A massive congratulations to Ryan Gibbs for being selected for the Suffolk U18s county side to play against London. We are all very proud!!

Thursday saw the Under 18's overcome last weeks winners in the FA Youth Cup Leiston 5-0, a great performance by all the players.

Saturday the First Team played Hadleigh Utd at Home and come out 4-2 winners scorers  ANDREW WOOD 2 TANNER CALL 2

The Reserves were away at Hadleigh Utd, going behind in the first half to a penalty, the second half saw the Reserves battle back to win the match 2-4 JORDON SMITH, TOM TUSON a OG from a free kick taken by BARRY LYNN and THEO BARNARD rounding of the scorering.

Barton Willows, beat Burt Town Rams A in the Suffolk Junior Cup 2 nil. Well done lads.

The 'B''s (4th in the League) drew with RF Saints (3rd in the League) 1-1 a credible draw lads.

 

Man of the match award V Hadleigh Utd Tanner Call presented by match Sponsor Mike Millett

 

Another successful weekend of fundraising at the club well done to all the people who helped pull these events together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUYCPJOahl4

Click on link to see how far the Sports Club has come on over the years thanks to donations and sponsors and of course to all the people who spend valuable time and money at the Club.

                                                                                                                

Kindly donated by local company, The Travel Stop Station Road Elmswell 01359 242555 

Also at Hadleigh & Claydon

htpp://www.travel-stop.co.uk

We welcome back to the club DUNCAN McNally after a very successful spell at Norwich United

Eggclusive, eggstatic, eggshilarating, eggstravaganza with no eggscuses.

To celebrate the above event Walsham le Willows F.C. will be giving a box of 6 eggs to the first 50 paying supporters at their home match v Brantham Athletic in the Eastern Counties Premier league match. k.o 3.00p.m. Special appearance of “Rhode Island Red”

The eggs are free range and supplied by long term supporter Alan Marshall of Manor Farm Eggs and will be available for collection after the match from behind the club bar.

Contact Mike Powles on 07971 613933 or e mail mike.powles@btconnect.com if further information is required.

NON LEAGUE DAY 10-10-15

PRESS RELEASE

All players an evening with Kelvin Morton to explain the new rules ect for  the forthcoming season and discuss discipline

on  Thursday 30 July at the club at 7.30pm we would like as many players to be there as possible please.

Uganda Engagement.

 

During a recent trip to Uganda under 7 and under 10 Walsham Le Willows coach (Jon Bovingdon) organised a football match with some locals. The club made donations of 1 adult kit, 2 childrens kits and a mixture of other equipment, including boots, Premier League and European team shirts. These extra items were donated by some of the children at Walsham Le Willows Club. The Club has been looking for a project like this for a long time and were over the moon at the opportunity to donate these items.  

Once in Uganda Jon made links with a local football team in Kampala, in the south of the country. After a long chat, mostly in pigeon Swahili, a match was organised. It was decided that the kit presentation would be done before the match.

 

Match Day.

 

Everyone was a little concerned about the match as we only had 4 players that could play ‘a bit of football’ with others being rugby players or people that preferred to watch sport. In total we had 6 players so we were loaned the rest from the local team. Before the game started the Walsham coach and the captain from the local team got together to present the kits and to have a chat about the team’s vision for the youth players. It was great to see the kids so excited about a future team, and the adult team had a full kit to play against other teams in the future. Talk of the kit presentation had spread and attracted a large crowd for the match.

 

It was a great game and afternoon, building rapport with the locals. The match ended 4 - 1 to the ‘musongos’ (white men), a term which was being chanted during the match by the animated crowd. Overall, the day was a great success.

 

 Club comment.

 

Chairman Neil Hayden commented "it was great to be able to make use of some old kits that had been around the club for a long time and provide so much enjoyment for the people who received them; hopefully we will have the opportunity to do the same again in the future".

 

Bury Town and Walsham Le Willows Football Club's can announce that Saturday's Pre-Season Friendly between the two clubs at Ram Meadow has been designated as a Testimonial Match for two players who have served both clubs during their long career's before recently retiring. The game will be a testimonial match for Trevor Newman and James Tatham who both played at Ram Meadow and Summer Road before hanging up their boots recently. There will be a Programme on sale with a tribute and write up on both players careers with the two clubs written by Walsham Secretary Gordon Ross. We hope that supporters of both clubs will turn out in numbers to thank both Trevor and James for their service to both clubs. The match will kick off at 3:00pm on Saturday 18TH July

With Mike Powles stepping down as Chairman of the club, Keith Mills has been installed as the new Chairman of the football club.

Local Bury St Edmunds Businessman Keith owner of Days Sports has already quickly made his mark on the club along with the committee and of course Mike Powles(we not going letting him have a rest) are forging ahead with plans for the future of the club.

As you all know the old cabins/kitchen have gone, making way for the new changing rooms beside the main pitch, along with fantastic work carried out by the Youth Football Section on the "over the road" playing areas.

Press Release
Walsham le Willows Sports Clubawarded £50,000 of funding to improve grassroots sports facility

 

 

Local sports club, Walsham le Willows, isamong 149 project to secure a share of £16.5 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England that will help improve facilities and playing fields across the country.

 

Walsham le Willows Sports Club has been awarded £ 50,000to build new changing rooms and social facilities to accommodate the growing demand and providing capacity to enable the club to grow its breadth of sports and activities on site.

 

Club Treasurer, Ian Campbell said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can provide first class facilities for use by all of the local community.

 

The announcement comes as Sport England revealed that it has reached a major funding milestone – having invested £5 billion in grassroots sport in the last 20 years.

 

Since 1994, the year Tom Daley was born, Wet Wet Wet topped the charts with Love Is All Around and the Channel Tunnel opened, Sport England has made tens of thousands of investments – totalling £5 billion.

 

Sport England’s Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “£5 billion is a huge sum of money, but it’s the projects and people that that money supports which are really important. We’re delighted to have invested so much into community sport, and see on a daily basis the impact that it makes for local people.

 

“The latest round of facility funding continues to make a noticeable difference to community sports clubs across the country. By giving people top-class, sustainable facilities in which to play sport, and by improving and protecting our playing surfaces, we’re ensuring that more people can pay sport, more often.”

 

The latest round of facility funding will help create new changing rooms, pavilions and artificial grass pitches as well as protecting and improving grass pitches to make people's sporting experiences better.

 

The current sum raised is standing at just over £ 2100.00 and everyone who helped and contributed and turned up should be applauded for their efforts. A great TEAM effort. Well done everyone, I think it illustrates what a great Sports club Walsham is very lucky to have with some exceptional people.

Can everyone please pass on the thanks to all concerned and it was good to see and chat to people who have not been at the club for ages.

Regards
Mike

 

 

David Bloomfield 

 

Benefit match

 

walsham le willows Senior Cup Side 2006

 

 v

 

Norfolk 11

 

Players who have played with David

 

 

 

Summer Road   Walsham le Willows

Friday 24th April 7.30 k.o.

Supporting David and his family in his fight to recover

from a malignant brain tumour.

 

Our aim is to help fund treatments which could improve David’s quality of life including regaining his sight and improving his chances of walking again. 

Please give generously.  

 

David played 99 matches for Walsham le Willows including in the

Suffolk Senior cup winning side at Portman Road in May 2006.

The first team were in action away to inform Stanway Rovers.

We worked hard but gave away a goal just before half time  .

At the start of the second half we enjoyed a good spell of pressure but couldn't find the equaliser. Then one of their subs scored a worldy and Lee Pacey gave away a penalty which he then saved but Turner followed up to knock home the rebound. i

I felt the 3-0 scoreline told a false story but Stanway did deserve their win.                                                                    

The Reserves were in Suffolk senior reserves semi final action at Bacton against Cranes sports Reserves. Jordan Smith put us in front but Cranes took a two one lead before Jordan scored again to take the game into extra time. Cranes went ahead again but Jordan completed his hat trick to take the game into penalties. Not bad for right back. Unfortunately we lost 4-2 on penalties and to be fair the better side on the day won through to the final. Congratulations to Cranes and good luck in the final.                

The A's got back to winning ways beating Ipswich wanderers reserves 3-1 at Humber Doucy lane. Ben Robinson scored twice while George Soanes continued his excellent goal scoring form of late.

They have now been unbeaten for nine games.   

The B side lost 4-2 to Cedars park A and had Karl Jackson sent off with five minutes to go. Daniel James scored both our goals.                                                             

On a sad note I heard on the grapevine that Matt Morton dislocated his shoulder playing on Sunday morning. We all wish Morts a full and quick recovery.                          

Rhode Island Red

Following five successive league defeats the first team turned up at Gorleston in a determined mood.

They were depleted due to the unavailability of Wood and Sim and long term injuries to Brame and Morton.

They took the game to the hosts from the outset and Webb had an early chance but shot straight at the keeper. A shot on the edge of the penalty area from Ryan Foster gave us the lead Then Musgrove's excellent corner was superbly headed home by Martin McConnell.

In the second half McConnell scored a carbon copy of his first goal and the excellent Charlie Webb added a fourty goal following a great pass from Foster..

The hosts scored a consolation goal but everyone in the Walsham line up deserves great credit for a superb team performance.                                                                                    

The Reserves lost  four nil at home to their counterparts from Brantham Athletic, not a good few weeks for the Reserves but with players banned, injured, or not available have not helped.                              

The A side drew 1-1 at home to Coplestonians A. It was a game full of controversy. Tommy Downs put us ahead when he rang the length of the field to finish off a superb team move. The visitors equalised in controversial circumstances and Tom Tuson was later dismissed for a second caution.                            

