REFFLEY U14's
Manager: Steve Tuck
Parent Assistants: Matthew Farthing & Dave Eglen
Treasurers: Jean & Terry Stork
-----
If we have been influenced in such a way as to value winning above honour, sportsmanship,
and personal excellence, that will be reflected in our approach to participation in sport.

Awaiting Match Report...

A FITTING TRIBUTE…

Squad: Tuck, Farthing, Stork, Coote, Hayes, Hammond, Eglen, Searle, Bloodworth, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Martin, Elvin.

This should have been the pinnacle game of the season in this age-group, purposefully postponed until the end of the campaign, the effective decider for the league title, between arguably the best two footballing teams in the division. But unfortunately, it didn’t turn out like that. In the last few weeks we’d surprisingly faltered against “unlikely” opponents and when it came down to the wire, we just couldn’t quite live up to our own high standards and expectations.

Irrespective of how we felt about our recent downward spiral, it was all firmly put into the most humbling of perspectives before this game by the sad and unexpected news of the tragic passing of Gary Rowe, father to Josh and a man ever-present on the Reffley touchline.

Any doubt that this game would go ahead in these circumstances was swept aside at a team meeting during training on the day before, when Josh expressed his wish that we should play this match, wearing black armbands and with a minute’s silence before the kick off. Josh had the unanimous backing of every one of us involved in this team. It was the right decision – business as usual and not least because we still had a say in the destiny of this season’s title.

At 10.28 precisely, both teams lined-up around the centre circle on either side of the halfway line, supported by a large contingent of families and spectators on opposite touchlines, to impeccably observe one minute’s silence in a fitting tribute to Gary. The Reffley players, whose black armbands stood out in stark contrast on the sleeves of their brilliant white shirts, stood alongside Josh, shoulder-to-shoulder as friends and team-mates. It was a poignant moment.

To the game itself… Alex Tuck again volunteered to take the goal-keeper’s jersey in the continued absence of Blake Hewitt, James Stork retained his place on the right side of central defence and Jon Hammond was back on the right wing. So, we were reduced to playing without our ‘keeper, on an unfamiliar pitch (on the side of a hill), with no line markings and wonky goals, and it was therefore, a good job this match wasn’t the winner-takes-all-decider it should have been.

Once the football started, Reffley made another faltering start. The Downham goals came as follows: on 4 mins., a headed goal line clearance saw the rebound converted (0-1). On 9 mins., another rebound as Tuck parried a shot, a Downham attacker responded quicker than any Reffley defender (0-2). On 13 mins., a speculative, lofted shot looped over Tuck in the Reffley goal (0-3). All three were needless, soft concessions from our point of view.

To make matters worse, Jon Hammond limped off on 19 mins. with a re-occurrence of his groin injury. This was just typical of our recent fortune as Hammond had had a bright start and was Reffley’s best player in the previous ten minutes as he began to run at the right side of Downham’s defence. He was replaced by substitute Craig Elvin. On 24 mins., Joe Roofe and James Martin came on for Matty Pearson and Nathan Bloodworth. The Reffley players seemed to steady their ship and got through to half time without any further concessions.

During the half time interval there was some work to do in spite of the score line. I emphasised all that was positive about my team and demanded a response from everyone on the pitch. The only difference between the two sides was nothing to do with footballing ability; instead it was everything to do with desire, aggression, energy and a will to win. I said that we were too good to go down six- or seven-nil and that we must not roll over against this opposition. If we were going to get beaten, we’d make them fight every inch of the way for it. We’d backed them up before and we could do it again. There was nothing for us to lose. First of all, we had to stiffen our resistance and secondly, we had to get ourselves on the front foot in order to hit back. It all came down to standing together as a team and delivering a second half performance to be proud of. I demanded 35 mins. of total, physical commitment from every one of my players in challenging, tackling and chasing down every winnable ball. Unlike half time during the North Lynn defeat, I felt I’d got a good response this time. I was damned if I was going to allow my players to give in without a fight.

On 43 mins. Matty Pearson replaced hard working midfielder Jake Eglen who had begun to struggle and we went to a more offensive three up front and three across the middle.

On 52 mins., a good save and quick distribution from Alex Tuck saw the ball helped on by Rowe in midfield into the path of Matty Pearson. The big Reffley centre-forward showed a strength and determination – often called-for – to get to the loose ball first and indeed, he physically held off the challenges of the Downham defenders enough to send his shot from the edge of the area crashing in off the underside of the bar (1-3).

Downham excursions into the Reffley half became less frequent as we continued to press on. With renewed belief, we began to look like a different team.

On 60 mins. came the moment of the match. The ball was suddenly fed out to Josh Rowe on the right hand corner of the Downham penalty area and he sent a over looping right footed strike which curled goalwards and into the far corner of the Downham net over their ‘keeper’s outstretched hand (2-3). It was one of those rare instances when the hairs stood up on the back of your neck as Josh wheeled away and kissed his armband, before being engulfed in a crowd of his Reffley team-mates. To witness a team of fourteen year old players react like that, you just knew they all understood completely the enormity of the moment.

Now it was one-way traffic. We were drawing upon the experience of coming back against this team before and they knew it too. For the next 10 minutes I stood on the touchline thinking the equaliser was inevitable. The Downham defence – it’s fair to say – were totally at sixes-and-sevens at times as they began to buckle under the weight of their own expectation and the exerted Reffley pressure. Three or four good chances went begging. A header and a shot flew past their posts in quick succession. Inevitably, a couple of yellowy-orange flashes of the Downham lineman’s flag drew questionable stares from the Reffley supporters. Then, in a heart-stopping moment, ‘Midgey’ Martin sent a looping lob from the edge of the area off the outside of his right foot, which saw the Downham ‘keeper scrambling frantically across his line, fully stretched to get his finger tips to the ball to just turn it over the bar.

As Reffley continued to force Downham to back-peddle, I could sense the pressure on the Downham team as the screw tightened. They knew if they lost this game the title could have disappeared down “the swanny”. Frantic calls of instruction and encouragement echoed across the pitch from the far touchline in an effort to steady their ship. Interestingly, the communication between their players became just as frenetic. With time running out, Reffley continued to push forward. Nathan Bloodworth replaced Craig Elvin for the run-in.

Then, unfortunately on 68 mins., the wheels came off completely as Downham hit us on the counter-attack with a breakaway goal against the run of play, to seal their much needed win (2-4). And, that was that!

With the season almost over, every one of my Reffley players had done themselves proud and no one player to be singled out this week for a MotM accolade. Every one of them deserved the ovation they received from our touchline contingent as they left the field.

From the moment Josh scored Reffley’s second to when the Galacticos scored their fourth, the game was in the balance and it was both pleasing and rewarding to see the effect which the efforts expended by our players had on the opposition. It was a most enjoyable few minutes – and all without our goal-keeper and one of our best attacking players.

Final Score: Reffley 2-4 Downham ‘A’

Final Thoughts: It was a tough morning, physically for the boys and emotionally for all of us. Our thanks go to Downham for playing their part in more ways than one.

To go ahead with this game was the right decision. For Josh Rowe, we can only have immense admiration for the young man, playing like he did in such circumstances. For the rest of us, we witnessed courage, determination and an indomitable spirit from the entire Reffley squad.

This match showed why we’ll eventually pick ourselves up and put the disappointments of recent weeks behind us and why we’ll come again. We have proved what a close knit team we are. Unlike other teams, where players come and go, I believe we have a thread of loyalty and togetherness running through our team that is rarely matched and that is why we’ll be there, challenging for a title again next season.

As this was our final home game, our thanks go to Matthew Blowers, our young, resident referee who has been ever present once again this season. His refereeing has once more been above reproach.

Finally – and I am sure I can speak on behalf of all the Reffley players, their parents and families – our thoughts remain with Josh and his family over the coming days.

REFFLEY'S PHEONIX RISES FROM THE ASHES...

Squad: Tuck, Farthing, Stork, Coote, Hayes, Eglen, Searle, Bloodworth, Elvin, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Martin, Hammond.

With no sign of a Tardis forthcoming, we once again had to venture into Fenland this week, to be entertained by Walpole. Customarily, I could bang on about not getting this away fixture reversed following the “loss” of our corresponding home fixture against them – through no fault of our own – as a result of their participation in the opening week boycotts. However, there’s no point ‘cos we probably wouldn’t have had a pitch at Springwood to play them on anyway!!! Moreover, it doesn’t matter now and the upside is that it saved us the cost of a ref.

As the morning’s events turned out, most welcome are the signs that the Great Reffley Depression is beginning to lift – for the time being at least. Reffley’s footballing equivalent of an old tea clipper finally emerged from the doldrums and our fortunes took a favourable turn as we ground out a workmanlike away win.

Having abandoned the unconventional notion of playing with 11 outfield players, Alex Tuck volunteered to wear the goal keeper’s jersey as Reffley set out in a 4-3-3 formation. James Stork started in the centre of defence alongside Ben Coote, with Jack Hayes and Alistair Farthing at full-back. The midfield trio was made up of Jake Eglen, Gazza and Nathan Bloodworth, while the attack was led by Josh Rowe, Matty Pearson and Craig Elvin. It was pleasing to welcome Jon Hammond back from injury as substitute, keeping James Martin company on the bench. It is not overstating the case to say that Hammond’s presence in the team has been sorely missed these last few weeks.

