Under 14's - Mattishall Youth Football Club

Manager	Trevor Rudling - 01362 854081 - Email
Assistant Managers	Peter Clements - 01362 690568 Rick Nelis

League	Norfolk Youth Combination - Under 14's B - Link League Table - Link
Team Colour's	1st - Blue & White 2nd - Red
Sponsor	RG Construction Ltd
Player Honours	2010/2011 Season Players Player of the Year - Alex & Matty G Supporters Player of the Year - Ryan Most Improved Player of the Year - Jack Managers Player of the Year - Joe The Garner Cup (Most Man of the Match Awards) - Owen and Thomas S 2009/2010 Season Managers Player of the Year - Owen Players and Parents Player of the Year - Aiden and Matty
Team Honours	Watton Martin Bridges Tournament Under 13s Winners 2011 Dersingham and Watton (twice) Tournaments runners up medals

Training	Thursday evening at Mattishall Primary School (Summer) Dereham Hockey Club (Winter) 6:00pm to 7:30pm
	Saturday morning at Mattishall Primary School - 9:00am to 10:30am
	All children taking part in training sessions should come with football boots, shin pads, warm clothing and a drink. Please note that shin pads must be worn.
	If you are part of the under 14's team and wish to receive updates via email, please contact Tony at one of the games and I'll add you to the mailing list.

Date	Fixture	Result	Man of the Match
18/09/2011	Hetherset v Mattishall	3 - 0	Matty W
25/09/2011	Hellesdon v Mattishall MC1 (League Matches May Be Brought Forward)	Postponed
02/10/2011	Norwich Utd v Mattishall	2 - 5	Thomas
09/10/2011	LC1 (League Matches May Be Brought Forward) Wymondham v Mattishall	3 - 3	Alex
16/10/2011	Mattishall v Costessey	5 - 4	Ben
23/10/2011	Norman v Mattishall	6 - 0	Matty W
30/10/2011	Mattishall v Hellesdon	2 - 5	Alex
06/11/2011	Mattishall v Horsford MC 2 (League Matches May Be Brought Forward)	2 - 9	Louis
13/11/2011	Mattishall v Norman	0 - 7	Brendan
20/11/2011	Mattishall v Dereham LC 2 (League Matches May Be Brought Forward)	0 - 8	Ryan
27/11/2011	Costessey v Mattishall	7 - 5	Jack
04/12/2011	Mattishall v Watton	3 - 2	Alex
11/12/2011	No Match at Present
18/12/2011	Mattishall v Hethersett	Postponed
25/12/2011	No Match
01/01/2012	No Match
08/01/2012	Horsford v Mattishall	12 - 0	Ryan
15/01/2012	Mattishall v Norwich Utd	2 - 5	Kyle
22/01/2012	No Match
29/01/2012	Mattishall v Wymondham	4 - 3	Ryan
05/02/2012	Hellesdon v Mattishall	Postponed
12/02/2012	No Match at Present
19/02/2012	Mattishall v Hethersett	3 - 6	Joe
26/02/2012	No Match at Present
04/03/2012	Watton v Mattishall
11/03/2012	No Match at Present
18/03/2012	LCSF (League Matches May Be Brought Forward)

Final Score :- Mattishall 4 Wymondham 3

With January almost finished, and Xmas a distant memory, the end of the season was now in site with Mattishall having just four fixtures to fulfil. The coaches and lads were determined to finish a tough season strongly and that meant that today's game was a "must win".

The two teams have met a number of times in the last few years with the games regularly providing excitement and plenty of goals whilst being played in a competitive but sporting manner. Today would be no different ! Jack was given the honour of the captain's arm-band as this fixture sees him facing up to his school-mates and competing for Monday morning's bragging rights.

The game kicked off at 10.30am and Mattishall were immediately on top creating a number of gilt-edged chances which could have seen them out of sight if they had been a little sharper with their finishing. Football has a way of punishing you for wasting chances though and the home team were stunned as they conceded two sloppy goals in quick succession after 6 minutes. This is happening too regularly and yet again provided a stern test of the team's character.

Mattishall re-grouped and some straight-talking amongst the players saw them regain control of the game. Alex grabbed a much needed goal on the 10 minute mark and then delivered a fine corner-kick which Brendan headed home to level the scores after 15 minutes.

