The Under-11 Girls' team is the latest to join Hethersett Athletic. Here Kelvin Sadler reports on their progress starting with the match at Dereham on 4th November, 2006.

Saturday 4th November

Hethersett Athletic's newest team, U11 girls, travelled away to Dereham Town for their first ever match. The team are one of six teams to have entered the Norfolk Women's & Girls League and league matches will begin in November. Today's match was a friendly against another new team so competition was fairly even. The girls are managed by Joe Cooper and currently have a squad of 12 players. Training takes place at Easton College on Monday nights, 7-8pm.

It was a glorious sunny morning when a convoy of cars, filled with anxious but excited players and even more anxious and excited parents, arrived at Swanton Morley Village Hall. Over in the distance a lone figure was pushing a line marker around the heavily dewed grass, preparing a pitch in readiness for both teams first ever football match. All players jumped out of their cars and made their way to the changing rooms.

Earlier this week a kit was kindly donated to the club by West Norwich Girls. The girl's have a kit on order but were gratefully receptive of this. It was quite large though and even when the girls tucked the shirts in, the shirts then re-appeared out of the bottom of the shorts. Still, this was irrelevant and the girls proudly came out of the changing rooms, sleeves rolled up, so they could see their hands, and ready to go.

It was agreed before the game to play 4 quarters instead of 2 halves. This was to help the players of both teams to get familiar with the rules. Tim Sadler kindly refereed the match. Tim is just 15 years of age and is this week celebrating his first anniversary of passing his Official Referee Course. Tim is a fine example to others and has recently been involved with the girls' coaching as well. Hethersett Football Club is very grateful for his help.

Both teams took up their positions on the pitch and the team captains were asked to call heads or tails and decide which end they wanted to play first. Dereham got the choice and decided that they would remain in their positions, which meant Hethersett had brilliant sunshine directly in their eyes, but this did not phase them at all. The whistle blew and the match commenced. Hethersett pressed well from the start and kept play in Dereham's half for the majority of play. After only 6 minutes Emma scored the very first goal for Hethersett Athletic U11s.

Throughout the match Hethersett performed some very good moves and played some very attractive football. Dereham also performed well and made Hethersett work hard in defence at certain periods of the game. It was very pleasing to watch such young players play the beautiful game of football for all the right reasons. To have fun and enjoy it was the order of the day and this was achieved not only for the players but for everyone on the touchline.

Both teams worked hard and it was Hethersett that sealed the victory in the last few minutes of the game with a second goal scored by Teagan. Final score Hethersett 2, Dereham Town 0.

Saturday 18th November

Hard work on the training ground certainly brought results.

The girls met Joe and Tim at Aylsham, everyone arriving on time. The ground was a bit on the heavy side following the rainfall late Friday afternoon but it was a glorious morning the sun was shining very brightly.

As has become the custom over the early games so far this season an early arrival by all the Hethersett players allowed for Joe to do a quick run through what had been practised in training the previous Monday while Tim took our aspiring young keeper Alice to one side for some warm up practice. During this warm up period Joe very astutely noted that due to the grass being fairly long and the heavy under foot conditions that the ball would need to be passed quickly. He conveyed this to his players, as things go the first few moments of the game brought a few new lessons to our fledgling side. Aylsham were awarded a corner which the Hethersett girls defended well in the first instance. However, the ball broke loose to the edge of the area and an Aylsham player then had a good shot on goal the ball passing two players before creeping in at the near post with Alice in very close attendance but not quite able to get to the ball.

With roughly five minutes gone one or two of the players looked at each other for the next ten minutes or so and Aylsham enjoyed good possession, passing and moving well. At this point Aylsham appeared to have the measure of our team. However, with good support from the sidelines the team kept its shape and gradually the one and two touch passing game started to come together. As the half continued the back line of three that Joe had put together came to terms with the job in hand. They chased, they ran for every ball, they listened and acted on the instructions given. Hethersett were playing a relatively controlled game at this point.