Incidentally, with both teams taking to the pitch in red shirts – we changed from our normal white to red on the basis that Walpole have always worn sky blue – it was nice to see for once, an honourable gesture from the home side who volunteered to wear green training bibs – a concession that was most appreciated, as history shows we don’t have a great record of playing in bibs ourselves.

To the game itself… it was a measured start as Reffley got used to playing again after yet another two week layoff in this appallingly intermittent season. As we started to push the ball about, we soon began to create some chances. After 23 mins. for no other reason than to share out the match time, Hammond and Martin replaced Elvin and Bloodworth respectively. Eventually the breakthrough came on 30 mins. as a well delivered Jon Hammond corner from the right was steered into his own net by a Walpole player who was put under immense pressure from the inrushing Reffley attack (1-0).

It was gratifying to see some confidence begin to ebb back into the boys’ play, after the metaphorical battering they’ve endured during the last few weeks. In midfield, Jake Eglen was particularly busy throughout the half, tackling well and using the ball effectively when in possession, with some good support play down the right flank, linking up well with Craig Elvin in front and Gazza on the inside. The little man himself was as busy was ever, snapping at the heels of everyone in range with another trademark first half performance.

As at the start of the game, my half time discourse offered no precise instructions to the players other than: “go out there, enjoy your football, compete hard and concentrate on good passing, movement and communication.” It was as simple as that. There was no longer any need to get too excitable, as our run-in doesn’t demand it. More substitutions to spread the workload and match time followed, as Elvin and Bloodworth replaced Pearson and Eglen, with Hammond moving to the left wing and Rowe down the centre.

With the wind in our favour, Reffley began to turn the screw in the second half. A number of fine saves by the tall Walpole ‘keeper denied Hammond and Rowe, amongst others. Hayes and Farthing looked untroubled and Coote was back at his consummate best, mopping up everything that came his way.

On 52 mins. a good interception by Storky saw him move forward out of defence, again picking up second ball possession just inside the Walpole half on the right, from where he sent a superb curling cross right into the path of Josh Rowe. The Reffley forward took a touch and shot goalwards. The Walpole ‘keeper did well to block the ball, but Rowe, ever alert, tucked away the rebound (2-0).

Mid way through the half, Pearson and Eglen returned to relieve Gazza and Bloodworth, who was still troubled by a knee problem.

On 62 mins. a long ball out of the Reffley defence, up the centre of the park, was excellently collected and held up by Pearson. The big striker created space enough to turn and direct a forward pass, which Rowe got to first to lob the advancing ‘keeper (3-0). At the final whistle, Reffley had run out comfortable winners.

To single out the performances of two players in summing up… firstly, a rare snippet of public acclaim for Alex Tuck who unselfishly volunteered to play in goal. Whilst his methods were a little unorthodox at times, his command of the area, his clear and instructional communication with his defence in front of him, coupled with the fact he kept a clean sheet (a 100% record, no less!) – which, if anyone’s counting, was this team’s eleventh of the season – all made for a good performance. Well done, boy!

Secondly, Reffley’s MotM this week goes to James Stork, who turned in an absolutely impeccable performance on the right side of central defence. Not the quickest player in the squad, his contribution today was all about good positioning, his reading of the game in front of him and being in the right place at the right time, which allowed him to tackle, intercept and clear with alacrity everything that came near him. It was a towering effort and acclaim that is thoroughly well deserved. Well done, James.

A BIGGER FARCE THAN THE COMEDY OF ERRORS...

I don’t know of any combination of words to adequately portray what happened Sunday morning, as Reffley’s season lurched from disappointment to debacle. If I did, I’d just type them in and leave it at that.

Going into this match, it was like this: we’d lost our goal-keeper for the rest of the season with a fractured leg; we’d lost our home pitch without any warning thanks to Springwood School replacing our goal-posts with an athletics track; and finally, we’d unexpectedly lost our last four league games, which have cost us a shot at the title and a top two finish. Who’d have thought it could’ve got any worse?

During the week preceding our penultimate home game against Hungate, the only full-sized pitch at Springwood (normally used by Reffley U15’s and U16’s) had been booked for us on our behalf. It all seemed so easy… Ever the optimist, I rolled up at 9.15 am Sunday morning to put up the nets but to my surprise The Wildfowler pub team was already there and had beaten me to it by putting up their own nets instead! They claimed they’d booked the pitch to play an “important cup semi-final”.

To cut through the ensuing arguments, claim / counter-claim, who-said-what-and-when, etc, as things got fractious I didn’t know what the hell was going on, who was in the right or where I stood. I’d got to the point where I’d simply had enough. With it not being our normal pitch, I felt my position was compromised and in the end I told them (The Wildfowler) they could have it. I was sick of all the arguing – this was the final straw.

At 10.20 am I conceded the game to Hungate, gladly donated all three points to their fine cause and then headed off home to enjoy what was left of the weekend. Now we’re out of contention for a top two finish, in all honesty, there was nothing riding on this game for us; the points were largely an irrelevance. Whereas, Hungate might be pretty delighted with their unforeseen windfall as they scale the league table, in our present situation, I felt nothing but indifference about giving up the points.

Final Score: Reffley A-W Hungate

After the heightened expectation that my team had bravely carried in leading the table for the majority of the season, where we end up – third, fourth, fifth or whatever – is pretty immaterial now and not worth any angst or loss of sleep. Everyone can look at the league table and think what they like. However, we know how well we’ve played for much of this season only to wretchedly fall down in the home straight. That in itself remains a worthwhile consolation at least (c.f. last season).

Regarding the mix up before this game, my biggest regret was denying my players a chance to play a football match and further denying them the prospect of getting back to winning ways by countering that enormously disappointing defeat from last month.

For my own satisfaction and to get closure on this ill-fated jaunt, I spoke to the school secretary responsible for booking pitches on Monday morning. She confirmed that Reffley had indeed, rightly and correctly booked the pitch – so more apologies due there – and she had emailed me on the Friday to that effect. Unfortunately, she sent it to an address I use “mid-week” and so, I did not know about this on the (Sunday) morning of the game – I eventually read that email on the Sunday afternoon, which was, of course, too late. If I’d seen it and printed it off before the game, there would have been no argument. As Reffley is Springwood’s longest-standing and most valuable customer, we always take priority over other clubs in booking pitches. To this end, she (the school secretary) even telephoned The Wildfowler’s team secretary on Friday as well, to forewarn him that Reffley had booked this pitch, but according to him on Sunday morning, that message was never received, which was a convenient position to adopt in the circumstances. Understandably, The Wildfowler’s stance was: “you say you’ve booked it, we say we’ve booked it; it’s your word against ours”.

As we will be playing all our home games on this pitch next season as U15’s, a system has now been put in place with Springwood to avoid this happening again. Next season, all pitch bookings for my team’s home games will be confirmed direct to me, in writing, by the school secretary in the week prior to the match and a hard copy will be in the kit bag on every match day without fail, so we avoid the ignominy of having to concede a game in such circumstances, ever again.

Finally, apologies to everyone, including Hungate’s healthy contingent, who had their Sunday morning wasted. In retrospect, it’s been proved that we (Reffley) were in the right regarding the booking of the pitch. However, when the arguing started, I wasn’t absolutely 100% certain of my position. My dilemma was this: if it had turned out that I’d been wrong but still insisted on taking the pitch, it could have resulted in The Wildfowler losing their cup semi-final by default, and for what? For my team to play a league game on which there was nothing at stake. The repercussions from that would have been hard to bear. On the other hand, some might say (even though it wasn’t their call), that I conceded when I shouldn’t have done. But, being the fair-minded, personable, sympathetic and reasonable individual I am – even with my Reffley-tinted-spectacles on – self-sacrifice is never far away, so I felt it was only right to give way, even to the obvious detriment of my own team. And that… was my decision… so how’s that for ego?

Regrets I have a few, but then again, too few to mention… what is done, is done. We move on: 21 down, 3 to go…anyone got a Tardis?

REFFLEY HIT ROCK BOTTOM…

Squad: Stork, Farthing, Tuck, Coote, Hayes, Eglen, Searle, Bloodworth, Pearson, Rowe, Roofe. Subs: Martin, Elvin.

Since our defeat away to West Winch, these last few weeks have been hard to bear in a footballing sense and it’s not been easy through my on-line ramblings to say much that is positive – I write it as I see it, openly and honestly (too much so at times). This week is no different; my Reffley team is currently on its knees; our self-belief and confidence have evaporated. So to forestall any further annotations, I do not want to talk about this match in any detail; people can have their own thoughts about it.

Unfortunately for this game, we were still without Jon Hammond (injured) and things got even worse when we lost goal-keeper Blake Hewitt 24 hours before the game with a foot injury. However, I was very grateful to James Stork for once again selflessly taking on the ‘keeper’s jersey in difficult circumstances.

In summary, Reffley were ruthlessly exposed and swept emphatically aside by a physically outsized North Lynn side, whose direct approach coupled with breath-taking speed in attack, left us totally unable to cope. We weren’t outplayed in a true footballing sense by sheer skill and artistry but we were steam-rollered by raw power and desire. We lacked the pace, size and strength to extinguish the threat. Our defence (and I include myself in this) had neither the flexibility nor was tactically astute enough to adapt to that threat during the game. Our midfielders tried hard in the face of the continuous onslaught but were often detached and on the periphery of the game, as our shortcomings continue to be exposed on these much larger pitches where we struggle to cover the ground and work as a cohesive unit. Our forwards could do nothing but powerlessly witness our unravelling and were unable to muster any significant attempt on the North Lynn goal during the entire match. These are the simple facts of what happened.

