Founded 1982

REFFLEY U15's
Manager: Paul Taylor

The last league game for both teams saw us visit the home of the league champions. My team talk consisted of telling the lads that they needed to go out and show the same commitment they have all season and get a result, but not to lose sight of enjoying themselves and having a bit of fun. The game began with Mundford doing all the pressing, but with Chris and Pat in commanding form their way was always blocked. Reffley began to get into the game and with Luke and Danny competing in the middle of midfield and Mickey and James getting in some strong tackles on the flanks they began to force Mundford to defend. The first goal was going to be very important and it was Reffley that scored after some good interchanges from Luke, Gary and Marco the ball was laid to Matty and with aplomb he passed the ball past the keeper.

The second goal was an old fashion route one. Mundford went on the attack and Darren pulled off two stunning saves the second resulting in a corner. From the delivery darren then grabbed the ball and with quick thinking sprinted to the edge of the box and launched the ball towards Matt who was one on one with the defender. The ball bounced kindly for Matt and he unleashed an unstoppable drive into the far corner. A third goal quickly followed when we were awarded a freee kick just outside our box. Quick thinking from Luke released Gary down the left and his perfect pass enabled Matt to once again take a first time shot and bury it into the back of the net. Both sets of supporters were bewilded by the score and were even more so when once again when a Mundford attack broke down and Darren launched the ball into the Mundford half for Matt to force his way past the defenders again and score his and Reffley’s fourth.

Half time team talk was probably the easiest of the season because the boys had reacted exactly as asked and had turned in an inspiring half.

The second half saw Reffley play some really good football and combine this with the ferrocious tackling and desire to win from the first half saw them comfortably through. A good flowing move mid way through the half saw Matty finish his season off in style with his fifth of the game.

Darren was eventually beaten well a well timed lob from Dan “the Mundford centre forward “ crept under the bar.

All in all a successful season which we have enjoyed immensly.

Reffley MOTM for this game was so close between Matt and Daz I ain’t going to split them.

This turned out to be a horrible morning for both teams as the weather tried to ruin the fixture. The game started and within two minutes the players were treated to an hail storm which was being blown horizontally across the pitch, I know how bad as I was looking straight into it as an assistant ref. This apart the Reffley boys really went to town in the first half. With many of the team turning in their best performances of the season they stormed into the lead, Matty finishing off a great through ball from Gary. The roles were reversed for the second goal with Gary combining with Luke and Matt to produce a devestating finish to put us two up. The sleet returned to try to hide the quality finish that enabled Pat to score right on the stroke of half time, giving Reffley a comfortable lead against the newly crowned champions.

The second half opened with Mundford throwing everything at Reffley only to find Chris, Marco, Pat, Mickey (Ben had already departed with an ankle injury) and the irripressible Daz in fine form. James was then with drawn from play suffering the effects of a heavy cold but Scottie returned after a few weeks out with a broken arm to fill the gap and Reffley continued to get back on top. Danny, Jack and Joseph turned in their best performances of the season in the midfield and it was from a sublime through ball from Danny that Matty raced through to score the fourth. Reffley still had chances to increase their lead and Matt, Luke and Gary all conspired to miss chances they would normally tuck away. Mundford scored a consolation goal near the end of the game when a quick break was not closed down and Dan poked the ball past Daz.

Overall the manager was very pleased with the performance and the way the team played together and for each other. There is still room for improvement but we are moving in the right direction.

Reffley MOTM sorry about this but two lads Danny and Joseph

Matty opened the scoring after just eight seconds the fastest goal I can ever recall in a game I have been involved. Reffley then went on to dominate the fist half hour and with some of their players putting in their best performance for a number of games they increased their lead through Gaz and Matty’s second. West Winch scored a goal just before half time when Reece Stannard broke through to beat Darren, after Daz had initially saved. Darren then pulled off two tremendous saves which could have given the game a completely different look but ensured Reffley maintained their lead.

The second half saw Reffley hold “Winches” initial onslaught and even though both sides tired, due the horrible conditions, they managed to score another couple through Gary again and Matty completing his hatrick.

Reffley MOTM close run thing again between the goal scorers Matt amd Gary

This result  effectively meant that we couldn’t win the league this year. But it was a valiant effort from all. Reffley scored mid way through the first half when the Wootton goal keeper failed to gather the ball and Matty nipped in to put the ball into the back of the net. Wootton were spured on by this and after having a few shots nearly creep in or well saved by Daz, they eventually scored to equalise just before half time.

The second half saw both sides miss chances that would normally be finished off and a fair result was probably a draw.

Reffley MOTM Darren Smith/Micky Ellwood, Daz for the terrific saves and Micky for his boundless energy.

