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Made in
England
(Home of Norman Wisdom, Fish and Chips
and the
Ford Anglia!)
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UNDER 12'S |
1
APRIL 2006: HELLESDON 5-0 REFFLEY (at Hellesdon) - Friendly
Match Report to follow...
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19
MARCH 2006: HUNGATE 1-5 REFFLEY
Reffley signed of their season with a comfortable 5-1 victory over
bottom placed Hungate, to secure a third place finish, one place higher
than last season.
With an experimental starting line-up taking to the field, Reffley soon
went in front. After 3 mins, a quickly taken free kick by Ben Coote, found
Josh Rowe on the left who swept the ball past the Hungate 'keeper
from 25 yards out (1-0). Jon Hammond added a goal on 11 mins (2-0)
and scored his second a minute later, bursting into the penalty area,
latching on to a Matty Pearson through ball (3-0). Nathan Bloodworth
made it 4-0 to the Lynn side, after breaking through inside left and
steering his left footed shot past the advancing 'keeper.
The inevitable changes came at half time. Searle, Eglen and Elvin entered
the fray. Ben Coote played very well in central midfield, adding some
control to Reffley's pattern of play and linked well with Rowe on the left
and Martin on the right. The defence of Stork, Tuck, Farthing and Hayes
looked Ok, dealing comfortably with much of what Hungate had to offer.
Hayes particularly did well on the left, playing his first full game for a
few weeks. Eglen added some fire to midfield and indeed a perfectly
flighted through ball saw Craig Elvin race clear to drive a 25 yard
shot into the far corner (5-0).
Hammond, Pearson and Martin all failed to convert a good scoring chance
apiece, before Hungate scored a consolation goal (5-1).
Reffley's MotM: Jon Hammond for a hard working a fruitful effort up front.
Footnote: The Manager would like to thank all the U12's players'
parents for their support and encouragement of both the players and
himself throughout this season - the squad now has a real sense of camaraderie
and closeness about it and hopefully the summer ahead will be a
successful and enjoyable one too!
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12
March 2006: REFFLEY 0-3 WOOTTONS
It is often easy in football to moan about missed chances and rue a
run of bad luck to justify that zero beside your team's name at the end of
a game. However, on this particular occasion, although possession was
pretty even in open play, Reffley had far, far more attempts on goal.
In the opening period, Hammond, Pearson, Rowe and Elvin all spurned good
chances. When Hammond crashed a shot against the legs of a lone Wootton
defender standing on their goal line from about 4 yards out, you
just wondered whose day it was going to be. Indeed Woottons took the lead
just before half time direct from a 25 yard free kick. The Reffley wall
stood up well, the runner closed down the kicker, but it was all to no
avail as the ball flew right into the top corner (0-1).
After the restart, Woottons scored two quick goals into the wind, the
second of which could be argued as being a wayward cross - but they all
counted (0-3). With the game was almost beyond reach, Reffley kept going,
endeavouring to play fluent, passing football. Indeed, the chances
continued to come their way. Walker in the Wootton's goal made at least
three truly outstanding saves, two from point blank range. Pearson,
Martin, Bloodworth, Elvin and Hammond all flashes at goal, but nothing
would go in. When Bloodworth finally broke free on the left and had the
ball in the Wootton's net, only for play to be called back by the ref. following
a Wootton's player going down injured in the centre circle, you just knew
that it wasn't going to be Reffley's day.
The Reffley players can take a lot of credit from this performance. There
is not much daylight between these two teams, but on this occasion the 0-3
score line did flatter to deceive - slightly!
Reffley MotM: Josh Rowe
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26
February 2006: REFFLEY 6-0 NORTH LYNN
Reffley cruised to a comfortable victory over their Lynn rivals,
playing some good, solid passing football in blustery conditions. They set
out with two in midfield and four strikers, hoping to carry on where they
left of in the previous encounter.
After 5 mins, Matty Pearson's looping flick hit the bar from close range
and then had a perfectly good goal ruled out, as Reffley, for the second
time in a week, missed out due to an over-zealous linesman. Making the
most of the wind, Reffley pressed forward, trying at every opportunity to
work the ball down the flanks. Indeed, Bloodworth and Elvin proved
rampant, providing some good early balls into the danger area for the twin
striker-force of Hammond and Pearson to run onto.
North Lynn had their moments. On 15 mins, they got in behind the Reffley
back line and saw their long range effort hit the far post, with Ben Coote
clearing the rebound. Moments later, 'keeper Hewitt was forced into an
excellent one-handed save, diving high to his left to avert a certain
goal.
Finally, Reffley broke the deadlocked on 22 mins. The move started by
Farthing at left back, developed down the left, involving Rowe and
Bloodworth, finally for the ball to eventually be fed back inside where Rowe
let fly with a rasping right footed drive that flew like and arrow
into the North Lynn net (1-0). Elvin then got onto the end of a
tremendous left-footed cross from Hammond to steer the ball home at the
far post (2-0). Shortly after that, Ben Coote saw his long range effort crash
against the North Lynn bar.
At half time, Jack Hayes returned to the action and Gareth Searle came on
to bolster the midfield as Reffley reverted to three up front into the
head wind. On 38 mins, Pearson scored his opener, carving out the chance
for himself following some great pressure and tackling on the edge of the
North Lynn area (3-0). Three minutes later, Pearson got his
second, steering a flighted cross from the left, high into the North Lynn
net and the flood gates threatened to open (4-0).