Off the concessions, they are summarised as follows:

25 mins: long through-ball up the middle, defence out-paced, one-on-one (0-1).

27 mins: long through-ball up the middle, defence out-paced, one-on–one (0-2).

30 mins: attack down NL right, defence out-paced, cut inside, beat tackle (0-3).

38 mins: Reffley’s stand-in ‘keeper James Stork brought down the North Lynn centre forward in full flight just outside the box, with a challenge that was more clumsy than malicious. As he was the last player, we held our breath. However, to his credit the North Lynn appointed referee showed Storky a yellow card, when he may have been perfectly entitled to fish out of his pocket the red one. I think it was the right decision in the context of the game – we needed all the help we could get.

40 mins: attack down NL left, defence out-paced, cut-in, shot buried from acute angle (0-4).

48 mins: break-away down NL left, low cross, met in six-yard box on the run (5-0).

55 mins: attack down NL right, cut in, held off tackles, shot from 6 yards (0-6).

At the final whistle my players left the field battered, bruised and very dejected - I hasten to add metaphorically and not physically, lest any of our avid readers wish to impart they own skewed interpretation on my choice of words. I felt dreadfully sorry for them as they trudged off. I couldn’t help them anymore than I know what to do for myself at the moment.

Can North Lynn win the title? Well, put it like this, even though they had never beaten us before today, I’m glad I don’t have to subject my players to play against them any more this season. On this evidence, they will take some stopping. As a fellow Lynn team, I wish them well…

Final Score: North Lynn 6-0 Reffley

Reffley’s MotM: James Stork and Alistair Farthing for bravery and perseverance from start to finish in a very difficult game of football.

Finally, one Reffley player particularly close to me stood alone, totally inconsolable at the final whistle as the last chance for any success this season was finally snuffed out. As I went over, he asked me why our team had collapsed so dramatically. I couldn’t give him an answer. However, the emotion of the moment laid bare his passion for playing football, his patriotism for his team and his enthusiasm for what we have tried to achieve and how we’ve gone about it – something which I can identify with entirely. I am very proud of him and he is the reason why we’ll come back to fight another day.

As I said recently: if we get knocked down seven times, we get up eight. There is no alternative.

THE LIGHTS FINALLY GO OUT ON OUR SEASON...

Squad: Hewitt, Farthing, Tuck, Coote, Hayes, Elvin, Searle, Eglen, Pearson, Rowe, Roofe. Subs: Martin, Stork.

Of the game itself…Reffley tinted specs on… ready, steady, go… I have to concede that it was a closely competitive, yet querulous encounter. Once more, the opposition seemed to raise their game against us and they took the lead mid-way through an even first half. From our point of view, it’s fair to describe it as being a bad concession. ‘Keeper Hewitt, in going up for a high bouncing ball in the area (with his reach advantage) should have taken it out cleanly at its zenith by whatever means necessary and in doing so, exercised his goal-keeper’s prerogative to clatter asunder all those around him. Instead, a rather more hesitant approach meant he was beaten to the ball – it was one of those things but an important lesson learned for next time… (0-1).

In the last 10 mins of the half Reffley gained some ascendancy in terms of possession and territory. Beforehand, we’d have taken a 0-1 deficit into half time, confident that we had more than enough in our locker to turn this game around with a wind-assisted second period. In fact, it got better than that as our good spell of pressure finally paid off. Joe Roofe, who had continually chased down any hint of a would-be spillage or rebound off the opposition ‘keeper, finally got his reward as he pounced on a loose ball to equalise, just before half time, with a well-placed left-footed shot from inside the area (1-1).

Despite having the wind on our backs in the second half, we failed to capitalise and unfortunately fell behind again on 42 mins. following some evermore familiar, standoffish defending (1-2).

On 50 mins., Alex Tuck brought his team level again, reacting first to poke the ball into the net from close range following a corner (2-2). On the balance of play, it was nothing less than Reffley deserved.

With 20 mins left it seemed there was plenty of time to find a winner from somewhere, but unfortunately for us it was our opponents who did so, following another ill-timed tackle on the left side of the Reffley midfield (2-3). It was time to draw the curtains!

Final Score: Reffley 2-3 East Lynn

In all four of our league defeats this season, we’ve lost by the odd goal, the slimmest of margins and each time we’ve been undone by teams who, in our opinion, we should have sent packing. However, the cumulative effect of our failings has been enough to virtually switch off the lights on our season. Again, we are perplexed by this latest defeat: it’s difficult to understand how we can coast to a consummate 5-0 win against these same opponents earlier in the season (inflicting on them their biggest margin of defeat) and yet struggle so hard to make any impact in the return on our home pitch, where we were previously unbeaten? Whilst there are no guarantees in sport, maybe part of the answer lies in the opposition bouncing back from their previous week’s reversal against NL.

On the downside, today we were without wide players Jon Hammond (injured) and Nathan Bloodworth (unavailable) and that affected our starting line-up and our balance. On the upside, it was a relief to return to Springwood for the first time in five weeks and to a pitch which we know well and have now come to appreciate, especially after our recent travels. At the risk of a little moan… it might be somewhat baldly devoid of grass in places, but its nicely manicured wider stretches more than make up for this minor deficiency. Furthermore, not only does it offer a fast, flat and even surface, which is conducive to playing the kind of passing game we try to aspire to, but best of all, it’s largely “caprine-free”.

Of the Reffley performance, on the whole, the players gave a good account of themselves in terms of their application. There was a lot of effort from all over the pitch. Perhaps we should have done a little better in certain footballing aspects of our play and that might have been enough to have eked out a result. Nevertheless we did what we did. Ben Coote, Jack Hayes and particularly Alistair Farthing played solidly in defence. In midfield, Jake Eglen and Craig Elvin both had good spells and the front three of Rowe, Pearson and Roofe did their best in the circumstances.

Reffley’s MotM: Gazza Searle – for another full-on, high-octane, battling performance. This is not meant in any way as a criticism (of my own players, for once), but if only I could somehow get a few more of them to examine this boy’s performance’s every week, then raise their commitment and work rate to his level and hurl themselves into a game (and at the opposition) like he does, then on work-rate, aggression and will-power alone, we’d be a much more formidable outfit.

And of course, as is my editorial want… a final thought (so press the button on your remote or something similar… if you don’t want to read it.)

After his team’s 2007 FA Cup Semi-Final, Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp talked about emotional extremes in football. He said: “The highs and lows you can experience in this game are unbelievable. The highs can be tremendous, but it frightens the hell out of me how low you can get. It shouldn’t be like this, but it is, even though it’s only a game.”

After the utter disappointment of our two previous defeats, I can empathise with him entirely about the lows.

This week, however, it feels different. Even though we’ve yet again lost to a team against whom we have always done well historically, the difference is this: as our flurry of unlikely losses continues to rack up, our position in the table is such that anything else which happens to us in what’s left of this irksome season is fast becoming a total irrelevance. We’ve lost another game of football. So what? We tried hard, we didn’t play to our absolute best but that said, we didn’t get played off the pitch either. In the end, perhaps if we’d taken our chances or tackled better when called upon, it might have been different. Regrettably, we didn’t and it wasn’t. That’s life!

As it stands, mathematically (and optimistically), we’ve still got an outside chance of finishing runners-up although we’re now heavily reliant on teams south of the 52.7^th parallel doing us a favour – which in itself sounds a bit of a dichotomy, so we can’t afford to hold our breath. Anyway, with our huge goal difference advantage counting as an extra point, we can do no better than put our trust in the main protagonists playing a robust hand right through to the bitter end. Far be it from any of us to inculcate the possibility of any chicanery going on! Even so, if results do go against the form book – which we know can happen, more than most – our fall-back position is to battle it out for the same third place in which we finished last season and that won’t be too bad for a widely proclaimed village team, will it? – (lest we don’t get ‘diddled’ again, of course - Ed).

Anyway, Rodders, onwards and upwards (or should that be, in our case, onwards and horizontally)… we have a party up the road to spoil next time out. Tally Ho!

REFFLEY BOGGED DOWNED IN THE FENS...

Squad: Hewitt, Stork, Tuck, Coote, Farthing, Hammond, Eglen, Searle, Bloodworth, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Martin, Hayes, Elvin.

Another defeat improbable, this time away to fifth place Hungate, further confirmed that Reffley’s title challenge has been well and truly derailed of late. This match should have been played at Springwood, but for reasons known only unto them, the ground staff at the school assiduously dismantled the goals posts over the Easter break and safely locked them away. A great idea to protect against a spate of recent attacks of vandalism on the site, but not much good if, like me, you want to host a football match!

Reffley had played only three times since 27 January and so, with this fixture reversed (compliments to our opponents for re-arranging the game at such short notice), we were at least looking forward to a game of football, at long last. However, I’ll get my perfunctory moan out of the way up front – once more, I was troubled to see a pitch which was abound with a lot of long grass down the flanks. As I walked it before the KO I just knew it would make passing the ball on the ground out wide a virtual impossibility for my team and I feared once more, it would prove to be a levelling factor outside our control... (my opinion – no more, no less).

