Heigham Park v Lakeford

To Eaton Park on a cold, dreary Sunday morning. Ahead was a game that needed winning emphatically. To finish the under 10s season in style these games are all 'three-pointers'. Lakeford had upset Poringland in December by coming back from  2 - 0 down to draw 2 - 2, the following week Poringland hammered the Heigham squad 7 - 2.

Last time we met Lakeford at Recreation Road, we made a meal of our 2 - 0 win.

Heigham kicked off half-heartedly, Lakeford immediately intercepted and nearly had a goal in the opening seconds, luckily their striker sent it wildly over the bar, probably not believing his luck getting a crack at goal so soon.

Heigham needed to step it up. The cold wasn't helping but they were soon into their stride. Wave after wave of attacks saw shots go wide or straight to the keeper.  Eventually a determined Aidan netted the first of what was to be seven during the match.

The next came from a fine strike from Arthur's right foot, then soon after another from Felix, who came on for Sol, getting himself in the right place on the left to convert Arthur's ball across the goalmouth. The final goal of the first half again came from Arthur.

No danger of the half time Hobnobs melting today.

Frankie started the second half in goal as Ted waited to come on and cause further problems for the home side. Lakeford came out stronger and got behind the Heigham defence on too many occasions. Felix, at the other end of the pitch found himself in that position again and bagged a second. 

Confusion with Sam and Max blocking the goalie's view led to the first Lakeford goal and the clean sheet evaporated. Archie R's chance came and he took it with style having set up four of the morning's goals.

The second Lakeford goal was a long-range lob that was well out of reach for Frankie even if he had been on his line. Aidan finished the scoring of with his second and the team's seventh.

Ted just missed the chance to make it eight in the closing moments when his shot hit the post. A well deserved 7 - 2 win and moral booster, although with Scole as the opponents next week, any weakness in the defence could cost us dearly.

5-a-side Tournament

Another Saturday morning at the UEA and thankfully slightly late than the 9am start last time. 10 teams, we were in Group 2 with four matches to play.

What an angelic bunch, especially the one with the beard!

First up were Sheringham who have missed the first part of the Christian League, so are naturally keen to assert themselves. They (just) did, with a very late, somewhat lucky goal leaving the Heigham squad with a 1 - 0 defeat in the first game.

Second was up were Chapelfield B who went ahead 1 - 0, but luckily Frankie was able to get one in the net to equalise and finish the game with a draw. We were later informed that the Chapelfield B goal came from a goalie drop kick which was against the rules, but as with many things in this league, nobody was too bothered.

So no win yet.

A few minutes break and then back on the pitch for a much better result against Chapelfield A. It was end-to-end stuff but two goals from Fynn and one from Archie G had the final score at 3 - 2 to Heigham.

The last scheduled match was an easier affair with Archie G and Fynn both netting two goals each and Gabriel kept a clean sheet. 4 - 0.

There was some brilliant defending from Mark and Evie, and Felix was solid on the left wing. All the players were considerably sweaty through the effort put in the fast 'n' furious matches.

Heigham finished the group stage second on goal difference ahead of Sheringham so went to the semi finals against Stoke Holy Cross A. Unfortunately two goals from the opposition put us out of a chance to play in the final.

We were, however in the third place play-off against Chapelfield B. Heigham went one down early on, but were just coming back with an equaliser when the game had to finish as we'd run out of time on the pitch!

So overall a great performance and another joint third place out of ten teams.

Heigham Park v Firside

Early reports of abandoned matches because of heavy rain were brushed aside as the hardy Heigham Under 10s limbered up for a shot at three well needed points. On our previous encounter against Firside, when our request for a postponement was rejected, we were beaten 1 - 0. This was our opportunity to show them what they missed on that day in October.

Heigham came out fighting and soon had the run of play. Arthur and Archie R were linking up and a couple of chances just missing the target in the opening minutes. Firside made a few breaks and won a couple of corners, but the Heigham attacks on the left, with some excellent work from Sam and Felix soon saw Arthur's first goal of the match in the back of the net.

The play was relentless and Aidan's midfield work paid off as Felix soon saw a chance to put the score at 2 - 0. After a few more wide shots from Archie R and Aidan (hitting the bar), it was another of Arthur's fine runs from the the Heigham goal area along the full length of the field and a fine finish that sealed the third before half time.