James Martin then came on and what an impact he made! The goal of the game
came when "Midgy" picked up the ball in mid-field from about 35
yards out and went on a mazy run, the like of which is rarely seen.
Evading tackle after tackle, his close control and balance were a sight to
behold. After carrying the ball forward for what seemed like an eternity,
he selflessly fed a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Hammond
who rifled the ball home from 10 yards (5-0).
Finally,
Elvin closed matters, pouncing on a mix up in the North Lynn
defence, to score from close range on 56 mins (6-0).
Good Reffley performances came from full-backs James Stork and Alistair
Farthing, from Ben Coote for a couple of exceptional tackles, from Josh
Rowe and Jake Eglen in midfield and up front, from Nathan Bloodworth and
Craig Elvin who always looked dangerous on the left and right flanks
respectively.
The only sour note was an injury to Gareth Searle in the closing minute of
the game,
following a 50-50 challenge out on the right wing. Gareth was taken to
QEII A& E and following X-rays was later back home, on crutches, with a badly
bruised ankle. Everyone wishes Gareth a fast recovery and thanks to Tony,
Debbie and Haley for getting Gareth to hospital so quickly.
Reffley MotM: James Martin for that most memorable of moments as he
skipped a dance through half the opposing team to set up Reffley's 5th.
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19
February 2006: DOWNHAM 'A' 1-0 REFFLEY
Once more this match was won by Downham by the slimmest of margins.
Unfortunately, we have seen it all too often where this Reffley team has
worked hard, fought for everything, seen scoring opportunities missed,
even dominated the game for short periods and still come away empty handed,
with nothing to show for their efforts - except that is, the knowledge they have represented
and acquitted themselves well and that Downham know they have
been in a "rite olde scrap".
Downham started brightly, but Reffley soon realised that they could match
their opponents, challenge-for-challenge and tackle-for-tackle. The
Reffley defence looked tight, compact and well-organised, defending the
three first-half corners against them with solid efficiency and limiting
Downham to only a couple of other half chances during the whole of the first
half.
For Reffley, Nathan Bloodworth looked menacing down the left flank and Jon
Hammond had a fierce, first time shot well saved, after bursting in-field from the
right wing. Reffley had their best spell just before half time, pinning Downham back
deep into their own third, but were unable to create a
clear cut chance, despite every effort.
Half-time was better than last week by a mile! At nil-all, Reffley knew
the game was in the balance and that this was not a situation their
opponents would have been too comfortable with, as against lesser teams
than Reffley, they have become used to being out of sight by half time.
After 36 mins, however, Downham broke the deadlock. Not for the first time
this season, the Reffley
defence appeared a little too stand-offish. Certainly, an attempt to win
the ball should have been made well before this attack got to the penalty
area. Once there, a little confusion ensued, allowing a Downham forward to
get a vital toe to the ball from 6 yards out, between the retreating
Reffley defence and their advancing 'keeper (0-1).
Undeterred, Reffley set about battling their way back into the game. A
long, diagonal through ball from Josh Rowe, was pounced on by an advancing Matty
Pearson, who sent a first-time, measured lob over the Downham 'keeper from all of 25
yards out, only for a very, very late Downham linesman's flag to call play
back.
Whilst it looked close, the lateness of the decision was puzzling as the
flag didn't appear to go up until after the lobbed ball was well and truly
proved goal-bound. (Afterwards, a number of Reffley parents thought that Matty was
"definitely" on-side when the ball was
played forward and they too were perplexed by the late, "reactive
nature" of the linesman's decision to raise the flag.) Still, a good candidate for a valid goal
was ruled out and the game went on. Sometimes these breaks go for you
and sometimes they go against you. Such is life!
In spite of this, Reffley continued to press. Play ebbed and flowed and
the Reffley players competed fiercely for everything. Matty Pearson sent a
trade-mark free-kick, whistling into the side netting from almost 35 yards and
another longer range effort which looked promising in flight but was collected by
the Downham 'keeper.
At the final whistle, although the game was lost, all the young players of
Reffley can be proud of a battling and intensive effort over 60 mins.
Blake Hewitt handled the ball well in goal, Ben Coote played his usual
captain's performance ably supported by James Stork, Jake Eglen and Alex Tuck
who all did well in keeping the Downham strikers at bay. In midfield, James Martin had
some good touches both on the floor and in the air, Gareth Searle was his
usual dynamic self and Josh Rowe's ability could never be under-estimated.
Up front, it was a workmanlike effort all round, from Nathan Bloodworth,
Jon Hammond, Matty Pearson and Craig Elvin, on a day when they knew the
chances would be few and far between.
However, Reffley's MotM goes to Alistair Farthing at full back,
whose all round effort and skill were consistently high throughout the
entire game.
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12
February 2006: REFFLEY 3-8 WOOTTONS
Have you ever been ambushed? In foul weather, Reffley went
behind to six wind-and-rain-assisted goals. Some poor defending didn't
help matters, as two converted corners and a long range free-kick contributed
to Reffley's nil-6 half time deficit. That said, no credit must be
taken from Reffley's opponents - those goals all had to be scored and
score them, they did!
Proof of the role the elements played in this game came as Reffley responded
in the most dramatic fashion with three goals in the first 14 minutes of the second
half at the same end. Strikes by Pearson (32 mins), Searle (39
mins) and Hammond (44 mins), re-dressed to balance to such an
extent, that with over 15 mins to play, the final outcome of this match
remained in the balance.
