Diss area club notes

HARLESTON U10 had their first game of the season at Freethorpe and returned with three points after a fine display. Johnny Middleton opened the scoring early on. Luke Williams rifled in a fine free-kick before Middleton scored his second. Harleston completely dominated after the break, adding further goals from Barnaby Hope, tapping in after a good shot from Tommy Williams was saved. Dan Elgood capped a fine display with a fifth from the edge of the box. Johnny Middleton completed his hat-trick with a lob just before the end. Ben Robinson claimed MoM for a solid display in defence. Harleston kept a deserved clean sheet with Ryan Ellis making a couple of stops before the end. Home to Long Stratton next week, 10.30am kick-off.

HARLESTON U12 began the season with a 7-6 win in a topsy-turvy game against a lively Swindell B. Harleston started well and took a deserved lead when Harvey Clarke rounded the keeper and slotted home. With the visitors in disarray, Tom Girling scored an early goal of the season contender, with a fine shot from midway in the Swindell half. Harleston then allowed the visitors back into the game after sloppy play resulted in a free-kick which was blasted home. Ryan Shadbolt restored the two-goal advantage, he then added a fourth five minutes before half-time. Swindell immediately pulled one back before captain Brandon Pickess blasted home after a corner was only partially cleared. Half-time arrived with Harleston in total control at 5-2. Soon after half-time the game looked safe when Tom Girling scored his second after a goalkeeping error to make it 6-2. Harleston eased off and allowed Swindell to score two quick goals. Swindell pushed everything at Harleston and deservedly pulled the scores level at 6-6 with four minutes left. There now looked only one winner as Harleston were hanging on but to their credit they found a winning goal with the game entering the last minute. A free-kick from Tom Girling found its way to Alden Millican who looked odds on, the score only to be denied by a point blank save from the keeper. However, the ball fell kindly to Harvey Clarke who rifled into the roof of the net. He earned the MoM honour for a lively display up front. A good performance from the team but they almost let themselves down by sloppy play when leading comfortably. Away at Kirkley and Pakefield next week, 2pm kick-off.

HEMPNALL U12 began their campaign in Division One away to Caister who had been runners-up in this league last season. The home team dominated the early play and Hempnall keeper Joel Brooks was called to make several outstanding saves. It is clear he will be one of the top keepers in this league.

Hempnall began to use the strong wind and the slope forcing two quick corners and went in front when Rhys Vertigans thundered home a header from a Dan Babington corner. The final result pivoted on two controversial refereeing decisions in the five minutes before half-time. One decision allowing a home goal and one dismissing a goal after Rhys Vertigans had hit a shot onto the inside of the post from another Dan corner, which appeared to cross the line. Hempnall attacked strongly at the beginning of the second half and were rewarded when Dan Babington bravely headed a high bouncing ball over the keeper. Keeper Brooks again excelled, diving to push shots round a post and getting the better of one-to-one with the home forwards. However with only 10 minutes remaining Hempnall finally succumbed to the relentless pressure, wind and slope conceding three late goals which flattered the home team when a draw would have been a fair result. Ethan Humphrey had a very solid game in the heart of the defence. The team must take heart from this performance against a team that will again be challenging for the top honours. Final score Caister 4, Hempnall 2.

SCOLE LADS U10 had a breezy start to the season against Wymondham. Charlie Hitch and Kieron Manning were covering a lot of ground in midfield and Lewis Burrows was doing some good pressing upfront. A good passing move down the left flank allowed Charlie Hitch to send in a speculative effort which beat the goalie at his near post. In the second half Scole dominated possession. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Daniel Whyman and Oliver battled excellently to ensure any danger was snuffed before getting near the Scole goal. Some good passing culminated in a series of corners which saw Scole coming close to doubling their advantage, however, the final touch just eluded them. MoM: Daniel Whyman

