defence. The frenetic pace continued as both sides had good chances to score the crucial second goal. Kieran Moore made two superb stops to deny the visitors and the Bungay keeper further frustrated the Hall attackers with a string of good saves. Hall drew level from a well executed set-piece when Will Stobbart’s excellent long throw was cleverly flicked home by Lewis Tebbit’s deft header. Well done boys!

Bungay restored their lead shortly afterwards with a well taken goal which seemed to inspire Hall into finding their best form. The Hall wide players started to apply plenty of pressure, with Oliver Ellis and Will Stobbart delivering some excellent balls into dangerous areas. Sam Barrett came on for Ellis and continued to push Hall forward with renewed energy, in search of a second equaliser. With Sam Cornish and Tom Gardiner defending magnificently, for the first time in the game, Hall began to dominate and the pressure finally told when leading scorer Jack Stone smashed in a brilliantly taken goal to level the game up once again. Superb strike Jack, well done! Hall continued to press forward and looked slightly the better team for the final five minutes, but try as they might, the winning goal eluded them, as the tie was destined for extra-time.

Although both sides must have felt weary in the sticky conditions, the teams continued where they had left off in normal time, throwing all they had at their opposite numbers throughout the extra 10minutes. Keeper Kieran Moore was fantastic and determined in the home goal and Hall made several half chances to snatch it, including a Sam Barrett effort, a Jack Stone snapshot and when captain Lewis Tebbit hit the post from close range with virtually the last kick of extra-time.

After nearly an hour of end-to-end action where the referee barely had to blow his whistle for a foul such was the superb spirit from both teams, an agonising penalty shoot-out was required to split the sides. Both teams found it tricky in the gluey conditions and the two goalkeepers produced heroics, pulling off some excellent saves. Quite how the Bungay keeper tipped Ellis’ spot-kick onto the bar is quite beyond me! (and no it DID NOT cross the line Ollie, you can protest all you like mate!!!)

It was no surprise that after five penalties each, despite both teams having kicks to win the tie, the sides were still level! Sudden death was required and when Kieran pulled off another great stop from Bungay’s seventh penalty, the Hall keeper dusted himself down, took a deep breath and smashed his own penalty into the roof of the net to win the match 3-2 on penalties. Well done Kieran! Hall’s other successful penalties were from Sam Cornish and Tom Gardiner who also kept their composure superbly.

13th December 2009

League

Mendlesham  (0)  0    v    Moreton Hall YFC (3)   12

Ricky Cornish shuffled his pack for the visit to Mendlesham on a cold and wintery morning. The pre-match photo session for ID cards (team photo on the website soon, watch this space!) was slightly more entertaining than much of the first half action, as Hall struggled to find any fluency on the heavy pitch. Several players were guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and poor decision making, as Hall appeared to abandon many of the basic principles which have served them so well so far this season.

However, on a positive note, Alex Lee was magnificent on his first start of the season, taking the opportunity with both hands, tackling hard and using the ball intelligently, very well played Alex. Hall dominated possession early on and an Oliver Ellis double put them two goals to the good inside ten minutes, both clinical finishes from close range. With Sam Barrett terrorising his marker on the left, his use of the ball was excellent from wide areas, well done Sam, and the pace of Aiden Sturgeon causing havoc on the right, Hall pressed for more goals. At the back, Alex Lee and Lewis Tebbit looked composed and defended well as a pair, before Tom Gardiner fired in an accurate strike from twenty yards to see Hall three goals up at the break, well done Tom!

The team-talk was necessarily loud and to the point; it might be a good idea in the heavy conditions in a game you are dominating to pass the ball quickly, keep things simple and play as a team. Changes were made at halftime, with Sam Cornish enjoying a superb second half at the back, Will Stobbart slotted effortlessly into right midfield and top scorer Jack Stone came into the attack. Whilst rarely at their very best, Hall did post a much improved performance in the second half and duly got their rewards as chances and inevitably goals flowed. This allowed coach Cornish to use a rolling substitutes policy, as all outfield players earned a rest at some stage.

