Wymondham Mercury area notes

HETHERSETT ATHLETIC YOUTH: The U15s went down 5-2 at home to Hellesdon (Janis Reintjes, Stephen Sahali). The U14s lost 5-0 at Wymondham, the U13s lost 8-3 at home to Lakeford (Robert Warminger 2, Tom Read), the U12s lost 5-2 at Attleborough (Sam Rix and own goal). The U11s beat Mulbarton 4-3 (Harry Denny 2, Daniel Cook, Tyler White) and the U10s lost 5-2 to Jex (Charlie Bion and Liam Nobbs).

ATTLEBOROUGH U14 took the lead at the ground of East Coast Warriors thanks to Curtis Bolton who received a great ball from partner James Haylock. At half-time the score was level at 1-1. Boro, who only took a squad of 11 to this fixture, started to suffer a number of injuries and tired legs in this demanding and physical match. The Warriors made substitutions and brought on fresh legs whilst Boro limped on with 10 men, which gave the home side a huge advantage who swooped to secure a 3-1 home win. Boro deserve much praise as they battled to the end. No MoM given this weekend as the whole team deserved recognition.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U11 produced an improved performance and they began well with Aaron Boyall opening the scoring early on to give Town the lead. And the good start continued with Matt Foster doubling the score shortly after, only for the home side to pull one back with a well-struck shot. Wymondham, however, looked the hungrier of the two sides and took a 4 1 lead with two goals from Tom Holland, the second of which saw him coolly side-step inside the defender for a class finish. In the second half Indies hit back shortly after the whistle and threatened to make a game of it at 4-2 but the Wymondham defence held fast and Tom deservedly completed his hat-trick. The away side were not to be outdone and a late goal from Matt Rennie sealed a fine 6-2 win on their travels for Town.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U11 turned in a superb all-round team display in easily their best performance of the season, James Kelly setting the ball rolling for the home team with his first goal for the side. Chances came then for both Matt Rennie and Niall Ruffles who both went close before James first hit a post before scoring his second shortly after. Matt was then very unlucky not to make it three as his effort too came back off an upright before the referee blew for half-time. In the second half there was only one team in it, defenders Richard Bate Weldon, Issac Brook and Max Webb shone in their roles and really gave the opposition precious little opportunity to get back in the game and with good football being played throughout the side Niall added a third for Town. Then it was top striker Tom Holland's turn to show what he can do, beating three defenders and the goalie to score the goal of the game and put Wymondham into cruise control. The scoreline would have been almost into double figures had the ball not rebounded off the woodwork for a third time for Town from Niall's effort before Aaron Boyall scored well from an acute angle to make it five and Tom wrapped things up with a sixth before the end. A most impressive victory. Full-time 6-0. MoM: Matt Rennie.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U12, after a number of weeks without a match, started this match with high hopes of achieving their first “double” of the year. However, they conceded an early goal once again which provided the Scole players with extra confidence and the home team dominated territory and possession for the next 20 minutes scoring twice more. Wymondham continued to compete in all areas but the team's passing was well below their normal standard and consequently they were unable to mount any consistent attacks and Scole secured a 4-0 half-time lead. During an improved second half, whilst Wymondham conceded a further four goals, they gained better possession and forged forward on a number of occasions. The players will need to take this improvement into next week's game in order to gain a positive result against Mulbarton. PoM: Matthew Cook, good defending on a number of occasions and improved distribution going forward.

WYMONDHAM TOWN UNITED U9 faced Jex Rangers in a rearranged fixture at home last Sunday on a cold, dry day at Ketts Park. Without having played a match for a few weeks due to the weather, they began rather cautiously against the division's bottom team. However, William C began with great confidence, hitting the side netting following the first attack and then drilling home the first goal soon after. From a Daniel throw-in, shortly after, skipper Lewis's crafty lob sailed just over. Immediately Jex countered with a promising move but Christy, in defence, had read the situation and cleared confidently. During a good attacking spell midway through the half, Jack B went close twice, each effort finding the side-netting, the second from a perfect long pass from Lewis, who also showed neat footwork, before having a shot of his own saved. The same combination of Jack B. and Lewis then linked again down the right and as the keeper struggled with the ball, William C pounced to drive it home, 2-0. Just before half-time William, Ollie and Jack B combined well in midfield but Lewis once again, fired just over. Virtually from the restart, William C and Jack B with clever interplay, set up Lewis who blasted home to make the score more comfortable at 3-0. United were now clearly on top and Lucas in goal was rarely troubled. Daniel then obliged with a long-range effort off the crossbar to make it 4-0 and almost immediately from a corner, sub Bradley beat the keeper from close range to make it 5-0. With the team in full flow, they forced another corner from which Jack B found Daniel at the near post who converted with a great flick to make it 6-0. Christy, now up front, then set up firstly Daniel whose effort found the side-netting and then Lucas, now in midfield, who from point blank, was just denied. But all was not done and, saving the best till last, a lovely flowing move down the right saw Jack B find Christy down the line, who then crossed for skipper Lewis to finish sweetly with his left foot, 7-0. Bradley nearly doubled his tally soon after and Lewis then forced a terrific save from the gallant Jex keeper. Final score 7-0 to Wymondham. MoM: William Cugnoni for a good all-round performance and his two goals set up the victory.