Further corners were conceded but the lessons of the first five minutes were taken on board and the defenders picked up their opposition players, got to the second ball and became increasingly well marshalled by Alice. The old saying that “every thing comes to he (or in this case she) who waits” came good as the girls kept the ball moving and just before half time a sweeping move down the right hand side brought a goal of real quality scored by Adelaide. The goal was well received by the travelling parents and the girls continued to improve their passing game with the confidence of the equaliser.

Half time arrived and Joe delivered a team talk which must have been of unprecedented motivation as once the girls took to the pitch for the second half it was only a short while before Hethersett took a 2 – 1 lead with the goal being scored by Sophie.

The team were now playing further into their opponents' half with the defenders trying to hold a high line, which in general worked really well. As the girls from both teams started to tire slightly the pace began to slacken. As a spectator no one could really fault either team as they were both making huge efforts to chase and close down players. In a five minute purple patch Hethersett played some very good football adding a third goal by Adelaide. The game finished 3 –1 but that does not tell the true story of the final period of the game.

Aylsham changed their formation during this period and put the Hethersett goal under pressure on several occasions Aylsham had two fine efforts saved by Alice who earlier in the game had also come out on top with a one- on –one with their forward and for Aylsham their goalkeeper also foiled two good late efforts as Hethersett had worked the ball forward well to create scoring positions. The final whistle arrived and it would have been hard not to admit that the girls deserved their win. The game was well contested by both sides who both tried to play good football on the floor. The referee contributed to deliver a flowing game as much as was possible under the conditions, for which he should receive thanks from both teams.

The really special thing about this game was that drills and practice that had been run through the previous Monday night at training were the cornerstone of the success, for this the girls must take great credit. Having seen the team in action in most of the games they have played to date the progress is staggering and Joe Cooper has done an incredible job as the team remain undefeated. If the girls all stick together it bodes well for many of these players to go on and follow in the footsteps of the illustrious all conquering ladies team at Hethersett and could in the future find themselves playing against the likes of Arsenal, Crystal Palace and other heavyweights of the ladies game.

Good work girls keep it up

Danielle provides the steel for another fine home performance 2^nd December 2006

Hethersett under 11 girls again provided a fine performance in their match against Blofield today. We were very lucky with no rain and the air temperature being of a more than reasonable level for the time of year.

The team were without the Wells sisters who were away in London this weekend however the squad is such now that this was not too much of a problem. Constance Canning was given a quick goalkeeping refresher by Tim while Joe followed his tried and tested pre-match routine with the rest of the girls before kick off.

With Constance warmed up Tim changed from goalkeeping coach to match official and checked both teams boots etc ready for the off. I decided to take up a position behind the goal that Hethersett were defending. From the off the girls were quickly on the attack and in a very short space of time found themselves a goal ahead

(Sophie) I believe it was only the second attack of the half. They continued brightly and were awarded one of only two or maybe three free kicks awarded in the entire game. The free kick was on the edge of the penalty area and from the kick the ball went narrowly wide of the goal post. Danielle was running the defence and reading the game exceptionally well which in turn allowed the team as a whole to spread the play, the game was being played at an excellent pace and considering the commitment level from both teams it was surprising that half time was reached with no further goals.