Wymondham won a free kick 10 minutes later though and a great strike from 25 yards saw them take the lead again which they held until the half-time break.

The second half saw the home team dominate early on as they began to play the sort of passing football which they are capable of and Matty G executed a fine finish after 15 minutes to level the scores again. Mattishall had the bit between their teeth now and only an inspired display from Wymondham's keeper kept them at bay until Dec strode forward from midfield and smashed in the goal which would prove to be the match winner.

A good result for the home-team against a sporting and honest opposition which saw strong performances from many. MOM contenders were Ryan, Brendan and Dec but the majority vote was for Ryan who excelled in his first game at centre-half with a superb all-action display.

MOM - Ryan

Final Score :- Horsford 12 Mattishall 0

After a long festive break the Mattishall lads met up for training a few days before the first match of 2012. Fitness levels had naturally gone back a little due to too much chocolate, turkey and mince-pies but the boys were in good spirits having won the final game of 2011 and looking forward to getting back into the action. Horsford were always going to be tough opposition though as they looked to extend their league winning streak, following strong results against Costessey and Norwich Utd, along with the added incentive of potentially moving into second place in the league.

The match kicked off on a sunny winter afternoon and the two teams were evenly matched for the first 10 minutes with neither creating any clear cut opportunities. Mattishall were competing well in all areas of the pitch but Horsford gradually began to impose their superior size, strength and speed leading to an opening goal after 11 minutes. The home side were visibly lifted by this and their confidence soared whilst Mattishall lost heart a little too quickly and conceded a further five goals before half-time.

The away team had to shuffle the pack (an all too familiar story this season) due to injuries to Brendan and keeper Matty W. Matty G volunteered to take the goalie's shirt for the second half knowing that he was in for a busy time. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with a regular flow of goals from the superior home team and the match ended with a heavy defeat for the "blues".

There were some good performances despite the score-line with strong tacking displays from Tom and man-of-the-match Ryan who worked tirelessly in his holding midfield role and never gave up the fight.

A disappointing start to 2012 for Mattishall who must learn to show more resilience when they go behind and have more belief in their own abilities to play good football. Much work to do on the training pitch but a home game against Norwich Utd next week provides the perfect opportunity to re-group and get back to winning ways.

MOM - Ryan

Mattishall 3 Watton 2

What a game !!!!!

The home team had experienced a series of tough matches recently which had really challenged their motivation and self belief. This fixture against their old rivals felt like it could be pivotal in determining whether the remainder of the season would be a damp squib or an opportunity to regroup and restore some Mattishall pride.

Mattishall were boosted by the delivery of their smart new training tops which lifted their spirits and saw them warm up like professionals with real focus and determination.

The opening salvos saw two well matched teams fighting to gain dominance and there was nothing to choose between them as midfields and defences cancelled each other out. Watton won a corner on the 15 minute mark though resulting in a headed goal. This could have been disallowed after some pushing and shoving from the away team in the penalty area though the referee was unsighted and rightly couldn't give a decision for something he couldn't see.

Mattishall refused to let their heads drop and piled on the pressure winning a number of corner kicks in rapid succession. Their perseverance was rewarded when lone striker Alex levelled the scores with a well taken drive after 30 minutes.

The next few minutes were again "nip and tuck" with strong challenges all round but Watton went ahead 3 minutes into added time. A great dead-ball kick and fine header acknowledged by all parties.

A rousing team talk from Trevor made it clear that the next goal would be pivotal and the collective spirit saw the home team dominate proceedings early in the second half. Mattishall were beginning to pass the ball with confidence and Watton were pegged back allowing them only the occasional break away which was snuffed out by a dogged defence and keeper.

The home team got their just deserts after 15 minutes in spectacular fashion with a volley from 20 yards from Alex which would have graced any level of football - one to tell the grand-kids about !! The impetus and belief were irresistible now and Alex completed a memorable ( and second consecutive ) hat-trick 10 minutes later to seal a terrific and hugely deserved victory.

Great credit to "the blues" for their resilience and strength of character. Every member of the available squad played their part and should feel very proud of this performance.