So, with that piece of nonsense out of the way… onto the game itself. Not for the first time, Reffley made a truly dreadful start. The opposition cut to shreds the fragile right side of the Reffley defence twice inside the first 5 mins and before we could say “Afghan goat”, we were facing an uphill 0-2 deficit. Clearly, my call for a fast, strong, decisive and imposing start from my players fell totally on deaf ears.

We ungainly slogged away until half time and with the ball bouncing off the inside of the post, it was the nearest we got to pulling a goal back. Most notably Hammond retired injured with a strained groin after 20 mins., which didn’t help matters.

At half time, none of my players could explain what was happening. The signs were not good as they looked dejected and beaten. Of my own observations, we were second best in most departments. Given that we were unable to pass the ball quickly, accurately and with any regularity to anyone in a white shirt, it was patently clear we weren’t getting enough of the ball to strikers Josh Rowe and Matty Pearson, our best bets to get us back into the game. In addition, our communication bordered on the non-existent, our movement off the ball was desultory and our support play was, at best, sporadic. Once more, we had allowed ourselves to become unintelligently drawn into the game of attrition, slugging it out down the middle third against a team who wanted to win more than we did (complement intended). Instead of playing ourselves out of this mire, we stood toe-to-toe and played a game of (polite) equivalence. With no width, no space, no movement and no thought in our game, there was little wonder we couldn’t break free of our self-imposed shackles and string three passes together.

There is a fine line between giving a team a verbal “kick up the backside” to inspire them and those same words having the exact opposite effect in switching them off. I was not sure, as my players took to the field for the second half, which way my berating had tipped the balance. Judging from their demeanour, they weren’t enjoying it and neither was I.

On 40 mins., (and there was always a chance I may have got this wrong because I was too preoccupied to take any notes, for once), Hungate to their credit went 0-3 ahead, to make it a real uphill struggle for us. It could have barely got any worse.

That said, even at this point, I was hopeful that if my team could get a foot-hold in this game, we were more than good enough to dig ourselves out of this self-inflicted hole.

On 45 mins., an in-swinging free kick from Coote was glanced into the opposition net by Rowe (1-3).

On 50 mins. Pearson rattled the foot of the opposition post and a few seconds later he buried his second shot into the corner of the net (2-3).

With 20 mins. left, I thought we’d pull this off. Unfortunately, as time ebbed away and as we pushed forward in search of an equaliser, our opponents hit us on the break to lead 2-4 and that, as they say, was that!

Right on full time, Gazza scored a consolation goal with a good strike from the edge of the area (3-4).

Final Score: Hungate 4-3 Reffley

Manager’s Comments:
Our second half display was a big improvement during which we enjoyed a strong 15 minute period. My team did work hard to raise their game and the effort they expended in doing so was noticeable, appreciated and they were rightly commended for that at the final whistle.

Whilst not intending to be disingenuous, least of all to our opponents who did jolly well, it has to be said, it was yet another truly awful result for us. It is fair to add that by our own standards and this season’s standings, we had expected a more profitable return from this game.

Our opponents, who have never before beaten us in an 11-a-side game, had in their team an in-form striker whose thirty-odd goals already this season have accounted for the majority of their total. Now, far be it from me to suggest that one player can make a team; however, I felt I was perfectly entitled to forewarn my defenders, before and during the game, of the specific danger presented by this individual in front of our goal and in spite of those warnings, to his credit, that same player still managed to score two of the four goals against us on the day. Most disappointingly, it was that lack of attention by my defenders, coupled with a off-colour performance all round, which cost us the three points in this match.

Whilst having to rein in my choice of words as to how we all feel following this latest defeat, there is nothing we can do now other than to pick ourselves up and press on. There are some challenging games ahead and we can still go one better than last season and finish in the top two, so there’s everything to play for. (How's that for optimism? - Ed')

What made this defeat all the more exasperating was the news that the high-riding Galacticos unexpectedly slipped up, dropping two valuable points in an unlikely draw. That result, conjoined with three points from today’s game, would have pitched us right back into title race. Instead another miserable Sunday afternoon ensued.

REFFLEY CRASH AND BURN, AS TITLE HOPES DISAPPEAR INTO THE LONG GRASS...

Reffley’s outside challenge for the U14’s title unexpectedly imploded in spectacular fashion against lowly West Winch.

Squad: Stork, Farthing, Eglen, Coote, Hayes, Elvin, Martin, Searle, Hammond, Roofe, Rowe. Subs: Tuck, Pearson.

Coming into this fixture and considering the long-term form of these two teams, there was nothing to suggest that the outcome of this match would be anything other than another comfortable win for the high flying Lynn side. Our opponents, openly proclaiming themselves as a Division 2 side in waiting, had managed only three wins in nineteen previous games during this campaign: two against bottom-of-the-table Denver and one against third-from-bottom Watlington.

Even though West Winch looked like they had been busy before the 31 January signing / transfer deadline expired, with a clutch of new faces, the recent form book didn’t lie. Earlier this season, Reffley had brushed aside this team with a comfortable 11-0 stroll-in-the-park at Springwood, so quite how they managed to turn such a thumpingly, resounding defeat into a 1-0 victory remains a complete mystery to me.

Reffley started the game with virtually the same line-up that played for most of last week’s 15-0 victory over Downham ‘C’. James Stork continued as stand in ‘keeper in the continued absence of Blake Hewitt and Alex Tuck and Matty Pearson started on the bench. Maybe the team selection could have been different, but I had every confidence that my starting eleven was more than capable of getting us off to another good start.

On 7 mins., left-back Jack Hayes was hit by the ball in the face from close range. After treatment, the resulting corner was not cleared well and as the Reffley defence moved off its line, ‘keeper James Stork could only parry the incoming shot from the edge of the area into the corner of the Reffley net (0-1).

There was no need to panic as there was loads of time left. With no disrespect to our opponents, on current form, I would have given them another goal or two more head-start and still been confident of turning them over.

By the time we got to within 10 minutes of the interval, we had not made any significant inroads into the deficit, so Pearson and Tuck replaced Joe Roofe and Craig Elvin. By half time, we were still trailing. We were not playing well. Although we competed, West Winch matched us in mid-field and dealt with our attack. During the interval, I laid it on the line for my team in no uncertain terms. Everything we had worked for this season depended on the outcome of the next 35 minutes of football.

To summarise events of the second half, Reffley dominated the possession and the territory with a new found urgency about our game. We threw everything we could at West Winch. Even though it was not pretty, for long periods our opponents were pinned back deep in their own half as Reffley pressed tirelessly for that priceless equaliser. We knew that a draw would have still kept our title challenge alive, given the significant advantage we held on goal difference.

With 18 minutes to go, Roofey replaced Midgey as we went to four up front and Coote pushed forward to join the effort in midfield, leaving just three at the back. Pearson, Hammond and Rowe all had chances, breaking through the West Winch ranks but could not find the target. Coote heart-stoppingly hit the foot of the post with a header from one of Reffley’s numerous corners but it was just not to be. Eventually time ran out and that was that – cue the fat lady with the microphone!

Final Score: West Winch 1-0 Reffley

Manager’s Blog:
I have to say, "well done" to David Maynard and West Winch. Clearly, from their reaction at the final whistle it meant a lot to them – they knew they had won a decent scalp.

We didn’t play well today. Our performance was a shadow of those we’d delivered in recent weeks. Although my players tried their hearts out and competed well, most significantly, we just didn’t play the kind of quality football that sets us apart from the majority of the teams behind us in the table. Quite simply, intelligence went out of the window, we couldn’t pass the ball well enough and we got embroiled in slugging it out against a physically bigger team.

Whilst not wanting to air (once again) my famous “bunch of sour grapes”, now almost a year old, I have to say the pitch at the William Burt Centre could best be described as awful. (I was always told not to bemoan bad luck or the conditions if you lost – but I’m going to anyway!) I am convinced the quality of the playing surface had a significant influence in levelling out this game. It was uneven all over, lending the ball to bounce unpredictably and the players of both teams to kick at nothing but thin air on several occasions. Down the flanks there flourished great expanses of long, luscious, green grass, in such abundance and depth that I’m sure it could have supported the entire goat population of Hellmand Province for a month! This is good for goats, not good for much else. Seriously though, I am surprised that a sporting facility of local renown could offer such an indifferent playing surface. It was impossible to play anything on it that remotely resembled a passing game of football. In fact, it was akin to trying to make a 100-break at snooker with a club cue on a table at Butlins and no chalk – believe me, I’ve tried!!!

Of the wider implications of this match... I hope that the results in this age-group this weekend and the West Winch–Reffley result in particular, will go a long way to finally kill off any talk by the so-called “weaker teams” of holding the league to ransom by wanting to form their own division next season because they don’t consider themselves good enough to compete against the rest of us in this age-group.

I also believe the events of this weekend have totally vindicated the League’s brave decision to make this age-group a single division of thirteen teams this season and then stick to its decision when facing a barrage of criticism and the threat of boycotting games. Indeed, this West Winch–Reffley result has made a mockery of the audacity shown by those teams in the division who did conspire to boycott the opening round of games. In hindsight, they should have put a bit more faith in their own footballing abilities and risen to the challenge, as I said at the time. (Imagine Fulham, Wigan, Birmingham, Derby, Sunderland, etc, boycotting the opening game of the Premiership, just because Arsenal, Chelsea and Man. Utd. are in the starting line-up?) Instead of docking them 3 pts. and fining their Clubs, in my view, a more fitting redress would have been for the league to have ordered those games to be played.