SCOLE LADS U10 had an even contest against Taverham with some good work from Daniel resulting in a well-struck shot which the keeper did well to hold. Scole looked comfortable without really threatening and they were unlucky to go into the half-time break a goal down after a scramble. The second half had it all with a great fightback from Scole who started the half much brighter with some good link-up play between Kieron Manning, Charlie Hitch and Thomas Brown. Scole, however, nearly found themselves 2-0 down with only a great block from Kieron Manning in the box and then a fantastic save from Matt Perry in goal helping them stay in touch. Boosted by this, Scole moved forward and a clash in the box resulted in a penalty for Scole. A cool finish from Charlie Hitch put them back into the game. From the re-start Scole picked up play and a through ball sent Thomas Brown through on goal in which his shot seemed to take forever to go in but made it and put Scole ahead at 2-1. The last few minutes were end to end with Scole having chances to extend their lead at one end and being grateful to Matt Perry's good handling under pressure at the other. MoM: Charlie Hitch.

BECKVALE Boys U11 travelled to Waveney Youth for their first league game of the season and won 13-0. Jake Harvey opening the scoring following good approach play from Mason Heasley. Heasley was soon on the ball again to set up Jack Bental to score from inside the box. Heasley was quick to make it 3-0 with a good finish after Bental put him through. Beckvale were now very much in control and kept Waveney on the back foot, Ben Evans found space to make it four for the visitors. Evans was on the scoresheet quickly after with a great solo effort which flew into the net after beating three Waveney players. Nathan Bartram starting his first game linked up well with Jake Harvey for Harvey to finish in typical style. Heasley went close with a great bit of skill, chesting the ball and volleying onto the underside of the bar. George Miller was winning the aerial battle in midfield, with Ben Wales and Adam Oakely supporting well from defence. Harvey bagged his hat-trick just before half time. In the second half Beckvale continued in much the same way with Evans, Harvey and Miller all finding the back of the net to run out comfortable winners. Guy Foster had little to do all game but kept his concentration to come off his line well and clear the ball when needed late in the game. A good team performance.

DISS U18 were, as expected, beaten by the full-time scholars of Cambridge Regional College, who play in the Ridgeons League Premier Division, playing as the youth team of Cambridge United at The R Costings Abbey Stadium by 12-0 inthe FAYouth Cup preliminary round. However, the young Tangerines can be proud of their efforts as they put in their best performance, either in competitive or friendly matches, so far this season and defended resolutely as a team to the final whistle.

After some fine early defending from Diss, a well-rehearsed corner produced the first goal. The ball was played in from the left and flicked on at the near post for Owen Kessack to shoot in from close range at the far post. Five minutes later, Alex Bevan smashed a left-foot shot in off the underside of the bar from the edge of the penalty area. Liam Hughes made it 3-0 with an unstoppable 22-yard left-foot shot into the corner in the 24th minute after a free-kick routine. A minute later Jack Bailey shot in on the turn from near the corner of the goal area. Hughes looked to be in an offside position when he made it 5-0 from inches out, after the ball was headed on to him. In the third minute of added time a promising Diss move was cut out and on the break Bailey ran through and coolly shot in. Rogan McGeorge sent a swirling centre into the top corner in the 54th minute. Joe Marriott blocked a penalty with his legs two minutes later, but Bailey put the rebound in to make it 8-0. Diss man of the match, Joe Marriott, started confidently and rose to the occasion on a busy night. He could not be held responsible for any of the goals and made some fine stops. His diving catch to his left in the 20th minute was top class, but he saved the best for a point-blank shot from Bailey. Joe Bennett rose to head in at the far post to a cross from the left in the 61st minute. Four minutes later, a superb near-post finish from Jack Igglesden saw the score rise to double figures. The home team were physically stronger and taller. This was evident when Hughes rose to make it 11-0. A minute from time, Igglesden exchanged passes with Hughes before shooting in from four yards out to complete the scoring. Diss U18swill have their first home league game tonight (7.45pm) against Felixstowe and Walton U18.

