MHYFC & AMHFC

 Date

Needham Market Phoenix 

 Date

9th November 2008 

 HT

2 

0 

Stobbart 3

Maguire                                         

 FT

4 

1 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Away 

 PENS

 

 

 

Don’t worry, you won’t need sat-navs or maps, I know where it is, I played there only three weeks ago.’ Nice one Pastie (that’s Ricky’s nickname apparently, genius I’m sure you’ll agree. Cornish. Pastie. Brilliant!) We managed to get six cars into some poor bloke’s garden, before wheel spinning all over his lawn and departing back down Hadleigh high street and taking the correct turn! On arrival, the pitch looked even worse than his lawn, no doubt it was heavy but playable. Alfie’s glamorous goalkeeper warm up assistant treaded gingerly and somehow avoided the inevitable comedy moment.

A minute of silence was impeccably observed and the opening exchanges were pretty even, but Hall gradually got on top and leading marksman Will Stobbart scored twice before half-time, firstly directly from a corner and then with a cool finish from ten yards to put the visitors firmly in control. However, the highlight of the first half was a quite sensational save from the Hadleigh keeper. I believe the young man’s name is James. David James would have been proud of a superb diving effort to tip an almost certain third goal onto and over the bar. It was sheer class and he deservedly got our vote as Hadleigh MOTM.

Hadleigh came out fighting in the second period and pulled a goal back early after the re-start. They were unlucky not to be level moments later, as a fiercely struck penalty rattled a post before being cleared. Alfie Halil enjoyed an excellent second half and looked solid between the posts, whilst Jack Stone, Aiden Sturgeon and Barney Maguire were linking up well in attack. Lewis Tebbit covered plenty of ground and Sam Cornish put in a tremendous display, the tough tackling defender stood out throughout, keeping his composure and covering others as they broke forward. This was a really classy and disciplined defensive display, well played Sam!

Louis Johnson came on at half-time and put in excellent work in midfield. Indeed, Louis won the ball and fed Will Stobbart who smashed the ball home from outside the box to restore Hall’s two goal advantage with the best goal of the game. Another hat-trick, more financial misery for Mr Stobbart, well played Will! Hall also gave a debut to Oscar Hughes who came on at half-time and looked like he’d been playing all season. This was a fine start and he is sure to be a valuable addition to the squad, well played Oscar!

The visitors were now enjoying lots of possession and looking for more goals. Aiden Sturgeon and Jack Stone were dangerous throughout and both went close to getting on the scoresheet, before Barney Maguire fired in his first goal of the season. Barney has been desperately unlucky not to score this season but has continued to work hard for the team and capped a superb game with a well deserved goal from close range. Well done Barney! (As predicted here last week, it was only a matter of time and plenty more will surely follow)

Despite the tricky conditions, both sides played some good football and competed well throughout, proving a credit to their clubs. We have another week off this Sunday, our next fixture is at home against Stow Town on 23^rd November.

 Date

2nd November 2008 

 HT

5 

0 

Stobbart 4, Stone, Sturgeon, Tebbit                 

 FT

7 

1 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Home 

 PENS

 

 

 

Three things were learnt this Sunday; Firstly, Hall’s disappointing display last Sunday was hopefully a minor blip, as they responded very well this week. Second, Julie’s bacon roll station is going to be a roaring success for the rest of the season and finally, Moreton Hall under 8s will never celebrate a parent winning the Krypton factor. Mark Sturgeon and I quickly spotted what was occurring and hid. Messrs Stone, Halil and Lee were a bit slower on the uptake and struggled admirably with sets of goalposts which were obviously mixed up for over half an hour. Some mums and the aforementioned hiders were seen to be laughing at their efforts, which was both cruel and uncalled for. 

Hall started fast and immediately went on the offensive, with Will Stobbart and Louis Johnson dominating in midfield and Jack Stone linking the play superbly, allowing Aiden Sturgeon to run at the visitors defence. A determined Needham side always carried a threat on the break, but after looking a little off colour last week, the Hall defence looked in complete control for most of the first half.

