Heigham Park v Horsford

The Sunday league is almost at a close with just one more game after this one. Heigham Park will finish anywhere from second to fifth depending on the result of our last game and the outcome of several others' matches.

"You shall not enter!"

The clash against Horsford was a crucial three pointer, with the opposition having a late resurgence with wins against Scole and Hindolveston (two of our main rivals).

With the clock change, we were up and about early. Luckily the weather was kind with plenty of sunshine and an increase in temperature.

Heigham kicked off with a defensive line up of Frankie, Evie and Sam holding the back line - playing safe just to see what Horsford could throw at us.

Ted played in goal for the first half with Archie R and Arthur up-front and Aidan midfield. Sol waited patiently for the change.

Heigham held out well with few scares so we changed the formation after ten minutes and went on the attack. Sol came on for Evie and we pushed forward. Horsford bagged the first goal as Ted made a save that defelcted back to the feet of a Horsford player who was able to send it into the net.

After a somewhat elaborate celebration from Horsford, the red and whites kicked off again. Luckily Arthur was able to bag a goal almost straight away from and Archie R assist.

Heigham upped the work rate putting lots of pressure on and another run from Arthur and left-foot toe poke saw the away side go 2 - 1 up.

Half time came and went, Evie replaced Ted in goal and the formation remained the same. The sides were more evenly matched in the second half, although Horford produced very little for Evie to deal with except a couple of worrying goal mouth 'ping-pongs'.

Ted came on for Archie R and had a few opportunities with one clear chance but was penalised for a high boot. Sol so nearly had a header on goal but was pushed from behind, unseen by the young ref.

The last move of the game was a free kick to Horsford. Luckily the well struck shot went wide leaving Heigham with 2 - 1 victory.

Well done to them, a match played with some great team moves - especially the back passes using the defenders when moving forward. Thanks to Jez for deputising for Tom and James.

The first 9 v 9 game for the soon-to-be under 11s

Just a very brief match report and and some photos.

Heigham's first shot at the new format that will be introduced for their age group next season. 9 players, offsides and a bigger pitch with goals that are 7 feet high!

Taverham came straight out and scored, the Heigham players taken by surprise (Taverham have had a previous practice at this format). The side soon settled down and matched the visitors well from then on.

An unfortunate handball in the penalty area gave Taverham the chance to go 2 - 0 up. Ted got a hand to it with a fantastic dive, but couldn't make the save.

Heigham got lucky in the fourth quarter (they deserved more as they played a strong game) from a Taverham own goal and they nearly scored another to equalise towards the end.

All-in-all, a great practice session with the Heigham defence getting to grips with the offside rule and the players working really hard.

A bonus team photo at the end!

Under 10s Cup Quarter Final

Poringland v Heigham Park Rangers

This game's match report comes from our Junior Sports Correspondent - Barney Webb

A nice sunny morning at Framingham Earl for the quarter finals of the Cup against second in the league Poringland. Heigham began with a 3-1-2 formation – Max (captain), Frankie and Sam in defence, Aidan midfield, Arthur and Archie R. up front and Ted in goal. Evie and Felix were waiting to come on.

Poringland had two targeted shots in the opening minutes of the game but Heigham’s defence managed to clear. Good defending from Sam and Frankie stopped the home team getting a shot on target. A miskicked corner from Poringland resulted in Arthur gaining possession and placing a through ball to Archie R, in a one-on-one with the goalie but he shot over the bar.

A lovely through ball from Archie R. let Arthur have a shot on goal but was thwarted by a good save from the Poringland keeper.

A goal for Poringland from an easy tap-in to the bottom left corner. Within a few minutes Poringland got a second. From kick-off Aidan had a shot on target but was well saved by their goalie. From the corner Arthur had a shot but instead flicked the ball just over the bar.

Sam and Arthur were subbed for Evie and Felix midway through the first half. A shot from Archie R from a free kick was again stopped by the Poringland goalie, who had been kept busy just before half time.

So at half time it was 2-0, not a disaster, but more work was needed to get Heigham back in the game.

The second half began with Heigham on the front foot. Before long however another goal for Poringland on the break, last man Frankie went in to block the charge, but the slippery surface sent him over leaving the opposition a clear run at goal. Ted came out but the ball was nicely tucked in the corner bringing the scoreline up to 3-0.

Undeterred, Heigham ramped up the pressure. Three corners for Heigham gave Aidan a chance to have a shot but sent it just wide of the Poringland goal. Heigham continued the pressure with a through ball from Arthur which resulted in a corner from a shot from Aidan.

Frankie kept the back line strong with some brilliant tackles to deny Poringland shots on goal.  Evie’s persistence kept the ball in the Poringland half, with some solid kicks upfield.

A corner from Archie was cleared by Poringland and which was then gathered by Aidan and put back in the box. A foul from a Poringland player in the box resulted in a penalty which Aidan smashed down the middle. A great goal for Heigham making it 3-1 and raising hopes of a comeback for the visitors.

Heigham kept up the pressure with a lot of possession and keeping Poringland goalie’s hands full.

Arthur’s one-on-one with the Poringland keeper almost got the ball to the back of the net but a touch from the goalie sent it wide.

A few chances to break from Poringland were denied by the Heigham captain, Max, and Felix, Frankie and Sam.

Ted came on for Felix to boost our chances in the final quarter of play. Heigham struggled to score despite creating dozens of chances. Archie took another shot which again went just wide of the goalmouth. With 18 minutes gone in the second half, Ted finally scored following a nice turn, slotting it under the keeper and sending it to the back of the net. 3-2 and spirits further raised.

Frankie continued on top form, keeping a resilient Poringland from breaking through. Aidan shot from the halfway line, keeping up the pressure for an equaliser.

Another brilliant tackle from Frankie denied Poringland a 4^th goal.

Full time 3-2. Heigham played brilliantly, especially in the closing minutes of the game. Well done to everyone!

Barney Webb