Reffley had the worst start to the game when a richochett off of Marco’s leg eluded Darren to gift Mattishall the lead in the first few minutes. Reffley then took the game whole heartedly to Mattishall and became encamped in their opponents half. Some good inter changing of passes saw James break through only to be thwarted by the keeper and the referee had no option but to give a penalty, which Matt converted. The referee continued to have a poor game from this moment on, often missing quite blatant decisions even to the point when Marco was upended he waved play on to an advantage with Mattishall breaking through and with their centre forward in deadly form he stuck the ball in the back of the net. Reffley tried to rally and certainly had the chances to get back into the game recording eighteen corners but being unable to convert any.

The second half started and with the wind in their back Mattishall started to play the football that they are known for and the game became a spectacle for any independant observers. Reffley contiued to pepper the Mattishall goal but found the keeper in fine form. Mattishall broke through the Reffley defence with 20 minutes to go to increase their lead and only a few minutes later they once again capitalised on their opponents willingness to push forward to score again. With only a few minutes left Reffley eventually one a free kick on the edge of the box which Gary stepped up to only to drive the ball straight into the wall, but the rebound he stuck away with a superb shot.

But it was not to be and this result was a bitter pill to swallow for the lads.

Reffley MOTM Ben Ward

The game was played in great spirit. Both sides fought hard  and created a few chances. The first fell to Gaz in the middle as he burst into the box only to screw his shot wide. This was followed up by him playing a great ball through for Matty to get on the end of and only miss the target by a small measure. The two combined shortly after to create the opener for Matty to comprehensively beat the Snett keeper and open the scoring.

The second half opened up with Reffley quickly getting into their stride and after 5 mins they were two up when some forceful play from Ben and Joe down the left allowed Mickey to get a good shot in only for his effort to be saved, Gaz was following up to hit the clearance into the top corner. About a minute after this another Reffely break saw a good interchange from the midfield and a Matty effort was again well defended only for the ball to break to James who tucked it into the far corner.

Both sides had  a couple more chances the most memorable being when Joe Scott missed from just inside the box after some great work by the same player combining with Mickey, Gaz and Danny.

The goal of the game was scored by Ben Ward, who has definately grown into his new role this season. Pressure told and Reffley won a corner on the right, Ben reluctantly ran over to take it, with tremendous pace and direction, which saw the ball finish up in the back of the net.

Snettisham, to their immense credit never gave up and with Greeny pushing them on they were rewarded with a consolation effort near the end.

Reffley MOTM, to be honest has to be the whole team. They are starting to believe in themselves, but need to start producing for the whole game not just 60 minutes.

This was a really hard fought game played out by two teams that were committed to football.

Reffley opened up with some neat passing and created a couple of early chances but failed to capitilise on any. Both midfields were battling against each other and creating chances but the play in the final third of the field, for both teams, showed that regular football has been missing.

Brandon opebned the scoring when from a good Reffley attack the Brandon goalkeeper collected the ball well and immediately launched the ball into his opponents half. With Marco and Pat both missing the ball the Brandon centre forward nonchlantly lobbed the ball over Daz’s head to score.

Reffley hit back immediately and some neat play in midfield by Gary and Matt found a pass to Scottie who’s through ball to Luke was sublime and all Luke had to do was pass the ball into the net with some aplomb.

The second half opened with Reffley gaining the upper hand and continually push the Brandon defence back. But for some good defending they could have added to their account on a couple of occassions. But it was from a miss hit corner from Gary that Marco reacted too quickly corner which enabled them to take the lead. Brandon then had a spell of pressure and but for a superb stop from Daz would have equalised. As normally happens in these type of games, Reffley then went up the other end and after good work from Joe S and Luke the ball broke for Gary to hammer home from the edge of the box. Reffley then had further chances with Luke, Joe S, Scottie and a Matty free kick all going really close and pulling great saves out of the Brandon keeper. With only a few minutes left the drama still hadn’t finished as Pat lunged at a tackle only to see the ref guive a penalty against us. But cometh the hour cometh Daz who dove to his left to pull off a great save.

All in all not a great performance but a game we really needed and the result which in fairness we just about deserved. Good games from all the players but a mention for Wardy and James at the back, Danny and Jack in midfield, but a special mention for the MOTM which I have awarded to Darren for two excellent saves.

Its nice to see us working hard for each other, not too much moaning at each other and getting everyone’s head up.

Awaiting Match Report..

Reffley really took this game by the scruff of the neck in the first half  and were soon in front when Luke passed the ball, dissecting the defence for Matty to beat the keeper with a neat shot. 