From a personal perspective… of the several games which Reffley have won by racking up huge, double-figure goal tallies, I have had to stand around afterwards listening to some of the opposing managers bleating on about their “unfortunate predicament”, proclaiming the “injustice of the single division” and the fact that their teams simply “aren’t good enough to compete against my team”. And, there have been times this season when I have stood on the touchline, not feeling able to coach my team freely when we’re 7 or 8-nil up for fear of being accused of wanting to humiliate the opposition. Having been relegated to the position of a mute bystander, I have even substituted my stronger players, against my better judgement, in the hope of limiting the Reffley goal count. And when we have won by a huge margin (we’ve been in double figures 7 times), I have felt embarrassed and even worse, sometimes I have felt the need to apologise afterwards and make the appropriate sympathetic noises on behalf of my team and their over-zealous performance. Worst of all, on the odd occasion, I have even suffered the indignity of being ignored at the final whistle by the opposing manager and not even offered so much as a handshake, let alone a signature on the result sheet. Anyway, after this defeat, believe me; I know what it’s like to feel bad, but it didn’t stop me from genuinely congratulating the West Winch manager on his team’s performance.

As for next season… my position is this: if there are 13 teams or less in the U15’s hat, I will argue strongly for a single division once again. Besides, my players would most definitely welcome the opportunity to play against West Winch again and I’m sure they would too, if only to prove that today’s result wasn’t a fluke.

West Winch’s victory over us has given the hand-picked Galacticos of Downham ‘A’ et al, an almost unassailable lead and virtually guaranteed them yet another league title and the difficult half of another potential double. Given the intertwined history of the two aforementioned teams, stretching back to U10’s / U11’s, the irony of today’s events was not lost on me and in the midst of a dismal Sunday afternoon, it even brought a smile to my face when I thought of West Winch clinching the league title for the Galacticos! Incidentally, I’m not sure who was more gutted about the ramifications of this result, me or the West Winch manager himself!

So, what’s left of our season…? Well, we still have that ever-elusive runners-up place to compete for – same battle, but different opponents. To be honest, this is still, in my view, the truest and most realistic objective for my team, given the way we have chosen to operate. Over a season long campaign it has been proved, once again that we just can’t compete with the team at the top, irrespective of how much we have kidded ourselves along the way. So nothing much has changed really, has it? At least, however, this year we’ve kept the title race realistically alive until March, which is a bit of an improvement on the seven weeks it lasted last season and, hey, it was fun while we had them looking over their shoulders!

And one final thought… this untimely and unexpected defeat against West Winch will galvanise my team’s efforts and we’ll bounce back stronger, more determined and better prepared for the task ahead. There are still a hatful of goals and some big scores to be had out there and we won’t be holding back, not anymore. If complacency was a factor in this match, we’ll talk about that at the next training session, because it won’t be a factor in the future. Don’t misunderstand me, this result was a big disappointment for us and in the end it has cost us a tilt at the title. However, there was one tiny consolation: as we stood there watching our chances of success disappear down the swanny, at least we knew this time round, we’d had been beaten “fair and square” – and there’s not a single sour grape in sight!

REFFLEY'S OWN SMOKIN’ JOE FIRES A SIX GOAL SALVO...

Reffley sharpshooter Joe Roofe came off the bench to notch up a record six-goal haul to maintain his side’s assault on the U14’s title.

Squad: Stork, Farthing, Eglen, Coote, Hayes, Hammond, Martin, Searle, Bloodworth, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Roofe, Elvin.

Even without regular ‘keeper Blake Hewitt (vacation) and defender Alex Tuck (rested), Reffley kept up their title challenge with another high scoring win over Downham ’C’. Despite this only being Reffley’s second game in five weeks, there was nothing rusty about this performance.

The Saturday morning training session was worth its weight in gold because it gave us an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the vicious cross wind which would plague this game. James Stork was the stand-in ‘keeper for the day and the defensive line in front of him comprised of Alistair Farthing, Jake Eglen, skipper Ben Coote and Jack Hayes. The four man midfield of Jon Hammond, James Martin, Gazza Searle and Nathan Bloodworth would again pull the strings. The in-form strike force of Josh Rowe and Matty Pearson (10 and 8 goals respectively in their last three games together), would again lead Reffley’s attack at the sharp end of a potent 4-4-2 formation.

The opening exchanges revealed nothing about what was to follow as Downham C dug in, packed the midfield and competed strongly man-for-man. With so many bodies in there, the game immediately began to get bogged down and it was patently obvious the way round this – literally – to capitalise on the width of the pitch.

With these instructions ringing in their ears, my young team soon opened their account. On 6 mins., a fantastic ball from Gazza inside the Downham right back sent Rowe away down the flank. His out-swinging cross was picked up on the penalty spot by Hammond whose first touch took him past the stranded Downham ‘keeper and with his second, he rolled the ball into the empty net. It was such an incisive, quickly executed move and a real impressive opener (1-0).

On 9 mins., Ben Coote picked out Rowe again, this time through the centre with a well-flighted ball out of defence. An immaculate first touch enabled Rowe to race clear in three or four strides and he made no mistake firing home a left-footed shot over the advancing ‘keeper from 25 yards out (2-0).

On 12 mins., a long goal kick from Stork was helped on by the Reffley midfield. Matty Pearson’s impressive turn of speed enabled him to get to the ball first, ahead of the chasing defender and he dispatched a wonderful 30 yard effort high into the net, out of reach of the ‘keeper’s out-stretched arms (3-0).

On 14 mins., with his back to goal just inside the Downham half, Pearson laid off an exquisite pass on the outside for Hammond to run onto ahead of the flat Downham defence and his shot from outside the box once again flew in over the advancing ‘keeper (4-0).

Despite my repeated calls for getting the ball out wide, three of our four opening goals came from attacks straight down the middle third – so what do I know? Yet again, this was a very, very impressive start. Reffley’s passing game continues to flourish and mature nicely and when supplemented with fluidity and movement off the ball, not to forget some much improved verbal interaction, we are really beginning to look and play like a very accomplished outfit.

On 23 mins., Pearson’s outstanding start to this game was prematurely halted as he limped off with a suspected twisted ankle, to be replaced by Joe Roofe in a straight swap.

A minute later on 24 mins., Hammond sent over a testing cross from the right and Roofey was on hand with his first touch to nip in to score a poacher’s goal from close range (5-0). Substitute Craig Elvin replaced Jon Hammond.

The constant threat we posed every time we were in possession was beginning to bear down on our brave opponents. It was becoming more and more difficult for them to keep my team at bay. On 26 mins., another perfect through ball from Coote out of defence put Rowe in the clear once more. The linesman’s flag stayed down as the Reffley talisman rounded the ‘keeper at speed and nonchalantly sided footed the ball home for his second (6-0).

A minute before half time, Rowe broke away again, this time down the left flank and dug out a fantastic cross from underneath the corner flag to pick out Roofey who got in front of his marker again and poked the ball in from close range for his second (7-0).

There was not much to say to my players at half time, except that, with the game already won, I reminded them once again to stay focused, to keep their shape and to stay respectful to the opposition. In a position like this when the pressure is off, my aspirations for my team are simple – to go out and express themselves by playing football in the right and proper manner, as a team, with an abundance of good passing, movement and communication. And you know what, they did just that.

On 37 mins., the goal-rush recommenced, unrelenting. This time, Rowe converted a left wing cross at the far post from close range for his third hat-trick in his last four games (8-0). Since his recent switch into the attack, operating in a free role across the front line, released from any defensive midfield responsibilities, Rowe’s form as been sensational, not only in respect of his strike rate, but also in his creativity and link-up play.

On 38 mins., midfield dynamo Gazza burst through the centre on a weaving run. I could sense him just about to pull the trigger but as the ball lifted off the ground, Roofey stepped in, took it off his toe and rifled the ball home for a hat-trick of his own. Gazza was the first to congratulate him (9-0).

On 47 mins., Jon Hammond returned to the action to replace Midgey in right-mid-field. On 50 mins., Gazza again found himself in an advanced position and again did all the leg-work, but typically, Roofey was on hand once more, perfectly positioned, to lace home the rebound from Gazza’s shot, for his fourth goal (10-0).

On 52 mins., a Reffley corner from the right was partially cleared to Craig Elvin who steadied himself before banging home the ball from the left hand side of the box (11-0).

A minute later, Gazza and Rowe combined well on the left and a swift interchange of passes led to Rowe’s cross being met on the run by Hammond who made no mistake for his fourth on the half-volley (12-0).

On 58 mins., Gazza was again involved in the build-up, as his cross goal shot from the right was parried to Roofey, who drilled the ball back into the net from an acute angle on the left for his fifth goal (13-0).

On 59 mins, Midgey and Matty Pearson (who’d managed to run off his stiff ankle), returned to the action, replacing Gazza and Josh Rowe.

As the game started to go off the boil, on 66 mins., hard-working midfielder, Nathan Bloodworth was replaced by Rowe, for one final throw of the dice!