With Reffley now throwing everything forward and thin at the back, they
were hit with a sucker punch - twice - as Woottons hit back on the
counter.
Reffley MotM: Blake Hewitt - for a series of super saves.
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29 January
2006: DOWNHAM 'B' 1-2 REFFLEY
Reffley U12's were absolutely delighted with their 2nd win of the
season over Downham 'B'. This crucial three points keeps some daylight
between last year's third place team and the Lynn side, as well as keeping
the latter hot on the heels of the Woottons just ahead of them.
On a very heavy pudding of a pitch, with an even heavier ball, this match was never
going to be a repeat of the 9-1 mauling when these two teams last came
together and indeed it was no walk over given the number of chances the
Reffley strikers squandered in front of the Downham goal.
Honours were even at half time by way of the
score, but Pearson, Hammond, Bloodworth and Elvin all missed opportunities
to put their names on the score sheet. Gareth Searle was his usual self in
mid-field, snapping at the Downham players' heels and challenging for
every ball. Rowe's class and ability was plain for all to see and Eglen
showed signs of a return to form. Indeed, a Downham player received a
yellow card for kicking out following a Searle tackle and it was the first
time any of this Reffley team have encountered a booking and so it proved
to be an important memory jogger for them, by emphasising the necessity to
play football, hard and fair, and accept the referee's decisions.
After the restart, Downham went in front on 35 mins following some
"stand-offish" defending as the Downham left winger advanced on
the Reffley goal (0-1). However, Reffley responded well, in a way this
team are now capable of. Heads were up and with a steely determination,
Reffley's pressure paid off. On 39 mins, with Downham unable to get the ball
clear from a Reffley corner, Jake Eglen was in the right place as
the ball fell loose, to lash home the equaliser from 7 yards out (1-1).
On 45 mins, a foul on Eglen resulted in a free kick half way
inside the Downham half on the right. Alex Tuck floated over a perfect cross for the
Reffley captain, Ben Coote, to "head" home the winner from close
range (2-1).
Again, Hayes, Farthing and Stork all showed good form in the full-back
positions by dealing with the Downham attacks down the flanks. Eglen had a
very good second half by not only providing cover for his defence but
often he got himself into advanced positions wide on the right, occupying
space vacated by Craig Elvin as he rightly pushed across into the centre.
Although Hammond and Pearson had further chances to increase Reffley's
lead, it proved to be more a case of battling out the game and keeping
Downham at bay for a valuable three points.
Reffley's MotM: Jake Eglen for a welcome return to form, which his
manager (and father) hope he can maintain to the end of the season.
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22 January
2006: REFFLEY 8-0 HUNGATE
Reffley's opening 15 mins was as good as anything they've previously
played. With only 2 mins gone, Matty Pearson got inside the Hungate goal
area and just failed to connect with a great cross from Nathan Bloodworth
which zipped across the Hungate goal mouth. However, as Reffley maintained
their intense start, Pearson soon made amends, latching onto a
clearance from a Josh Rowe corner, to float his shot high and wide of the
Hungate 'keeper after just 3 mins (1-0).
With just five minutes gone, Pearson could have completed his hat-trick,
as he had another chance inside the six yard box, but his shot
tantalisingly flew past the wrong side of the Hungate post. Indeed, just
sixty seconds later on 6 mins, Pearson grabbed his second, lobbing
the advancing Hungate 'keeper from just outside the box (2-0).
Almost inevitably, Pearson did complete his hat-trick on 13 mins,
this time lobbing the 'keeper with his left foot from 20 yards out (3-0).
On 17 mins, it was the turn of Craig Elvin who burst through,
getting on the end of a decisive pass from Gareth Searle, following a
great passing move out of the Reffley defence (4-0).
Reffley's play now exuded total confidence, with the ball being
comfortably won in midfield and then played around with great aplomb. With
19 mins gone, Josh Rowe scored the goal of the game. Gathering the
ball on the left of mid-field, he evaded a couple of Hungate challenges
before unleashing a tremendous left-footed drive from almost 30 yards out
(5-0).
James Martin popped up in the box and added Reffley's next after 25
mins, drilling his right-footed shot home from 8 yards, following good
work by Elvin (6-0). On the stroke of half-time, Reffley were awarded their
first penalty of the season as Elvin was judged to have had his left leg taken
away just as he was shaping up to shoot inside the box. Unfortunately,
Pearson delivered his spot kick at a nice height to the 'keeper's right, who
plucked it out of the air.
With the game all but won, Reffley needed to maintain concentration and
their shape which they managed to do for much of the remainder of the
game. Jon Hammond came on for Elvin, Farthing replaced Hayes and Eglen
took over from Searle in mid-field to add some real snap and bite to the
midfield. On 32 mins, Hammond soon made an impression after his
entrance, driving home his previously rebounded shot from a tight angle
(7-0).
Pearson added his fourth and Reffley's eighth on 35 mins stroking
home a nicely weighted sideways pass from Hammond on the edge of the box
(8-0).
As Hayes re-entered the fray for Stork, Elvin replaced Bloodworth and
Searle for Tuck, Reffley played out the rest of the second half but failed
to added to their impressive total. In the last ten minutes, Bloodworth
replaced Pearson and Tuck replaced Rowe on the left side as Reffley ran
out comfortable winners.