MOM - Alex

Costessey 7 - Mattishall 5

After a spell of incredibly tough games, both in the league and cup, Mattishall travelled to Costessey knowing that this was an opportunity to get the season back on track against opponents who had regularly provided a tight contest with little between the teams. Mattishall were again severely depleted with four regular starters missing (the story of the season so far) meaning yet another re-shuffle of the starting line-up and formation.

The early stages of the game were predictably "nip and tuck" but the home team were handed a gilt-edged opportunity after 10 minutes as the referee awarded a questionable free-kick to them right on the edge of Mattishall's penalty area. An unstoppable drive into the top corner saw Costessey duly take the lead and go on to score two more in the next 5 minutes as the away team wobbled slightly.

Mattishall regrouped quickly to their great credit and began to play some incisive football leading to two calmly taken goals from stand-in striker Alex. Game on !

Continued pressure from the away team led to a string of corners as Costessey were rocked back on their heels and an opportunist strike from right-back Jack saw the lads deservedly level after 30 fast and furious minutes. At this stage Mattishall were firmly in the ascendancy but the referee began to award a series of bizarre decisions which fell consistently in the home team's favour. Firstly a penalty award for hand-ball which appeared to come off the defender's chest (converted) followed by an inability to spot two blatant hand-ball offences from Costessey which led to a further goal leaving the score at 3-5 at half time.

The away team were stung by the perceived injustice and came out fighting in the second half. Great goals from Alex (completing a superb hat-trick) and a header from Owen saw the score at 5-5 with the away team now firm favourites to go on and win. The referee again played a decisive role though by completely ignoring the lines-man's flag for a blatant off-side goal by Costessey and refusing to discuss the decision. This was yet another crucial point in the game where again the decisions went firmly with the home side who went on to score again leaving the final score at 7-5.

Spectators and players alike were baffled and frustrated by the decisions which created an unwarranted score-line and spoilt a good game of youth football. We can all accept being fairly beaten but most neutral observers were of the view that the refereeing was the decisive factor in this game and sadly not the respective ability of the two well matched teams.

Mattishall had a number of great performances but MOM was deservedly awarded to Jack for his hard tackling and uncompromising defending not to mention a well taken goal.

MOM - Jack

Mattishall 0 Dereham 8

Mattishall lined up against their local rivals with a squad which was again severely depleted through injuries and players missing due to other commitments. The lads were highly motivated though to put in a good performance against a team which includes a number of their school-mates - Monday morning bragging rights were definitely at stake.

The fog lifted sufficiently to allow the game to go ahead and the early action was fast and furious as both teams showed their desire to stamp their authority.

There was nothing to separate them for 20 minutes with the Mattishall defence tackling and closing down their opponents to great effect. Dereham did manage to grab a morale boosting lead on 21 minutes though and the home team then had 5 minutes of lost concentration shipping a further three goals in rapid succession. As the half time whistle blew, the spectators were left completely bemused as to how such an even contest could show a score-line of 0-4 which was in no way reflective of the possession and play.

The second half started with the home team on the attack as they began to pass the ball with real accuracy and urgency. This resulted in Matty G having a chance early on but it was thwarted by the reliable Dereham keeper. A goal at this stage for Mattishall may have given them a sense of renewed optimism but the away team took control with 4 more goals ( the last of which was missed by the spectators as a heavy fog descended leaving the far end of the pitch completely obscured !! ).

There were some notable performances for Mattishall in a game which was much closer than the score suggests, Jack was strong in defence with some great challenges and Tom tackled like a real warrior to name just two. The votes for MOM were split as nobody let the side down today but Ryan edged it after a customary hard running and tackling display.

Well at least we can focus on the league now !!

MOM - Ryan

Mattishall 0 - Norman 7

The two teams met very recently at Norman's ground where the home side secured a well-deserved 7-0 victory. Mattishall were under no illusions then that the re-match would provide another huge test against a much bigger and physically stronger side. As the teams took to the pitch it looked as though the home-side were playing against an adult team, such was the disparity in size between the respective players.

The match kicked off on a beautiful autumnal afternoon with the home team hoping to hold their confident opponents at bay early on to gain a foothold in the game - the plan was scuppered though after just 3 minutes when the pacey front line of Norman burst through and grabbed the first goal.