MORLEY YOUTH U10 played away last week to Mundford in a league fixture. The match got off to a good start with both teams looking to be equal in many ways. Morley were passing well and gaining ground and not before long their first goal was scored by Robbie Boulter. Liam Cossey and Nathan Cotton were having a headering frenzy between themselves with a fantastic header from Nathan in the Morley goal area clearing the ball. Luke Custance's performance in defence was spectacular, keeping Mundford's advances at bay. Half-time result 1-0 to Morley despite many attempts at the goal. The second half started with Mundford battling to gain ground, several attempts were unsuccessful but a lucky shot from midfield just below the top bar of the goal gave them a well-deserved goal. Morley's Max Tofts to date was unsuccessful in converting any of the team's hard work but this was soon to change with Morley's second goal. The final five minutes saw the game speed up as Mundford tried to equalise and Morley's defence worked overtime battling their advances. Final score 2-1 to Morley with Luke Custanec MoM, outstanding in defence.

WYMONDHAM TOWN U9 won 5-1 at home to Watton. On a heavy pitch Town made hard work of this fixture against the league's bottom team, and they were without their talented keeper Fergus Hughes. If the team thought they were in for a stroll they were very much in for a shock as Watton turned up and were prepared to fight for their lives. The game was a dour encounter until Jacob Bush opened the scoring for Town with a strike from that trusty left foot. This was surely what was required to help drive on the team and take the game by the scruff of the neck and add to the scoreline, but this did not materialise and Town introduced Curtis Bell and Rebecca Greenslade to try and liven things up, and although they worked hard for the team the spark was still not there. Town were then dealt a massive shock where Watton broke through and scored past stand in keeper Charlie Gavin, 1-1. The first half drew to a close and the score was locked at 1-1. The highlight of the half was the continual improvement of Jamie Blanchflower and his good defending. The second half needed to be better and the team were made aware that they needed to get back to passing, and not to get drawn into the physical battle Watton were happy to have. The first decent passing move of the second half involving Jacob and Sonny Clarke lead to Henry Metcalf slotting past the Watton keeper for 2-1. The woodwork was then hit on a couple of occasions and at last the ball was being passed with a bit more precision. A short corner to Luke Hunt ended with Luke dribbling the ball to the edge of the box and curling a delightful shot into the far corner off the woodwork, 3-1. Sonny then went on a long run and clipped the ball past the keeper for his deserved goal, 4-1. The last goal of the game came in the last five minutes when a long ball up to Henry was well controlled and he turned and drove a shot into the top corner for 5-1. Although the woodwork was hit on a further two occasions and the visiting keeper was inspired, this was not a convincing performance from the team. Credit must go to Charlie for competently taking the gloves for the day, and a big pat on the back to Jamie Blanchflower, who is doing everything that is asked of him and improving as a defender week on week. Wymondham MoM: Jamie Blanchflower, Opposition MoM: Henry Metcalf.

WYMONDHAM UNITED U10 played Drayton U10 and during light spells of snow the Drayton forwards exchanged passes down Wymondham's right and the final shot goes wide for a goal-kick. Anthony has his first attempt at goal but this goes wide. Drayton's shot at goal was well saved by Anthony W. George and Luke both had attempts for Wymondham. Anthony A darted down the line and had a one-on-one with the keeper who saved well. A Drayton forward ran down right flank, but Sam muscled him off for a goal-kick. Wymondham enjoyed most of the possession but had no goal yet to show for it. Drayton had a good attempt but only managed to hit the bar, this was then followed by a good save by Anthony W. At the beginning of the second half, an excellent goal kick by Ben found Anthony A who latched on to ball for a shot at goal which broke the deadlock giving Wymondham a 1-0 lead. Despite further pressure from Drayton some stout defending by the Wymondham team, led by Ben prevented Drayton from equalising, and the game ended in a deserved 1-0 victory for Wymondham who managed to take one of their numerous chances. Final score: Wymondham 1, Drayton 0. MoM: Ben.

WYMONDHAM UNITED U10 really upped their game straight from the whistle against Sprowston U10 with Anthony A latching on to a ball, winning a tackle and scored after a minute of play. George and Tai both then had efforts at goal before Anthony A shot for the second goal. Anthony A then was fouled just outside the penalty box and George stepped up for the resulting free-kick, firing it into the top left corner of the goal for Wymondham's third. A bad goal kick by Sprowston was intercepted by the marauding Anthony A who ran with the ball and lobbed the keeper for the fourth goal and his first hat-trick. Another foul on Anthony A and Joe's brilliant free kick curled into the top-left corner. Anthony A latched on to Tai's pass and his shot was deflected by the defender for Wymondham's sixth goal. The second half continued in the same vein with further pressure from Wymondham and more chances created by all the players in the team, before Joe B scored from close range, and Tai scores after dribbling past two defenders. WTU went into cruise control and added their ninth with another brilliant shot from Joe A. Ben came on to replace Anthony A and almost straight away scored from George's inch-perfect pass for his first goal of the season to take WTU into double figures, before Sprowston grabbed a deserved consolation goal at the end. The final scoreline reflected the collective effort and positive attacking play displayed by WTU. Final score: Wymondham U10 10, Sprowston U10 1. MoM: Anthony A.

ATTLEBOROUGH U7 train on Saturdays at Gaymers playing field, 9.30 to 10.30am and are also looking for new players and friendly games to play. Call Mark on 07754 829777.