The overall team display was very impressive. In particular, James Stork,
Jack Hayes and Alistair Farthing made strong contributions in defence,
Coote and Tuck were again resolute in the centre at the back, while in
mid-field Searle worked hard as ever and Eglen was as impressive, adding a
real bite to proceedings in the second half. On the right side, James
Martin played very well indeed, not only making some good tackles, but
also he showed a composure on the ball when in possession and played a
series of good, solid passes which were simple, yet always effective, allowing
his team to maintain possession of the ball.
Reffley's MotM: Matthew Pearson for four great goals - which could
so easily have been seven - nevertheless very well done Matthew for a
great striker's display.
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15
January 2005: NORTH LYNN 1-6 REFFLEY
Reffley eased to victory over their Lynn rivals with a steady
performance, reverting to a 4-3-3 formation, with captain Ben Coote
switching to mid-field and Jake Eglen taking up a position in central
defence alongside Alex Tuck.
Matthew Pearson opened the scoring after 5 mins with a superbly struck
right-footed shot from the left corner of the North Lynn area (0-1). Three
minutes later, Josh Rowe added a second, sweeping a loose ball high
and wide into the net, past the North Lynn 'keeper from 20 yards out
(0-2).
Reffley, now settled, endeavoured to play a passing game, using the flanks
on this enormous pitch to attack from wide positions. With a lot of bodies
behind the ball North Lynn made any penetration through the middle very
difficult and for long periods the game was a scrappy affair.
Indeed, Reffley went further ahead on 28 mins, breaking down the left wing,
following good play from Rowe, Pearson and Hammond that saw Hammond's shot rebound to the
feet of the advancing top-scorer Craig Elvin, who steered the ball
home (1-3).
After half time, James Stork returned to the action, replacing Alistair
Farthing at right-back and Nathan Bloodworth resumed his left wing role,
replacing Hammond. Then in typical fashion, a degree of complacency crept into
Reffley's play. On 34 mins North Lynn broke through the inside right
position and as their attacker bore down on the Reffley goal, a tackle was
not forthcoming when it should have been and predictably a well-struck shot hit the back of Reffley
net (1-3).
As a timely warning, this goal saw Reffley knuckle down and from then on
they played their best football. Bloodworth made all the difference, raiding
down the left flank, where time after time his runs threatened to open up the
North Lynn defence. After 53 mins, Jake Eglen, now back in mid-field,
latched onto a Bloodworth cross and hit home from close range (1-4). Three
minutes later, Bloodworth himself got in on the action, firing home a
right-footed effort from just inside the North Lynn box (1-5).
Further changes saw Farthing return to left back for Hayes and Pearson and
Elvin taking a breather, as the front line was rotated to keep it sharp
and fresh.
Reffley's final goal, again came from the left. Good work by Rowe saw him
regain possession with a crunching tackle and the ball was fed
through to Gareth Searle, who advancing at pace, shot home past the
'keeper's left
hand (1-6).
All-in-all a good three points which keeps the pressure on Reffley's
challenge for second place.
Reffley's MotM: Alistair Farthing for a highly competent and efficient
display in both full-back positions.
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8
January 2005: REFFLEY 1-3 DOWNHAM 'A'
The score barely reflected the true balance of this game as Reffley
matched the league leaders in many aspects and at times had them well and
truly on the back foot.
As usual Reffley started strongly and had the slight edge in the early
exchanges. Much of the play was confined to the middle third, but Reffley
threatened through Elvin and Hammond, but the strikers were not able to
latch on to anything thrown up the middle.
With four across mid-field, Reffley's aim was to stifle the Downham
threat. Indeed, Hewitt's goal was not truly threatened until after 20
mins, when Ollie Mitchell found the side netting from close range.
Reffley took the lead after 22 mins when Jake Eglen put the Downham
defence under pressure and their clearance rebounded off the Reffley
midfielder into the unguarded net.
Not for the first time Reffley found themselves in front against Downham
'A'. However, the Lynn side yet again let their opponents back into the
game far too soon. Instead of packing the defensive-midfield areas and
working hard to keep the threat at bay, a cross from the Downham left to
right was not properly dealt with and the ball was swept into the Reffley
net from 6 yards, to level the score (1-1) on 26 mins.
After the restart, with the slight slope in Reffley's favour, the match
was there to be won. However, no matter how hard the team tried, it was
always going to be difficult to keep up the same intensity for another 30
mins. Searle, as ever, was a terrier in midfield, competing for everything
on the ground and in the air. The back four of Hayes, Farthing, Coote and
Tuck played hard and fair, trying desperately to prevent the Downham
breakthrough.
On 33 mins, Blake Hewitt made the save of the match from a 25 yard Downham
free kick. The ball was struck hard and true, heading for Hewitt's top
left hand corner, but the Reffley 'keeper timed his jump well and
acrobatically pushed the ball over the bar for a corner.
Pearson came on for Hammond up front but before he could make his mark,
Downham found the net once more. Again, the attack came down the Reffley
left and the ball was bundled over the line at the near post after 35
mins, instead of being cleared by the Reffley defence (1-2).
Pearson, always dangerous in possession outside the opponents box, saw his
shot on the turn whistle past the Downham post. Martin came on for Eglen
in midfield, but Reffley were not able to get a foothold to get back into
the game. Downham went further ahead on 43 mins and the goal was not much
different from Downham's first (1-3).
Hammond re-enter the fray, as Reffley went to three across the back, but
in spite of some gallant efforts, there was no way back.