Mattishall did not let their heads go down and produced a battling and hard-tackling display (notable contributions from Brendan, Ryan and Tom) for the next 14 minutes where the majority of football was played in the middle third of the pitch with few clear cut chances.

A very fortuitous rebound after a strong defensive tackle saw the ball break to a Norman forward who gleefully seized on this making the score-line a flattering 0-2 in favour of the away team after 17 minutes. Mattishall began to tire now as Norman made the most of their pace and strength and two more goals saw the half-time score at 0-4.

The home team shuffled the pack in the second half hoping that the introduction of fresh legs would get them back in the game but it was much the same pattern as the away team scored three more unanswered goals before the final whistle blew.

Mattishall battled throughout and could feel proud of their efforts despite a disheartening score-line.

Next week's cup match against local rivals Dereham will provide a welcome distraction for the lads who will be looking to secure local bragging rights before returning to league action the following week against Costessey.

MOM (voted for by the players) - Brendan

Mattishall 2 - Horsford 9

Mattishall welcomed Horsford to their home ground knowing that this fixture would provide a very strong test as the visitors had already scored an impressive total of 25 goals in their first four matches conceding just 9 in the process. To make things even more challenging, the home team were "down to the bare bones" with five players unavailable through a combination of pre-arranged commitments and injury, meaning that a number of the lads were asked to play in unfamiliar positions.

The early stages of the match saw Mattishall holding their own against opponents who were much taller and physically stronger in all areas of the pitch. To their credit, the home team kept the scores level until the 19th minute through a combination of grit, determination and last-gasp defending. The goal conceded at this stage was probably a fair reflection of Horsford's possession though and was followed by a second just two minutes later and a third on the 23rd minute mark leaving Mattishall with a mountain to climb.

The first half finished with the score-line at 0-3 though this could be seen more as a reflection of the relative physical prowess of the teams rather than a large gap in footballing ability.

Mattishall were playing up the slope and against the wind in the second-half and found themselves hemmed in to their own half for long periods resulting in unrelenting attacks and 6 more goals conceded by the 60th minute.

Their was some joy for the home spectators though as their lads showed great spirit in the last 10 minutes with some good passing and tackling (notably from Louis on the left side of midfield) which resulted in a fine goal from Owen from open play and a great 25 yard free-kick from Alex which slammed into the top left corner of the net.

Horsford thought they would see "double figures" when they were awarded a late penalty but the spot-kick shaved the top of the cross-bar just before the excellent referee blew his whistle to bring the game to an end.

A really tough game for Mattishall against big opposition who were tough but sporting throughout.

MOM :- Louis

Mattishall U14s v Hellesdon U14s - Sunday 30th Oct 11

Mattishall entertained a Hellesdon team - who have had a very tough start to the season - with high hopes of securing a second home win of the season and bouncing back from a heavy defeat away to Norman the previous week.

The game kicked off with Mattishall immediately on the offensive, showing real urgency and endeavour as they tried to gain an early advantage over their opponents who had lost their first 4 games shipping a disappointing 31 goals in the process.

The home team's efforts were rewarded after 9 minutes when Aiden chased down an apparent lost cause creating a chance for Dean who finished clinically to put Mattishall into a deserved lead. More chances followed for the lads in blue and white and only a combination of bad luck, great goal-keeping and some scruffy finishing prevented a greater lead. Hellesdon were spirited though and mounted a rare attack on the 15 minute mark which saw their centre-forward burst though with only the home keeper to beat. A late lunge from the chasing Mattishall defender resulted in the referee awarding a penalty kick which was calmly converted to level the scores at 1-1.

Mattishall were far from down-hearted and kept on pressing forward. Their fine passing play resulted in a smartly taken goal from Aiden, which saw the home team deservedly back in the lead after 25 minutes, but there was to be a real twist in the tail before the half-time whistle went.

Firstly Mattishall conceded a free-kick on the left (approximately 20 yards from goal) and a great dead-ball strike saw the scores levels again. To rub salt in the wound, Hellesdon seized upon a rare defensive error just 3 minutes later to snatch a late first half goal and leave the score at 2-3 at half-time. The home team were somewhat stunned and left the pitch scratching their heads as to how they were trailing after dominating possession and playing the best football.

