Sunday 16th May Boreham youth 0 - 2 Heybridge Lions

Boreham had beaten us on the last meeting between the sides but we were possibly the better side in the game. This time there was no argument, we dominated the game for the majority of the time and, but for the lack of a final pass, should have scored 5. Both Lions goals were scored in the first half, the first was started by a typical Josh break, who eventually squared the ball and Luke R scored. The second was a similar goal created from a breakaway for Ellis to score. Boreham's marking was woeful and Luke was left on his own in front of goal on a number of occasions but unfortunately, we did not manage to pass him the ball, preferring to take on the defenders and inevitably, loosing the ball. Although the result was good, this performance was well short of our best, along with a lack of passing, our tackling was poor, we failed to mark on set plays and regularly got caught out of position. We'll put it down to the warm conditions and look forward to the 5-a-side competition in a couple of weeks.

Sunday 2nd May Heybridge Lions 1 - 3 Dunmow Rhodes

The first half of this game was very even with both sides having some good possession but Dunmow scored first with a shot from an acute angle. Lions replied almost immediately with an excellently crafted goal drilled home by Josh. A number of other chances were created by both sides but, due to a combination of good goalkeeping and tenacious defending, there was no further scoring until just before half time. Dunmow broke away and scored a good goal from the edge of the box giving them the first half advantage. The second half started in a similar vein to the first but we made a number of changes which disrupted the shape of the team somewhat and handed Dunmow the advantage. They were unable to capitalise until near the end of the game when they scored a cracking goal after we failed to close down and clear after a throw on. Special mention again this week to Jack White who was again brilliant in his defensive role and Jacob, who was solid as last man.

Sunday 25th April Burnham Ramblers 2 - 0 Heybridge Lions

Burnham are currently the form team in the league as they are top and unbeaten but for the first half of this game we outplayed them in every department. We created many attacks and got in wonderful positions but could not score due to the combination of some good defending, some rotten finishing and our ability to tackle each other at the vital moment. At the other end of the pitch, any Burnham attacks were efficiently dealt with by our defenders who then started fresh attacks for the forwards. We tended to abandon midfield in favour of the attacking third but were fortunate to have defenders playing so well. The second half saw Burnham double thier efforts and our lack of midfield was exposed, allowing the opposition to put severe pressure on our goal. Burnham finally scored with a lofted shot from the edge of the box after we failed to clear the ball and hit a second shortly after from another goal mouth scramble that we were unable to clear.

This was one game where we could and should have won, we cannot afford to miss three or four good chances. We must sort out our forward play and choose the right option more regularly. We need to understand the role of the midfield positions so we don't expose our defence to excess pressure. There was one outstanding player in our team during this game, Jack White, playing in defence was brilliant, showing determination and tenacious tackling combined with the ability to recognise danger and deal with it. Well done Jack.

Sunday 18th April Thaxted Rangers 4 - 0 Heybridge Lions

It seems that every time we go to Thaxted, we get soaked and soundly beaten but this time, although we still got soaked, we put up a much better display and gave them some competition. The first half was fairly even with both sides having some decent possession and both created some decent opportunities. Although we were unable to convert our chances, Thaxted managed a good goal and one debatable 'just crossed the line' goal. In the second half we came out with more determination but were soon under pressure and conceded another flukey goal after a deflected corner looped over the keeper. Our heads started to drop slightly and some of our players lost some heart and we conceded a fourth. All in all we performed better against this side than we had previously, so we could ask for little more for the boys. Special mentions this week go to Jacob who, although he struggled to get out of bed after a late night, performed his defensive duties excellently, Sean, who tackled and chased in midfield, Luke R, who never gave up and demonstrated great desire from start to finish and Sam H in goal, who pulled off some wonderful saves which won applause from both sets of supporters.

Well done lads the performance demonstrates the improvements the team has made and your parents will undoubtedly be proud of you.