Reffley's MotM: Gareth Searle - for another great performance in midfield
and whose application and tireless efforts, the rest of the team must now
try to match.
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18
December 2005: WOOTTONS 0-1 REFFLEY
Reffley laid to rest their second ghost in two weeks, beating Woottons
U12's for the first time in an 11-a-side game. After a string of narrow
defeats by their local rivals by the odd goal, Reffley strengthened their assault
on second place in a bravely fought contest. This result will no doubt
raise a smile on the face of Downham 'A', as their grip on the
championship seems like it can now only be lost... but we shall see.
Reffley's defence looked solid and the midfield steady. Searle was terrier-like,
snapping at the heels of the Wootton's midfield. Both he, Rowe and Eglen
worked hard to nullify the threat, particularly from Wootton's playmaker,
Minns. A closely contested first half saw the teams go in level. Elvin had
a couple of half chances, but impatiently pulled the trigger a little
early, instead of bearing down a little closer to the target.
After some rousing words at half-time, Reffley came out with renewed
purpose, knowing a win was in their grasp. The defence continued to look
steady as Woottons threatened. However, it was Reffley who took the lead.
A free-kick on the left was floated forward by Rowe. Bloodworth's early
run wide, created some space and as the ball broke free, Matthew
Pearson was on hand to drill the ball low and hard to the right of the
Wootton 'keeper's outstretched hand on 36 mins (0-1).
As the game closed out, Reffley brought off two strikers for Stork to come
on the bolster the defence and Martin to add to the numbers in mid-field.
The final onslaught from Woottons as frantic and furious. Reffley, now
with plenty of bodies behind the ball hung on and kept their lines clear.
Some heroic tackling by Hayes, Coote and Tuck was called for to protect
'keeper Hewitt and maintain a clean sheet.
As the final whistle went, the Reffley players' reactions said it all.
They knew the enormity of this win.
Reffley MotM: Alex Tuck (his first ever - so I hope you forgive
the Manager's apparent favouritism) for a commanding performance in the
defence, both on the ground and in the air. Well done, son!
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11
December 2005: EAST LYNN 2-0 REFFLEY
There was huge expectation following last week's heroics, but Reffley
crashed landed and surrendered meekly to local rivals East Lynn. One goal
in each half was the difference between the teams. Reffley's Craig Elvin,
Jon Hammond and Jake Eglen all squandered half chances, to make it a
day where thing's just didn't click.
It is fair to say also, that East Lynn raised their game and in playing
with a lone striker, they always had many, many bodies behind the ball,
making it difficult to find a way through.
A valuable lesson was there to be learnt, in that nothing is given in
football. There is no such thing as a "fore-gone conclusion" and
these Reffley players have to realise that - and quick. Reffley didn't
play particularly badly. It just seemed like the player's were
"running in treacle" at times, a little way off the pace, not
passing particularly fluidly, not really fully committed in the tackle and
a little often they waited for things to happen rather than "taking
the situation by the scruff of the neck" and making it happen
themselves.
Reffley MotM: Gareth Searle, worked tirelessly and typified the kind of
Reffley spirited that everyone needs to show in every match they play.
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4 December 2005: REFFLEY 9 (nine) - 1 DOWNHAM 'B'
Reffley U12's finally unlocked their potential in this U12's division.
They demolished Downham 'B' in the most emphatic fashion, putting 9 goals
past a team that had become their nemesis over the last few 11-a-side
meetings. Today was a day where this Reffley team didn't need much
motivating from their manager, following their bitterly disappointing
U12's Sub-Cup Q/F exit to the same Downham side a fortnight previously.
Craig Elvin, who found the net for the 6th consecutive match,
opened Reffley's account on 6 mins, latching on to a Bloodworth pass from
the left (1-0). "Groundhog Day" ensued as predictably, Downham
equalised on 12 mins, following a corner that the Reffley defence failed
yet again to clear properly at the first attempt (1-1). However, this evoked a quite different Reffley response
from that seen previously. Jake Eglen put the Lynn side back in front on
15 mins, after chasing down a strike from the left, which rebounded off the
inside of the Downham far post (2-1).
With the game finely balanced, James Stork and Alistair Farthing were
steadfast in their respective full back positions, cutting out any wide
attacks down the Downham flanks. Tuck and Coote, as commanding as ever in
central defence,
shut the door on everything Downham threw at them up the middle.
A second Eglen strike on 29 mins, which was a mirror image
of his first, put some light between the teams at half time. This
time Eglen raced into the 6-yard-box from a deep midfield position to
steer the ball into the Downham net, after their 'keeper spilled a Josh
Rowe shot (3-1).
After the restart, with the wind and the slope in their favour, Reffley
sensed a victory was on the cards, but they also knew only too well
that this dogged, determined Downham 'B' side was always dangerous. A long awaited
Jon Hammond strike on 40 mins, signaled the start of the rout that
was soon to follow (4-1). Hammond soon got his second, scoring in the far corner after bursting through from a defensive
clearance by Coote on 43 mins (5-1). Indeed, a minute later Hammond could
have completed his hat-trick, going through one-on-one with the Downham
'keeper, only for his shot to flash just wide of the post.
With the game all but won, Reffley made two changes. Pearson came on for
Bloodworth and Martin replaced Searle in mid-field. As the Downham side
struggled to hold off a rampant Reffley attack, Pearson soon
made his mark, drilling home from the edge of the area on 48 mins (6-1).