Shouldham started to rally but were thwarted by some resolute defending, one of which the ball was knocked clear to Gaz in the middle he laid Matty in who beat two defenders and his shot carried enough power to force the keeper to fumble the ball over the line. 

Shouldham then gained the upper hand and forced a number of corners that were superbly  delivered, but fortunately the Shouldham forwards were having an off day and Chris Pat, Ben, Daz  and Marco dealt with everything that was thrown at them especially one shot from inside the box that Daz some how got to and pushed round the post. T

he half was finished off when Scotty knocked the ball through and Matty challenged the keeper and Luke was on hand to tuck away the loose ball. Luke almost made it four when he broke through a tackle, but his attempt to chip the keeper was saved and a goal mouth scramble also resulted in a half chance that the keeper did really well to hang onto.

The second half opened with Shouldham on the attack and pushing hard to get into the game but again the Reffley defence stood resolute and with Gary imposing himself more and more there chances became fewer and fewer, to the extent that Reffley began creating more chances and but for some good goalkeeping, Matty, Luke and Gary could have had another couple each.

18 NOV 2007: LEVERINGTON 2-1 REFFLEY - (League KO Cup - Q/F)

Awaiting Match Report...

Another hard fought game, but this time a few mistakes were punished. The game was played in blustery conditions at RAF Marham. Both sides struggled early on to contend with the wind, but the first chance that dropped to Matt from a through ball from Luke was neatly tucked away. We the proceeded to miss  three chances when Matt hit the post and Ryan failed to tuck the rebound away and then a great run by Luke from a nice through ball from Gary was not capitalised on. They say you pay for missed chances and we certainly did when a very lucky break for Shouldham resulted in Daz’s clearance hitting the centre forward and rebound into the goal.

The second half saw a lot more room for everyone and both sides had chances before a strong run down our left from the Shouldham winger saw him cut inside and loop the ball over Daz and into the net. Reffley seemed to spring to life and created a number of chances, but none were taken and after relying on the brave keeping of Daz on a number of occasions, Shouldham increased their lead. Jacob was unlucky when his header fell to the Shouldham left winger who passed the ball across the middle and with the Reffley defence static Shouldahm were able to tuck the ball into the far corner. Again Reffley rallied and still created  more chances but to no avail. The final score being 3 – 1 to Shouldahm. The boys now have to pick themselves up against Leverington next week.

In this hard fought game it was so nice to come out on top. Reffley started very well and were soon into their stride creating some good early chances. The Woottons then came more into the game, but just as it seemed Reffley had had their chance and not taken it Luke Biles rose above everyone to head a loping ball into the back of the net. This spurred both sides on and some lovely football was played. Reffley then broke away and after some tussling the ball broke to Micky Ellwood who shot cannoned off of Luke to give a us a two goal advantage. Just before half time Woottons had a great chance to get back into the game when a good effort hit the bar, with Daz stranded.

The second half was much the same with Reffley looking comfortable against the Woottons attack, until the Wootton left winger broke into the box and Chris mistimed his tackle resulting in the Ref pointing to the penalty spot. The ball was tucked away to leave he score 2 -1. Reffley then upped the pressure and again some great football was played by both teams. The lead was increased when Matt picked up the ball and went passed the defender only to be brought down. From the resulting free kick Micky ghosted in at the back post to score to the elation of all of the Reffley crowd. Reffley worked hard to maintain this but with only a few minutes left the defence watched on as a cross was taken by the wind and hit the bar and the first to react was the Woottons winger who smashed the ball past Daz. A nervy few minutes followed but the lads held out. Sweet is the word to describe this win as it was a long time in coming.

Reffley MOTM Luke.

Awaiting Match Report...

Team: Darren, James, Patrick, Chris, Mickey, Ryan, Gary, Jack, Luke, Joe H, Matt, Jacob, Ben, Marco.

Scorers: Matt, Luke and Gary.

Well we made hard work of this game; it appeared that we didn’t want to play in the game just get it over and done with. We started off with a lot of play in midfield with no real penetration from either side. This was ended when a good through ball from Luke released Matty to pass the ball into the net and give us the lead.

Again the play then centred around the midfield area until West Winch produced a flowing move and with a cool finish Steven Goldsby slotted the ball past Daz. 

This inspired a period of pressure from the lads and a number of chances were created, Matty had a good shot saved, Scottie was denied by a good tackle, Gary hit one wide and Hooky just missed out as well. 

Luke then went on a solo run and neatly finished the move to put us back in front.

At half time we made a couple of changes to give everyone available a run. The pressure continued and Daz became a bit of a spectator as again Mickey, Gary and Chris produced good displays. A real nice piece of football followed when some interchanging of passes ended with Gary blasting a “toe punt” passed the Winch goalkeeper. 