DISS TOWN HAWKS opened their season with a home double-header with Hethersett and Hellesdon. Against Hethersett, Diss set the pattern of the match from the start, competing well for the ball, running strongly and passing fluently. Sam Hunt opened the scoring from a good move and Jamie Channell then finished well from Will Smith's through ball. Lawrence Brown burst through to add a third before half-time. Steven Hines and Ben Mills kept things tight at the back and William Aitken made a fine save when called into action. Diss remained well on top and man of the match Sam Hunt completed the scoring from a corner. The full-time score was 4-0. Then Diss put in a great performance against a strong Hellesdon side, applying early pressure. Charlie Stammers shot just wide and then Jamie Channell then scored after a fine run. Hellesdon equalised after a goalmouth scramble but Diss pushed on again. Scott Wilby held the ball up well and Josh Lucraft turned and hit a great shot to restore the lead. Diss continued to force the pace and ran out comfortable 2-1 winners. MoM: Lawrence Brown.

EYE U10 recorded their first league win with an impressive team display against Shotley. All the hard work in training finally came together as Saints came away with a deserved 3-1 victory. Right from kick off the U10s took control of the game, competing strongly for the ball and working hard to close down any attacking threat from Shotley. After dominating the early possession Saints took a deserved lead when a free-kick from Jay Turvey found its way through a mass of players and into the net. There were not too many moments of concern for the defence before half-time, with Eye continuing to dominate possession and looking strong at the back. When the ball did find its way into the area keeper Jack Scott showed an impressive calmness and handled and kicked well. Shotley began the second half strongly and enjoyed more possession than they had in the first half, but with little real threat on goal. The Saints defence remained in control, and in fact the Blues extended their lead when Ross Gudde ran on to a through ball and slid it home. Shotley continued to press and got a goal back after an unfortunate bounce in the Eye area took the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper and over the line. Saints did not seem to be troubled though, and restored their two-goal lead before the end of the match through Jay Turvey.

EYE Saints U13 lost their first league game at home to Sizewell and Knodishall 5-3. Saints had a dream start when an Ash Harris cross from the right was handled in the area by a defender and Reuben Martindale slammed home the resulting penalty with a couple of minutes played. Saints increased their lead after nine minutes when Tanner Call scored with a left-footed shot. Saints were well on top and it was completely against the run of play when Sizewell pulled one back with a free header from a corner which Ben Roberts was unlucky not to have saved. Saints kept attacking and only the bar which was struck by Cameron McKie with a free-kick and a Reuben Martindale shot stopped Saints from increasing their lead. Just before half time Sizewell broke away to equalise and make it 2-2 at the break. Saints started the second half well and missed more chances and were made to play when Sizewell score to take the lead. Sizewell were strong in the tackle and scored twice more following hesitancy in Saints defence. Saints kept battling and with the final kick of the game Tanner Call scored his second to make it 5-3 to Sizewell at the final whistle. MoM: Ryan Newton who continuously battled throughout.

EYE SAINTS U15 beat Thorndon Vipers U15 6-1. Eye started the game with great passion and determination putting Thorndon's defence under a lot of pressure and it wasn't long before Charlie Watts put the Saints 1-0 up. Eye had only just finished celebrating when Charlie stormed through again and put the Saints 2-0 up. Thorndon then started to get into the game and looked like pulling one back but just couldn't break the superb Eye defence and the brilliant Eye keeper, Ben Taylor, who made some match-saving interceptions. Eye then stepped up a gear and soon went 3-0 up with a well-taken goal from Matthew Noble soon followed by a well-earned hat-trick from Charlie putting the Saints up 4-0 at half-time. Thorndon came out in the second half looking more organised and were rewarded with a goal superbly taken from long range by a Thorndon midfielder. This spurred the Saints on especially new signing Luke Martin whose solo run ended up with a well- placed goal in the bottom left corner.