At half time the girls were encouraged to try to get the ball quicker into the wide areas of the pitch as it had been noted in the first half that Blofield were very keen to clear their lines when we were moving forward this had resulted in Blofield conceding possession to a throw in on numerous occasions allowing Hethersett to get the ball wide down the flanks. As in the first half Hethersett started with a bang Teagan scoring a nicely taken gaol. At this point two goals to the good Hethersett had a slight drop in their tempo and indeed it was during this period that Danielle convinced me she was our player of the match, Blofield were now enjoying a fair bit of possession in our last third Connie made some fine saves Danielle was shifting the defence pulling back the mid-field. There were two moments of real class during the course of the second half one involving Danielle and the other Sophie Rock which I will come to in a moment. Danielle was standing just out side her own penalty area she had two players arriving from each side she calmly waited for them both to arrive within a few inches of her she then moved the ball from one foot the other took two steps forward leaving her two opponents facing each other with about an inch between them. As tends to be the case in football the attitude and perseverance of the Blofield team eventually brought them a goal a good finish from a loose ball just outside the area. The girls still had some way to go to make the game safe however my thoughts at this time could not have envisaged the quality of the final goal of the game. During the final throws of the game Joe had encouraged the girls to push forward and shoot, well to say that Sophie took him at his word would be an understatement “Rocky” as she is know picked the ball up travelled a distance over the ground then let rip with what was a thunderous shoot from long distance the poor goalkeeper stood no chance. It was as I say another moment of class from our very quickly developing team. This goal of course made the game safe with the girls finishing with a richly deserved 3 – 1 victory. The game was play in great spirit by both teams and I am sure the girls will be looking forward to the return latter in the season.

In any other game “ Rocky” would have been recognized as the player of the game for her excellent strike however such was the influence of Danielle on the game as a whole I think she just piped it for me.

On behalf of Joe and Tim and the girls I would also like to thank the parents and supporters who on more than one occasion broke into song during the course of the second half and also for their support of the raffle held at the game.

We have also now secured some shirt sponsorship for the girls from Crompton Lamps there will be more information and detail on this in the near future.

Hethersett Under 11s 1^st Loss of the Season - December 9th

No body could have do anything about it, On Saturday Hethersett suffered their first loss of the season as Georgia played her last game for the team before leaving for pastures new in Australia I am sure our loss will be some other teams gain down under.

By some strange coincidence Georgia was captain for the day however for some reason the captains armband was not worn (I think this may have been some new covert scheme that Joe and the girls had worked out)

The game started with a change of faces from the last game Alice was restored to the goalkeeping position and Izzi came in playing left side of defence. The girls are obviously now very sure of what they can and can not do as again on our travels they decided to left the opposition (Red Rose in this case) have an early one goal start, in fact only fine minutes had passed when they conceded the opening goal. A well placed shot from their player managing to put the ball round Alice from the edge of the penalty area. So one nil down with only five minutes played, Joe shouted some memorable words (which I can’t remember) something along the lines of being here before, hard work, concentration…………..

The girls responded and started to play some reasonable football on 15 minutes the equalizer was delivered with Teagan finishing really well. Just like buses after waiting some 15 minutes for our first goal the second arrived little over a minute latter the goal scorer again being Teagan The game was slightly more physical than the last couple of games but again was played with great attitude by both sets of players. Half time arrived with the girls still 2 –1 in front.

Joe made some changes for the second half with Georgia coming off for a rest, for a period during the second half Red Rose gave the girls a real run for their money however Joe urged the girls on from the side lines and again lessons in shape and discipline allowed the girls to stand firm during this period Alice made a couple of really decent saves, one from a one-one which she seem always to come out on top and the other a really great double save where from my vantage point she seemed to be crawling around the goal line on her hands and knees ( As they say goalkeeping is a dirty job but some one has to do it !) After a period of time the team appeared to get a second wind one thing I do know is that our team has had more stamina than all the teams we have played so far this season undoubtedly down to Monday night training. For those of you that have read my utterance on the last game you will recall how in our last game Sophie Rock scored a spectacular long distance goal well today just to underline the fact that this was no fluke she again contrived to score a gaol of equal quality, she may have been slightly closer to gaol this time however the outcome was the same a perfect strike goalkeeper no chance!