The B side lost four three away to RF Saints in the Fair play cup. Goals from Luke Pooley, Karl Jackson and an own goal accounted for our goals.                             

The under 18's put up an excellent display to draw 1 1 with their Woodbridge counterparts in the central Division of the Thurlow Nunn youth league.

Unfortunately the under 13's Alliance side lost 2-1 at home to Maldon and Tiptree and now need to win all four remaining fixtures to be sure of winning the league. 

Rhode island red

The first team were at home to table topping Norwich United hoping to put the debacle at Diss the previous week behind them.

The visitors were all over us from the start and could have been out of sight after ten minutes. We then created a chance which Wood hit just over the bar and we grew in confidence and frustrated our high flying opponents.

United were awarded an indirect free kick inside their own penalty area and a mix up between Mcanally and Crane resulted in Brame shooting home but the officials consulted and disallowed the goal as it had not come out of the area.

We were now defending superbly and created a chance which Webb put just wide.

At the start of the second half Cook should have given the visitors the lead.

As the half wore on substitute Blake had a couple of opportunities which Pacey saved magnificently.

United were getting really frustrated as the half wore on. Unfortunately Brame was injured whilst making a tackle and was taken to hospital. It turns out he has broken his tibia. Everyone at Walsham wishes Jack a speedy recovery.

He was carried from the pitch after a few minutes so it came as some surprise to the Walsham faithful that the referee proceeded to play so much injury time.

In the 100th minute Blake scored the game's only goal and the visitors were mad with delight as they converged on each other by their own dug out.

Blake and Thompson were booked for taking their shirts off but I don't think they cared. The final whistle went two minutes later and we had nothing to show for our efforts.

However we have plenty to build on for forthcoming matches.                                           

The Reserves were unbeaten so far this year but they lost 5 1 away to their Witham Town Res counterparts. We also had Lee Hammond sent off . Theo Barnard was our goal scorer                                               

The A side continued their unbeaten run of late with a one draw at Ipswich Athletic Reserves. Tom Tuson was our goal scorer.    

Rhode Island Red

Welcome to Tanner Call who joined the club from Team Bury this week and went straight into the first team squad at Diss

Following three successive league wins wins Walsham took on Thetford Town in a local derby.

The hosts started brightly and had two good chances to open the scoring. Wood hit the bat following great work from Brame. Wood opened the scoring with a neat finish halfway through the first half with Walsham in total control. Jack Brame scored our second goal at the start of the second half with a sublime free kick. We then failed to finish off Thetford  and the visitors reduced the arrears with seven minutes to go from the penalty spot after Robinson was harshly adjudged to have fouled his opponent.

We then survived another penalty shout and were left hanging on at the end despite dominating the game through out.

We need to take our chances when dominating matches such as this.                       

The Reserves came back from Gorleston with a great 3-2 win. A Jordan Smith penalty and strikes from captain Ben Virtue (last minute of the game)and rare Sam Last effort accounted for our goals. Through there were two sending offs in the game, one from each side this was an end to end game with both teams going all out for the win.

The Reserves play Diss Town Wednesday night, 28th January in the Chell Trophy 7.45 kick off.                           

The B side became the first Walsham senior side to lose this year when two own goal's gave Ram Meadow reserves a two nil victory .                                                       

Finally it was good to see the first team had a night out in Bury to say goodbye to Chris McLaughlin who is moving to London. Macca has been an asset to us and will be sadly missed.                                                

Rhode island red                                                          

http://www.suffolkfa.com/news/2015/jan/bacton-and-cornard-to-host-cup-ties

 

Suffolk FA Senior Reserve Cup Semi-Final

 

 

 

 

 

Fixture: Walsham-le-Willows FC Reserves v Crane Sports FC Reserves

Date: Saturday 28th February 2015

 

 

 

 

Kick Off: 2.00pm

 

 

 

Venue: Bacton Utd ’89 FC, Brickwall Meadow, Broad Road, Bacton, IP14 4HR

 

 

 

Referee: James Tebbit

 

 

 

Assistant 1: Toby Cousins

 

 

 

Assistant 2: Matthew Fear

 

 

 

Suffolk FA admission fees:

 

 

 

£3 for adults, £2 for concessions

 

 

 

Location of Brickwall Meadow Bacton.

 

 

 

Please note that dogs are not allowed on the playing field.

 

 

 

We look forward to welcoming players, officials, and supporters of both clubs to our facilities.

 

The first team travelled to Wivenhoe Town for this league game.

We had lost 4 0 at home to them earlier in the season so we were looking for revenge.

In a tight affair we scored the only goal of the game through man of the match Nathan Clarke and by all accounts deserved the three points on offer

Luke Austin has left the club to play up front for Debenham Leisure Centre and we wish him all the best as he has served the club well scoring many fine goals for the U18 / Reserves and this season stepping up to the First team.

But in comes Tom Coombs, Tom, a goalkeeper who was playing for Haverhill Rovers and also has been on loan at Haverhill Borough, we welcome Tom to the club.

The Reserves were at home to Lowestoft Town Reserves in the Chell trophy and won a very entertaining game 5 3. Jordan Smith, Ross Burwell, Lee Hammond, Ashley Forbes and substitute Harvey Rust were the goal scorers.                                           

The A side  continued their recent good form thrashing Leiston St Margaret's reserves 5 0. Tom Tuson, Liam Ellis, Alan Ross, James Tatham  and an own goal accounted for the goals. The lads are doing well now even though the starting line up resembles the cast of Dads' army..          

The B side also won beating Bury wanderers  1 0 with Daniel James scoring after just fourteen seconds.                                                        

The under 15's Eastern junior alliance team came from behind to deservedly defeat St Neots 2 1 in the Cup. Sam Waterson and Callum Dongray were the goal scorers. Manager Adrian Crowe was delighted with the attitude shown by the lad's.                                                                            

Finally fresh from putting a signing on form through the wrong door Smithy went to Wivenhoe but forgot to pick up the teamsheet. Luckily Wivenhoe provided us with a spare copy to spare our blushes.                                                                 

Rhode island red

The first team took on fellow strugglers Brantham Athletic in the League last Saturday with many changes from the team that won on Boxing day. Back into the team came keeper Lee Pacey and Dan Easlea following suspension. Captain Matt Morton played his first match since March and Ryan Foster played his match Since April following his adventures with both Mildenhall and Norwich United.

We started well enough and took the lead courtesy of an excellent strike from Charlie Robinson. The visitors scored a well deserved equaliser before  Sub Luke Austin scored a goal worthy of winning any game.                                                                

The A team won 3 1 away to Somersham Reserves. A brace from  substitute  Taylor Pooley and a Kieran Twinn strike accounted for the goals.                                          

The B side beat Ram meadow Reserves 4 1 at home. Carl Jackson scored a brace while Chris Caley and Chris Talbot also scored.                                                                    

Spare a thought for Secretary Gordon Ross. He searched the earth to find Ryan Fosters' registration form only to find that manager Smithy had posted it through the wrong door. Understandable if Smithy had not been to Gordon's more than a hundred times in the past  Luckily Gordon managed to locate in time for Fozzy to take his place in the starting line up.                          

Rhode island red.      

The first team took on Felixstowe at home without any recognized central defenders.

After a nervous start we settled really well and played some decent football. Jack Brame was made captain in Clarke's absence and he led by example although the whole team gave a wholehearted hard working performance which captured the imagination of the home support.

To be fair to Felixstowe they more than played their part in a very absorbing match to watch.

Bradley Barber opened the scoring for the visitors with a superb left foot strike but within a minute a great run by Theo Barnard ended with man of the match Bramie scoring the equaliser. There were no further goals but being biased I thought we were the better of the two sides.     

The Reserves had a terrific  3-1 win at Stanway Rovers

Tom Debanham ,Ryan Twinn and  James Langley on the score sheet. James, his first for the club.

The A side thrashed Saxmundham Reserves 7-0 away from home.

George Soanes scored four. Kieran Twinn grabbed a brace and Liam Ellis also notched.                     

The B side lost 6-3 at home to Bury Wanderers  A Carl Jackson brace and a strike from Chris Caley accounted for the goals.

Gordon won the Elmswell Tavern Christmas Quiz following a tie break last Wednesday so well done Bev and Trev.                       

Finally a very Merry Christmas to all from Walsham Football club.                                    

Rhode island red

LAST WEEKS GAMES

The weather dominated proceedings this week with Tuesday nights Suffolk Premier cup game at Leiston, Wednesday nights inter league match between the SIL and the St Edmundsbury League and Thursday night's under 18's fixture with Framingham all being cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.                                         

On Saturday the first team were at home to second placed Godmanchester Rovers. Despite a decent performance we let in some soft goals and lost 3-0. Hall,Meechan and Akinsanya all impressed me for the visitors while Clarke and Bolton played well for Walsham.

The reserves lost 2 -1 away to their Felixstowe counterparts with Jordan Smith scoring from the penalty spot.             

The A's lost 4-1 at Hoxne Reserves. Jack Ballard scored our goal . Poor Taylor Pooley had an afternoon to forget. Not only did he get booked but he missed a penalty. He hit it so high that it would have gone over rugby posts. Bless him. 

The B's lost 3-0 at home to Cedars park Reserves to cap a miserable afternoon results wise.   

                                            
The highlight of the day was watching Ipswich beat Charlton on the telly and listening to Charlie Downes telling everyone that he scored his only goal for Stanton against Melton but now it has been chalked off because Melton have folded. Never mind Chas. 