Sunday 4th April Heybridge Lions 1 - 4 Valley Green

This was a 9 a side friendly game in which both teams played all their squad players and we also decided to try out some of our regular players in unfamiliar positions. This meant that Will Calvert got his first proper match and Luke G, Sam A and Sean all played for the entire game. The first 12 minute period saw us play our best football with Sam H scoring in a goal mouth scramble and Luke R, playing at the back, preventing any Valley Green attacks developing. The second period was more even and, although we brought on Jacob in defence and pushed Luke R forward, we could not score again and Valley Green managed an equaliser and then a second. In the final period a further reshuffle saw Jacob pushed forward but to no avail as we shipped another 2 goals. Special mentions go to Sean and Ellis for their tackling efforts but the greatest praise must go to Josh in goal as he played really well, making a number of good diving saves and some last ditch clearances. All in all, the Manager will have learned a lot about the potential flexibility of his team and those key players whose positions are vital to maintain the shape and effectiveness of the unit.

Saturday 27st Mar Heybridge Lions 2- 2 Sporting 77

This game was played on a saturday morning instead of training and was expected to be fairly hard as Sporting had beaten us 5 - 0 in our last meeting. The first 10 minutes of the first half was mainly a midfield battle but we did create a number of promising attacks culminating in a superb passing move involving Josh, Ellis and Luke R who slotted home the goal. Sporting doubled their efforts and were rewarded when they launched a high ball into the box and it was nodded past our keeper. 1 - 1 at half time was just about a fair reflection of the game and we changed round with all to play for. We were soon behind 2 - 1 as Josh was caught up field (again) and Jacob was left to deal with 4 attackers on his own. Despite a valiant effort, they got through on goal and scored a good goal to the keepers left. We restarted and got stuck in straight away with some rugged tackling and a positive attitude and were rewarded with a penalty for a blatant push on Josh. Luke R stepped up and blasted the penalty past the keeper. For the last 5 minutes we defended for our lives, Jacob and Jack especially stood out as they made tackle after tackle in and around our box. Ths final whistle came and we celibrated a good result. Well done lads, this was a better result than the score suggests and demonstrated that we are a team.

Sunday 21st Mar Heybridge Lions 1 - 0 Maldon Saints

Although this was the first game for Maldon Saints as a team they made this a very difficult game for us. The first half started with a number of lions attacks which either ended with a shot off target or a solid tackle from Saints defenders which cleared the danger. Saints also managed to put together a couple of attacks of their own but some determined tackling from Charlie and Jake M in defence saw off the danger. We went into half time at 0 - 0 and came out in the second half with more determination but were soon faced with a Saints penalty after a handball incedent. Luckily, the strike was off target and we finally scored via a speculative shot from Ellis that the goalie fumbled. We did continue to apply some pressure and hit the post and crossbar but we did not show our usual determination and lacked any bite in the middle of the pitch. In the end were flattered by the scoreline. Best move of the game was instigated by Josh with a terrific run and accurate cross which was unluckily missed in front of goal. We must put in more effort against the rest of the opposition in this league or else we'll get easily beaten.

Sunday 14th Mar Maldon Town panthers 1 - 3 Heybridge Lions

The first half saw the Lions playing with a howling gale in their favour which tended to keep the ball in the opposition half for the majority of the time. Even with this meteorological advantage we struggled to create many meaningful chances and showed little commitment. We did open the scoring eventually with a cross that caught in the wind and floated over the keeper but Maldon responded and we conceded an own goal after some serious Maldon pressure. We replied immediatly, with our next attack forcing a Panthers own goal, but could not add further to the score although we had a lot of possession. At half time we turned round with a slender 2 - 1 lead but knew the effect of the wind was going to favour the Panthers in the second half. Sure enough, the second half started with us on the back foot repelling wave after wave of Panther attacks but the commitment showed in this half was very different from the first half and we tackled furiously. Eventually, a clever passl out of defence from Josh and an accurate ball from Jack saw Luke R run on and score a great goal. We continued to defend until the final whistle and claimed a well earned victory. Special mentions this week, especially for the second half performance, go to Josh and Jacob who were immense in defence and repelled so many Panther attacks and Sean, who came on in the second half and tackled everthing that moved.