So there we were 3-1 up the game as good as won despite the fact that Red Rose kept plugging away and still looked capable of catching us on the break as the girls continued to press forward for further goals. The final goal arrived to make the final score 4 – 1 to Hethersett. Teagan being credited with a shot which hit one of their players before finding the net. I was the official goal adjudicator judging that had the ball not hit their player it would have still gone in. So another first for the team a hat trick for Teagan (the first of many we hope) not bad for a player who before her international transfer played most of her football in defensive roles. This game again was a truly superb team performance and I am pleased to note that as things stand Hethersett top their league by three clear points with almost half of the fixtures completed the team as a whole should take great satisfaction from what they have achieved thus far but must remember that the final product they produce on a Saturday morning is the fruits of hard work, application and good attitude to learning. They are now a scalp to taken for other teams playing against them and their continued success will be down to working harder and harder to maintain their performance level.

On behalf of the girls Joe, Tim and Sue I would also like to thank Georgia for her efforts for the team in very simple terms she will be missed enormously we wish her and her family well in their adventure in Australia.

We will be thinking of you when you are gone please try to stay in touch and look out for my waffle on your team on the club web-site you will always be one of our team where ever you are, you were here when we started something which is very special and good.

Again before we break for Christmas I must thank the parents for the exceptional support the team has received.

Thank You

On a different note I know many of you know that Hethersett operates innumerable teams at all age levels and genders and I do have to admit that I have become quite a fan of the ladies team this year managing to be at most of their games. For any one at a loose end on a Sunday I thoroughly recommend going and giving them a look they are flying high at the top of their league have turned Easton College into something of a fortress and to boot are playing some very attractive football having also recently acquired a goal machine now playing upfront their latest exploit being the 7 -1 destruction of Brentwood Town who are the only team to have taken all three points from them earlier in the season a narrow 4-3 loss. This team has the potential to go a very long way with the emerging talent on board the only thing holding them back being their manager Toastie (Joke Toastie !)

This team deserves more support and I can honestly say I have derived more enjoyment watching them this season than my yellow and green team who over the years I have followed near and far at great expense.

If you are tempted to come and give them a look please do so, you will be afforded a warm welcome by every body involved however remember to bring some small change as Sue Milne is quite handy with a raffle ticket book.

If you are able to offer any form of help to any of the club teams this is always gratefully received, else where on this site you will find a definitive list of contact names.

Visit to Docking Blows away Christmas Cobwebs

14th January, 2007

Following the return to training last Monday it looked mid-week as though Saturday would be game less for the girls as the Pitch at Easton at been partly re-turffed and was still water logged however the intervention of Jon Eaton from Norfolk County F.A. facilitated the fixture being reversed from Easton – Docking, for his help and everyone at Docking who enabled this fixture to go ahead I would like to place on record sincere thanks from everybody at Hethersett Athletic.

Joe Cooper phoned early Saturday morning to confirm that the game was going ahead, Tim and I set off and after one false turn in Docking arrived to find that we were the first arrivals at Bradmere Lane. As I had missed the turning I walked back down the hill to ensure that everybody found the ground (it is always an anxious wait at away games when travelling independently) once every one expected had arrived Joe and Tim readied the girls for the start of the game.

The game started with Hethersett playing downhill into the sun, knowing that Docking had played only a few games we did not really know what to expect. Hethersett enjoyed good possession of the ball in the early stages played much of the game in their opponents half forcing several corners.

As Hethersett battled away to get the opening which their played deserved it was evident that some of the fluency from the pre-Christmas games was not on show and that Docking were a well organized team the later possibly having an effect and the flow of the game.

After around fourteen minutes Hethersett scored to take the lead through Teagan. The pattern of earlier play continued with the girls pushing on for further goals this at times leading to a few scares at the other end, the defence as a group were mopping up most of what came their way and on the few occasions the defence was breached our ever improving goalkeeper Alice was on hand to deal with the shots that came her way.

Half time arrived, Joe spoke to the girls calmly about the game and dictated a few tactical changes with the hope that this might open the game out a bit. The second half got under way and after a short period of time a second goal was scored this time by Sophie Rock. On most occasions this season after giving themselves some breathing space the girls have gone on to up the performance and play some very good football, but today they struggled to find that next gear, Docking were improving as the game progressed and were out fighting us in some areas of the pitch there was much to be admired in their performance especially for a team which had only played a handful of games.