 

THIS WEEKS GAMES

The first team played Leiston fc away in the Suffolk Premier cup  and lost 4 0 but certainly did not disgrace themselves and for fifty minutes more than matched their hosts. However once Leiston had taken the lead their class shone through and they ended up easy victors and I wish them well in the semi finals. I would also like to thank them for their excellent hospitality.   

                                                             
On Saturday we travelled to highly placed Newmarket Town in the League and played particularly well in the first half. Five minutes into the second half our inspirational captain Clarkie was forced to leave the field through injury and while we were reorganising the hosts scored twice within a minute. The second was an excellent goal and for the third match running we were beaten by the better team on the day.   

Congratulations to the Reserves who have won through to the semi finals of the Suffolk senior reserves Cup beating their Long Melford counterparts 2 1. Theo Barnard and Ryan Twinn scored the all important goals.

The B team beat Black Boy Four nil in Division three of the St Edmundsbury league. A brace from Carl Alexander and strikes from Carl Jackson and Kieran Tipple accounted for the goals. Malcolm was so pleased his son had scored he hurried home to celebrate and left the kit behind. Who's having the unwashed kit this week????

The chairman was noted for his absence on Saturday but was spotted at Portman Road cheering on the Super Blues.  Finally a big thank you to all who helped out during the Suffolk under 16's game with Essex on Sunday.                                          

                                         

Rhode Island Red.

There has been alot of football action for Walsham fans to enjoy during the past week. Last Wednesday saw Ipswich wanderers return to Sumner Road for a Thurlow Nunn Challenge Cup tie. We fell behind in the very first minute but fought back well to take a two one interval lead courtesy of an excellent free kick from Woody and a Jack Brame strike. We missed two very good chances at the start of the second half before a towering header from Clarkie and Woody's second of the match put us in a comfortable position. Wanderers pulled one back before Clarkie ended the scoring with another header.

Many thanks to match sponsor Russell Snowling who picked Dan Easlea as the man of the match.

On Thursday the under 18's took centre stage but found themselves 3 0 down to their Diss counterparts. However, a terrific second half fight back saw them score five times to win 5 3.

On Saturday the first team drew 2 2 away to Fakenham Town. A Woody wonder strike and an effort from Lee Sim accounted for our goals.

The Reserves were at home to their Witham Town counterparts and had the game under control for long periods before losing an exciting encounter 5 4.

The A side lost on penalties away to Ipswich wanderers Reserves in the second round of the Gipping Press Cup having drawn 4 4 after extra time. The inform George Soanes scored a hat trick and Cookie got our other goal.

The B side drew 1 1 at home to WorthamReseves in Division 3 of the Glasswalls St Edmundsbury League to hslt a run of losses. Tom Sargent was our goal scorer.

On the youth front both Alliance sides were at home on Sunday. Adie Crowes side drew 0 0with Newmarket while Ian Hubbard's side won 4 2.Many people turned out to watch despite the inclement weather and Kate Hubbard worked tirelessly throughout the day serving hot food and drink. Many thanks Kate.

Finally everyone at Walsham were sad to hear of the death of Chris Newman following a long illness. Chris was married to Bob who has been Chairman of the club and is currently our membership Secretary. Chris also leaves three sons Paul, Trevor and Gary who all played football for Walsham. Chris may have been petite in size but had a huge personality and was very popular with all who knew her. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Bob, Paul, Trev and Gary as well as all the family at this sad time. Chris was a wonderful lady who will never be forgotten

 

Rhode island red

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 

See News/Reports from the web menu to see pictures kindley taken from John Duttons album from the Diss web site

The draw for the quarter finals of the Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup has been made. It is:-

 

Felixstowe & Walton United  v.  Saffron Walden Town

Kirkley & Pakefield  v . Norwich United

Stanway Rovers  v.  Godmanchester Rovers or Mildenhall Town

Walsham le Willows  v.  HAFC Sudbury Reserves

 

Matches to be played Tuesday January 20th, except the tie at Walsham le Willows, which will be scheduled to Wednesday January 21st.

NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED AS GAME POSTPONED

With the Chairman (a cross between Vincent Tan and Massimo Cellino) being away this week things have improved greatly on and off the pitch. Just to complete the floodlight saga it came down again on Thursday night and with the lamp positions re adjusted we now have everything in position and working. Last Wednesdays U18 match fell victim to the wet weather but did allow all pitches to be fertilised. Managers Smith and Musgrove who some compare to “Butch Cassisdy and the Sundance kid” whilst others say “French and Saunders” have worked hard during the last week with transfers in of Craig Nurse on loan from Mildenhall and Nathan Clarke from Bury Town which added some much needed experience to the first team. A visit to Ipswich Wanderers resulted in a much needed victory by 3 goals to 2 with Andrew Wood 2 and Jack Brame the scorers. The reserve match looked like falling victim to the “ref did not turn up” scenario but local legend Kevin Abrahams stepped in and did the job with our reserves winning 3-0 against Stanway Rovers, the goals came from Ross Whiting, Sam Goddard and a Jordan Smith penalty. From what I can make out it was much closer than the 3-0 suggests. No ref report is in at the time of going to press. The “A” team returned from Framlingham with a point from an exciting 3-3 draw with Harvey Rust bagging a hat trick but man of the match according to manager Snowling was Carl Alexander. Not sure what you have to do Harvey to get the MoM award. Back at base the “B” side went down to Wortham reserves 2-1. The Ladies continue to train on a Monday night and competed in the Suffolk Soccer Sixes on Tuesday night whilst the “Walking Footballers” on the other half of the AGP had 10 players and numbers increasing every week means we might have to start another session. Players are still welcome, just turn up on a Monday night 8 to 9 and you just need to be able to walk. I must mention the youth section who have done a magnificent job over the road with new signage, painting the container and refurbishing the tea hut, everything over there looks top notch. They have also obtained some café type tables and chairs with even more improvements planned I hear. This Saturday they have a race night in the club with everyone welcome to attend. The Chairman told me the other week that if he could get someone else to do these notes I would be gone immediately, which I take as a compliment.

There appears to be one word running through everything to do with the club this week and it is “FLOOD”. It started on Wednesday with the visit of Gorleston when just prior to kick off the “FLOODlights” started to behave with a mind of their own first going off, then coming half on, then off again before coming on to resemble 18 candles in the night sky. I think we had every combination possible on or off and even the whole club plunged into total darkness before everyone gave up and went home at about 8.30. The Chairman hiding in the Burger shed had power all evening and continued to keep serving and adopting a low profile, which was probably best as he would only have shorted something out and burnt the whole place down if he had got involved with electrics. Older readers may remember a dance called the “Hokey Cokey” which I have now witnessed as performed by a set of floodlights. Our apologies to Gorleston F C and we will see them again towards the end of October although I did get the impression both managers were not to displeased as they both claimed to have 4/5 regulars out. The previous evening our reserves had visited Gorleston in the Chell trophy and went down to a very good side 4-0 and I think Gorleston had a couple of lamps out on their lights!! The U18s played Stowmarket at home on Thursday night with the floodlights behaving themselves and went down 2-0 with Stow scoring two very late goals with the last one being an exceptional strike. Here comes that word again with “FLOODS” of goals on Saturday, mostly in the wrong net as the first team exited the F A Vase to a very strong and determined Godmanchester Rovers F C by 7 goals to 1. The reserves went to Lowestoft reserves in the Chell trophy and went down 4-3 with the “A” team playing at home against Benhall reserves and lost 6-2. Only the “B” Side stopped the “FLOODS” of goals with a 0-0 draw away at Bury Wanderers, this was a match notable for the father and son debut of Neil and Edward Ellers with youngster Edward doing a lot more running than his father. Not to be outdone the word is going to appear one more time with the rain on Saturday coming through the home changing room roof to “FLOOD” the changing room, so some players had wet clothes to put on after getting thoroughly soaked during the match. Our best wishes to Godmanchester in the next round and they could go a long way while we mop up and re group for next week.  

It appears we have seen a lot of Ipswich teams this week and considering the results we have no desire (in the nicest possible way) to see them again for a while. On Wednesday we played Ipswich Wanderers and with the match sponsored by committee members Vic, Neil and Richard we hoped their guests would witness a welcome three points, we certainly had the chances but a lack of killer instinct in front of goal meant Wanderers went back to Ipswich with a 1-0 victory and the three points. The next night we hosted Wanderers U18 team and they beat us a bit more comprehensively by 4 goals to 1. With Saturday approaching and Ipswich Athletic reserves on the horizon to play the “A” team we wondered if it would be another defeat to the “Big Town” teams and so it proved with a 3-2 defeat on the main pitch, going 2-0 down does not help but we did fight back with goals from Taylor Pooley and Ben Robinson but fell short in obtaining the final goal. The reserves progressed through to the next round of the Suffolk senior reserve team K.O. cup courtesy of Melton St Audrys inability to raise a side. It is certainly a sad situation when club officials work hard to provide a club and then individuals cannot be bothered to turn up and play due to other commitments but I suppose that is a sign of the times. In direct opposition to the previous sentence we must pay tribute to Trevor Newman who after many years loyal service and we estimate over 700 appearances decided to retire at the end of last season, starting as a 16 year old in the first team he always gave 100% and must have been the managers first name on the team sheet, Trevor we salute you for your service to the club and I am sure he may still represent the club in another capacity in the future. Also hanging up his boots is James Tatham who joined us from Bury 7 years ago and scored some very important goals for us and was also excellent on club nights out even if he usually disappeared early on. The first team travelled to Clacton and a match that will not last long in the memory did provide us with a much needed three points courtesy of an Andrew Wood goal scored after 80 minutes. There is a rumour circulating the club that the floodlight saga (up,down,up,down,up,down) may not be quite over yet so watch this space for more revelations in this very dysfunctional club. Wednesday will see Gorleston visit the meadow for a Thurlow Nunn premier fixture and that will be a tough encounter as despite losing many players and manager during the close season they have made a very good start to this season’s campaign. Other fixtures include the reserves at Gorleston on Tuesday night and the U18 team hosting Stowmarket Town on Thursday. Along with the walking football on Monday nights it’s another busy week so hopefully we will see you at one of these matches.