This game was less about footballing skills and more about what can be achieved when we put in the effort. The second half epitomised this team trait. Well played guys.

Sunday 7th Mar Heybridge Lions 2 - 0 Writtle Minors

The first match of our new league saw us up against Writtle Minors again but this game was a much more even affair. The Lions side was missing Jacob who was sick, and Jack who turned up late, so a re-organisation was necessary in order to maintain the good shape the team has displayed in recent games. The first half saw both sides have reasonable possession of the ball but neither was able to score due to a combination of good defending and some excellent goal keeping. Ellis played well up front having a number of penetrating runs culminating in shots on goal. The second half saw the introduction of Jack into midfield but the game continued to be fairly even until Jake M scored after a goalmouth scramble. This seemed to spur on the Writtle players who attacked with more gusto but were prevented from scoring by some excellent work from Charlie D in defence and some magnificent goalkeeping from Sam H who bravely dealt with a number of one-on-one situations and made a terrific overhead save. The pressure was removed when Luke R broke away towards the end of the half and drove the ball past the Writtle keeper to make it 2 - 0 and ensured the win.

This was the best performance by the boys as a 'team' and, although no individual stood out (apart from Sams efforts in goal), all the boys played well, combining to create a focussed, efficient and effective unit. Well done lads, more of the same next week please.

Sunday 29th Feb Maldon Town Panthers 1- 4 Heybridge Lions

On a chilly day with a brisk wind and snow showers saw a red hot performance from the Lions. The action occured mainly in the Panthers half and only occasionally did they manage to break out but the threat was normally averted by some excellent defending by Jacob and Josh. The first goal was scored within 5 minutes of the start by Luke R after a spell of pressure and was followed shortly afterwards by a Jake Melia debut goal. At this point we were coasting to an easy victory until Josh was tackled on a sortie forward, this left him out of position and, for once, Jacob was not filling in behind, leaving the Panthers attack free to place a shot past our keeper. In recent games our heads have dropped after conceding but not on this occasion, we continued to press and were rewarded with another two goals for Luke R. Every player performed well in this game and there were times in the first half where the ball was being passed around so well that it would have graced any league and any team. Well done lads, more of the same please.

Next game TBA - see latest news section.

Sunday 22nd Feb Great Notley 4 - 1 Heybridge Lions

This game finally got underway after a number of postponements but as Gt. Notley are one of the top teams, winning seemed an awesome task. This fact however, did not phase the Lions as from the kick off we moved up the field and Luke R promptly scored after good work from Josh. We maintained our lead for most of the first half until Notley broke away and scored with a lifted shot from 15 yards. Our heads went down somewhat and another goal followed shortly afterwards. 2 -1 down at half time was not a bad situation but the second half saw our players perform below par as we failed to maintain our shape and we let in another two goals. There were a number of occasions during the game when we showed flashes of brilliance which, if we could reproduce this form more regularly, and we avoid our heads going down every time the opposition score, then we would give the Notleys of the league a real problem. This was Jake Melia's debut for the Lions since transfering from the Tigers and he aquitted himself well.

Still to be played : Maldon Town Panthers away.

Sunday 25th Jan Writtle Minors 0 - 4 Heybridge Lions

This was a game where we thought we had a chance of winning if we played well and boy, did we play well. The first half was spent camped in the Writtle end where we applied incessent pressure on the Writtle goal but we did not score due to our lack of belief and some excellent goalkeeping. Throughout this period, Josh and Jacob at the back did a fine job in not allowing Writtle out of their half and Ellis and Jack had numerous attempts at goal. We went in at 0 - 0 at half time but the manager pushed Josh and Jacob into midfield to give our attack more bite and pushed Luke R up front. This ploy worked well, with Luke being rewarded with his first goal for the club and was quickly followed up with a typical Josh W goal. The third and forth followed, scored by Luke and Josh again. Throughout the game all the boys played well but special mentions go to Jack, who fought hard up front, Luke R who again worked tirelessly and Jacob who gave a fantastic display of his all round talent both in defence and attack. Well done lads.