After a largely one sided first period, Hall had scored five without reply. Will Stobbart opened the scoring, before helping himself to two more to register a first half hat-trick, well done Will! I hear his dad is hopping mad, Will’s canny habit of scoring is becoming more and more expensive. Aiden Sturgeon poached his fourth of the campaign with a cool finish before heading an accurate Lewis Tebbit free-kick into the path of Jack Stone who made no mistake to join his partner on four goals this season. Stone delivered a near faultless display, his dribbling and vision in bringing others into play was first class again today and Needham struggled to contain him, well played Jack! Sam Cornish was the model of discipline at the back to protect the home goal from danger and looked solid throughout.

 

Barney Maguire and Alex Lee were introduced at half-time, with Alex proving extremely competitive in winning possession in key areas and Barney twice went close to scoring in the second half. It is only a matter of time before he gets a goal and no doubt several more will follow. Both played extremely well. The visitors were then awarded a penalty and despite keeper Alfie Halil getting a hand on a powerfully taken spot kick, Needham had pulled a goal back. Alfie suffered an injury for his brave effort and Alex Lee took over between the posts and did a fine job for the remainder of the match.

Will Stobbart made it six and Lewis Tebbit broke down the wing and slammed home his second of the season to take the home side’s tally to seven. He had barely finished his celebration before being subbed, that’ll teach you for scoring! His face was a picture. Manager Ricky Cornish was delighted to see the boys bounce back to form and confidence should be high as they boys prepare for a trip to Hadleigh next week.

Sincere thanks to Julie, Podge, Kieran and Kayleigh for their efforts on bacon roll and refreshment duty and to ref Peter Tebbit. His Wolves tracksuit is ghastly, his legs should be illegal, but his fees are reasonable, however his grandson will dispute that penalty forever, although it was an absolute cert.  

 Date

26th October 2008 

 HT

1 

1 

Barrett, OG                                

 FT

2 

3 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Away

 PENS

 

 

 

A cheer went up in Sainsbury’s carpark at 9-20am on Sunday, as Hall received the all-clear to travel to Ipswich after a pitch inspection. The prospect of no football for two weeks running was a horrible thought for our boys, I mean, what else is there to do at the weekend!? The pitch was in remarkably good condition and the game got underway with Hall looking to extend their winning run to four matches, however, it was not to be.

The early stages found the visitors camped in their opponents half, a series of corners and half chances came and went and it was to set the trend for the game. Will Stobbart’s delivery into the box was first class, but in the absence of a Hall shirt able to capitalise, we needed assistance from the opposition to take the lead, as a mix-up from a corner led to an own goal breaking the deadlock. Aiden Sturgeon’s pace in possession was a constant threat as Hall pressed for a decisive second goal.

Jack Stone enjoyed another superb game and alongside Alex Lee competed well in a game that became quite physical. Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit restricted the home side to very few chances and Sam went close with a long range effort as Hall remained on top for much of the first half. Both sides showed excellent commitment and whilst one or two tackles were mistimed, almost without exception, the game was played in good spirit. Just before half-time, the scores were level as Ipswich finished well on their first serious attack on Alfie Halil’s goal, which was left exposed by some rather uncharacteristic defending on our lads’ part.

Changes were made by both teams at half-time, as fresh legs were needed on the rain softened ground. The home side started the second period much the better, they were possibly fortunate to be level at the break, but the hosts now came on strong and looked a totally different outfit in an even second half. Barney Maguire and Louis Johnson made their presence felt and Sam Barrett had an immediate impact, looking dangerous in attack. Indeed it was the half time substitute who finished coolly midway through the half to score his second of the season to cap an excellent display, well played Sam!

To their credit, Ipswich Valley Rangers refused to be beaten and scored two well taken goals which keeper Alfie Halil could do nothing about. He was twice more left exposed and the home side’s finishing on the break was painfully clinical. Although Hall battled hard right until the final whistle and applied maximum pressure late on, despite endless half-chances and a series of five or six consecutive corners, this was perhaps destined to be ‘one of those days’ and the home side held on to take all three points.

Hall entertain Needham Phoenix next week, as they look to get back to winning ways.

