Great Yarmouth area in focus

ORMESBY LADS U10, at home to Waveney A in the Shield, were up against one of the top teams in Division One. The game got under way in pouring rain and muddy conditions. Waveney attacked from the off but Ormesby, who were playing with a three-man defence, worked their socks off with some tremendous closing down and determined tackling from Ben, Kai and Andrew. When Waveney did get through Antonio was there to make some excellent saves. Leon and Jamie took the pressure off the defence with some strong runs and Brandon battled well in midfield. Sam did well too, showing good composure on the ball. The half-time whistle came with the score at 0-0. The second half was barely a minute old when Waveney took the lead when the muddy ball slipped out of Antonio's grasp and was bundled over the line. Carter then went on a run and was taken out quite near the goal area. His free-kick failed to bring justice though when it went agonisingly wide. Waveney scored more goals, despite good defensive play from Victoria, to make the final score rather harsh on the Ormesby players, who proved in the first half that they can compete with anyone. Player of the Match. was Antonio for a superb first-half performance in goal. Special mention to Andrew for some heroic defending and thanks to John for refereeing the match. The team's next game is away against Pakefield F, kick off tba.

BLUNDESTON MAGPIES beat Sole Bay United 2-1.in a return to winning ways. The first half was again played in the wind and rain. Logan went close before James opened the scoring early on, breaking into the box to fire past the keeper. Logan was unlucky on three occasions not to score and Jamie and Owen also had efforts on goal, in an end-to-end first half. The rain stopped for the second half, Sole Bay looked more dangerous but it was James who extended the Magpies' lead following Jamie's break down the wing and cross into the box. Man of the match Sam in goal was the busier of the two keepers for the remainder of the match, making numerous saves when the also excellent defence were beaten. Owen also stood out, playing his best match of the season at right back. Jamie and James went close to a third before in the last couple of minutes Sole Bay pulled a goal back from a free-kick inside the box when the Magpies fell foul of the back pass rule.

GORLESTON RANGERS U8A: Rangers were at home this week to Bohemians. Rangers were straight on the attack. Ethan had a good eye for the goal while Ben showed good vision and passing. James and Abigail made excellent runs and managed to get into good goal scoring positions. Toby was again superb in goal when he needed to be and Tommy, Cameron and Regan shared their time in defence but they were just so solid at the back. Well played to everyone in the team. A big thank you to the supporters of both sides and to Chris and the Bohemians team in a game played in very wet and windy conditions but in great spirit. Man of the match was Cameron. The next game is away to Gorleston FC Sunday.

GORLESTON RANGERS U8B played away to Hemsby Hornets last Sunday. The match began with some excellent passing from Rangers and it wasn't long before they got into their stride and started to create goal scoring opportunities. Harrison, Joe and George were always at the heart of the action and worked tirelessly to keep Hemsby in their own half. In defence Jaydn, Jamie and Logan kept their concentration so that when Hemsby attacked the threat was soon cleared. Ethan, in goal, had an outstanding game and kept his focus really well in very poor conditions. Man-of-the-match was Logan. The game was played in an excellent fashion with both sets of supporters ensuring the match was played in a friendly atmosphere. Rangers would like to thank Busy Bees Nursery for sponsoring their new away kit (see picture).

HEMSBY HORNETS U10B played at home in the second round of the cup to Gorleston FC A and won 4-0. The game was closer than the scoreline suggests. But for some good defending (Josh and Connor) and very good goalkeeping from Luke it would have been a much closer. The Hornets played some good football and the four goals were very much a team effort and all were well finished (Kristian, Regan, Louis 2)). Hornets had other chances but the final ball was not good enough. The positives are the clean sheet and all the boys playing for each other, and as long as they continue in this manner this could be a very good season. Training sessions are all worthwhile when the boys play as a team and also pass, attack and defend. Parents' man of the match went to Connor. Next match at home to Halesworth, 12.30pm kick-off. Training as normal, weather permitting but please remember the photo shoot at 10am before training as stated in your text messages.

BOHEMIANS U12 GIRLS visited Dereham Wanderers and won 2-1. The girls played a great game and worked themselves hard. There were no subs so none of them had a rest, and the ground was awful with all the rain. Bohs were 1-0 up in the first half, from a great goal from outside the box. In the second half they went 2-0 up and Dereham scored. The girls worked really hard throughout the game, having only three girls within the midfield area, and Molly, Martha and Leanne worked well as a team. Nicole, Toni and Megan were solid in defence yet again and made it very hard for Dereham to get through. Jackie held strong again in goal and is getting stronger as the season progresses.

