Heigham Park v Poringland away

Ho, Ho and Ho.

After a fantastic first half to the under 10 season, let's not dwell on an uncharacteristic and unwelcome result to end 2013- hopefully the Heigham management team won't need to offer their resignations over this (we hear that AVB is now available but we couldn't afford the wages!).

The players have really progressed so far this season, with two memorable results against Hindolveston - a win and draw against a side we couldn't get near last season. The level of play has been really impressive and when it all comes together, they are capable showing any team the way to go. On Sunday, Poringland were coming back after a bad result the week before against Lakeford so were obviously keen.

Their manager said it was the best he had seen them play, unfortunately the Heigham side didn't produce their best performance on this occasion.

Heigham came out fighting and had the run of the pitch for the first five minutes, a great cross from Archie R so nearly found the foot of Arthur in front of goal. Soon after Sol almost chipped one past the goalie. It all went downhill after this. The side fought on and scored a couple of decent goals in the second half (Sol and Archie), but the day belonged to Poringland.

Onwards and upwards. Something we feel needs addressing for the future, and we are looking into, is some variation in training pitches. Currently the FDC 5-a-side pitches don't allow us practice set pieces effectively so we may consider a move to UEA if it's possible or have a couple of Saturday morning sessions on a proper pitch during the next phase of the season. We'll keep you all posted well in advance obviously on any changes.

The fixtures and teams for January and February will be out over Christmas and we are starting to make enquiries about friendly matches ahead of next season when we move to a 9 v 9 format on a bigger pitch. To get prepared for this many of the teams will be arranging friendlies and we will focus on this rather than enter too many tournaments.

So happy Christmas everyone, have a rest from footy - it's been a long and action packed term and players can hold their heads up high as a very competitive (and extremely friendly) team in the most challenging league in these parts!

By the way, the score was 7 - 2.

Heigham Park Rangers V Horsford

An unseasonably sunny morning, just the ticket for the two thirds of the management team that were slightly 'tired and emotional' from the previous late night. 'A game of two halves' so the cliche goes, and rightly too. 

Horsford are an old club with seasoned and experienced training staff although they are currently without a win in the league.

Horsford took the kick off and were shooting into the sun, although as Ted had predicted the clouds gathered and gave their goalie some relief from the rays. 

Heigham took sometime to warm up today and were slow to take opportunities. Luke got a chance in early on and hit the bar, but generally the passing wasn't evident. Horsford seemed to be playing a team of goalies (all wearing green!) as the photos show with the goal mouth crowded.

The Heigham defence and midfield of Evie, Sam and Aidan dealt with most attacks but gave us a few tense moments. The first goal came as a result of the crowded Heigham goal with Ted's view obscured by his own players.

It remained 1 - 0 at half time and a second to talking to was administered.

Frankie went in goal and Max replaced Evie in defence. The side came out with more fighting spirit although the goals just wouldn't come and it looked like Horsford were on their way to the first win.

Eventually Arthur was able to get a shot on target and equalise, which raised the spirits of the Heigham management. Ted came on for Felix ten minutes into the second half and made an immediate impression passing and running down the left linking up with Archie R and Arthur. It wasn't long before Ted's determination had got Heigham back in the lead.

Despite the short time left things looked much better with Max feeding the ball to the midfield and Aidan perfectly distributing to the forwards. A pleasure to watch and very soon Ted was able to side step the Horsford goalie to get his second.

Very shortly after that another skillful link up allowed Archie R to send a cracking shot on goal just tipped over the bar by the goalie. A shame as he deserved that one as Archie R set up all four goals today. Ted sealed his hat trick by turning 360 degrees in front of the Horsford goal and popping Heigham's fourth home.

In the end, a great result, 4 - 1. It shows what they can do when they get going.