Quite a lot to get through this week including a monumental mess up by the chairman but first the football, we scored the first and last goals through Brame and Wood against Mildenhall on Wednesday night but unfortunately for us they scored the middle four, a good crowd witnessed a feisty first half and at 2-1 down at the interval there was hope that we could get something from the match but a couple of errors early on sent us spinning to defeat. On the same night the U18s played out a cracker of a match at Felixstowe in the Thurlow Nunn Youth cup, finally losing 4-3 to a last minute strike in a match that had quality goals and football from start to finish with both teams taking turns at being in front. Coupled to our previous 2-0 defeat to Newmarket in the F A Youth cup means the U18s cup runs are over. The reserves travelled back from Halsted with a narrow 1- 0 victory courtesy of a Ross Whiting strike and a very good all round team performance and the “A” team lost 3-2 to Thurston in the Primary cup again to a last minute goal. On Saturday the first team welcomed newly promoted Fakenham Town to the Meadow and we took an early lead through a Wood header before Fakenham levelled through Robbie Harris, just prior to half time a 50/50 challenge between Fakenham keeper Rix and McLaughlin ended up with the ball ricocheting off Chris and into the net, a fortunate event but maybe a bit of deserved luck for the persistence of Chris McLaughlin. A third goal from Ben Cobbold during the second half confirmed a much needed win and this was a match with plenty of goalmouth action at both ends. Our match sponsors for the two first team games where Paul Devine of Peyton Plaice Fish & Chip shops who picked Andrew Wood as man of the match v Mildenhall and Steve Caley of GB oils who picked Tom Agricole for the Fakenham game. With the floodlight near the cricket square taking approx. 4 hours to put up it does not need the chairman to find a piece laying on the floor when you have just bolted it down that should be fitted to the top of the column, it means it had to come down again and be fitted but luckily the walking footballers needed a bit more exercise and they wound it all the way back to the top, I knew they would come in handy one day!! At least it shut the Chairman up for a couple of days as he had no one else to moan at. On Wednesday we welcome another promoted team in Ipswich Wanderers so hopefully we may see you readers at the Meadow, it’s not a bad night out so give it a try.

 

 

 

I can only assume we have had a frost which appears to have withered my “Green Shoots” from last week and not even “Bob the Ploughmans” famous runner beans could survive that. Wivenhoe came to the Meadow on Saturday and went home with a fully justified 4-0 victory, a fast raiding team who worked very hard and scored two goals in each half. We did have good periods of possession but it came to nothing and we look forward to Mildenhall on Wednesday night. Match sponsor Scott Paternoster of S P Windows picked Charlie Robinson as his man of the match and we would like to thank Scott for his support and he also runs the U12 youth team who assisted as ball boys on Saturday. The reserves started their campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Brantham with a much changed side from last season and the “A” team moved into the next round of the Gipping Press Cup with a narrow 4-3 win at Debenham, the goals from debutant Will Gudgen, old stager Harvey Rust and two from another player making his debut and man of the match Taylor Pooley. Last week I omitted to report on the “B” side who started their campaign with a 4-0 victory at Wortham Res in the Bury League Div 3. This was a first for “Wally’s “team as it was their first clean sheet since being formed over 12 months ago. This Saturday they followed it up with a 2-1 victory over Ram Meadow reserves after being 1-0 down at half time, the goals being scored by Daniel James and Edward Elers. The “B” side sit proudly at the top of the league, they have won nearly as many matches this season as all of last season so maybe I have found the “Green shoots” further down with the “A” and “B” teams. We invited a few sponsors along on Saturday and I am sure the Pimms went down very well but during the conversation it got round to talking about “walking football” and with half of the AGP available on Monday nights from 8 to 9 pm it will all be happening on this Monday with anyone interested invited to come along and try it.

Not a great week for the first team with two defeats on the road but we may be seeing the “Green Shoots” starting to appear as the much changed group of players from last season begin to gel. One thing that is not lacking at the moment is effort and that is always pleasing to see from a supporter’s point of view. We travelled to Walmer Road Kirkley on Tuesday to take on a team that would be my bet for the surprise package of the season, they certainly move the ball around quickly and attack at pace with veteran Jamie Godbold pulling the strings in midfield. A 3-1 defeat ensued with although always being in the match we were at times defending desperately to keep Kirkley at bay and it was not until the very last few minutes that we succumbed to the third goal. Martin McConnell scored our goal with a good header from a free kick and we would like to thank Martin for helping us out during our shortage of central defenders. On Wednesday the U18s welcomed Felixstowe & Walton to Summer Road and a good advert for the youth league was decided by a late penalty to give the away side a 2-1 victory which might have been a little unjust as we played very well in the first half. Thursday night and all day Friday was taken up by the preparation for the 10th Sporting dinner when 250 plus people sat down in the marquee to hear Dean Saunders relate some tales of Brian Clough and his own career highlights or low points such as the sack from Wolves. Comedian Mick Maguire kept everyone amused with his sporting impressions and a special presentation was made to Trevor Newman for his 18 years loyal service to the club. Hopefully a tidy sum will have been raised to keep the treasurer happy. Saturday morning was clear up day and a number of very tired people travelled to Hadleigh for a visit to the league champions. Hadleigh started brightly before an excellent Walsham move allowed Luke Austin the opportunity to plant the ball past Nower into the far left hand corner of the goal. As the match ebbed and flowed both keepers made good saves before on 32 minutes Lorimer equalised after finding himself in a lot of space on the edge of the area. With half time approaching we needed to get in on level terms but after 42 minutes Wright headed over Pacey to put Hadleigh 2-1 up. Early in the second half Wood had a good opportunity but his shot hit the post before Hadleigh were awarded a penalty for hand ball and Inglis put them 3-1 up. The next goal would be vital and it looked like Hadleigh would score it as they were on top but a fine shot from Wood reduced the deficit. As we tried to push for the equaliser Calver picked up a clearance on the edge of the area and blasted a superb shot into the top corner. With time running out we continued to try to reduce the deficit and James Tatham scored after 87 minutes but even with the addition of 6 extra minutes we could not force an equaliser. Saturday night was “Darts Legends” night and a good atmosphere and time was had by all with the usual thumping music and introductions, Bristow, Mardle and Deller did not disappoint. The Chairman appears to be taking a leaf from Malcolms book having mislaid his keys and phone and even car at one time, it’s a big problem, this getting old thing.

With no midweek match for the first team the reserves played Coplestonians on the Tuesday and a fine football match ended with a 3-1 victory for Cops, the U18s played their last friendly on Thursday before the start of the league campaign which ended in a 1-1 draw with a young Brandon development squad. Both teams appear to have some exciting new signings and the U18s take on Felixstowe & Walton United at home on Wednesday night. The Chairman dropped a clanger and nearly had them playing on the Thursday night which would have made for an interesting spectacle as the marquee for the Sportsman’s dinner would be on the pitch. However all’s well that ends well but he definitely needs replacing sooner rather than later. The “A” team should have started their campaign on Saturday in Intermediate “C” but with the opposition unable to raise a side they will have to be a little bit more patient. The “B” team played a friendly on Wednesday which ended in a 2-2 draw and some of the youth teams had some home friendlies on Thursday night. In one of these matches one of our U16 players had an unfortunate accident and we wish him a speedy recovery after his hospitalisation. Onto Saturday and a visit to a very hospitable Brantham where it is always good to catch up with old friends and have a good chat. The supporters witnessed two much changed sides from last season and we started well with an early shot from Tatham and we also had an effort cleared off the line by defender Cawley. Some good interplay between Tatham and Wood allowed Wood to get in the cross for Tatham to fire the ball past Fowler after 16 minutes. Unfortunately for us that was as good as it got and although we held the advantage to half time Brantham came out and took the match to us during the second half. Gunn equalised early in the second half and the match looked to be heading for a draw before a delightful dipping shot from Lawler from the edge of the area found the back of the net, despite our best efforts we could not find the equaliser. Debutant Ben Cobbold playing at the back for us acquitted himself well but we took nil points back to Summer Road. Plenty going on this week with a meeting on Monday night, Kirkley away and the reserves at home for a friendly on Tuesday, the U18s at home on Wednesday against Felixstowe and Thursday night sorting out the marquee for the Sporting Dinner on Friday night. Saturday sees us at Hadleigh and Sunday should be a rest day. Who said local football is boring. 