Seconds later Pearson's long range effort crashed against the top of the
Downham bar. More Reffley substitutions were made in an effort to keep the
attack fresh and mix up the personnel.
Reffley continued to bombard the Downham goal. Eglen, Bloodworth,
Hammond, Elvin and Pearson all had chances to add to the total. The
Downham 'keeper, to his credit, denied this Reffley front-line on a number of occasions.
As the game entered its final stages, Reffley scored three more times. Elvin
added his second on 54 mins (7-1) and then completed a well-deserved
hat-trick a minute later on 55 mins (8-1). With Downham now struggling to
keep Reffley at bay, Bloodworth scored a well-deserved 'finale' goal on 57 mins
(9-1), to complete a job well done.
Hewitt, with not much to do in the Reffley goal handled and distributed
the ball well, when called upon. Eglen, Rowe, Searle and Martin were
colossal in midfield, competing hard for every ball and they
provided the hard work and foundation on which this result was built. Up front, Elvin,
Hammond, Bloodworth and Pearson were sharp and decisive (and largely
stayed onside, which is a novelty for this team!) Although Downham were a beaten team for much of the second
half, Reffley still held their shape, they stuck to their task and were magnificent
all round.
Hopefully, now, this group of Reffley players realise what a very good
team they are.
Reffley MotM: Craig Elvin for a hat-trick and finding the net in his 6th
consecutive game (keep it going Craig!) & Jake Eglen for a
powerful performance in mid-field and two opportunistic strikes.
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27
November 2005: HUNGATE P-P REFFLEY
No Match Report.
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20
November 2005: DOWNHAM 'B' 2-1 REFFLEY (Sub Cup Q/F)
The
defending champions succumbed tamely to Downham 'B' in this pick of the
quarter-finals. Craig Elvin put the visitors from Lynn in front
after 2 mins but as is all too often the case of late, Reffley sat back,
took their foot off the pedal and Downham soon leapt at the chance to get
back into the game.
Downham began to dominate in mid-field, winning the challenges for every
loose ball and they attacked in numbers. Mid-way through the first half,
the reply came by way of a shot from the edge of the Reffley area. Downham
were allowed far too much time by the Reffley defence and the ball was
duly dispatched into the far corner of the Reffley goal. As Coote went
close from a Pearson corner, Reffley were lucky not to fall behind before
the interval, but the teams went in for the break all square.
Stork came on at right back, with Hammond making way for Eglen to move
into mid-field in the hope of adding a bit more bite to the Reffley engine
room. With
the game finely balanced, it was Downham who broke the dead-lock. Poor
defending led to the Downham goal. As the Reffley defence tried to dribble
the ball clear, instead of kicking it into orbit, Downham re-gained possession,
worked it out to their right and the shot came in, beating Hewitt at his
far post.
With Reffley now chasing the game, the emphasis was on attack. Farthing
came on for Hayes, Coote moved into midfield. Martin replaced Bloodworth
and Hammond re-entered the fray for Searle, wide out on the left. As
Reffley threw everything forward, the elusive equaliser was hard to find.
Right at the death, Pearson was a little slow to react to a cross from the
left and his effort flashed past the Downham post.
All in all it was a bitterly disappointing morning, as the winners of this
tie are surely favorites to lift the cup.
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6
November 2005: REFFLEY 4-1 EAST LYNN
Reffley bounced back from the disappointment of last week, against
local rivals East Lynn. Matthew Pearson opened the scoring on 8
mins. as he latched onto a cross from Josh Rowe (1-0). Pearson
added a scrambled second on 21 mins. (2-0) and completed his first-half
hat-trick on 27 mins (3-0). His third was the pick of the bunch, hitting
another Rowe cross on the half volley, into the far corner of the East
Lynn net.
In
the second half, conditions deteriorated as both teams battled against the
cross-wind and driving rain. On 45 mins. Craig Elvin broke free
down the right, turned inside and unleashed a wicked cross-goal shot which
was deflected home by an East Lynn defender (4-0).
East
Lynn pulled one back, scoring direct from a free-kick, 25 yards out and
were unlucky not to add a second from an identical position shortly
afterwards - this time the kick crashed against the Reffley bar.
The
pick of the Reffley performances came from Blake Hewitt in goal, who
handled the ball superbly, Ben Coote in defence and Nathan Bloodworth on
the left wing.
Reffley's
Joint MotM: Josh Rowe, classy on the ball, good work rate and excellent
provider. Matty Pearson for well taken hat-trick.
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30
October 2005: DOWNHAM 'A' 3-1 REFFLEY (KO Cup Q/F)
With a strong wind behind them, Reffley got off to the worst possible
start, falling behind in the first minute. Craig Elvin equalised
for the Lynn side before half time but it was to prove not enough, as
Downham piled on the pressure in the second half, with the wind now in
their favour. Two further goals sealed a Downham victory.
Reffley would
like to commend the referee, Mr Dickson, for his handling of the game.
To
describe the opposition as being "just too darn good" would be
harsh on the Reffley players and the efforts they made - Downham simply
made more of the wind advantage than Reffley did.
Still,
look on the bright side... another Sub Cup adventure awaits!!!
Reffley
MotM: Josh Rowe.
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23
October 2005: EAST LYNN 1-3 REFFLEY
This
magnificent all-round performance by Reffley was by far the best of the
season so far. Potent in attack, industrious in mid-field and resolute in
defence, Reffley played with such control and assurance. They kept
possession, passed the ball well and played with width.