One is always very careful not to single out players, (for good or bad!) in these reports, but on this occasion, an exception can be made. Jack Stone produced an absolute masterclass in forward play this morning and changed the game in the second period with a superb display. Never mind the fact that he scored five good goals. He used strength to hold the ball up, vision to lay the ball off unselfishly into wide areas and an icy coolness in front of goal which was most impressive. Mendlesham couldn’t handle him and can thank their lucky stars that he was on the bench in the first half! Well played Jack!

Tom Gardiner doubled his own tally with arguably the goal of the game, finishing a flowing move and Stone centre with a tidy finish into the corner. Aiden Sturgeon deservedly got onto the scoresheet from close range and Will Stobbart capped a good second half display with a well taken goal. Oliver Ellis completed another hat-trick with a cool finish in the second half, well done boys! Credit must also go to the defence, a mixture of Alex Lee, Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit registered another clean sheet and despite not being particularly busy, keeper Kieran Moore was first class when called into action. Kieran has now kept six clean sheets in eight league games, which is a superb record and one to be proud of.

 17th January 2010

Open Cup (Round 2)

Kirkley & Pakefield  (0)  0    v    Moreton Hall YFC (1)   7

Hall made the long journey to Lowestoft for this Open Cup second round contest, for their first game in five weeks. If you are the driver of that Birdseye lorry doing 40mph all the way, I hope you have a miserable week. Manager Ricky Cornish has played at K & P more than once but ‘has never noticed any junior pitches before’, so we left nice and early. We found the main pitch okay and the junior pitches were not twenty yards away! It must be his age (48). The pitches were in remarkably good condition. Having not played or trained much, Hall could have been forgiven a little rustiness, but none of it, they started well and were passing the ball nicely, creating early chances.

Oliver Ellis, Jack Stone and Will Stobbart all went close but were left frustrated as the ball refused to go in the net and Tom Gardiner saw his header go agonisingly over the bar from a well delivered corner kick. Despite being under the weather, Tom had another solid game. At the other end, Lewis Tebbit won the ball in a superb crunching tackle, which his defensive sidekick Sam Cornish seemed to see as an attack on his status as team enforcer, so reproduced several more! Cornish was quite magnificent today, tackling superbly and passing the ball particularly well in a dominant performance at the back, very well played Sam! The pair worked hard to earn another clean sheet. The deadlock was finally broken when Ellis and Stone combined to make a chance for Will Stobbart who made no mistake to rifle home from close range. Good finish Will.

Aiden Sturgeon was introduced at halftime and was quickly in the thick of the action, running at pace at the hosts’ defence. From one such run, the goalkeeper was forced into kicking the ball off the line, straight into the unmentionables of poor Jack Stone! The ball bounced into the net and like all good centre forwards, he’ll claim that one, although he knew precious little about it! He did know plenty about the next though, doubling his own tally with a clinical finish. Another good game leading the line Jack, well done.

Alex Lee came into midfield and Hall began to dominate, making chances at will. Aiden  Sturgeon was proving a real handful and causing plenty of problems up top, with the midfield also enjoying plenty of possession. Will Stobbart grabbed his second of the game with a fierce low drive and enjoyed a fine game, working hard up and down the pitch and influencing the play throughout. Oliver Ellis poked home the fifth in great style and Aiden Sturgeon scored a fine individual goal to take the score to six. Goalkeeper Kieran Moore was in commanding form and it was great to hear him communicating with his defence so well. In a rare moment of danger, he called for and claimed a high ball with authority and was excellent once again, great job Kieran! 