As the season gathers pace we have four matches to report on as last week’s report disappeared into the ether with a visit to Mundford Road, Thetford, we slipped to a 2-1 defeat after having a lot of possession in both periods and probably played better than in our opening match at Ely. Thetford led 1-0 at the break through a goal from Sam Bryant, we equalised through Charlie Robinson and expected to go on and win the match but a couple of errors allowed Ryan Pearson to nip in and take the points late on for Thetford. The magic of the F A Cup arrived on Saturday and we set off on a coach to Boston, I take my hat off to teams playing at higher levels like Lowestoft who spend hours and hours on coaches, they deserve every reward they receive as the commitment to do that every two weeks is enormous. We started off brightly and Luke Austin just failed to connect to a cross that would have given us an early lead which was about as good as it got for us in the first half as Boston totally dominated possession. A rash challenge after 15 minutes resulted in a penalty and Lee Pacey dived low to his right to make an outstanding save from Boston forward Matt Kennedy. Even this save failed to spark us into life and we went 1-0 down after 33 minutes when Lee Borbley slotted home unmarked in the penalty area. Keeper Pacey kept us in the match and the half time whistle blew to allow us to reach the safety of the dressing room. Something obviously happened in that dressing room as we came out like a different side and took the match to Boston with a determination that was missing in the first half. Luke Austin brought us level after 70 minutes with a blistering shot from outside the area and further chances went begging for both sides as they went for the winner with Boston not fancying a midweek trip to rural Suffolk. The replay proved another tight affair with Boston taking the lead after 20 minutes and a Nathan Birch towering header drawing us level before the break. In the second half Boston bossed the match and missed numerous chances before taking the lead after 80 minutes which galvanised us into a score or bust lets have a right go mind set, Easlea hit the bar with a free kick and Boston cleared the ball off the line and we had a penalty shout turned down before in the last minute Boston broke away and marauding up the other end to make it 3-1 with keeper Lee Pacey our only player in our half. A good crowd made for a good atmosphere and with plenty of goal mouth chance the supporters would have witnessed an exciting match. More goals on Saturday with a 4-2 defeat at potential title favourites Felixstowe and with no report at this moment in time I think we were again chasing the match to draw level and succumbed to a late goal. The reserves are looking for a few extra players and anyone interested please contact manager Andy Atkins on 07739 172658.

Walsham-le-Willows

 

As the season gathers pace we have two matches to report on with a visit to Mundford Road, Thetford on Tuesday night, we slipped to a 2-1 defeat after having a lot of possession in both periods and probably played better than in our opening match at Ely. Thetford led 1-0 at the break through a goal from Sam Bryant, we equalised through Charlie Robinson and expected to go on and win the match but a couple of errors allowed Ryan Pearson to nip in and take the points late on for Thetford. The magic of the F A Cup arrived on Saturday and we set off on a coach to Boston, I take my hat off to teams playing at higher levels like Lowestoft who spend hours and hours on coaches, they deserve every reward they receive as the commitment to do that every two weeks is enormous. We started off brightly and Luke Austin just failed to connect to a cross that would have given us an early lead which was about as good as it got for us in the first half as Boston totally dominated possession. A rash challenge after 15 minutes resulted in a penalty and Lee Pacey dived low to his right to make an outstanding save from Boston forward Matt Kennedy. Even this save failed to spark us into life and we went 1-0 down after 33 minutes when Lee Borbley slotted home unmarked in the penalty area. Keeper Pacey kept us in the match and the half time whistle blew to allow us to reach the safety of the dressing room. Something obviously happened in that dressing room as we came out like a different side and took the match to Boston with a determination that was missing in the first half. Luke Austin brought us level after 70 minutes with a blistering shot from outside the area and further chances went begging for both sides as they went for the winner with Boston not fancying a midweek trip to rural Suffolk. No further scoring resulted and the replay is on Wednesday night with a 7.45 kick off at Walsham, why not come on down and savour the floodlit F A Cup atmosphere and try the burgers and fine ales on offer. With the population of Boston at 64,000 and Walsham about 1100 it should be an interesting encounter. I have to go now as we have to put up the floodlight, pitch surrounds and goals for Wednesday night. We hope to see you there!

 

 

Away we go again and a trip to Ely City with their ground and pitch looking very impressive and two teams with a number of changes from last season made for an interesting encounter. I don’t think any of the spectators would expect either team to be challenging for honours this season and Ely started on the front foot with some impressive and good interplay. They could easily have been two up with a disallowed goal and a shot cleared of the line before we came back into the match and Liam Bolton scored with an excellent shot from outside the area after 40 minutes. The second half was mostly bossed by Walsham but Ely hit the post midway during the half before Charlie Webb came off the bench to smash home the second to make the game safe with the points travelling back to Suffolk. A good performance in the second half from the boys and on Tuesday night a tough encounter waits with a trip to Thetford Town. A match that usually has a bit of bite in it and can be classed as a local derby with both teams on an unbeaten run of one. Next Saturday we visit Boston in the F.A.Cup and a coach has been booked so if any supporters wish to travel they should contact any committee member. The super league darts team travelled to Hull on Saturday to play in the finals and finished runners up in their group, an excellent achievement for them and a credit to Suffolk darts. Only 37 league games to go !!!

Thurlow Nunn Youth Cup Draw – Season 2014-15

Preliminary Round

Biggleswade Town v. Saffron Walden Town

Chatteris Town v. Newmarket Town

Coplestonians v. Stowmarket Town

Cornard United v. AFC Sudbury

Dereham Town v. Great Yarmouth Town

Easton College v. Norwich United

Fakenham Town v. Holt United

Felixstowe & Walton United v. Walsham le Willows

Halstead Town v. Brightlingsea Regent

Haverhill Rovers v. Royston Town

Ipswich Wanderers v. Needham Market

Long Melford v. Stanway Rovers

Lowestoft Town v. Gorleston

Mildenhall Town v. St Neots Town

Peterborough Northern Star v. Blackstones

Ramsey Town v. Downham Town

Soham Town Rangers v. Huntingdon Town

Witham Town v. FC Clacton

Woodbridge Town v. Framlingham Town

Wroxham v. Harford Youth

 

First Round

Biggleswade Town or Saffron Walden Town v. Haverhill Rovers or Royston Town

Brantham Athletic v. Halstead Town or Brightlingsea Regent

Cornard United or AFC Sudbury v. Long Melford or Stanway Rovers

Felixstowe & Walton United or Walsham le Willows v. Coplestonians or Stowmarket Town

Godmanchester Rovers v. Mildenhall Town or St Neots Town

Hadleigh United v. Witham Town or FC Clacton

Kirkley & Pakefield v. Diss Town

Lowestoft Town or Gorleston v. Easton College or Norwich United

Ramsey Town or Downham Town v. March Town United

Sheringham v. Dereham Town or Great Yarmouth Town

Soham Town Rangers or Huntingdon Town v. Chatteris Town or Newmarket Town

St Ives Town v. Histon

Swaffham Town v. North Walsham

Wisbech St Mary v. Peterborough Northern Star

Woodbridge Town or Framlingham Town v. Ipswich Wanderers or Needham Market

Wroxham v. Fakenham Town or Holt United

Dates tba

The Thurlow Nunn Reserve League will have the following format for Season 2014/15:-

Premier Division
Brantham Athletic, Brightlingsea Regent, Felixstowe & Walton United, Gorleston, Hadleigh United, Halstead Town, Lowestoft Town, Stanway Rovers, Walsham le Willows, Witham Town

First Division
Diss Town, Long Melford, Newmarket Town, Saffron Walden Town, Stowmarket Town, Whitton United, Wivenhoe Town, Woodbridge Town

At the end of the season two teams will be relegated from the Premier Division and one team promoted from the First Division.

Chell Trophy

Four regional qualifying groups with each team playing each other twice. Top two in each group to qualify for knock-out stages with teams finishing top earning home ties in quarter finals.

North Group
Diss Town, Gorleston, Lowestoft Town, Walsham le Willows

East Group
Brantham Athletic, Felixstowe & Walton United, Hadleigh United, Whitton United, Woodbridge Town

South Group
Brightlingsea Regent, Stanway Rovers, Witham Town, Wivenhoe Town

West Group
Halstead Town, Long Melford, Newmarket Town, Saffron Walden Town, Stowmarket Town

First matches will be scheduled to September 6th.

THURLOW NUNN LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP DRAW SEASON 2014/15

 

Preliminary Round   (September 23^rd/24^th)

Braintree Town v. Brantham Athletic

Gorleston v. Kirkley & Pakefield

Halstead Town v. Wivenhoe Town

Haverhill Borough v. Downham Town

Mildenhall Town v. Haverhill Rovers

Needham Market v. Stowmarket Town

Woodbridge Town v. Team Bury

 

First Round   (October 21^st/22^nd)

AFC Sudbury v. Long Melford

Debenham LC v. Ipswich Wanderers

Fakenham Town v. Gorleston or Kirkley & Pakefield

Godmanchester Rovers v. Haverhill Borough or Downham Town

Great Yarmouth Town v. Thetford Town

Hadleigh United v. Braintree Town or Brantham Athletic

Halstead Town or Wivenhoe Town v. FC Clacton

Mildenhall Town or Haverhill Rovers v. March Town United

Newmarket Town (holders) v. King’s Lynn Town

Norwich United v. Dereham Town

Saffron Walden Town v. Ely City

Stanway Rovers v. Cornard United

Swaffham Town v. Diss Town

Walsham le Willows v. Needham Market or Stowmarket Town

Whitton United v. Felixstowe & Walton United

Woodbridge Town or Team Bury v. Leiston

 2013-2014 Managers - Paul "Wally" Hubbard, Andy Atkins, Paul Smith, Russell Snowling, Allan Harris