The
opening goal came from wide on the left. Good work involving Hayes, Rowe
and Bloodworth, ended with Rowe firing over a pin-point cross to find the
head of Elvin, who calmly sent the ball into the East Lynn net
(1-0).
Reffley's
second also started from a move on the left. Bloodworth's ball inside to
Coote, was squared to Tuck who threaded it forward, right into the path of
the advancing Rowe, who unleashed a powerful right-footed drive
high and wide of the East Lynn 'keeper (2-0).
Further
Reffley efforts came from Bloodworth, Hammond and the irrepressible Rowe.
Searle was as industrious as ever in mid-field, snapping at the heels of
the East Lynn players. At the back Farthing, Tuck, Coote and Hayes at last
showed what a cohesive, resilient defensive unit they can be when they
work hard and stay alert. Farthing was particularly impressive, holding
off everything East Lynn threw at him down their left flank and using the
ball well once he had gained possession.
After
the re-start, Reffley struck the decisive blow. A subtly weighted through
ball from Hammond was latched onto by Elvin who raced towards the
goal and dispatched a powerful right-footed drive to beat the East Lynn
'keeper at his near post (3-0).
With
the game in the bag, Pearson and Martin came on for Bloodworth and Eglen.
Despite continuing to play with control and poise, passing man-to-man and
using the width well, East Lynn struck back to make it 3-1. This was a
timely reminder to ward off any complacency, but Reffley then played the
game out for a tremendous win.
Reffley's
MotM: Ben Coote, who played a commanding captain's performance at
the back. One tackle in particular was the reminiscent of Bobby Moore's
legendary tackle on the advancing Pele in the 1970 World Cup, which sadly
this report's author remembers very clearly - but that's another story.
Well done, Ben, a truly great captain's performance.
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16
October 2005: REFFLEY 3-2 NORTH LYNN
It was Reffley's weakest performance so far as an 11-a-side team.
North Lynn packed their defence and continually got large numbers of
players behind the ball. But with this in evidence, Reffley again failed
to use their imagination and any degree of width to get in behind their
opponents and instead elected to fight it out down the centre of the field
for much of the game.
Reffley
showed a reluctance to compete for the loose ball, to challenge when the
ball is in the air, as well as inability to stay switched on, to
continuously work hard, to use space wisely, and, to get the ball on the
ground and pass it to feet, with any degree of consistency. It seems all
too easy for this Reffley team to sink into a state of over-confidence
when faced with opposition they think they can beat.
That
said, Hayes, Rowe and Bloodworth looked a dangerous combination at times
down the left flank, but the quality of the final ball into the North Lynn
goal mouth often lacked power, direction and imagination. Playing with
three at the back, the emphasis was on attack, but it just didn't happen.
The
opening goal came courtesy of a North Lynn defender's head and Craig
Elvin scored the second, arriving just in time to latch onto a Rowe
centre.
North
Lynn hit back just before half time. Having hit the bar in their previous
attack, more sloppy, stand-offish Reffley defending allowed a North Lynn
striker far too much time on the ball in the danger zone and the result
was a shot into the corner of the Reffley goal.
After
the turnaround things did improve slightly, with a little more urgency and
inventiveness shown by the Reffley players. Farthing did well at right
back, playing some good balls out of defence up the right flank. Rowe
worked particularly hard on the left to force an opening. The feeling is a
player of his quality should be much more selfish, having broken through
their back four number of times to deliver crosses to a non-existent
attack, when to go for goal himself, would have been the preferred option.
With
a minute left, North Lynn equalised. Having given away a free kick, 30
yards out unnecessarily, the Reffley defence disastrously tried to step
up, only to see a North Lynn striker beat the offside trap to steer home
the equaliser.
Deep
into the fourth minute of injury time, Reffley desperately pressed forward
and as the ball broke, Josh Rowe sent a rasping half volley
crashing into the roof of the North Lynn net from 25 yards. Fortunately
for Reffley, the right player, was in the right place, at the right time.
With hardly time to restart, the main positive about Reffley's performance
as a team, was they stole an undeserved three points!
In
respect of the time added on... the referee used his discretion in
stopping his watch each time a eleven year boy was hurt and in tears. It
does not take many of these occurrences, when the trainer has to come onto
the field, to accumulate two, three or even four or more minutes of injury
time. Everyone needs to accept that the only watch of any importance in a
game of football is the referee's watch. Sometimes the time added on works
in your team's favour, sometimes it doesn't - but that's life!
Reffley's
MotM: Josh Rowe, a classy act and lethal winning strike.
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8
October 2005: DOWNHAM 'A' 1-0 REFFLEY
Reffley dug in deep from the start against the league leaders.
Despite falling behind mid-way through the first half from a long range
effort, Reffley always threatened on the break and were unfortunate not to
score. First, Craig Elvin’s shot was well saved by ‘keeper Haynes and
then moments later Jon Hammond’s effort flew just wide of the post,
following a great build-up.
In the second period, Reffley managed to
confine Downham to only a handful of half chances. Hammond came closest to
equalising for the Lynn side, with a headed effort from a Pearson corner.
It was close game and, despite Downham's superior league position, both
teams knew it!
Reffley’s MotM: Gareth Searle for a
battling mid-field effort.