The next goal was always going to be pivotal and, after a couple of very near misses from Mattishall, it went to the away team who were visibly lifted by finding themselves competing well and creating chances. Two minutes later and it was effectively "game over" as Hellesdon extended the lead to 2-5.

To their credit, Mattishall never gave up and created numerous uncoverted chances until the inevitable final whistle blew leaving the away team celebrating their first points of the season.

The home supporters, players and coaching staff were left to reflect on a score-line which in no way represented the balance of play and efforts at goal but had to say a big "well done" to the honest and sporting away contingent.

MOM :- Alex (Mattishall)

23rd October 2011

Norman U14s 6 Mattishall U14s 0

Mattishall travelled to Sloughbottom Park in good spirits after last week's gritty comeback against Costessey but were again forced to shuffle the pack with different players unavailable for selection.

On a glorious autumn afternoon, Norman started the strongest and were on the offensive right from the first whiste. Their urgency and drive saw them take the lead after just 2 minutes leaving Mattishall with a mountain to climb against a team who had already scored 24 goals in their first 5 games of the season.

Norman continued to dominate posession carving out numerous chances with only the Mattishall keeper standing between them and more goals. After 26 minutes of "backs to the wall defending" Mattishall were still hanging in there but sloppy defending and a lack of aggression in the tackle saw them ship 2 goals in quick succession to effectively settle the contest even at this relatively early stage. Matty G was working hard up-front against a big Norman defence and nearly lifted the away team's morale with a rare effort for the visitors after 33 minutes but it was not to be and the half-time whistle saw Norman with a comfortable and well deserved 3-0 lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Norman dominant in most areas of the pitch so it was no surprise when they extended their lead after just 5 minutes. Mattishall were really up against it and must have realised it was not to be their day when a rare and promising attack was halted due to a rather large and excitable black dog entering the field of play. causing the referee to halt proceedings !!

The rest of the match was effectively Norman v the Mattishall keeper who kept the score-line respectable despite two more goals for the home team.

The final result was a real wake-up call for the away team who realised that they had not done themselves justice and we all agreed that we need to re-group on the training pitch and get back to the standards we know we can deliver. Well done to Norman who thoroughly deserved their victory.

Let's put it down to a "bad day at the office" and look forward to Hellesdon next week.

MOM Matty W

16th October 2011

Mattishall 5 - Costessey 4

The first home game of the season for Mattishall and the sunny October weather provided the perfect conditions for players and supporters alike. These two teams were well matched last season, with both winning their home ties by the odd goal, so a hard fought contest was inevitable. The home team squad was depleted with only one available sub so a number of players were asked to play in unfamiliar positions and help out the team cause.

Costessey went on the offensive right from the whistle and stunned the home team by scoring after just 30 seconds. This provided a much needed "wake up call" for Mattishall who fought back immediately with a fine equaliser from Matty G leaving the score-board showing 1-1 after just one frantic minute. Mattishall were fired up now and a strong left-wing run and cross from Alex saw Matty double his tally one minute later but Costessey hit back after 9 minutes to bring the scores level. An incredible start which left the coaches and supporters from both teams catching their breath and wondering what was to come !

The remainder of the first half saw both keepers on fine form with both teams pushing hard for the all important next goal but the sides were locked at 2-2 as the lads took a much needed breather and regrouped in preparation for the second half.

Costessey came out "all guns blazing" scoring 2 quick goals within the first 5 minutes and leaving the home team reeling (2-4). This was a real test of the lads resolve - would their heads go down ? Would they capitulate to a heavy defeat ? Not a bit of it !! A re-jigged formation saw Alex step back to command the defence from centre-half, Declan dropping into midfield and Jack pushed up into an unfamiliar centre-forward position. Louis made some crunching tackles on the left which drove the home team forward and Mattishall began to push Costessey back into their own half - the momentum was swinging back to the the lads in blue and white !

Declan was first to capilalise with a fine long range goal and Jack followed suit with a fantastic 20 yard effort two minutes later to level the scores at 4-4. Mattishall had the belief now and, with just 5 minutes to go, Owen strolled forward from mid-field to strike a well-deserved winner.