On 69 mins., Hammond scored his fourth, racing through to get on the end of an excellent cross-field ball from the left. Again, there was only one outcome as he confidently despatched the ball into the net, once inside the box (14-0).

On 70 mins., Roofey treated us to his sixth and final goal. Cutting in from wide out on the left, he burst through the defence but appeared to get the ball under his feet inside the six yard box. As he went down in a heap he seemed somehow to re-adjust his position and as quick as lightning scooped the ball into the net whilst lying flat out in the goal mouth. It was simple determination which netted him his final goal (15-0).

And so, another three points and another difficult morning on the touchline for me! As clinical as it seems, we’ve just gotta do what we’ve gotta do! My defence, although not unduly troubled looked steady and capable. Alistair Farthing and Jack (“GK LEG3ND”) Hayes were both confidence personified in their respective full-back positions. Ben Coote, solid as a rock, played his normal captain’s game in the centre and was very well supported by Jake Eglen alongside him. Indeed, I thought some of Jake’s passing out of defence was particularly impressive, especially in switching the play to the opposite side of the field on a couple of occasions to open up the space there for a swift counter-attack.

Jon Hammond, Midgey, Gazza, Nathan Bloodworth and Craig Elvin all made strong contributions in the middle of the park, an area where an awful lot of the hard graft they do can sometimes go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Up front, we were once again clinical and decisive. Rowe, Pearson and Roofey are currently playing with an edge and a level of confidence that I am certain is going to create a lot more havoc for opposition defences before the fat lady gets up for her final chorus at the end of this particular season.

Final Score: Reffley 15-0 Downham ‘C’

Reffley’s MotM: Joe Roofe – for an extraordinary display of opportunistic goal scoring after coming on as substitute part way through the first half. It was pleasing to see the goals go in for a player who has struggled somewhat this campaign to recapture his goal-scoring exploits from the previous season. I have no doubt this is the turning point and his goals will be crucial for us as we get into the business end of the season.

Manager’s Comments:
There can be no let up now the final run-in gets closer and closer. We are half way through a run of four matches against self-proclaimed Division 2 sides against whom I have called for clean sheets and goals. We need to get into the habit of scoring, whilst not conceding. We are back on track too in respect of the style of football I want this team used to playing. As we continue our preparation for the likes of our main challengers who lie just over the horizon, we are high in confidence and expectation. The ultimate target remains firmly fixed in our sights. There is no room for sentiment now. Goals may or may not count in the final outcome. Today our goal difference went through the +100 barrier. I am not sure whether it’s something to be proud of, or not. Any which way, the Lynn News will have to extend the width of their column in Friday’s paper!

TWO TIMES TON-UP REFFLEY TOO HOT FOR HEACHAM ON A FROSTY MORN...

This was Reffley’s first game in three weeks and more significantly, their 100th 11-a-side game. What more I can say is this: it was a good job we had a training session the day before. For a team that had been purring along and scoring for fun in their previous two outings, the rust had quickly set in.

Reffley arrived at Heacham on a crisp winter’s morning ready to exorcise part two of the ghost which cost Lynn’s in-form team the runners-up prize last season. Even though the frosty pitch was thawing out nicely by KO time, a further wait is 15 mins. made sure conditions were safe.

Slipping straight back into the increasingly familiar 4-4-2 formation, Reffley yet again stormed out of the blocks and set about their opposition. In form strikers Josh Rowe (8 in two games) and Matty Pearson (7 in three games) led the Reffley attack. A four man mid-field comprising of Craig Elvin, Gazza, Midgey and Jon Hammond was set up to command the central stretch, with the defence of James Stork, Alex Tuck, captain Ben Coote and Jack Hayes sitting in front of ‘keeper Blake Hewitt.

On 3 mins., not for the first time this season and not for the first time against Heacham, the mercurial Josh Rowe blasted a goal kick from the Heacham ‘keeper straight back past him and into an empty net (1-0).

On 9 mins., good work on the right between Rowe and Elvin saw Gazza put through into the box and the diminutive Reffley powerhouse made no mistake from eight yards out (2-0).

On 18 mins., a sublimely executed reverse pass from Pearson on his blind side sent Hammond clear and the Reffley striker christened his eye-catchingly bright new orange Nike boots with a well placed strike low and wide of the Heacham ‘keeper. Here's to the first of many goals courtesy of those boots, Jon! (3-0).

On 19 mins., Elvin sent Rowe clear on an overlapping run down the right flank. Rowe’s cross was met on the volley by Pearson who crashed his shot high into the roof of the net from six yards out. This was indeed a special goal as it marked the second centennial milestone of the day - the 100^th strike by this Reffley team in the league this campaign and it was especially pleasing to be the first team to reach that particular landmark in our division this season (4-0).

For the third successive game, another avalanche of goals looked on the cards. All the play was in Heacham’s final third and it looked unavoidably like becoming another goal-fest. On 25 mins., Hammond went on a mazy run from just inside the Heacham half. Evading tackle after tackle, he eventually threaded his way along the top of the box, cleverly working his opening, before dispatching his shot consummately to the ‘keeper’s right, well out of reach for his second (5-0).

At this point, I have to say that the passing, movement off the ball, team work, support play, work rate, use of the ball and finishing was some of the best I, and everyone else standing on the Reffley touchline, had witnessed this young team produce. It was unfortunate for Heacham, that they were on the receiving end of the opening 25 minutes of this Reffley performance.

On 26 mins., with the game won and my team seemingly coasting along, I elected to make some changes. Afterall, in this situation, why wouldn’t I? Matty Pearson, Jon Hammond and James Stork made way for Joe Roofe, Nathan Bloodworth and Alistair Farthing.

On 27 mins., Roofey received the ball wide out on the left and superbly held it up before weaving his way in field to unselfishly set-up Rowe for his second at the near post. All seemed to be going the plan (6-0).

Nothing much could be said at half time other than to congratulate my players on another breathtaking first half, to stay respectful towards our opponents and to issue a command for more talking and better communication between each other.

On 36 mins., good work between Rowe and Roofey set up Gazza for his second from inside the box (7-0).

However, not long after the re-start, those words – “it don’t need fixing if it ain’t broke” – soon began to echo around my mind. I didn’t feel the substitutions I had made necessarily weakened the team; they just changed it, that’s all. Given the spread of abilities across the entire squad - and it’s as close now as it’s ever been - the change shouldn't have made much difference. Nevertheless, after the changes were made, we weren’t the same team. Everything went awry. Most disappointingly, the front line of Reffley strikers lost their discipline and we incurred more off-sides in this game than the previous three games put together.

On 51 mins., Heacham pull one back. And attack from their left flank just wasn’t dealt with and we duly got punished as their winger cut in side and scored at the near post for a well taken goal (7-1). This was just sloppy defending.

On 56 mins., I decided to shake thing up again, only to make this even worse! Pearson, Hammond and Stork returned to replace Searle, Elvin and Tuck. Even though we were comfortable with respect to the score line, you talk about manager’s making decisions in an attempt to share out playing time on the pitch!!! It’s not a good basis to approach this game.

On 57 mins., a carbon copy run in from the same flank gave Heacham their second. Defensively, we had gone out to lunch! (7-2).

On 60 mins., Pearson notched up his second from close range following good work by Hammond (8-2).

On 63 mins., unsurprisingly Heacham grabbed a well worked third (8-3).

Boy, wasn’t I glad of that first 25 minute spell when we cruised to a 5-0 lead. Without that, we might have been left reeling. That said, Heacham were a different team in the second half. Coming out with nothing to lose, they really upped their game in a way that not many other teams have done against us this season. Normally, the opposite happens – as the goals go in, heads start to fall and we all look forward to the final whistle.

A special mention is warranted about the displays for Jack Hayes, James Martin and Craig Elvin. Hayes was particularly impressive at left back, mopping up everything Heacham threw at him down their right flank. His tackling was well timed and he linked well with the midfielders as he played the ball forward out of defence. James Martin had another solid game in the centre of the park, his silky passing ability caught the eye every time he got possession to set another attack in motion. Finally, Craig Elvin worked the right hand side of the park very well, capitalising on the space he created and linking well with Gazza on the inside and the forwards ahead of him.

Final Score: Heacham 3-8 Reffley

Reffley's MotM: Josh Rowe - not only is this boy enjoying a new lease of life in his free, attacking role, he was simply in command of everything, as his team poured forward from the first whistle. It was a virtuoso performance from Rowe especially in the first half and it's a pity we didn't maintain our quality of play as a team throughout the entire match, because it could have been even better. I can't wait 'til next time! 

Manager’s Comment:
I have demanded a lot from my players over this and the next three games. All the boys know what the targets are and what we have to achieve together. These games will provide perfect dress rehearsals for us to get out acts together for the slightly more serious challenges that lie ahead, as the season comes to a climax.

If I did learn anything today, it was not to mess about with a winning formula, especially when the going gets a little tougher. I had my reasons for making the changes when I did – kids needed to play and the game was practically over at the time – but it was a timely reminder of what can happen. Fortunately, today, I got away with it. When the chips are down, not only will my team be prepared to play hard, I will too.