 Date

12th October 2008 

 HT

1 

0 

Stobbart                           

Achilles 

 FT

1 

0 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Away 

 PENS

 

 

 

Hall set off to Ipswich for a lunchtime kick-off to face a previously unbeaten Achilles side. The match had been diverted away from the host’s regular pitch and both sides enjoyed plenty of room in which to play, on a slighter larger playing area than they were used to. The game started at a fast pace and tackles were flying in from all angles, not all quite timed to perfection!

Hall struggled to find their brilliant best form early on, with loose passes and hesitancy at the back giving the home side plenty of possession. Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit were having their own Strictly Come Dancing competition at one point, it ended in a draw as manager Ricky Cornish called a halt to the last tango in Ipswich with a much needed wake-up call (is he Len Goodman or one of the dodgy pair? Answers on a postcard to the usual address, although I know where my money’s at!)

Hall now settled into their stride and began to get a foothold in midfield and look dangerous in attack. The pace of Aiden Sturgeon who worked tirelessly and deft skills of Jack Stone (who had another fine game all round) were now causing Achilles problems and with Louis Johnson stamping his authority in the middle of the park and Sam Cornish organising the backline, it was the visitors who looked more likely to make the breakthrough.

With half-time approaching, a flowing move from back to front and a neat pass found Will Stobbart in acres of space and the prolific marksman needed no second invitation. He struck the ball high into the roof of the net from around twelve yards to break the deadlock. This was Will’s tenth of the season and perhaps his most important to date.

The second half was an incredibly tight affair, as the combination of a large pitch and warm sunshine seemed to tire many young legs. Both managers used their bench to full effect with Hall’s half-time additions playing starring roles. Alex Lee played with spirit and skill and made important tackles on numerous occasions, not to mention a superb run down the wing to create a half-chance for a team-mate. Well played Alex! Barney Maguire was excellent throughout the second period and twice went close to doubling the advantage. One effort had the visiting crowd jumping to celebrate, but his powerful low shot whistled past the wrong side of the post.

Hall were forced to soak up plenty of late pressure from a solid Achilles side desperate to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Lewis Tebbit timed a strong last gasp clearing tackle to perfection to clear late danger, but for all the home side pressed, Alfie Halil’s goal was rarely in serious danger. This was Alfie’s second clean sheet on the spin, indeed he has conceded only three goals in five games against some of the league’s strongest sides.

In an extremely hard fought win, Hall showed tremendous commitment right to the final whistle. They have played better this season, but found a way to win today and that must please Ricky Revel Horwood immensely. Well done boys! With no league fixture scheduled next week, do we get the weekend off?  

 Date

5th October 2008 

 HT

2 

0 

 Barrett, Stone, Stobbart, + OG

 FT

4 

0 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Home 

 PENS

 

 

 

It was only last week, stood in glorious sunshine that one parent, who shall remain anonymous, chirped, ‘we’ve been really lucky with the weather so far’. As Mr.T would say; ‘you crazy fool!’ This was the week that we had arranged to play a second game after the league clash to accommodate both sides’ large squads. This was the week that we had purchased enough burgers to go into business as butchers for a post match barbeque. This was the week that this idiot makeshift reporter forgot his umbrella. Talk about timing. You know the rest. Manager Ricky Cornish had no choice but to wear his silly pink, purple, sorry claret West Ham woolly hat, whilst Pete Barrett heroically refereed not one, but two games in monsoon conditions from a canoe.

Thankfully, our lads are made of sterner stuff than the parents and relished conditions. The opening goal was a first of the season for Sam Barrett. Sam reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble to poke home from close range to give the home side the lead. Well done Sam! Hall had doubled their advantage by half-time, thanks to a wonderful finish from Jack Stone, who turned on a sixpence and with great technique, volleyed home from ten yards off the post, giving the Thetford keeper no chance whatsoever.

Aiden Sturgeon looked dangerous in attack as the home side pressed for more goals, whilst Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit looked models of composure at the back, restricting the Thetford attackers to very few clear-cut chances. Alfie Halil kept a clean sheet in difficult conditions and one save in particular in the first half, when coming off his line and throwing himself at the strikers’ feet was both brave and well timed.