Of the players not already mentioned, Ben and Marco had good returns, Jacob showed signs of his old self, James gave a confident display and Jack T was as usual the life and soul. Unfortunately Pat has picked up another nasty strain and along with Danny’s knee injury gives me cause for concern. Joe Scott should also be available for the next game at home in the Norfolk cup against Downham U16’s.

To finish with thanks to Kayleigh for refereeing and to West Winch for making this a competitive and entertaining game.

Team: Darren, James, Chris, Patrick, Ben, Jack, Joe S, Gary, Ryan, Luke, Matt, Jacob, Joe H, Mickey.

Scorers: Matt (4), Luke, Scottie.

Reffley opened the scoring after about thirty seconds when Luke won the ball and played Matty in to chip the keeper. This was the queue for everyone to forget about defending and within a few minutes Dereham had smuggled the ball into the box and were level with a crisp finish. Matty was becoming a real thorn for the Dereham defence and it wasn’t long before he restored Reffley’s advantage. Once again the defence then fell a sleep and I think Daz was beginning to think he had forgot to put on deodorant as the nobody was anywhere near him to help when Dereham equalised again. Luke decided that this was the time to have abit of a say and cracked in a fantastic effort to put us ahead once again just before half time.

The second half opened with Reffley taking a firm hold on the game and with Matty completing his hatrick, Scottie getting his usual poachers goal and then Matty firing in his fourth, the game ended with a comfortable score line. Some good performances, from Gary, Luke, Matty and Chris, but my MOTM was Mickey.

Team: Darren, Marco, Chris, Gary, Ben, James, Danny, Joe S, Ryan, Luke, Joe H, Mickey, Jacob.

Scorers: Luke, Mickey (2).

A strongly contested first half saw both teams miss a couple of chances, but as half time came the score was still 0–0. The second half saw a few changes made by Reffley and this proved the turning points as Gary and Joe started to dominate the midfield which created space for Luke and Scottie to start penetrating the Terrington back line. Some good interchanges created an opening for Mickey to open the scoring. Terrington were stirred into action and had a couple of chances which fortunately were squandered and on the back of one of these a quick break saw Luke net a second for Reffley. The game was sealed in the final ten minutes when Mickey latched onto a ball and his shot nestled nicely in the back of the net.

Team: Darren, Marco, Chris, Ben, James, Gary, Joe S, Danny, Luke, Matt, Ryan, Jacob, Jack.

Scorer: Matt.

The lads were brought down to earth with a bump and it seemed that the attitude shown in training on Wednesday festered into this game.  We were out fought and didn’t show the right desire for most of this game. In fact the only thing that let Mattishall down was the late tackle from their skipper which resulted in a booking. Mattishall had three chances in the first half, before a mix up in the Reffley penalty area allowed them to take the lead with only a minute left to half time. Mattishall opened up the second half and soon found themselves two up with a sweetly taken header.

The last twenty minutes Reffley encamped in the Mattishall half and at last we saw some of the football and spirit shown in the previous game. Reffley scored a late consolation goal when Matty was brought down in the box and stepped up to score from the spot. Hopefully we will learn from this performance and strive to return to winning ways in our next game.

Team: Darren, Marco, Chris, Patrick, Ben, James, Gary, Joe S, Ryan, Luke, Matt, Danny, Joe H, Jack.

Scorers: Matt (4), Marco (2), Luke (2), Scottie, Gary.

Reffley could have found themselves four down after 10 minutes, but for a couple of good saves from Daz and the help of the cross bar. Weathering this storm showed them the way to become one of their own and after Luke’s early effort was well saved by the home keeper they stepped up to the pitch. Luke scored with a ferocious volley from the edge of the box, Matty hit one from acute angle, Marco rose above the defence to knock in a fantastically delivered corner from Ben rounded off by a great strike from Gaz again from outside the box.

Breathe taking. Honestly we were on cloud nine, only to be brought down to earth with a bump when Walpole opened the second half and quickly proved why they were such a force last year with a couple of goals to get back into the game. This seemed to spur the Reffley lads on and they soon found themselves back to four goals when Matty scored a couple of quick goals to complete his hatrick and Luke fired in his second to take it to seven. Some of the football was a pleasure to watch, Jack T then put some great crosses into the box but these couldn’t be finished off. It was then Scotties turn to score and he did what he does best following up on a shot from Gaz to put away the rebound. Matty danced his way through to take his tally to four and the teams to nine. Best was saved until last when Marco reacted quickest to hit a superb volley into the roof of the net to complete the scoring. 

Can’t pick a MOTM as everyone did a grand job.