Next game Sun 1st Feb away to Great Notley

Sunday 18th Jan Heybridge Lions 1 - 5 Thaxted rangers

The management decided to field an experimental line up for this game, playing a number of players out of their familiar positions. For the first half it payed off as there was little to choose between the teams and we went in 1 - 0 down at half time. The first 5 minutes of the second half was our downfall with a couple of defensive and goalkeeping lapses leading to goals, but after this glitch we attacked their goal on a regular basis. We were rewarded for our offencive endeavours by a penalty which Ellis put away at the second attempt and he also hit the post in another attack. All the boys gave 100% displaying some tenacious tackling but for me, Ellis produced his best ever performance to be our man of the match.

Next match 25th Jan away to Writtle Minors

unday 11th Jan Dunmow Rhodes 3 - 0 Heybridge Lions

The Dunmow pitch was a real pudding but this was not wholy responsible for the result. We did not play at all well, our tackling was poor and we showed little commitment. Luke Rogers again stood out as he ran and tackled tirelessly but he could not lift an otherwise 'flat' Heybridge team. Next week we host Thaxted Rangers who, if we play like we did today, should beat us easily.

Next match 18th Jan home to Thaxted Rangers

Sunday 4th Jan Heybridge Lions 0 - 1 Burnham Ramblers

Another stunning defencive performance but little progress up front. We were short of attacking ideas and options which was not helped when we had to use Jacob in goal as the regular goalie was away. The first half started with a Burnham attack and a shot that bounced around a crowded goal area and eventually ended up in the back of our net. This set the tone for the rest of the half in which relentless pressure from Burnham was only thwarted by some last ditch defending and some great saves from Jake. A half time chat from the coach sent the boys out in the second half with more belief and determination, this relieved a bit of pressure on the overworked defence and initiated a number of promising attacks but we could not score a goal. Burnham did have a number of further opportunities in the second half but some superb tackles from the defence and the post kept the score down to 1. Special mentions this week go to Ellis, who played his best game for ages, Sean, who defended well and Jacob for taking on the gaolies mantle at short notice and playing a blinder. Every player tried really hard today and we can ask no more, well done lads.

Next match 11th Jan away Dunmow Rhodes.

Sunday 14th Dec Boreham Youth 1 - 0 Heybridge Lions

Captain : Luke Rogers

How we lost this game escapes me, From the first whistle we dominated possession, we were first to every 50/50 ball and won nearly every tackle spending the majority of the time in Borehams half. This situation continued into the second half, even after a change of personnel but we could not find the final pass or well directed shot to score a goal. With 10 minutes to go, Steve made the brave decision to go to a 1-1-5 formation, leaving Sam H in defence on his own and pushed the rest forward in an attempt to get a goal. The pressure on Borehams goal increased but they managed to put together an attack, leaving us facing three attackers with one defender and after a goal mouth scramble, they scored. We continued to press up to the final whistle, winning a large number of corners but were unable to create any meaningful chances.

We are finally starting to demonstrate the skills learnt in training, the team shape is more or less maintained, set pieces now happen almost automatically, the tackling is solid and positive and we are also passing the ball much better. Special mentions this week go to Ellis and Luke R, who tackled, passed the ball and chased well, Charlie D who again got stuck in, Sean for standing in for the absent goalie and Sam H who worked so hard in his defensive role. Well done lads, we could ask little more of you.

Next match 4th Jan home to Burnham Ramblers

Sunday 7th Dec Heybridge Lions 0- 5 Sporting 77

After the Lord Mayors show... Although the first 2 of Sportings goals were lucky the other 3 were not and we ended up being soundly beaten. Our major problem was an inability to spend any time in the opposition half, this allowed incesent pressure on the defenders and, although Sam H had another great game, we inevitably gave away goals. Some positives were taken from the game, Sams performance, Charlie D came on for the second half and demonstrated some tenacious tackling and it seems we've finally learned how to mark at set plays. A mention for Sean is also worthwhile, this was only his second time as an outfield player but he showed great determination in his midfield birth. Back to the drawing board at training and we'll do better next week.