Leading scorer Will Stobbart fired in another well taken goal from distance early in the second period to take his season’s tally to nine, before trying to claim a second from a throw in! It was unfortunate for the Thetford defender who, when trying to clear, could only direct his header over the advancing keeper for an own goal. A bang on the head didn’t stop Alex Lee competing well in midfield in the second half and Louis Johnson was exceptional in winning the ball and using it wisely throughout, a display which pleased his manager greatly. Barney Maguire had a superb game and went close on a couple of occasions late on, he was very unlucky not to score this afternoon, it was good to have him back after he missed last week’s game due to other commitments. 4-0 was perhaps a little harsh on the visitors, who contributed plenty to a well contested game, played in testing conditions.

A second game was played and Hall gave debuts to dubious goals panel boss Dan Stobbart and to Milan Poteiger who took a half each in goal and in the outfield, both emerging with great credit. Jordan Asker will be a valuable addition to any team he plays for next season. He may have been the smallest and youngest player on the pitch, but played a blinder and clearly enjoyed himself despite the weather. Alfie Halil must be the most skilful goalie in the league, his trickery in attack here was sublime. Louis Johnson, Sam Barrett and Alex Lee excelled and Barney Maguire again went painfully close to scoring, enjoying another fine game. In a hard fought end to end match, a goal-less draw seemed a fair result at the final whistle.

Congratulations to all the boys from both clubs, who made the best of the shocking weather. Thanks to ref Pete Barrett and to Julie Sturgeon for organising the barbeque and making a wicked cake. How many slices did you have Ricky?

 Date

28th September 2008 

 HT

3 

1 

 Tebbit, Sturgeon, Stone, Stobbart    

 FT

4 

1 

 Competition

League 

 AET

 

 

 Venue

Home 

 PENS

 

 

 

An eagerly anticipated Bury derby clash did not disappoint, as both sides showed tremendous commitment in a superbly entertaining contest. The opening exchanges were very even, but it was the visitors who scored first, Danny Hill with a clever headed finish from a tight angle. Hall responded well and now began to boss the midfield with Louis Johnson winning plenty of possession, the home side pressed for a goal of their own.

The equaliser came from an unexpected source and is an early contender for goal of the season. Lewis Tebbit smashed home from long range Steven Gerrard style, to level the scores at 1-1. Depending on who he is recalling the story to, what began as a good strike, might even have been an overhit cross, has, since taking counsel from his manager, now been confirmed as a quite deliberate 120 yard wonder-strike from Sainsbury’s carpark.

Hall now set about their opponents in determined fashion and, as has been the case all season, won more than their fair share of 50-50 situations. It is entirely to the credit of manager Ricky Cornish and the lads themselves that they continue to display such admirable fighting spirit. Will Stobbart’s Rory Delap like throw ins were causing Bury problems and Aiden Sturgeon was quick to pounce from close range to register his third goal in as many games. The striker had been unwell all week, but was in top form. Strike partner Jack Stone then got in on the act, to score his second of the season. He made room for himself before coolly firing home to give Hall a deserved 3-1 halftime lead.

Sam Barrett and Alex Lee came off the bench in the second half and both made telling contributions. Alex was tenacious in midfield and Sam made a number of good runs to put pressure on the Bury defence. Meanwhile, Sam Cornish and Lewis Tebbit looked solid in defence, with Cornish giving another first class all round display at the back, restricting the visitors’ dangerous strikers to half chances, Sam was again outstanding.

Whilst we deliberately don’t indulge ourselves with man of the match awards, but win, lose or draw with the efforts of a ten man squad, a special mention must go to our goalkeeper Alfie Halil. As I understand it, he was a slightly reluctant keeper only a few weeks ago, but has since flourished into a superb shot stopper. He was in great form to tip a fierce drive over the bar and had a fine game between the posts. Well done Alfie!

Will Stobbart was the scorer of Hall’s fourth goal to put the game to bed midway through the second period. He managed to score directly from a corner aided by a slight deflection, but after studying replays, the dubious goals panel (made up of his mother and brother!) have awarded the goal to Hall’s leading marksman. Improving with each and every game, Hall look forward to entertaining Thetford Indies at home next Sunday.

Special thanks to ref Peter Tebbit who kept up with play remarkably well for an old fella.