Hobnobs and chats. Felix was feeling the burn after a brilliant display of athleticism on the left wing and deserved a rest. Frankie - still carrying an slight injury ruling him out of any position except goal, took over in goal. Ted came onto the left and by now Evie and replaced Max in right defence.

Firside showed more determination winning the ball and threatening the Heigham end at the start of the second half, but their closest attempt from one of many corners was sent over the bar by Frankie - one of few touches for the plucky goalie.

More linked up play ensued but Firside, playing their trademark 'crowd' approach, kept the ball out of the net until Aidan was able to get his toe to a cross and bag the fourth of the day.

A great performance allround with lots of effort from every player and plenty of those fine skills on display. Let's hope the side can keep the work rate up with five more league games to go - four definitely winnable and one (against Scole) which we will need to work very hard for. 

And of course the quarter final of the Under 10 Cup which is against Poringland, which will be interesting (and less stressful this time please guys). Early nights guys, early nights!

Heigham Park Rangers Under 10s into 2014

Happy New Year to everyone with an interest in Heigham Park Rangers under 10s and of course, anyone else.

We begin 2014 with a friendly, non-league 5-a-side tournament in the Christian League and a proper challenge in the combination against Norwich Corinthians.

To the UEA Sportspark first for a rather early start on a Saturday morning with the squad; Luke, Evie, Archie G, Felix, Fynn, Gabriel and our temporary signing from Chile, Nicholas. Frankie was unable to join in as he sustained a proper injury on Friday in training, a suspected stretched ligament or similar.

10 teams were in attendance and our games went like this;

Heigham Park 0 - 3 Stoke Holy Cross A
Heigham Park 5 - 0 Surrey Chapel (Archie G 3, Felix 2)
Heigham Park 3 - 0 Chapelfield (Archie G, Fynn 1)
Heigham Park 0 - 0 Stoke Holy Cross B

We were due to take part in the third place play-off against Brooke, but we ran out of time, so decided both teams came third. Not a bad achievement with some very fast and furious games on the indoor pitch. All players getting stuck in and using their heads as well as their feet. Special mention to Gabriel for some great goalkeeping.

Heigham Park v Norwich Corinthians

A delayed start due to a frosty pitch which made for a more relaxed start. The squad looked well rested and keen to get going. We reflected on the previous performance and what we need to do to move on. It was stressed that whatever the outcome of this match, as long as every player gives their all, they can walk away with their heads held high.

We kicked off with Frankie looking doubtful as his injury was causing problems during the warm up. The Heigham side came out fighting, and carried on in the same vane throughout the match. Aidan took a defensive position keeping behind the ball with Arthur, and particularly Sol, covering a lot of ground, frustrating the opposition on several occasions. The back line of Sam and Max kept it solid and Ted, as usual, was were he needed to be when he needed to be there.

Much of the first part saw a lot of defensive work from Heigham, which was effective with all the players doing what was needed. The deadlock was broken by the Corinthians when they sent in a fantastic cross that was headed home to take the home side 1 - 0 up.

It was end-to-end stuff all the way, a real battle, but the opposition had the upper hand and got another before half time, by which time Luke had replaced Sol on the left.

The interval refreshment was kindly provided by Arthur - a selection of colourful, and somewhat sweet (according to dad) cakes. These were duly devoured, with no complaints about the sugar content and the game recommenced.

Heigham played just as well in the second half and got themselves back in the game from a series of breaks, one resulting in Archie R getting through the Corinthians defence to face the (rather tall) goalkeeper. He kept his nerve and made the score 2 - 1.

Unfortunately the Corinthians pulled another out of the bag (the central line of Sol, Aidan and Arthur were feeling the burn by now), so the final score was 3 - 1 to the home side.

Frankie and Archie Gs' attempt to bribe Tommy to score an own goal if they let him have a cake didn't come off, but was obviously worth a shot.

All-in-all a magnificent display of skill and determination. It was so good to see the team members working closely together, taking on board tactics discussed before the game and listening to (calm) advice administered from the sidelines. If they can pull performances together like this each time, they'll walk away happy. Very, very well done!