Next match Sun 14th Dec away to Boreham Youth

Sunday 30th Nov Heybridge Lions 1 - 2 Silver End Tigers

This was our best performance for ages even though we lost. For the first time we managed to maintain our shape and the forgotten art of tackling returned. What was really warming to see was the effort and commitment each and every lad put in, we could not ask for more. A special mention should go to Luke Rogers who continues to develop well and showed some good passing skills to bring other players into the game but in the end congratulations go to all the boys. Continue to try this hard in every game and we, as parents and coaches, will be proud of you whatever the results turn out to be. Well done lads.

Next match Home to Sporting 77 on 7th Dec.

Sunday 16th Nov Heybridge Lions 0- 4 Great Notley

Notley showed why they are top of the league by scoring two of the best goals we have seen, one a lifted free kick from 15 yards and the second, a first time drive from well outside the box that rocketed into the corner of the goal without anyone moving. We spent the majority of the game defending and created very few attacks of our own, even when we got good possession we were always short of numbers to be effective. The two other goals that Notley scored were fashioned through goal mouth scrambles caused by incessant pressure. A change of position to defence for Josh W showed his versatility, as he was again the best player on our side, making numerous last ditch tackles and clearances.

Next match away to Maldon Town Panthers on 23rd Nov.

Sunday 9th Nov Heybridge Lions 1 - 1 Writtle Minors

Another fairly dour game played between two evenly matched teams. There was however, one outstanding performance by a Heybridge lad. Josh Waughman played really well, scoring our goal and proving to be our only significant threat but Josh's biggest success was to keep playing the game whilst being pulled, pushed, kicked and shoved by Writtle defenders who did their best to pull the shirt from his back. Luke Rogers turned in another determined performance as did Charlie Digweed. Jack White made a fantastic save, diving to his left, on his debut in goal. Congratulations Josh, keep it up.

Next match home to Great Notley on 16th November.

Sunday 2nd Nov Thaxted Rangers 6 - 0 Heybridge Lions

Believe it or not, this was one of our better defensive displays but Thaxted were by far the best team we've played so far. They were well organised and seemed to be bigger, stronger and more skilled than our boys and attacked continuously throughout the game walking through our midfield and only some last ditch tackling from Jake and Sam in defence prevented a cricket score. There are always positives to take from every game and this one was no different, Jack White made his competitive debut, Josh Waughman worked tirelessly up front without any joy, Charlie got stuck in, Luke Rogers again showed significant promise and, we shouldn't have to go to Thaxted again this season !

Next match home to Writtle Minors on Sun 9th November

Sunday 19th Oct Heybridge Lions 0 - 2 Dunmow Rhodes

A repeat of a number of our recent performances where a couple of boys played well but overall we did not perform at our best. Jacob showed some flashes of his undoubted talent, Sam H was fairly solid in defence and tried his hardest as captain to inspire the team and Luke Girling had one of his best games so far but apart from these highlights we were fairly dissapointing. We must try to regain the focus that we had in the first few games, when our tackling was much more tigerish and we chased the ball with more conviction, in order to regain our winning ways.

Next match Away to Thaxted Rangers on Sunday 2nd November

Sunday 12th Oct Burnham Ramblers 3 - 0 Heybridge Lions

Captain :- Sam Hedgecock

Although we were soundly beaten by a better team we can take a number of positives from this game. Sam H was again in the thick of it in defence, Jacob showed some silky skills on the ball in attack and Luke Girling dealt with the throw on and goal kicking duties in a responsible fashion. The biggest plus to come out of the game was the form of our two debutants, Charlie Digweed and Luke Rogers. Both lads got stuck in straight away and showed the determination we hope to instill in the whole team.