After around ten minutes of the second half the hard work of Docking brought them a well deserved goal there was no doubt that in this period of play Docking had the bit between their teeth and looked likely to rescue a point from the game.

Docking continued to enjoy good procession and again on a number of occasions worked further good openings.

Both teams made substitutions we then had a passage of play which with out doubt decided the outcome of the match Docking scored an extremely good goal with a flowing move which took them form deep in their own half to an excellent shot from just outside the goal area which Alice stood no chance of saving however the young ref had already whistled to stop play for an injured player in their own half ( Who would be a referee! ) I am not sure if his decision was right or wrong (although I did discuss at length with Tim on the way home) I guess he knew this was a kids game and at this age level you really do have to put the welfare of the children first. The injury was dealt with however it should be noted that the injury was such that the girl had to be helped to leave the field and unfortunately for Docking this also now gave Hethersett a player advantage.

Once the girls came to terms with this advantage they spread the play and I think it was inevitable that they went on to score further goals through Teagan and Sophie Rock. The final score was a very flattering 5-1 to Hethersett, the record books will show another good away win however for those of us that witnessed the match we know how easily this could have been our first loss.

All things being equal we look forward to entertaining Docking at Easton pitch permitting.

The girls may remember being told that it is tough getting back to levels achieved after the Christmas break they will need to remember this with our return fixture next week.

We have set ourselves high standards to which we must return, high concentration, playing as a team, best foot forward with us deciding the pattern of play.

Under 11 Girls V East Dereham Saturday 3^rd February 2007

Saturday brought the girls face to face with the only team to have taken points from them so far this season which dates back to the very first league game of the season when they earned a well deserved draw against well organized opposition.

On arrival at Swanton Morley there was no evidence of the heavy frost that we had in the City overnight. I guess the glorious sunshine had already melted it away giving a near on perfect playing surface given the time of year and recent weather conditions.

Again on our travels we had a very good away support who I am pleased to report were back on song literally with their support for the team through out the game.

Joe and Tim had the luxury of a near on the full squad of players to chose from and it was especially pleasing to see Emma Bun there, Emma has recently had a fall which has left her with a bright orange plaster cast ( now that is what you call support for your team) during the warm up session Emma was desperate to get involved however in the end she was happy to knock the ball about with me, she also confided that she hopes to be back playing earlier than had been the original prognosis ( what a star ! )

With the pre-match formalities out of the way our Ref for the day had both sets of players ready for the off. The game was incredibly keenly contested by both sides with no quarter asked or being given (this are darling under 11s ). After 5 – 6 minutes of end to end football Hethersett took the lead, another first for the season, Sophie Rock scoring direct from a corner, the result of this was Dereham redoubling their efforts and after only a few more minutes forced a corner which was scrambled into the net at the near post.

After this there was an element of even status being achieved and both teams continued to pound the defending players of the opposing teams it says something for the levels of football that both teams are now playing that this continued right up to half time.

Joe brought all the girls together at half time and pointed out how well they had done in the first half then using a tad of psychology asked them all to think back to the best game they had ever played and try to re-live and deliver the same performance in the second half.

The second half was even better from both teams, again both defenses came out on top I don’t think I would be being biased if I said Hethersett created more direct goal scoring chances in the second half as I can recall at least four may be five breath taking saves by the Dereham goalkeeper who in a player of the game contest would have won by a good country mile, she is indeed some prospect. Getting back to our own team the second half was far more fluid and I suspect although the game ended up being a 1 – 1 draw Joe would be well pleased with the next gear found in the second half which had our hosts under a bit more pressure.

It was a game neither team deserved to lose purely for effort, let alone the other great attributes on show. This game and particularly the second half was a massive advert for what can be achieved in such a very short space of time. These two teams played each other a few weeks prior to the league season getting under way and I have no doubt that if either of the teams had put in the performance they did in the friendly, on Saturday they would have got spanked about 10 – 0

On a final point we had a gentleman RAF, Ref. on Saturday who contributed to a fantastic game his kind words of encouragement which helped both sets of players.