All outfield players were given a rest and with five minutes to go, Cornish called the dynamic defensive duo (Lewis & Sam) off as a pair. A new-look Gardiner and Stobbart backline was an experimental one and caused some parents to squeal a little! No names mentioned, but if you start with a ‘TR’, end in a ‘Y’ and put ‘ ACE’ in the middle, you’d be getting warm. The highlight of the morning raised a massive cheer with just moments to go, as Alex Lee slammed home the final goal for his first of the season with his right foot! It was a great finish and fair reward for his second half performance, which was right out of the top draw. Well played Alex, great goal and let me know if Dad pays up or not, my agent fees are very reasonable, as discussed.

24th January 2010

KO Cup (Round 1)

St Johns A  (0) 0     v    Moreton Hall YFC  (2)   2

 Hall travelled to St.Johns for the second time this season, determined to return home with a victory, after the earlier league clash had resulted in a frustrating goalless draw. A place in the cup semi-finals was up for grabs and it was obvious both sides were keen to progress. The referee correctly pulled up a series of foul throws, with both sides clearly in need of a spot of practice in this department, guilty of some quite horrendous efforts!

Hall enjoyed more possession in the early exchanges and passed the ball well without troubling the St.Johns keeper, but the deadlock was broken midway through the first half, when Oliver Ellis produced a superb curling effort. Having cut inside from the left wing, he placed a sweet shot high into the top corner, beyond the dive of the home goalkeeper. Fantastic strike Ollie, well done! Buoyed by their lead, the visitors pressed forward in search of a second goal and put their hosts under intense pressure, but to their credit, St.Johns defended well. Will Stobbart produced a pinpoint cross for Ellis, whose first touch just allowed his marker time to intercept and snuff out the danger.

At the other end, St.Johns always carried a threat in attack, with the left-sided attacker enjoying a fine game. His pace and direct running caused Hall a problem all morning and goalkeeper Kieran Moore had to be brave in coming out at his feet to smother the ball superbly. Moments later, the same player did find himself through on goal and having rounded the diving Kieran looked poised to score from the angle. His left-footed shot looked a certain equaliser but from nowhere, Hall captain Lewis Tebbit rescued the situation with a dramatic goal-line clearance, fantastic defending Lewis, well done! (We won’t mention that is was he who had given the ball away in a silly area moments earlier!).

With a half punctuated by foul throw-ins coming to a close, Hall passed their way down the field, with Tom Gardiner, Will Stobbart and Oliver Ellis all involved in the move, the ball found the feet of top scorer Jack Stone. Fully thirty yards from goal, Stone clearly knew in his own mind what he wanted to do but was tightly marked. Having made half a yard with a drop of the shoulder, he unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot across the keeper into the top corner. Our supporters were lucky enough to be stood directly behind the effort as it flew home. What a strike! Great goal Jack!

Aiden Sturgeon was introduced at halftime for Ellis who deserved a rest for a super first half display and the diminutive Sturgeon immediately put his marker under pressure. Tom Gardiner enjoyed an excellent second half, laying deep, offering support to the defence and picking up the scraps intelligently. He might have enjoyed the second half, but I didn’t stood next to his mum! Lorraine takes over the Moreton Hall mantle as most nervous watcher from Mrs Stobbart. She is ten times louder too, my ears have been ringing all day at work. Another good game Tom, well played.

Hall defended their lead well as St.Johns refused to go down without a fight. The Hall backline coped well with most of what was thrown at them, Sam Cornish tackling as superbly as ever and Lewis Tebbit playing last man with great discipline. Hall keeper Kieran Moore is well protected by the pair and sometimes earns a clean sheet without having to show what he can do, but today was not one of those games. Brave in the first half at the feet of an attacker, Kieran produced a magnificent one handed save late in the game and was an absolute rock today. Well done Kieran, great game!

7th February 2010

League

Needham Phoenix A  (0)  1    v    Moreton Hall YFC (7)   11

With two cup runs on the go and several postponed league matches to rearrange, sincere thanks go to Needham for agreeing to bring this league match forward to clear later dates.  Two more lads were overcome with the dreaded coloured boots bug, our tough defensive duo now sport bright white and girly green boots respectively, what’s wrong with black boots? (Damn! My wife is right; I am in fact turning into my dad at an alarming rate!)