Next match Home to Dunmow Rhodes on Sunday 19th

Sunday 5th Oct Heybridge Lions 2 - 1 Boreham Youth

Captain :- Ellis Cruise

After last week's mediocre performance we were looking for an improvement and, boy did we get one. The first half started with total heybridge dominance but a breakaway from Boreham meant they scored first with a good goal. We continued to pressurise the Boreham goal but they managed to keep us out up to half time. The second half saw more of the same from the lads but we were rewarded by a Josh Waughman double strike to give us the deserved win. Although the whole team played well, there has to be special mention for Jacob who created both goals for Josh with some wonderful passes and Josh himself who was awesome throughout the game. Well played lads, more of the same please.

Next match Away to Burnham Ramblers on Sunday 12th Oct.

Sunday 28th Sept. Sporting 77 0 - 0 Heybridge Lions

Captain :- Sam Hedgecock

A fairly dull game only enlightened by a superb display by Sam Hedgecock in defence and a brave performance in goal by Sean. The rest of the team looked slightly off colour as we failed to create any significant attacks and forgot how to tackle in midfield but thanks to some stout defending we came away without loosing. We do have some disciplinary issues to address however, and we'll work on these at training.

Keep working lads and well done Sam.

Next match Home to Boreham Youth on Sunday 5/10/03

Sunday 21th Sept. Silver End Tigers 2- 2 Heybridge Lions

Captain :- Jacob Williams

On another boiling hot September Sunday we headed off to Silver End with last weeks victory still fresh in our minds but were brought back to earth within 4 minutes of the start as Silver Ends first attack resulted in a goal. Last year our fragile resolve would have crumbled but not this year as the boys rallied round and took the game to the opposition. The two Sams in defence hardly let anything pass for the rest of the first half, Sean, in goal, tidied up anything that did, and Josh and Jacob made a number of surges into the opposition half without reward. The guys went in to half time, still at 1 - 0 down but after some wise words from Steve, started the second half with purpose. Ellis and Luke got stuck in in the middle of the park and Josh and Jacob ran Silver Ends defence ragged despite being continually pulled by the defenders. Their efforts were finally rewarded with a super goal from Jacob after some magic approach play from the 2 strikers. We continued to attack and it wasn't long before we were awarded a penalty which, after some vociferous debate, was duly put away by Ellis. We continued to get good chances as the match drew to a close but could not score, then, in the last meaningful action of the game, Silver End broke away and scored a good goal. It was great to see the lads get stuck in after going one down so early and in the end we were unlucky to not win the game but we have already doubled last year total of goals and the signs look good for a successful season.

Next match - away to sporting 77 on 28th Sept. - meet 9.30 swifts car park

Sunday 14th Sept. Maldon Town Panthers 0 - 2 Heybridge Lions

The new season started with a home game against Maldon Town on a glorious September day. The lads started brightly with a Josh W run into the heart of the Maldon defence only to be thwarted by a good save from their keeper. The rest of the game continued in the same vein with Josh W, Ellis and Jacob all pressing the Maldon defence resulting in great goals from Jacob and Josh W.This attacking approach was made possible by some stout tackling from Ellis and Luke in midfield and some solid defending from both Sams. Sean in goal had little to do but when he was called upon, made 2 brave saves diving at the attackers feet. This was the first competitive opportunity to see whether our summer training was worth the effort and so far the results are positive. Well done lads, a good start to the season.

Next Match - Away to Silver End Tigers on the 29th Sept.

Team

Pl

W

D

L

Pts

 Burnham Ramblers

8

7

1

0

15

 Thaxted Rangers

8

7

0

1

14

 Dunmow Rhodes

8

6

1

1

13

 Heybridge Boys Lions

8

4

1

3

9

 Sporting 77

8

4

1

3

9

 Maldon Saints

8

2

1

5

5

 Boreham Youth

8

2

0

6

4

 Maldon Town Panthers

8

1

1

6

3

 Writtle Minors

8

0

0

8

0