I guess you have probably missed my notes for the last few weeks as there has not been too much to report on but the football wheel keeps turning and as we move towards training starting the movement and discussions with players gathers pace. With no Thurlow Nunn signing on forms out till the AGM on the 21^st of June it is difficult to report on who is committed to your club unless they have signed an F A contract. Many players train at different clubs to get a feel of what the place is like and to see who else appears at training. Two departures that we can report on are the movement of Jack Brame and Nathan Clarke to Bury Town, a jump of two levels for the two lads. It is always disappointing to see players leave but we must take satisfaction that they have seen fit to try their hand at Ryman Premier League level and not moved sideways in the same league. We thank them for their efforts over the previous seasons and wish them all the success at their new club. The hard part is for our management team to replace players of that calibre but they are working hard to fill the places and it gives other players the opportunity to cement their place in the team. A development for the club next season is the formation of a Womens football team and we have open training sessions on Thursday the 26^th June 7 to 9 and Sunday 29^th June and 6^th July 10.00 to 12.00. Enthusiastic coach Luke Worley who has 8 years’ experience of Women’s football in the United States and at Loughborough University will be happy to see players of all calibres at the sessions. The club has entered a team in the Suffolk Girls & Women’s Football League so watch this space. Like can be contacted on 07983 990185 or coach.lworley@gmail.com The clubs AGM is on Tuesday the 10^th of June so hopefully, depending on when you read these notes we will have either a plan to get rid of that awful Chairman or he will have been replaced by someone proper. With fingers crossed and if everything falls into place the youth and senior football section should hit their target of 20 teams at Walsham le Willows for next season. Right that’s it fans as I am off to get ready for the World Cup. Rattle, scarf and rosette somewhere in the cupboard, who remembers the good old days !!

 

With John Taylor stepping down from being Paul Smiths First Teams No2, Paul Musgrove has stepped up to the plate, We wish Paul and John all the very best.

Like Father like Son click this link

Friday night was the football presentation dinner ably organised by Peter Bailey and due to the demand for tickets we moved to the village hall to allow everybody to come along and enjoy the event. Over 100 attendees sat down to a four course meal delivered expertly by Carol Hubbard and her small army of helpers. A rather boisterous and noisy night was interspersed with some presentations and music and dancing followed from the very impressive local singer Sam Ore (that boy’s got talent). There was no “Hoy Bingo” but the “Kings & Queens” game had one or two rather strange poses during the knock out stages. Award winners on the night were as follows with a clean sweep of player’s player, manager’splayer and supporter’s player of the year for Lee Sim with the first team. Smithy said a few words and John Taylor said how much he has enjoyed his time at the club and with me eyes’ starting to well up it was announced that Paul Musgrove will be helping Smithy next year as his assistant.  The reserve awards went to Lee Gaught for manager’s player and JakeGathercole for player’s player. Manager Andy Atkins denied being a double for Danny Devito and Norris from Coronation Street but after watching him on the dance floor he looked more like John Travolta to me. Russell from the “A” ream had the house in stitches with his party piece and the Chairman looked as if he would have liked to be hiding under the table but it could have been due to him breaking one of the awards. The awards went to Harvey Rust from the manager and players player jointly shared by Marcus Smith     and Tom Tuson. “B” team manager Wally Hubbard had indicated he would be continuing with his youth policy and had asked his Dad and uncle to play next season with the awards going to Mark Heffer from the manager and Carl Alexander from the players. Alan Harris from the U18 indicated the potential within the U18 team and the awards went to Ross Whiting from the players with the manager’s player award shared between Theo Barnard and Sam Ellis, Henry Phoenix won the most improved player award. Club awards went to Gordon Ross and Bev Rust with Malcolm Tipple winning the need for the smallest chair in the roomaward.  All in all a good night was had by all and indicated how dysfunctional the whole club is.

Walsham le Willows FC 10th Sportsman's Dinner is on Friday 5th September in the Marquee at the club.  

Dean Saunders ex Liverpool, Aston Villa and Welsh international will be our main speaker and will be supported by comedian Mick Maguire.

Tickets are £47:50 each and available from Sue Cobbold 07917 406249 or email enquiries cobbold.sue@gmail.com

DOUBLE WINNERS 2013 - 2014

 

WALSHAM RESERVES CHELL TROPHY WINNERS 2013 - 2014

 

WALSHAM RESERVES SUFFOLK SENIOR RESERVE CUP WINNERS 2013 - 2014 

 

 

Walsham le Willows Club Notes

Well that’s nearly it with only the “B” side having one further match to play on Tuesday night, funny how they play the least matches but have the longest season! Thursday brought the second cup final for the reserves, this time in the League K.O. cup the Chell trophy. A good crowd at Diss witnessed a very wet first 20 minutes and Luke Austin outpace the Halstead defence and finish with aplomb to put us 1 up, minutes later Lewis Cooke nicked the ball from a defender and finished from the edge of the area. Halstead tried to get back into the match but their final ball let them down and we lifted the trophy which is just reward for manager Atkins and a very close knit group of players. The reserves success this season has been built on a squad of players with real potential and it is good to see some of them getting time on the pitch with the first team. The first team travelled to Haverhill and it was no end of season affair with Haverhill taking an early lead through Parkinson on three minutes before Clarke drew us level with a far post header. The match swung from end to end and was a good spectacle for the paying public, Greygoose made an excellent stop from a Wood close range header but from the resultant corner Wood made no mistake with a powerful header into the corner. The second half ebbed and flowed with no further scoring although Sim tried an audacious lob from around the half way line that a back tracking Greygoose managed to keep hold onto to round off the season. The reserves returned from Gorleston with a 5-1 victory and the goals coming from Austin and Cooke with two each and a Gaught penalty which somehow Lee Gaught managed to take against everyone’s better judgement. Both teams went out on the town after the matches. I must say the reserves appear to spend more time in the nightclubs than on the pitch. On reflection a good season for the club with two trophies and excellent league positions for the first team, reserves, “A” team and U18 sides. The “B” team have competed in their first season and will not receive the wooden spoon so well done gentlemen. There is one final event that needs mentioning which is the end of season dinner, four course meal with live entertainment so get your tickets from Peter Bailey immediately. The Chairman has not mentioned renewing my contract so I must assume these will be my last notes and I wish you all a restful summer before it all starts again in July/August.

In November 2012 Ipswich Town visited Summer Road in the Suffolk Premier Cup, nearly a thousand people attended that match and new manager Mick McCarthy sent a very strong squad and Ipswich Town were represented by players, officials and the then chief executive. Ipswich Town rightly received very good press for this and conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. However in a sport where own goals are common place I can’t help but feel that the afore mentioned club has managed to score two whoppers by firstly pulling out of the Suffolk Premier Cup and now deciding they cannot host the four Suffolk cup finals that they have in the past, due to the fact they might be in the “play offs” and have a Barry Manilow concert to fit in. This is a professional club with members of staff to look after the pitch and which has nowhere as many matches on it as it would years ago when teams at that level ran reserve teams. I understand Ipswich Town is a business but to alienate some of your potential and current customer base is not the way to go about endearing yourselves to them. Having been involved in two cup finals at Portman Road we can only sympathise with the teams that have lost out on that dream of playing there.  Onto the football and the reserves played Gorleston at home on last Wednesday night and a speedy front two from the opposition had us in all sorts of bother and 2-0 down at the break, we did pull one back through Hammond in the second half but could not find the equaliser. The “B” team played two matches after a late winter break and lost 5-3 to Bury Rovers and then 3-0 to Bury Wanderers. On Saturday the first team travelled to Hadleigh and an early bath after 5 minutes for home player Jennings did not help the Hadleigh cause. Clarke put us ahead with a fine header and an own goal early in the second half appeared to have settled the match but Hadleigh hit back through Donnely before Wood finished well after rounding keeper Howe. A late goal from Blades made the score 3-2 in our favour and some revenge for the previous match when Hadleigh played us off the park. Easter Monday brought our first three figure crowd of the season and a local derby against Diss. The first half was a very cautious affair with our old nemesis Dixon scoring to put Diss 1-0 up. In the second half we pressed Diss back and man of the match Lee Sim scored two goals from distance, the second being a sublime chip over the keeper with Austin completing the scoring for a 3-1 win. The three reserve players of Gathercole, Driscoll and Austin acquitted themselves well and it was a fine team performance. We would like to thank match sponsors Carol and Eric Hubbard for their marvellous support to the club for over the last 60 years and we are pleased to see their grandchildren playing for the junior sides.

On Thursday the reserves returned from Stowmarket after beating Whitton United 3-1 in the Suffolk Senior Reserve cup final sponsored by Days Sports of Bury St Edmunds. An excellent achievement and to win any County cup is a great reward for all the players and management. Whitton had the better of the first half chances although we took the lead after 30 minutes when Hammond controlled the ball well and shot low past Chaplin before just prior to half time Gaught found the roof of the net for an own goal and equaliser. We came out and controlled the second half and further goals from Virtue and Austin secured the win. Chaplin in the Whitton goal made some very good saves but if Whitton had taken their early chances it might have been a different story. The boys celebrated in style and hit the Town of Bury for some late night and early morning partying, hopefully none of them should have been at work! Many thanks to Stowmarket F C for their hospitality and I think the referee had a very good match with two teams who wanted to get on with the game. On Saturday the first team travelled to Norwich United for a return match after losing 2-0 at home to the same opposition two weeks ago. United came out of the blocks in a determined mood and Blake beat three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot from outside the area, McAnally pushed a good effort from Jones onto the post and then George failed to beat McAnally when in a one on one situation. We gradually got a toehold in the match and Wood looked likely to score before Cusack nicked the ball from his foot. A Musgrove corner was then met by Jack Brame to put us level and we had a good spell until the half time whistle. Both keepers made good saves in the second half but no further scoring ensued and both teams settled for a draw. The reserves welcomed Brantham to the Meadow and went 2-0 up before being pegged back to 2-2 a late goal gave us the three points, Austin with two and a Hammond goal secured the points. The reserve league title looks like it will go down to the wire with hopefully no more teams dropping out. The “A” team played their penultimate match of the season away at Coplestonians and secured a 1-0 victory with Tom Tuson scoring the winner, his goal being his 6th match in a row when he has scored. The “A” team top the SIL division three form table and welcome Elmswell on Tuesday night for a local derby. I understand the “Chairman” went to Norwich United on Saturday with all his friends (no one) and at least he had his own company with his thoughts on the result from Craven Cottage.