BOHEMIANS U12S GIRLS are looking for two to three players. If interested call Emma on 01493 650629.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U15 played at North Walsham, a physical encounter with the girls having to scrap for every ball. They started better than we have done for several weeks and LJ scored two goals and Sasha converted a penalty after Megan was crudely tackled and sustained a neck injury. North Walsham came out fired up in the second half and quickly reduced the arrears with a very good individual goal from the right winger. Injuries to Laura and LJ left Bohs disjointed but they held firm and fully deserved their victory. Special mentions to Laura and Libby who did superbly in goal and Sophie, Marcie, Mollie and Sasha who all did really well in defence. Megan was outstanding in midfield until her injury, Chloe in her first game back after almost two months had a great match, LJ looked really sharp and encouraged the girls and Neneh and Natalie both worked really hard and stood up well to the physical battle. Player-of-the-match: Mollie and Marcie. Next match on Saturday at Cliff Park High School against Jex, meet 10.15am latest.

BOHEMIANS U13 GIRLS played Shrublands away and lost 6-1. This was not a true reflection of the game, Shrubs started off well but Bohs soon settled and matched Shrubs' skill and movement for a large part of the game. Both teams created plenty of chances, with Shrubs taking theirs. At half-time it was 2-1 to Shrubs. The second half started with Bohs creating plenty of chances and causing Shrubs some problems. Shrubs were awarded a penalty and scored. Bohs' heads dropped for a while but the determination of the majority of Bohs' team saw them taking the game to Shrubs, who eventually powered their way to a good win, but they had to work very hard for it. Player-of-the-match: Michelle, good solid display from a rapidly-improving team asset.

BOHEMIANS U11 GIRLS took on Waveney in the league. Waveney had dumped the Bohs out of the cup the previous Saturday and the crowd were treated to a spirited Bohs' performance. Briarnie scored with a half-volley to make it 1-0. Waveney scored with a free-kick. Olivia made some good saves from the Waveney set pieces. In the second half Millie took on four defenders to score the second goal. Waveney pressure put Bohs on the back foot. Some fierce tackling from Rhianna and a fast-improving Indianna kept the Waveney attack pinned back. Against the run of play Waveney scored with a deflected shot to make the final score 2-2 with a few minutes remaining. Player-of-the-match: Olivia for some spectacular saves. Team: Olivia, Jordan, Georgia, Ella, Millie, Antonia, Indianna, Rhianna, Briarnie.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U10 entertained Thorpe United. After five minutes the first goal was delivered by Megan. Clarissa was making her first appearance since a foot injury and was playing fantastically and had a great attempt at a goal which rebounded off the goalie to Jane who finished the job off. Then came a succession of brilliant goals with lovely passing from Jane to Paige who scored goal No 3. There was brilliant teamwork and defence from Caitlin and Clarissa throughout and some strong tackles from Paige. Goal No 4 soon came from Jane followed by a lot of pressure and action around the goal mouth resulting in goal No 5 smoothly delivered by Clarissa. The second half proved to be just as successful for Rangers who displayed great teamwork. A couple of goal attempts from Thorpe proved unsuccessful due to Kelsey being on good form. Then came an amazing string of goals from Rangers from Clarissa and Paige - with great tackling and defending from Jade - Jane after a brilliant run (hat-trick), Megan for her first hat-trick, Jade, Jane and No 14 saw Jade get her first hat-trick. The final goal of the game came from Megan, bringing the final score to 15-0. Girl-of-the-match: Clarissa.

GORLESTON RANGERS U11 GIRLS travelled to North Walsham still short of players due to illness. It was nip and tuck for 10 minutes before some superb pass and move football from Neve led to a Rangers throw. Mary launched the ball into the box where it squirmed through for Neve to open the scoring with a tap-in. Despite some great defending from North Walsham, Aimee slotted through for Hannah S to fire home. A nifty pass from Mary down the wing to Aimee saw her beat two defenders before sending over a great cross for Neve to put away with style. The second half saw Jess show what a great talent she is. Collecting the ball at the halfway line, Jess darted through the defence and sent a sublime pass for Aimee to tuck the ball away. Some good build-up play from Beth and Hannah S sent Aimee through, only to be scythed down well outside the box. Aimee, from the resulting free-kick, smashed the ball into the net. A North Walsham free-kick just outside the area saw Rangers conceding only their second goal of the season. Gorleston peppered their opponents' goal to no avail. Final score: North Walsham U11 1, Gorleston Rangers U11 5. Girl-of-the-match: Jess, for her tireless running and effort.