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7
October 2005: KES HIGH SCHOOL 8-4 REFFLEY
Reffley stormed out of the blocks taking the
game to KES from the first whistle. Breaking down the right, Matthew
Pearson opened the scoring as his right footed effort was fumbled by
the KES keeper. Reffley went 2-0 up as Ben Coote turned the ball in
from close range, following a corner from the right.
After
15 mins, KES finally found a foothold and two swift counter-attacks
suddenly saw the game level and another saw KES edge in front 3-2.
Reffley
responded by equalising through Jon Hammond (3-3), who rifled his shot
into the far bottom corner of the KES net.
It's
hard described what happened next. Reffley's confidence, motivation and
ability to play the way they had started the game, simply evaporated. KES
now looked dangerous every time they got the ball in the Reffley half. By
half time, KES led 6-3 and it's hard to fathom out quite how it happened!
After
the re-start, Reffley had to strike back quickly. Nathan Bloodworth
answered the call, breaking down the left and putting one back to make it
4-6. But it was always an up-hill struggle and as the changes of personnel
were made, KES added two more to their tally (8-4), to put the match out of
Reffley's reach.
Hopefully,
this ground-breaking match benefited both team. Certainly, the Reffley
players need to retain a sense of perspective. KES are a good side and it was
a training game, but there were many positives to be drawn from it. Not
many school sides will put KES on the back foot like Reffley did in the
first 15 minutes and still fewer will put four goals past them.
Thanks go to Paul Tebay and his staff for
making the game possible and welcoming the Reffley players and parents to
the school.
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2
October
2005:
REFFLEY 14-0 DOWNHAM 'C'
A new-look line-up enjoyed a useful, confidence-boasting win for
Reffley as they went to town on a relatively newly formed Downham 'C'
side. Goals from Pearson (3), Hammond (2),
Bloodworth (2), Martin (2), Rowe, Coote, McNaught, Searle, and an og were
scored steadily throughout the 60 minutes.
Although
the game was a little bit one-way traffic, the team largely kept it's
shape and stuck to the manager's instructions. Promising work and slick
passing came by way of the left flank and Searle worked hard in central
midfield. Rowe, ever-effective on the left linked well with Bloodworth and
supplied a constant stream of crosses into the box. The back-four appeared
to respond to the work done in training, but time will tell how much
improvement has really been made when it's put to a sterner test next
weekend.
Reffley's
MotM: Nathan Bloodworth
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2
October
2005:
REFFLEY P-P WOOTTONS
No Match Report.
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18
September 2005: DOWNHAM 'B' 2-1 REFFLEY
Disappointing is about the only word to describe Reffley's overall
performance against a workmanlike Downham 'B' team. The Lynn side were
fortunate to go into the interval 1-nil up. A kicked clearance from the
Downham 'keeper rebounded off the head of a Downham defender, to fall at the
feet of Craig Elvin, who calmly side-footed the ball into an empty net.
After
the re-start it all started to go wrong. Reffley's defence looked fragile
as they continued to back off the Downham forwards and the mid-field
simply didn't compete. Soon Downham were back on level terms following a
shot from outside the Reffley area which flew high and wide of Hewitt in
the Reffley goal, despite him getting his finger-tips to it.
Downham
began to get on top in midfield. Their players looked sharper, fitter,
hungrier, more determined and keener in the tackle. Their second came from
a attack down the right flank. As ball was crossed in the box, Reffley's
protection of 'keeper Blake was non-existent and when the ball came loose,
a Downham forward pounced and had time to easily guide it home.
Nathan
Bloodworth, hard-working as ever, did provide a chance for an equaliser,
but no Reffley forward was in position to connect with his cross from the
left, which tantalisingly rolled along the entire length of the Downham
goal-line.
Despite
some heroics down the left by Josh Rowe, who found himself one-on-one with
the Downham 'keeper three times in the last fifteen mins, only to be
foiled on each occasion, Reffley were unable get back on level terms. A
disappointing day and, hopefully, a lesson learned.
Reffley's
MotM: Josh Rowe for a strong, attacking display on the left wing.
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11
September 2005: REFFLEY 2-0 HUNGATE
Reffley
U12's started their league challenge with a much sought after win against
Hungate. Often in control of the first half for long stretches, Reffley
threatened to break down their opponents every time they got the ball down
the left flank, with Hayes, Bloodworth and Rowe all working well together.
Indeed Rowe went close, as his cross ball attempt bounced off the Hungate
bar, followed by Elvin, who drilled his shot onto the post.
Throughout,
Reffley looked composed in defence and competitive in mid-field, with
Searle and Eglen marshalling the middle of the park. Hayes proved impassable
at left-back, playing with a determination and assurance not seen before.
The break-through for Reffley finally came from a set-piece. Pearson sent
over a lofty corner from the left, which passed over the crowd at the near
post, only to fall to Searle who headed home from close range.
After
the turnaround, Hungate established a foot-hold in the game and threatened
to come-back. Reffley had to re-group and concentrate hard to keep their
Fen opponents at bay. Stork, Tuck, Coote and Hayes had to shut the door on
more than one occasion. Rowe, now more lively on the left, saw four or
five tremendous attempts either fly wide or saved by the Hungate 'keeper.
However, when the ball broke again for Rowe, after good work from Hammond,
the left-winger's 20 yard shot across the 'keeper found the back of the
net. Reffley, seeing a little daylight at last, played out the remaining
five minutes, for a well-deserved opening victory.
Reffley's
MotM: Jack Hayes for a solid and commanding performance at left-back.
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