We start with the reserves who played Great Yarmouth on Wednesday night and it was an entertaining 4-4 draw with Great Yarmouth taking the lead on 3 occasions, our goals came from Austin two, a Brill penalty and a spectacular lob from Goddard from the edge of the box. The firsts welcomed Gorleston to the meadow with match sponsors Ian Hubbard and Mark Sano in attendance from Ian Hubbard Electrical and Safe & Sound Pest Control. I think you had a better chance of picking the winner of the Grand National than predicting the match that followed. After 14 minutes young Theo Branard marked his full debut with a good goal and Gorleston responded with Finch bringing a save from McAnally. A good move from Walsham was finished with aplomb from the edge of the area by Foster and just before half time Tatham harried the Gorleston defence and Wood slotted home. A shell shocked Gorleston came out for the second half and immediately put us under strong pressure and after some good chances Sandford shot home to put Gorleston back into the match. We weathered the pressure and a ball from Sim found Wood who finished superbly with Gorleston appealing for offside. Phoenix and Rust made their debuts for the home side and made some good inroads into the Gorleston defence before veteran substitute Taylor came on and set up Wood for the fifth goal and his hat trick. This was an excellent home performance which will not have done Gorlestons title hopes any good with impressive debuts from Barnard, Phoenix and Rust. The reserves came back from Lowestoft with a 2-1 victory and a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Bryant and goals from Austin and Connor Davies. Over the road the “A” team entertained Halesworth and Phoenix opened the scoring before a Tuson bullet header put us 2-0 up, Halesworth pulled a goal back before Phoenix restored our two goal cushion and a late goal made the score 3-2. All three teams struggled with numbers this week and it was a juggling act to fulfil the three fixtures and everyone should take great credit from the results. On Thursday night the reserves play their first cup final, the Suffolk Senior Reserves Cup sponsored by Days Sports at Stowmarket FC against Whitton with a 7.30 kick off, we hope to see lots of supporters there. We finish in wishing out two players Connor Davey and Harvey Rust who ended up in West Suffolk hospital a speedy recovery from their injuries.

The reserves two games per week continued with a trip to Brantham on Tuesday, we suffered a 5-3 defeat and never got into a position where we looked like getting anything from the match, for the record young Ryan Twinn had a good game and the goals came from Austin, Davies and Twinn. On Saturday they travelled to Felixstowe for another meeting with old adversaries in the Chell Trophy cup semi final, a tough encounter ensued with Driscoll scoring in the first half to give us a half time lead, early in the second half we lost Goddard for an early bath and it looked a bit unlikely we would get anything from the match when Felixstowe equalised. However the ten men dug in and after 30 minutes of extra time the dreaded penalties followed. We triumphed 6-5 with the highlights being a superb save from Liam Bryant and Ryan Twinn scoring the final penalty with his first ever penalty, not bad for a young man of 18. This was a magnificent performance full of guts and determination from a group of players who have now got to 2 cup finals and just so they don’t get complacent or have a rest we welcome Great Yarmouth reserves to the Meadow on Wednesday night. The first team with a pair of under 18s on the bench welcomed Norwich United to Summer Road, a poor match for both sets of supporters saw the ball in the air for much of the game and as we  spurned two decent chances in the first half United took the lead just before half time through Cook. The second half was nearly all United and they scored again to take all 3 points back to Norwich which I believe was the only 3 points that went back to Norwich on Saturday. The “A” team came home from Trimley Red Devils with a 5-0 victory to improve their goal difference whilst the “B” team did theirs little good with a 4-0 reverse at home to Coddenham although as it was in the cup it makes little difference. Other news is that at the Casino night on Saturday evening “Smithy” did get his wallet out and that Gordon did not lose his shirt although its about time the “Federer” jacket ended up in the bin.

On Wednesday night the reserves played out an entertaining and competitive 2-2 draw at Stanway, a match I am told was very very quick with both sides moving the ball about very well. Stanway took an early lead before Austin equalised just before half time, we then put a good chance over the bar and started the second half all square. We took the lead early in the second half when Brills free kick was turned into goal by a defender and it always looked as if it would be a hard job to keep the lead until the end and so it turned out when Passley headed home for Stanway. Further chances came and went for both sides but on reflection Bryant played very well in goal for us and Stanway may have feel slightly aggrieved they did not claim all three points. Saturdays match at Brightlingsea was a match too far with injuries and unavailability mounting up and the 6-0 defeat left manager Andy Atkins looking for the wheels that had fallen off, its always a problem with any team that has a fixture backlog but with the Chell Trophy cup semi final at Felixstowe on Saturday we move on. On Thursday night we held the semi final of the Hospice cup and with two ladies darts teams at home in the club it was a nice full and good atmosphere after the match. For the record Westbury beat Wortham 3-2 in this very worthwhile competition that has raised considerable funds for the local Hospice over the years. The first team played Ely City with Adrian Lewis of Frames and Windows sponsoring the match, Adrian supports so much local sport in and around Bury that it would be impossible to name them all but I am sure everyone fully appreciates how much he does for the local sporting community. A tough encounter followed on a difficult pitch with Wood slotting the ball home after a forceful run at the Ely defence. On the stroke of half time Ely equalised when the ball was hooked home from close range. Ely had a lot of possession and McAnally in the home goal was strong against the crosses and long throws that came into the box. With very few minutes remaining Newman came up for a corner that was delivered to the back post were he headed it back into the danger area and a swinging leg from an Ely defender failed to stop the ball creeping over the line. This was Trevor’s customary one goal per season but there was just time left for one piece of sublime skill as Wood outpaced the defender, rounded the keeper and from the tightest possible angle rolled the ball towards goal for it to hit the inside of the post and roll along the goal line before being cleared. We had two players dismissed in our matches this week and both players would have only been cautioned if they had kept their mouths shut, the fine would have been less and neither would have been suspended, will players ever learn !!! The “A” team came back from Willis with goals from Juyin on his debut, Soanes 30 yarder, Tom Tuson header and further goals from Owston and Ellis to win 5-2 with Harvey Rust as man of the match.

Pride of place this week goes to the reserves who booked their place in the final of the Suffolk Senior Reserve cup sponsored by Days Sports on Wednesday night with a 3-1 victory over Lowestoft reserves. Potter gave Lowestoft an early lead before Driscoll equalised with a close range header and then Brill drilled in a shot from 10 yards to give us the lead.  We dominated the rest of the half as Lowestoft looked towards the break and a chance to re group. Early in the second half Driscoll shot home from distance and we then had to sustain heavy Lowestoft pressure including a disallowed goal that would have made us very nervous for the last 15 minutes. Well done lads it is always great to get to a final and we play Whitton at a date and venue TBA. On the same night the first team entertained Kirkley and went down 3-1 with Jack Brame scoring our goal, the match was sponsored by Simon Barnes of Barnes Print and we thank them for their continued support and hope his team Dereham Town get into the Ryman league play offs. On Saturday the reserves continued their quest for a good position in the league with a 6-0 win against Ipswich Wanderers. Brill scored the first from the left hand edge of the box followed by a towering header from Virtue and a close range header from Twinn. Two further goals before half time which included a Driscoll piledriver from distance and an own goal which we might give to Goddard as he does not score many. A second half penalty from Hammond completed the scoring against a gallant Ipswich Wanderers who never gave up. Referee Pat case had a good game but did complain about the sand making it hard to run on and making his legs ache and I did spy groundsman Tipple sniggering in the background. The “B” side came back from Thurston having lost 4-0 and an inquest was taking place in the club although they did eat a lot of Burgers and chips which I don’t suppose has any bearing on their performance.

We start at a cold Saffron Walden on Tuesday night with the reserves Chell trophy cup quarter final, a tight match that could easily have gone either way but a looping shot from Austin with the help of a defender in the first minute put us 1 up. Walden equalised with the last action of the first half through Gray from distance. In the second half we had some early chances with Walden having the better of the later stages of the match but with no further scoring the match went to extra time. Walden had a goal disallowed in the first period of extra time and with three minutes remaining Brill got the faintest of touches in the six yard box to knock the ball past the home custodian. On Wednesday night the firsts travelled to CRC and a youthful and energetic home side gave us the run around although two good chances went begging just before half time that might have but a different complexion on the match, CRC fully deserved their victory and will be a significant loss to the league when they disband next season, we have certainly enjoyed visiting there and playing on the excellent surface although we have not gained many points there over the seasons. We must like playing on our farmer’s field better which obviously suits our style of play (did “the ploughman” say agricultural!) apologies to the first team management. On Thursday the U18 played their last league fixture and gained a narrow 2-1 win over local rivals Diss with two goals from Phoenix. I must say the U18 have been a credit to the club this season and have played some very exciting football and manager Harris along with assistants Brame the elder and younger must take the accolades for this. A full house of fixtures on Saturday with the first team on their travels to Newmarket, a narrow 1-0 defeat has seriously dented our excellent away record but once again it was our spurning of decent chances that let us down although the one the Newmarket player put over the bar from what must have been a maximum of two yards out would win the prize. At least I have not embarrassed him by naming him. Injuries and suspensions are having an effect but they are all part and parcel of the game and have to be overcome. Back at base the reserves were playing Lowestoft reserves which was a pre event to the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup semi final on Wednesday the 12^th. I am not sure who learnt most about each other but a 1-1 draw was the result and the big one is approaching. The “A” team took a 2-0 lead against unbeaten Adhara in SIL division 3 but could not quite keep the lead to the end as Adhara scored an equalising goal right at the end. Manager Russell felt we played some of our best football of the season against a side that has reached the Suffolk Primary cup final. The “B” team had a difficult fixture away against Wickhambrook and a 4-1 defeat was an improvement on the previous scoreline.   