Well done girls we may not have won the game but without doubt our best overall team performance of the season.

“COME ON YOU JAFFA KICKS”

Oh and another……….. just one last thing, thank you again to the girls and parents for turning out for the team photo at the last women’s cup game, I could not conceal my pleasure at Teagan winning the raffle prize which was well supported by all who attended.

Again on behalf of the Club your support of these raffles and other functions is very much appreciated.

Blown away at Blofield

Hethersett under 11 girl’s v Blofleld Saturday 24^th February 2007

On Saturday the girls received a lesson in finishing from their hosts, on the day there were a few changes with Danielle replacing Alice in goal who moved out to play in defence, Joe also giving a few of the players a change of role, it was also very nice to see Emma return to the squad of players following her recent injury.

I arrived at Blofield well ahead of most and even before I got out of the car had doubts in my mind that the game would go ahead. There had been a fair amount of rain overnight and the ground was very soft, the girls started to arrive along with Joe, Tim was un-available on the day as he was on F.A. duty running the line in a Girls School Cup final at Anglian Windows Social Club, so Joe had to make do with me as an assistant.

Joe pulled the girls together in the changing room and outlined his team selection and who had what responsibilities for the game ahead with these formalities done and dusted the girls took to the field for a warm up before the game started, I have to admit the pitch was far better than I expected although there were signs that someone had put a lot of effort into the pitch at some stage to prepare for the game. The work of many of the people who look after these pitches is often overlooked but they are part and parcel of the big machine which operates in the back ground which enables youth football to operate.

The game got under way with a good start for the girls they worked an early opening after just minutes when a good effort on goal was saved by the Blofield keeper. This was then followed by a long passage of play with Hethersett enjoying the lion’s share of possession and a good progressive passing game being played. There were early signs that perhaps this was not to be our day as innumerable corners were forced without gaining any result. The girls were pressing hard for the opening in a spell of only a few minutes between the 10^th and 17^th they had a corner count of 4 and in addition attempts on goal from Adelaide (two) and Alice.

Around the 20 minute mark very much against the run of play Blofield took a one – nil lead. This seemed to stun the girls somewhat and again before half time Blofield increased their lead to two. Half time arrived we spoke to the girls to underline to them that they had actually played very well in the first half and that they were extremely unlucky to be two – nil down

However for the first time this season from the body language one could see that the confidence was now low, Joe encouraged the girls to go out and win the second half asking them again to think back to other games in the season when they had come back from being down at half time.

The second half progressed in much the same way as the first with Blofield playing a more confident game and enjoying more possession it was therefore no surprise that Blofield further increased their lead to three early in the half. This was new territory for the girls and although after substitutions a consolation goal was scored (greeted by the parents with a fine rendition of some goal scoring anthem) we never quite hit top gear in the second half and finished the game on the wrong end of a three – one score line.

Nothing should be taken away from Blofield who put in a good performance held their nerve against our early possession and took all three of their goals very well, they are an improved team from our last game against them. Some of our girls were emotionally upset after the game the first defeat of the season, we did our best to lift and reassure them that because we have lost a game we have not turned into a bad team over night, we look forward to seeing the girls at training on Monday night when we will have a chance to look back on the game objectively jointly and plan for the future games ahead which are all at home. We still stand a very good chance of enjoying a fantastic finish to the season and I would encourage players and parents alike to all hold their heads high we have enjoyed an unbelievable maiden season in this league and a loss had to come at some stage, as we learn new skills to succeed we also need to learn form defeat regroup and face the next challenge, it is unrealistic to expect to play a full season without defeat even our all conquering ladies team have suffered defeat this season however they truly learnt from their defeat early in the season and have gone on to be unbeaten in any competition since.