GORLESTON RANGERS U11 GIRLS: Any Year Five or Six girls interested in playing should call Jason on 01493 602647.

COBHOLM BOYS U9 played at home to a good Waveney E side and went 2-0 down in five minutes through not marking up on corners. Cobholm battled to half-time and found themselves 4-2 up. In the second half they started strongly and scored again through Mazie. Cobholm then stopped playing and fell asleep to let Waveney win 6-5. Scorers were Keanan (2), Will F and Mazie one each. Man-of-the-match: Keanan. Training 10am Saturday.

COBHOLM BOYS U8 played at home to Waveney D. An excellent game against a good friendly team. The whole team got to play this week and from the kick-off Cobholm played very well, with plenty of passing, which is good to see. If you continue to play like this you will develop into a good footballing team, well done to you all. Man-of-the-match: Kieran. Training Saturday 10am.

COBHOLM BOYS U8: More players needed for next season, Year Three now. If interested, come along to Broadland Rugby Field, next to Breydon Bridge.

GORLESTON RANGERS U10C travelled to second-placed Oulton Mariners, a well organised team, but from the first whistle it was clear all the boys were up for the game. The first half was even, played in driving rain, to which the boys adapted with no complaints. The back two of Daniel and Bradley were solid again, and with Kane also back to his best Rangers didn't look like giving anything away. Max was a dynamo, and together with Seb, Johnny and Harley took control of midfield. Jack was looking sharp up front. Just after half-time the excellent ref debated abandoning the game, but as all were already drenched the boys decided to carry on. This looked a bad decision as a few minutes later Rangers lost concentration and fell behind to a well-worked goal. But the boys showed great character and soon equalised when the keeper couldn't hold Seb's shot and Johnny finished it off. The boys then upped a gear and man-of-the-match Seb put Rangers in front after being set up by Max. Rangers saw the game out comfortably for a good 2-1 win.

GORLESTON FC U11 played at home against Hemsby who beat them 12-4 on their own ground. Gorleston had to kick off with the wind in their faces. They started to move the ball about and it looked as if the boys are getting settled in their positions and looking more confident. GFC started to look for each other, playing the team game, which resulted in some great goals being scored. GFC have definitely improved as they won 9-1 and in really wet weather. All lads did well. Scorers: Azza, Brad D, Brad B, TJ (2) and an unlucky deflection resulting in an own goal. Man-of-the-match: Azza, but all played a vital part.

GORLESTON FC U11 are still looking for players, call Daren on 07535 696819/01493 604654.

GORLESTON U12 played against Hempnall in the league in awful conditions, started very brightly and had a few chances to take the lead but went one down through their own mistakes. Soon after it was 2-0 then Gorleston came to life. Reece made a fine save but came off worse and could not take any other part, so Connor went in goal. Second half Gorleston were soon 3-0 down after another mistake but Lewis scored a fine goal from outside the box to pull one back. Then five minutes later the best goal of the game came when Gorleston put a string of passes together and Hayden converted to make it 3-2. This was the best Gorleston have played and with 10 minutes left Hayden scored, only for the linesman to cancel it for offside, which was a close call. Gorleston played till the final whistle and deserved more out of the game, but if they carry on the way they played they will soon win a game and upset a few teams

GORLESTON RANGERS U14A played their B team in the KO Cup on Sunday in a well-contested and sporting game. Rangers found it hard to get their passing game going in the first half with the final ball or control going astray so restricting their chances. The deadlock was finally broken when Daniel turned the ball in after Caine's shot was spilled by the keeper. The second half Rangers lifted their game with some good passing and movement creating some chances and got their reward when Connor D headed in a fine cross from Adam. Connor then went on to complete his hat-trick with two good finishes, turning the ball into the bottom corner and then finishing well after a great run down the left from Jake. In the end a good result played in excellent spirits by both teams, well refereed by Matthew Wright. Man-of-the-match: Caine Bacon, excellent passing and work throughout the game.