It was always my intention when this fixture came round to ask Walpole to reverse the venue so that it could be played at Springwood. Why? Simply because when Walpole played an active part in the Week One boycott in protest of the single Division, Reffley lost a home game through no fault of our own. Never one to miss an opportunity to gain an edge, I asked the question. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And, surprisingly, they agreed! Picking up the tab for the ref. was a small price to pay.

However, best laid plans and all that... With everything set, it was a huge disappointment for us when Walpole postponed the game on Saturday afternoon, citing the reason as not being able to raise a team due to illness. This is the second time we have been denied an opportunity to lock horns with this particular team. The pickings were rich against them last season and given that we'd scored 25 times in our last two outings, hopes were high of something along similar lines today. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. I only hope Walpole get their mitigation into the league in writing within the next seven days and the Committee order the match to be played on another date. Another three point nil-nil win is no good to us, even in the position we're in. We want to win the league by beating everyone placed in front of us, not have it handed to us on a plate!

REFFLEY OH SO CLINICAL AS ROWE AND PEARSON LEAD THE GOAL-RUSH...

(Hewitt, Farthing, Tuck, Coote, Hayes, Hammond, Eglen, Searle, Martin, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Roofe, Stork, Elvin).

(Well, in most cases, at least), there’s little point in glorifying such a score line. Even so, we came into this re-arranged fixture well motivated and determined to press on with our title challenge. In terms of a slip-up, we’ve got no more chances left. Each time we go out now, it’s a season decider, a must win game to maintain our challenge. For each game it is simply a question of getting the team into the right frame of mind for the task ahead.

We decided to persevere with the same 4-4-2 formation that has served us well in our last two outings; Josh Rowe again led the attack, with Matty Pearson alongside. Reffley’s midfield comprised of Hammond, Eglen, Searle and Martin. Goal-keeper Hewitt had for his protection a strong defensive four made up of Farthing, Tuck, Coote and Hayes. The subs. were Roofey, Storky and Elvin.

We knew we couldn’t take Dersingham lightly. After all, they had dumped us out of two mini-soccer tournaments last summer. My players were warned before the match – we had to be focused and on top of our game as this was potentially a big banana skin, of that there was no mistake. Our prep. was back-to-basics: to challenge for everything, to get the ball down on the grass quickly, to keep possession with short, simple, accurate passing, with good movement off the ball and clear communication. Above all else, we would be relentless in feeding the ball to Rowe at every opportunity. Today, our play would be no nonsense, simple and direct.

We knew that Dersingham’s defence played high and flat and could be exploited on pace alone. If we could get Rowe in a position with the ball at his feet, or better still on the move, in 4-5 metres of space, his pace and directness in going forward would cause them big problems at the back, especially on the retreat. I asked for an explosive start, to kill off the game quickly and my players, to a man, delivered just that. Rarely have I witnessed a team of kids go for broke in a true footballing sense, from the first whistle, like mine did today. The opening 20 mins. of this match were jaw-dropping in respect of the intensity and the relentless pressure we applied as we poured forward deep into our opponent’s territory. The scoring went like this:

29 secs – Coote’s well paced through ball set Rowe free ahead of the Dersingham defence and he slid a left-footed shot past the advancing ‘keeper (1-0).

2 mins – Jake Eglen supplied the next pass, releasing Pearson through on goal and the big centre forward made no mistake from the edge of the area (2-0).

3 mins – Good work out wide on the left between Rowe and James Martin resulted in a square ball being fed inside to Ben Coote who let fly from about 25 yards out (3-0).

4 mins – Bang went our chance of a 10^th clean sheet (Not that you're counting - Ed) as Dersingham, to their credit, hit back with a well-struck shot from the r.h.s. of the Reffley area which sailed over ‘keeper Hewitt. Although no one Reffley player was at fault, the warning signs were there (3-1).

8 mins – Even as my defence and midfield were being reminded of the dangers of complacency and over-confidence, we hit the net again – so what do I know? A Hammond corner from the right into the near post was cleared straight to Gazza who’s shot from an acute angle, with the outside of his right foot, bent sufficiently to creep inside the far post for a well-taken goal (4-1).

10 mins – Another Hammond corner right into the goal-mouth amidst the Reffley cavalry charge was met by Rowe who timed his jump well to head home his second (5-1). At this point, I began to fear the possible size of the final score!

18 mins – Yet another Hammond corner from the right resulted in an o.g. as the Dersingham defence was put under a huge amount of pressure by the runs of the Reffley players into the box (6-1).

19 mins – Gazza’s through ball to Hammond saw the Reffley winger race clear courtesy of a deft drop of the shoulder and a change of pace. Having previously squandered a handful of chances, this time he made no mistake. Once in the box he beat the ‘keeper low to his left (7-1). Surplus to requirements, I felt like retreating to The Feathers for a pint – I wondered if someone would come and get me at half-time?

30 mins – Hammond again supplied the cross from the right for Rowe to covert a right-footed volley from close range. This completed a “perfect hat-trick” (left foot – head – right foot), his second in consecutive weeks (8-1).

34 mins – Once more, Hammond was the provider, as Reffley again penetrated the Dersingham defence from deep with another well-timed run. Pearson was the receiver and nonchalantly converted once inside the box for his second (9-1).

With one goal and five assists, Hammond’s first half contribution was most noteworthy.

Half-Time: Dersingham 1-9 Reffley

There was nothing to say during half time other than for me to remind the boys to stay respectful and to keep their discipline and shape as a team – I advised them against turning this into a free-for-all with everyone playing centre forward – this was not what we are about. Substitutions were made: Rowe, Hammond and Farthing made way for Roofe, Elvin and Stork.

Before the re-start, an unusual concession came via the referee to stop the game prematurely if the score got to fifteen. Although I was a little flattered that they thought we might excel enough to score that many, who was I to refuse? All I could hope for was that if we did get to such a heady score, it didn’t happen too quickly and initiate an early end to the game. The fact I'd already, albeit reluctantly, decided to give Hammond and Rowe in particular, another second half “rest”, would help! Whilst I can’t “call-off” a bunch of 13-14 yr old kids playing a competitive football match, humiliation of the opposition was certainly not on our agenda.

A subdued feeling descended once more. On 40 mins, Farthing returned to replace Alex Tuck who’d taken a kick on the ankle. With the game already won, I became a silent, passive spectator for the second week running – my work was done, a pint in The Feathers beckoned again as the scoring continued:

43 mins – Roofey pounced on a loose ball in the box to drive home a left-footed shot (10-1). Four minutes later, Rowe returned to replace Gazza in a holding midfield role.

51 mins – Midgey added his name to the scoring list with a well struck shot as the ball broke free from a mêlée inside the area (11-1).

53 mins – Hammond scored his second from a 25 yard free kick outside the area, the pace of his delivery beating the ‘keeper (12-1). At this point, I was almost willing the Dersingham goalkeeper to make the saves and indeed, he pulled off a string of fantastic stops.

63 mins – Elvin expertly turned the ball in at the near post from a right wing cross by Rowe (13-1).

65 mins – Pearson completed his hat-trick, again racing clear and beating the ‘keeper with an accurately placed shot (14-1).

69 mins – Midgey put through Rowe who again felt his pursuers behind to score his fourth. The final whistle went on cue as the centre to restart the game was taken. Thankfully we’d played the entire second half – just (15-1).

It’s difficult in a game like this to single out anyone in particular, but this week, one of the unsung heroes of the squad, Jack Hayes at left back, played particularly well. Not only was he strong and confident both on the ground and in the air, but most impressive of all was his distribution, passing the ball out of defence and pushing on to develop the move down the left. Well done.

Full Time: Dersingham 1-15 Reffley
(Off-sides: 1^st half – 2; 2^nd half – 3)

Reffley’s MotM: Josh Rowe, a class act, who’s all round contribution was pivotal in another powerful team display.

Many thanks to the referee, Paul Moore, who was thoroughly excellent throughout.

Manager’s Comments:
Today, seven different players got on the score-sheet, proving that when we attacked the final third we were up there in numbers. More significant than that, we have now exceeded 100 goals scored in all matches for the first time in an 11-a-side season, with seven players touting double-figure tallies to their names.

Some of our forward runs off the ball were a big improvement today, as we broke from midfield. Often the timing was spot on and the runs more inventive, with changes of direction, coming off the blind side and from much deeper positions. Keep that up and the frequency of off-sides against us will stay at an acceptable level. Well done for listening, boys!!!

We had to do a thorough job today and we knew we had to play well to get anything out of this game – we did both… too well, in fact. The size of the score was a surprise. Whilst there is a modicum of compassion, at least, for some of these teams on the receiving end of our game at the moment, we have to think about how it would be for us if the tables were turned. That said, I remain concerned about the long term welfare of this age-group. There is a risk it will fragment in the light of these big scores. If it does, it’ll then be a case of how we (Reffley U14's) best position ourselves to play in a meaningful football division next season – it may not be where we are now. We will consider all options. It will be sad if opposing teams elect not to play against us because they fear the result. The message: “if we’re gonna get beat, we won’t play”, is a dangerous one to send out to impressionable minds. It strikes a blow at the very heart of competitive sport itself. Could my team become the victims of our own improvement? Could we be ostracised because we've improved too much? If that happens, indeed, it would be a sad day.