While on the subject of the ladies team I would like to put to print my congratulations to the team. I would like to reflect on the magnitude of the title winning achievement; this is akin in the men’s game of starting a Sunday league team and within ten years being ready to play in a league in which promotion would see you moving into the football league.

Congratulations go to all the girls and the parents involved I have had the privilege of being fully involved watching the majority of the games they have played this season, they deserve all the credit they will receive however the success of the players on the pitch and the managerial skills of both Sue and that “young boy” apprentice “Toasty” are a culmination of over ten years hard work by the “ Club “ Indeed the club should glow in this success, a ten year commitment largely by the same individuals who have steered and help mould the club for success now and long into the future.

If you play for any team representing Hethersett you should know who they are!

As we are covering teams other than our own under 11s I would also like to congratulate the men’s team on an enjoyable evening Friday night at their quiz and chips evening at the middle school. It is the first time I have been able to attend one of these events and thoroughly enjoyed myself, quiz master for the evening was Peter Steward club chairman who did his best to control a lively group of participants it was also nice to spend a bit of time with the lads from the men’s team who I have to say are a really great bunch of Lads who we all wish well in their final games of the season trying to bring the prestigious Sunday league title to Hethersett, now that with the ladies trophy would sit nicely on the mantle piece, and even better if the ladies can bag one of the cup competitions of which they have reached the final stages.

I am always pleased to hear any feed back on Blogs at my home email address of kelvin.sadler@btinternet.com

Normal Service has been resumed Under 11 Girls V Red Rose (Easton College)

Following Monday night training when the players, Joe myself and Tim had spoken about our total lack of luck in our last game and what we could do to improve our performance next time out I guess we would have all been eager to get there Saturday. Watching the weather Friday evening and indeed early Saturday morning I had great doubts to the game going ahead. Tim had been suffering with Flu or something similar and had not left his bed between Monday night and Wednesday night he agreed however that he was feeling well enough to referee the game. This decided he insisted we visit the pitch early (8:15) to check that it was fit for play.

As it turned out, despite the considerable amount of rain the pitch was fine. Tim called Joe to let him know, with Joe informing him that he had been concerned himself and was already on the way there.

So an opportunity arose for Joe and Tim to have fifteen- twenty minutes together on tactics for the game, I am not going to put to print that conversation, the outcome was a few minor changes to the way the team was going to play after this Joe and Tim went off to meet the girls, Joe’s long suffering Taxi driver (his dad) came with me and we eventually managed to open the shipping container to get the portable goals and corner flag ready for play. While myself, Joe’s Dad and a couple of the parents did our Krypton factor tasks with the goals Joe and Tim started to get the girls ready. Another early arrival leaving plenty of time to talk through the game with the girls before the game started.

Referring back to our game last week we played very well, had loads of chances and had we had the killer instinct may well have come away with a win rather than the unfortunate loss that we suffered. There was a bit of banter at Monday night training that I should accept some of the responsibility for this defeat as I had turned up in my England rain jacket not my bright orange fleece which just happens to match that of our team (this fleece is at least twenty years old) the girls on Monday night insisted that this had some bearing on the result of the game, as I had worn it for all the previous games when we had been undefeated. If I have learnt any thing from over seventeen years of marriage it is never incur the wroth of a women so when the girls caught sight of me in my blue fleece I was despatched to the car for a jacket change forthwith.

Now to the game, I can not speak for Joe, and Tim would have been occupied with his man in the middle stuff, but I was actually quite nervous as game started my mind was soon put at rest as we immediately adopted a very positive approach to the game and it was only a short while before we took an early lead a free flowing move saw the ball being worked down the pitch on the left hand side with a inch perfect pass reaching Teagan who the despatched the ball into the net cool as you like.

The quality of the play was very encouraging again with the girls displaying a good understanding of the movement required to make extra space and it was not surprising when Teagan added another after only seven minutes of play. This enthused the girls and the confidence of earlier in the season was there for all to admire.