A great team effort from all with a special mention for MOM Ben who stepped into the goal-keeping position for this game and produced a brilliant performance. Thanks also to Costessey for contributing to a great game of footy.

9th October 2011

Wymondham 3 - Mattishall 3

Mattishall travelled to Ketts Park in good spirits after last week's strong performance and the cool, drizzly weather did nothing to dampen their confidence. The lads have had a good record against Wymondham in recent seasons but we were all aware that their early results suggested a much improved side was awaiting us.

The lads started the game strongly again (an encouraging feature of the season so far) playing some free-flowing, attacking football. This was rewarded after just 5 minutes when Ben's perseverance and battling qualities gave him the goal which was richly deserved (0-1). Wymondham were stung into life and Mattishall conceded just a few minutes later after a slightly sloppy period of play throughout the team (1-1). Mattishall were not fazed by this though and continued to play good football creating numerous chances which were thwarted by Town's excellent keeper.

With 10 minutes to go until half-time, Wymondham scored against the run of play (2-1) but our lads did not let their heads go down and equalised 2 minutes later when Brendan stabbed home after another great corner from Alex (2-2). The half-time team talk was simple - keep playing your football and we'll get what we deserve from our overall domination of possession.

The lads started strongly again, playing against an increasingly strong wind, with Owen going close after a surging run. More chances followed until Ben converted a fine header (2-3) and it seemed that the away team would earn a deserved 3 points. Wymondham never gave up though and played to the conditions with a series of longer balls to turn our defence. A rare corner for the home side saw the ball drift into the net directly from the dead-ball kick and the sides were again level (3-3).

Mattishall never gave up and the last 10 minutes could have seen a snatched victory but it wasn't to be and the match ended with a hard-fought draw.

Some excellent performances throughout the team with Dean competing aggressively in midfield and Jack having his best game of the season in defence (to name just two).

Man of the Match Award was a tough decision but Alex took this due to his excellent debut at centre-half.

Wymondham played with great spirit and were tough but sporting opposition - well done to all the lads.

2nd October 2011

"We're Off and Running !!!!" Norwich Utd 2 - Mattishall 5

The mercury in the thermometers touched an incredible 30 degrees as Mattishall headed off for an away fixture at Norwich United's impressive home ground. The parents headed for the shade in an effort to stay cool but the Mattishall lads were simply "Hot, Hot, Hot" !!

There was a score to settle after last year's fixture where Mattishall had taken a deserved 3-0 lead only to drive home scratching their heads as Norwich Utd came back to take the 3 points with a 4-3 victory. No team talk needed !!!

Under the blazing sun, Mattishall started with real drive and urgency pushing Norwich Utd back into their own half with a series of strong attacks. Ryan and Dean were bossing the mid-field allowing Ben and Aidan to run at the opposition defence causing some real anxiety and last-ditch defending. The lads got what they deserved for their strong start when Ben converted a fine cross from Owen after just 9 minutes and things got even better when Aidan stuck one away just eight minutes later - Mattishall were firmly in control.

With 10 minutes to go to half-time, and both teams really feeling the heat, Norwich were offered a life-line when a penalty was awarded. A goal now would have really changed the impetus of the game but Matty Walker made a terrific save from a well struck penatly and Owen rubbed salt in the wound just 3 minutes later by scoring after chasing down a "lost cause" and getting the rewards for his determination.

Half-time saw some much needed subs take the field as the heat took it's toll on both sides. Mattishall almost extended their deserved lead when Owen's fine effort hit the bar and rebounded to safety but Norwich took strength from this and had their best spell before finally beating the excellent Matt Walker to make it 3-1. Back came Mattishall though and more success from Ben and Aidan meant that a scrappy late goal from Norwich was merely a consolation on a day when Mattishall gained a hugely deserved first victory of the new season (2 - 5).

Trev addressed the squad after the final whistle and told them that every one of them had done themselves proud against a spirited and sporting Norwich Utd - I think we'd all agree with that !

Well done to all the lads.

MOM :- Thomas M

Under 13's - 2010/11 End of Season Presentation (click for a full size image)