Kyle Cox went on an unstoppable run, squared the ball to Matty Noble who finished well, netting his second goal and making the final score 6-1 to the Saints. The whole team were outstanding but keeper Ben Taylor was MoM.

HARLESTON U14 lost to Kirkley and Pakefield A 3-0. They knew going into their first game in Division One would be a tall order but they came out of it with their heads held high. Harleston's defence and midfield held strong for 20 minutes before Kirkley could break the deadlock, 1-0 at half time would have looked good but in injury time a or goal kick led to Kirkley's second. Harleston battled hard throughout the second half only for Kirkley to add a third just before full time. Harlston created a few chances of their own but were beaten by a better side on the day. MoM: Ollie Heath.

SCOLE U12 beat Heigham Park 7-0. Bouncing back from their defeat last week Scole put together a more balanced performance. Early on they were ahead after Joseph Snowling found the back of the net with a clinically finished shot. The pressure against Heigham's defence was continuous and Owen Blakely made it 2-0 and Jordan Dunning added a third after his header was saved by the keeper and his continued persistence prodded the rebound over the line. Blakely then added a fourth shortly before half-time. Heigham started the second half with more fight and Scole missed a number of chances to increase their lead early on. Blakely complete his hat-trick when he met a well-placed corner from Billy Ellwood and Tom Goldsmith made a weaving run down the right wing, dodging defenders only to find his diagonal shot skimmed the far post. Joe Challis kept his composure and rifled home for 6-0 when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper and Ben Sweeting sealed the win when his towering leap to meet another excellent Ellwood corner saw a powerful header make the final score 7-0.

SCOLE U11 drew 1-1 with Norwich United. They started well but it soon became obvious that this game was to be dominated by a battle in midfield with both sides evenly matched. Thomas Knapp had a good shot on goal 20 minutes into the first half. Scole kept the pressure on in the first half and almost scored just before half-time. Norwich United scored early in the second half and Scole evened the score 10 minutes later when they were awarded a free-kick taken by Deon Wallace and a subsequent rebound which was followed in by Thomas Knapp. This was yet another all round excellent team effort for Scole. MoMatch: Ben Williamson for sterling work in midfield.

SCOLE U12 entertained Brandon at home with many key players away and lost 3-1. The first half was evenly matched with chances at both ends. Brandon were the first to break through and with a dubious offside decision went 1-0 ahead. Scole quickly regrouped and soon equalised when a free-kick from Jake Wootton to Joshua Driver, was finished off by Jack Payne. Several good efforts at goal by Jack Payne, Matty Monkhouse and Sean Dundas were to no avail with the strength and confidence of the Brandon goalkeeper. Two more quick breaks from Brandon put them 3-1 ahead. Despite some great work from Tommy Heath and clearances from Rhys Goode and Jake Carradus this was not to be Scoles day. MoM: Jack Payne. Scole player of the day: Matty Monkhouse.

SCOLE GIRLS U12 beat Kirkley and Pakefield 3-1. This was the first match of the season for the girls and they started strong. A break from Rebecca Archibald meant she could put a good ball through to Georgia King who planted the ball nicely in the bottom corner. This gave the girls a boost and shortly after PoM Ellie Drake had a great run from the half way line and managed to find the back of the net. The second half began with Scole still battling hard, a clearance from Amber Elliott almost lobbed the keeper and Archibald hit the crossbar. Shannon Lummis pulled off multiple saves but unfortunately an un-cleared ball allowed Kirkley to narrow the score. Late on a final goal came from Archibald.

SCOLE U16 continued their impressive form with a convincing victory over Watton, 9-2. Watton were under pressure almost immediately and conceded an own goal. Scole linked up well and a beautiful cross from Ryan Perry was slotted home by Tom Wright. Scole's defence looked strong and confident but a controversial penalty allowed Watton to claw a goal back, Scole however went into overdrive and the goals kept coming with Ed Calton getting a hat-trick, Tom Wright getting a brace, George Fryer got a brace and Harry Dunkinson scoring one.