GORLESTON RANGERS U14A progressed through to the last eight of the Norfolk Cup after beating Bulldogs FC of Thetford 6-2 on Sunday. Rangers in the first half played their best football of the season so far with every player looking confident and comfortable on the ball. The goal their play deserved came early when Connor D fired home after the ball broke loose in the box. Every Rangers player was on top of their game and further goals arrived for Connor to complete his hat-trick, Alfie firing a fine left-footed shot into the bottom corner after good work from Keegan down the left, and Daniel turning in Jack's header from a corner. The goal of the match was then scored by Connor H, a left-foot shot into the roof of the net, to send Rangers in 6-0 up at half-time. As always when winning comfortably things are harder in the second half with Bulldogs never giving up and Rangers losing shape and going for more goals and losing their passing game. This resulted in Bulldogs pulling two goals back to leave the score 6-2. However another excellent win and great performance from all 13 boys. Man-of-the-match: All 13 but Caine and Rorie were superb in midfield. Next match against Harleston at home (kick-off tba).

STALHAM U12A were away to Blofield on a very wet and windy morning. Blofield scored first after seven minutes. Stalham replied to straight away with a well-worked goal with Ryan playing Matti in, who placed it superbly past the keeper. Blofield scored again to make it 2-1 after 11 minutes. Stalham were not closing down well and Blofield were first to everything, which meant Joel in goal had to make some excellent saves. Stalham kept battling and with a good long ball through from Will, Ryan placed the ball nicely round the keeper to bring the scores level. Blofield scored again just before half time to make it 3-2. Just before the whistle Aiden put a good ball through for Ryan to finish well to equalise. The second half saw Stalham's determination and strength shine through and was a total contrast to the first half. Ryan found the net; a good ball from Adam who had worked hard to get it into the box. Stalham then got a fifth when Jake outstandingly headed in Adam's corner. Just before the end of the game Rylan put in a good corner that fell to Ryan to put across the box for Matti to finish, making the final score 6-3 to Stalham. PoM Kieran for an excellent game. Credit goes to Blofield for an excellent display of football.

STALHAM U10 played the very strong Colt Jags team for third week in a row and lost 4-0. It was another wet week and the rain did not stop Stalham from starting well and working hard. They were only 1-0 down at half-time and had a great chance in the first half to equalise, but it was hit just wide. The second half saw some good attacking team play from Stalham and they looked very positive going forward. There was a period of play where they put Colt Jags under lots of pressure. Unfortunately Stalham lost concentration again at the end of the game and conceded two soft goals. Colt Jags scored their fourth goal in the fourth minute of time added on. Player-of-the-match: The whole team. Joseph and William both had fantastic games in goal; Matthew (captain) and Jake were solid at the back. Ryan and Sean had super games in midfield and Harry was his ever-strong self in the centre of the park. Josh and Troy both played very well up front.

SWINDELL U12A are looking for a goalkeeper and a striker. Any players interested in joining the team should contact either Andy or Louise on 01493 855888.

SWINDELL JUNIORS U9 are looking for three or four players to strengthen their squad. Any boys or girls interested in playing for the team need to be currently in Year Four. Training is on Saturdays at 10.30am on North Denes School playing field. For further information contact Louise on 01493 855888.

GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN U10 visited St Benets Wasps on Sunday in awful conditions. Yarmouth started at full strength and played some great football, scoring at regular intervals and really dominated the proceedings. Yarmouth were knocking the ball about superbly in wet conditions and really making the ball do the work with some great interchange play and flowing moves. Sawyer opened the scoring with a long-range effort, Simo then got onto the score sheet with a neat flick after a Sawyer cross, as did Rodwell with a glancing header after a good cross from Jex. Yarmouth continued scoring through Aizlewood Wallis and a first for the club from Wright. The Yarmouth team was Josh Swanston, Kyle Haylock, Alex Sawyer, Bobby Jex, Callum Aizlewood, Archie Wallis, Thomas Hunter, Thomas Sims, Jordan Rodwell and Owen Wright. Final Score: Great Yarmouth Town 13, St Benets Wasps 2. Scorers: Sawyer (3), Aizlewood (2), Wallis (2), Sims (2), Rodwell (2), Wright and an own goal. Man-of-the-match: Whole team.

GORLESTON FC U9A drew 1-1 with Gorleston FC U9B. The first point of the season in an excellent match. Bboth teams played really well and a draw was a fair result. Man of the match was H, who pulled off some excellent saves.