Before half time a certain Adelaide grabbed her first goal of the season making the score three – nil. This was a very special goal which Adelaide richly deserved she has run her heart out for the team this season and has laid on many of the goals that Rocky and Teagan have put away. It was especially pleasing to see the congratulations she received from her teammates both on and off the pitch.

Half time arrived with the girls well in control of the game, the whole team were putting in a very competent performance, and from goalkeeper through to forwards everyone was doing their job. The second half got underway and in truth our team could have done without the break, they continued to play some really attractive football allied to some fine defending when not in possession of the ball, I am now about to use that Bus one again Adelaide obviously enjoyed the adulation of her goal scoring as she bagged herself another goal. At this point in my mind I was happy that the game was safe, both sides introduced substitutions and in the latter part of the game with Red Rose enjoying more possession created themselves several opportunities to score, they managed to put one of these away however without the determined defending of our team they may have got closer with the score line, their team should be complimented for not letting their heads drop and competing right through to the end of the game.

The final whistle arrived at the end of a game where every body involved should have been proud of the quality of the performance. We have returned to our expected level of performance, we now need to strive as individuals and a team to reach an even higher level

( Oh the orange fleece will remain a permanent fixture)

Docking Hit for Six ! Girls Under 11s V Docking Devils

April 2nd, 2007

Knowing that the team had not played since very early in the month you never rally know what to expect with a young team such as our, the Christmas break caused form to be a bit sticky until our last match when we put in a very good performance against Red Rose. Although the formbook suggested we should beat our opponents a quite flattering score line to us earlier in the year was still on my mind. However the time between our games has been well spent and Joe advised me that the girls were raring to go.

Due to the distance our visitors had to travel an 11:00am kick off had been arranged, we had the luxury of the new Easton College changing rooms at our disposal which I know the girls were greatly impressed with. Our guests unfortunately got lost on the way so our 11:00 kick off was delayed to about twenty past.

Once the game started it was one of those games when the whole team was is in the grove, everything Joe had asked of them was happening on the pitch, players running with the ball releasing it at the right, making space for themselves and when not in possession closing down the Docking team the football was a joy to watch (especially if you were supporting Hethersett) the girls absolutely cruised to a 6 – 0 win and created enough chances to have trebled that figure, again the goals were put away by our regular forwards Sophie Rock bagging another hat trick, Teagan added a further two to her collection and just not to be left out Adelaide scored one as well the whole team were excellent. On a day when the team played so well special mention should go to two players Constance for volunteering to go in goal to cover for Alice, who put in a display which will leave Joe with a difficult decision for the next game and Nancy who played probably the best game I have seen her play, her confident display playing along side Danielle made them look unbeatable.

Since becoming involved with the team and club earlier in the year I have become somewhat afflicted by the club this has culminated in accepting to take on the manager role for next season (due to Joes trip to Oz and then being off to Uni ) Tim will continue helping me and I also hope to enlist the help of some of the other coaches that fall within the clubs ranks. Joe is going to be a very hard act to follow he has taken our team to the very brink of the league title and it would be a very fitting farewell to secure the league for him to add to his C.V. Joe has been a real pleasure to work with over the season I wish him well with his further studies and would take this opportunity to remind him that when he has free time we will always be very pleased to see him.

If you are reading this Blog and have not yet read the April News Letter (which is also on line on this site) please do so there is some really important information about the Fun day for which we are still looking for volunteers, and further information concerning our Community Charter Standard status and our quest to continue to move the club forward, inline with this we are looking to run some volunteer training sessions during the summer period.

If you are interested please contact me on

Telephone 01603 425164, mobile 07931 358636 or email kelvin.sadler@btinternet.com

Good work girls keep it up

Danielle provides the steel for another fine home performance 2nd December 2006

Thank You

Normal Service has been resumed Under 11 Girls V Red Rose (Easton College)

Docking Hit for Six ! Girls Under 11s V Docking Devils

Danielle provides the steel for another fine home performance 2^nd December 2006