Onto the match…Hall started fast and produced some of their best football of the season, with fast passing to feet and lots of movement in the final third, it was on occasions, an absolute joy to watch. The wide players were key, with Oliver Ellis on the left as tricky as ever and Will Stobbart on the right causing mayhem with his passing and crossing into dangerous areas, finding forward Jack Stone with ease time and again. As well as being our very own goal machine, Stone is very good at holding the ball up and finding a pass, bringing the midfielders back into play and he did so superbly all morning.

Hall played with great fluidity, the excellent Tom Gardiner always willing to join the attack, but equally as adept at dropping into space and covering when Lewis Tebbit rampages up-field. Tebbit and Sam Cornish passed the ball magnificently from the back and defended well and to be brutally honest, the hosts were chasing shadows for much of the first period. There were no thunderbolts, no overhead kicks or individual efforts of note, but clinical, neat passing moves which resulted in chance after chance. By halftime, Jack Stone had grabbed himself a hat-trick, Will Stobbart and Tom Gardiner had deservedly got one each and an own goal had been forced. The pick of the goals in the first period was a sublime sweeping move, expertly despatched by Oliver Ellis.

Three changes were made at halftime, with Sam Barrett, Alex Lee and Aiden Sturgeon coming on to replace Stone, Gardiner and Ellis. Needham came out of the blocks with a little more intent in the second half and to their enormous credit, fought hard for every ball. One lad made the mistake of tackling Sam Cornish who does not like such liberties being taken, he won the ball back with a crunching tackle, white boots and all! Sam Barrett worked hard in midfield and grabbed himself a goal, before slotting into defence when further changes were made and Alex Lee enjoyed a fine game on the left, working up and down the flank throughout the second half. As for Aiden Sturgeon, more about him in a moment, but the strength of the squad and healthy competition for places was once again evident, as Hall’s ten travellers all played a full part in this win.

Aiden Sturgeon was fantastic in the second half, playing is his preferred position upfront. As well as banging in two well taken goals, he created several chances for his team-mates. Jack Stone (back on the pitch for the final five minutes as coach Cornish rested all outfield players at some stage) was the beneficiary of a delightful, unselfish Sturgeon centre following a fine jinking run. It would be unfair to single out players following such a great collective performance, but Aiden was first class today, well played mate!

 14th February 2010

League

Moreton Hall YFC   (8) 19    v    Mendlesham (0)   0

Some idiotic, mad, stressy parents, (no prizes for guessing which two) swept the pitch clear of snow at silly o’clock for fear that this lunchtime kick-off might not go ahead. By noon, they were feeling quite ridiculous as the sun shone down on a perfectly clear, if slightly muddy pitch. Better things to do on Valentine’s morning you say? Never!

This was an extremely one-sided game which Hall dominated from start to finish. Coach Cornish used a rolling substitutions policy so that all eight players enjoyed plenty of time on the pitch and in various positions. Hall passed the ball well in the first half and the link up play between Aiden Sturgeon in attack and the midfield of Will Stobbart and Tom Gardiner was impressive. Lewis Tebbit and Alex Lee looked in complete control at the back and both boys used the ball well from defensive areas, with Alex enjoying an excellent morning’s work. By halftime Aiden Sturgeon had grabbed himself an impressive tally of five goals, and Will Stobbart had also fired one past the Mendlesham keeper. Jack Stone had been on the pitch for roughly three seconds before scoring with literally his first touch of the ball and fellow substitute Sam Cornish lashed home an unstoppable penalty when a defender was correctly penalised for a blatant handball.