It’s worth saying that most of the teams in our division could have done exactly what we’ve done – we’ve formed early, we’ve stuck together, we’ve got our priorities right by playing to win, we’ve managed to keep our good players, we’ve worked hard and we’ve all improved. We’ve taken no short cuts. And, it was not that long ago when we were on the end of painful beatings ourselves, courtesy of Woottons, Dersingham and West Winch to name just three. That is conveniently forgotten. Now it’s our turn and we’re coming out of the shadows – that’s football.

Getting back to the present – we are in a great position today and we’ve got here by good, honest effort and determination. Be very sure… our challenge is alive and kicking!

ROWE OFF THE LEASH AS FOUR-FOUR-TWO EQUALS TEN...

(Hewitt, Farthing, Tuck, Coote, Hayes, Elvin, Eglen, Searle, Martin, Roofe, Rowe. Subs: Pearson, Bloodworth).

Although we persisted with our newly adopted 4-4-2 formation, we fielded a much changed starting eleven for this home match against Watlington. In form players, James Stork and Jon Hammond were unavailable and into the team came James Martin, Craig Elvin, Jack Hayes and Joe Roofe. All these boys have shown maturity and patience in their respective substitute’s roles since the beginning of December and that has been very much appreciated. Josh Rowe was again given a free attacking role and the message to the team was simple: get the ball to Josh, into his feet or over the top, early and at every opportunity. Let’s get the Watlington defence on their back foot and see him run at them.

With barely 75 seconds on the clock heading into the wind, Gazza had obviously taken on board these instructions and with his first touch threaded a well weighted through ball inside the Watlington right back and Rowe was onto it in a flash. Once clear, he composed himself and sent a curling right footed shot wide of the advancing ‘keeper and inside the far post (1-0).

To their credit, Watlington steadied their ship and dug in well. Almost 24 mins passed with nothing to report. Then Matty Pearson replaced Joe Roofe, even though Roofey had looked very sharp raiding down the left and digging out a number of excellent crosses. Quite simply, it was the right time to change the approach, to kick-start the game and a minute later that decision paid off handsomely. Rowe’s diagonal pass out wide released Craig Elvin down the right flank and his tantalising cross into the goal mouth was met perfectly by Pearson who hit the back of the onion bag with a solid header (2-0).

On 27 mins, from a Hayes throw-in on the left, Pearson steered the ball across the field into the path of Rowe, who put his head down and despatched a low, accurate shot from the edge of the box, wide of the diving ‘keeper (3-0).

On 29 mins, Nathan Bloodworth relieved the hard-working Gazza to kick off the rotation in midfield.

Half Time: Reffley 3-0 Watlington

After the re-start, I had demanded a quick start now that we had the wind and the slope assisting our game and boy did I get it! On 38 mins, a good interchange between Midge and Rowe on the edge of the area teed Pearson up for a shot and he made no mistake from 12 yards out (4-0).

A minute later, Rowe completed his hat-trick pouncing on a rebound off the ‘keeper at close range from another Pearson shot. The flood gates threatened to open (5-0).

On 42 mins, fearing a complete rout, Rowe was given a rare leave of duty for Roofe to return to partner Pearson in attack. Five minutes later Gazza returned to give Jake Eglen a breather.

Despite the rotations, the impact on our quality of play was minimal as we kept up the pressure. With the traffic mostly in one direction, Watlington’s attacks were infrequent at best. It was key that my players stayed focused, maintained their discipline and kept their shape.

On 54 mins, Gazza popped up in the box to guide home another well-flighted cross from Elvin on the right (6-0). Josh Rowe replaced Craig Elvin.

A minute later, a probing forward pass into the box found Pearson who headed the ball down for Roofe to open his account with a typical poacher’s goal from close range (7-0).

On 58 mins, Midge and Gazza combined well on the right before the ball was recycled back to Pearson on the edge of the box and the big Reffley centre-forward sent an unstoppable shot arcing high into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick (8-0).

On 58 mins, Jake Eglen returned to replace Alex Tuck, as the team went to five across the middle and three at the back.

On 60 mins, Roofey , who had continued to put the pressure on the ‘keeper, following in behind every Reffley shot on goal, was rewarded as he stole in for his second, picking up the pieces courtesy of another spillage, this time from Gazza’s shot (9-0).

James Martin continued to show some excellent touches on the right and on a couple of occasions embarked on a mazy run with a good end product, his close control befuddling (one for NB – Ed) the opposition in their attempts to dispossess him. On 65 mins, Midgey’s contribution was complete and he made way for Craig Elvin to return for a final fling on the right.

With four minutes left, a Watlington goal kick flew out straight to Rowe in the inside left position. Reffley’s maestro took a touch to ground the ball and in an instant launched a swinging left-footed shot goal-bound that flew in over the head of the stranded ‘keeper. To be honest, it came as no surprise: this was the third or fourth time I’ve witnessed Josh do exactly the same thing. From what I have seen in this age-group, Rowe is unique when it comes to such improvisation (10-0).

On 67 mins, Alex Tuck returned to replace captain Ben Coote, who was yet again a massive influence on his team’s performance, very capably supported by Jack Hayes, Alistair Farthing and Tuck himself, in defence.

The Reffley mid-field, again bolstered by the extra man, impressed today, turning over possession, closing down the space and getting the ball under control and keeping possession. However, more important than that, is this was a team performance, pure and simple and that’s what we are about and that’s what we will continue to focus upon. All my players contributed well and played their part today.

Final Score: Reffley 10-0 Watlington
(Off-side count against Reffley = 1 – very pleasing.)

Reffley’s MotM: James Martin for a consummate performance in midfield. Well deserved.

Manager’s Comments:
We have come through a run of tough games over the last 6 or 7 weeks with flying colours – we went in on top and came out on top, but the pursuants are a little closer than we might have liked. (There’s no prizes for being top in January! – Ed). The next few matches present a run of great opportunities for us to get points on the board, the goal difference up and to keep our noses in front in the race for the title. The longer we stay in pole position the more the pressure will build as the season closes out. When the pressure is on, strange things can happen. We have to keep the games coming, making sure no gaps appear in the fixture list. We have to stay focused, play a strong hand each time we go out and pick off the points, one game at a time. We have to ensure that, when the final showdown comes – delayed, unfortunately, though it now is – we’re well-placed and in with a shout.

Today, I broke away from the script and played an even hand for once. The circumstances enabled me to give every player in the entire squad a fair opportunity to get some match time under their belts. It was a first for me to bring off both Coote and Rowe in the same game! Of the game itself, it was necessary to go through the gears in preparation for the challenges to come. The excessive score was unfortunate and of no real benefit to any of us. However, the situation we’re all in is not the fault of my team. We can only play our own game and the opposition standing in front of us on the day. Yes, it was uncomfortable yet again, especially in the closing stages. My (verbal) input was, for a change, minimal – it didn’t need to be anything more.

My one mitigation for feeling like this – and I will continue to say it – is that my team, made up entirely of “home-grown” talent has developed the way it has because we’ve stuck together since U9’s and the kids have listened carefully, trained hard and worked well together. We are a reasonable team, and, at the end of the day, we’ve done it by our own efforts, on our own merits and not by bringing in players from outside just to carve out a shortcut route to success. And for that reason, we shouldn’t feel guilty about being on the right side of a big score line in this game.

Today’s match came as a welcome distraction at the end of an indifferent week and an opportunity to concentrate on chasing one aim by playing football, together as a team. Whatever happens, I will not be sidetracked from selecting my team as I see fit, including the naming of substitutes and the making of necessary (and sometimes difficult) changes during a match. These decisions will be taken for no reason other than for the benefit of the entire team, to help them to win a game of football. Nothing else comes into it – it’s as simple as that. I’d like to think by now, my fair-mindedness in this regard, is beyond questioning.

REFFLEY ROAR BACK TO THE TOP...

(Hewitt, Stork, Tuck, Coote, Farthing, Hammond, Eglen, Searle, Bloodworth, Pearson, Rowe. Subs: Hayes, Elvin, Martin).

Reffley’s sole aim coming into this match was to get their title challenge back on track, so nothing less than all three points would be a satisfactory outcome. After the disappointment and frustration of tripping up against Downham ‘B’ last week, to get another opportunity to play them again so soon was just fine – thanks to a quirk in the fixtures scheduler at the mid-point.

Analysing what went wrong last week highlighted a few problems which needed immediate attention. We discussed these, had a good training session, made a few adjustments and came up with a fresh approach tactically. Quickly, the team was back in the right frame of mind, with a fresh impetus ready for this re-run.

Playing a 4-4-2 formation meant we could quickly get more bodies behind the ball to pack out the midfield. The aim was to exert some real pressure in the central third, to deny our opponents any opportunity to dictate the game to us. On a smaller, three-quarter sized pitch at Springwood, it would be much more congested and that suited us just fine. Reffley’s talisman, Josh Rowe, was given a free role to lead the attack, having been relieved of all defensive responsibilities. The plan was simple: stay solid at the back, overturn possession in midfield and get the ball up to Josh at every opportunity, as quickly and as early as possible, to let him run at a back-pedalling defence. The other benefit of playing four across midfield meant that when we had the ball, Hammond and Bloodworth would start a lot deeper and so reduce the risk of the unremitting offsides which blighted our forward movement last week. How effective would it be, we all wondered?

What we didn’t bargain for was the fresh, blustery conditions. Unfortunately, we were made to play with the wind in the first half, which meant it was vital to hit the net as many times as we could before the interval. However, it d