More changes were made at halftime and the second half continued much the same as the first. Fair play to the visitors, they continued to work hard and played in good spirits despite the ever increasing scoreline. Their goalkeeper made a string of good saves, a defender bravely headed a goal bound shot over the bar and their captain battled extremely hard all over the pitch and had a great game, well done boys.       

There was a touch of role reversal in the second period. Jack Stone now played further up the pitch and grabbed five in this half, with Aiden Sturgeon turning provider and adding one more to his tally. Both boys claimed a double hat-trick this morning and should be proud of their efforts. Well done Aiden and Jack! Hot on their heels was the excellent Will Stobbart who enjoyed another first class game. Will notched four of his own, but I lost count of how many more he had a leading hand in laying on for team-mates. This was another brilliant display of passing and finishing, well done Will!

Keeper Kieran Moore had precious little to do but registered yet another clean sheet. They’ll be harder games around the corner mate and we all know you’ll be ready and able to do the business. Tom Gardiner banged in an excellent second half strike to cap an imposing performance and captain Lewis Tebbit was another who deservedly got on the score-sheet. Sam Cornish, Lewis Tebbit and Jack Stone all rattled the woodwork late on, before the final whistle blew for fulltime.

 21^st February 2010

League

Moreton Hall YFC    (8)  20    v    Needham Phoenix B  (0)   0

 Sleet, snowy, cold conditions welcomed Needham Phoenix ‘B’ to Symonds Road on a quite diabolical morning. However, the pitch was pretty soft and perfectly safe to play on. Lorraine’s warmed up sausage rolls were a huge hit and unsurprisingly sold out fast, as Hall looked for a victory which would see them back on top of the league table.

Coach Cornish, or ‘The Rock’ as a BFP journalist with a cruel sense of humour described him recently (feel free to call him this from now on, he quite likes it) again shuffled his pack, resting our own midfield rock Tom and allowing captain Lewis Tebbit a start in his preferred midfield slot. Tebbit wasted little time in grasping his chance, quickly putting Hall two goals up with a crisp volley from an excellent Will Stobbart corner and a speculative long range effort. Well done Lewis! Hall struggled to find their very best fluent form but continued to press forward, creating a number of chances.

The visitors battled well in midfield and defensive pair Sam Cornish and Alex Lee needed to be on their toes to protect keeper Kieran Moore’s goal. Both lads swept up anything that came their way and enjoyed good games, well done. The first wave of substitutions seemed to bring a freshness to Hall’s efforts and some of the attacking play was too much for Needham to handle. Jack Stone linked the play majestically and grabbed himself a double. Substitutes Oliver Ellis on the left and Sam Barrett on the right terrorised their markers and played some great stuff. Both also registered doubles, Sam Barrett’s second rounding off a fantastic sweeping passing move and as the referee blew his whistle, it was 8-0 at the break.

A rolling substitutes policy ensured all ten boys got plenty of time on the pitch and those off it didn’t get too cold! Aiden Sturgeon has been in superb form in recent weeks and he started the second half in great style, firing in a hat-trick of his own as well as laying on some great passes to his team-mates. Another fine game Aiden, well done! Likewise Will Stobbart was another who enjoyed a good second half, firing crosses and shots in from the right wing and claiming his own hat-trick, well done Will! Not to be outdone, Oliver Ellis added another to join the hat-trick heroes this morning, well done Ollie!

Tom Gardiner didn’t allow the Needham midfield a sniff of a breakaway and dominated in the second period, offering great protection to the defence and joining in attacks, again showing his versatility in all areas. Great performance Tom! Perhaps it was the achingly cold weather, but ‘The Rock’ then had a brainwave! Lewis Tebbit volunteered to go in goal and allow the untroubled Kieran Moore a debut on pitch! Some parents weren’t amused (!!), but Tebbit played with a smile on his face and clearly enjoyed donning the gloves. A centre-forward would have been proud of Kieran’s clinically clean strike which flew in off the post and raised a huge cheer! Great goal Kieran, well done!

14th March 2010