                

Sponsors - Steve Wade, Dean Garnham, Dwayne Edwards, MOM Jack Brame & Paul Smith Manager

 

 

Firstly the club wishes captain Matt Morton a speedy recovery from his triple arm break sustained in Saturdays match against Newmarket, an unfortunate accident on the pitch which resulted in the ambulance arriving very quickly and the crew must be complimented for their excellent response and attitude. I am sure many supporters expected to be pushing it off from the centre circle considering the state of the pitch this season, which brings me onto this seasons “Sand Saga” as I have termed it, the 60 tonnes of sand were spread over the pitch on Tuesday along with having all the other pitches verti drained which I am told is not a cheap job. There was certainly benefit in this as the U18 match v Ipswich Wanderers was never in doubt and a pulsating 4-4 draw was the final result. We found ourselves 2 goals behind on two occasions but fought back to grab a point and as is often the case in these type of matches could have snatched the win right at the end. The Chairman has asked me to mention that “Bob the Ploughmans” team from Capel according to the Wickham Market notes are big and have a long throw which they launch into the box at every opportunity, sorry Bob but he could not resist as he reckons some things never change! Onto Saturday and the Suffolk Senior Reserve cup semi final was called off very late and with the boys already at the club ready to travel they decided to stop and have a “Mega session” which started at 12.30 with many still at the club including manager Andy Atkins when the “Elvis” act  arrived in the building at 7.30.  The “A” team played over the road and entertained Willis and a perfect hat trick from Harvey Rust along with 3 other goals secured a 6-0 win. The “B” team returned from Bury Wanderers with an 8-0 victory so again that meant we had 3 managers claiming it was down to their football expertise and team selection ability. The first team match was sponsored by two of Smithys old mates Dean Garnham and Steve Wade who along with their 16 guests appeared to enjoy themselves and we thank them very much for their support. I don’t think their livers would survive too many match sponsorships from what my spies tell me. The game itself had plenty of chances for both side and with the pitch resembling a beach a good contest ensued, we went in front from an Andrew Wood goal and after the 30 minute halt Newmarket were in the ascendency and levelled to secure a share of the points. The Chairmans “Elvis night” had one thing missing which was Elvis who never arrived in the building but late replacement Sammy Ore along with Lees disco kept everyone entertained and an excellent turn out resulted in a very good night. Loads of matches on the horizon so this job of reporting should in theory get easier.

Only two matches to report on this week with the U18 at Woodbridge on the Thursday, a 1-0 interval lead could not be held and Woodbridge scored twice in the last ten minutes to take the points. This was a very competitive match which all participating players should take credit for. With no first team match and the reserve Chell trophy game postponed at Saffrron Walden the focus switched to the “A” team who welcomed Tacket Street. Early pressure was from Tacket Street but we had two excellent chances with Tuson heading into the keepers arms and then Soanes made an excellent run into the penalty area, rounded the keeper only for the Tacket Street defender to make a superb clearance off the goal line before colliding with the post. With 25 minutes gone Tacket Street scored through Goodwin and a minute later from a corner Lankaster headed home. Manager Snowling was heard to comment that “Tacket Street have only gone forward three times and scored from them both” a touch of the “Colman balls” Russell. Phoenix from the U18s was making his debut and had a powerful shot which went over and then Newman headed wide when well placed before Phoenix made a good run down the left to the goal line and crossed for Leeks to power home. 2 – 1 down at half time and all to play for and early Walsham pressure failed to bring dividends before Tacket Street broke clear and from a Lilleystone cross Goodwin slipped the ball past Waugh in goal for his second of the match. Walsham responded and Phoenix lobbed the keeper for the ball to hit the outside of the post and then he hit a shot that cannoned back of the bar. With no more scoring Tacket Street took the points back to Ipswich. Apparently the Chairman threw his toys out of the pram after the match and the rumour is that they will be replaced providing there is a good turnout for the Disco and Elvis night on Sat 1^st March. I did see another 40 tonnes of sand has turned up at the club so what the plan is I just don’t know !! (Ice Creams and bucket & spades next) Another rumour circulating locally is that “Smithy” has gone all romantic with trips to the seaside and the fair city of Dublin. Some people obviously have too much time on their hands.

Well these are my first notes after being interviewed and appointed by the chairman so I hope that I can reach the high standards achieved by the previous correspondent. The week started at Diss with the U18 on Thursday evening and credit must go to their grounds man who had prepared a very good surface considering the weather. I hope our own one is taking notes. Theo Barnard scored early on with a sublime chip quickly followed by a rasping shot from Elliot Stock which nestled in the top corner of the net. We played some quality football and from a corner Stock again found the net with a left footed volley excellently executed. With no more scoring before half time Diss came out more determined for the second half and pressed us back but with our first foray into their half Barnard got his head onto a cross and the ball looped into the goal. An own goal completed the scoring but right at the end Trickey made two superb saves to keep his clean sheet. As the last two home matches have resulted in 4 tonne of sand being put onto the pitch the Chairman had a brainwave this week and ordered 20 tonne which was delivered on Friday. If he thinks I am barrowing that lot onto the pitch he has another think coming! Last Saturday’s sponsors set a new club record in that they did not leave the club till 10.00 pm and we hope they enjoyed their day if not their heads the next morning. With the main pitch having a very wet patch in the centre circle Saturday’s match v Kirkley was postponed early on the morning of the match. The reserves travelled to Great Yarmouth and competed in a match that was very wind affected with the gusts blowing straight down the pitch. We faced the wind in the first half and the 0-0 score line was seen as a positive at half time. Ben Cobbold hit a free kick that the keeper could only parry and Ryan Twinn followed up to control and put the ball into the net with skill. Yarmouth tried to respond but the conditions were making it very difficult for them and Goddard hit a rasping shot from distance that Virture diverted into the net for our second goal and the three points. I have been asked to mention the Great Yarmouth after match hospitality and food which were first class. There was much merriment when the minibus failed to start but Barry Lynn came to the rescue and jump started the old bus. Back at base the B side were getting dumped out of the cup by Wickhambrook with a pretty comprehensive 8-1 defeat. With manager Wally Hubbard quite distraught he can take comfort that his line marking skills are about as good as his managerial skills with the pitch lines looking like a dog’s hind leg.

Its with sadness that Andrew Cussack has moved on to Norwich Utd, and we also loose our First Team reporter Andrews dad Mike, thanks Mike for your great reports, and Andrew we wish you well.

It may have been raining for the last month but with 4 matches played by the teams this week and over an average of 5 goals per game it’s been raining goals as well. Saturdays matches were looking in doubt come Saturday morning but a sterling effort by virtually an army of people (certainly into double figures) marking out the 3 pitches in use including Hepworth and putting sand on the wet patches on the two pitches at Walsham got everything up and ready. The main pitch received another 2 tonnes of sand and it may not stop there if the chairman has his way, his new initiative is to cover it with sand, sell candy floss and sticks of rock and make people feel they are at the seaside or maybe his plan is for ladies beach volleyball (I think he has finally lost his marbles I understand there is a fine line between genius and madness and he has never been close to the first one). Onto the football and the U18s played Ipswich Wanderers away on Tuesday night and obtained a very good three points with a fine 3-2 victory, the goals coming from young Barnard 2, and Phoenix. Young Theo Barnard looks a fine prospect and certainly scores more goals than his dad ever did although Mark was always reckoned to be a bit more of a “stopper” than anything else. The effort to get the “A” and “B” team games on was not rewarded in the results with the “A” team losing to a very good Boxford Rovers 5-0 and the “B” team going down to AFC Hoxne 7-3 in the second leg of their Champions League (Division 2 k.o. cup) match, the goals coming from Holden, Ellis and Forbes.  The first team game was sponsored by Andy Manning of Langham Pensions and Investments Limited and we thank him and his party for their support. We went off like a rocket on the heavily sanded pitch with Jack Brame scoring a hat trick in the first 21 minutes of the match. Brantham came back into the match after half time and with the score at 3-2 with 30 minutes to play most people expected Brantham to keep up the momentum and equalise but we dug in (very appropriate considering the pitch conditions) and scored the final goal after 90 minutes through Lee Sim to keep the points at Summer Road.  These will be my last notes as son Andrew is moving on to Norwich United but the Chairman has indicated he will get someone to keep you informed. I have enjoyed writing these reports and wish all my large fanbase the best for the future.

Excellent media coverage gave us great exposure for our “donate what you like” as an entrance fee experiment and it has been a difficult one to judge as with so many matches postponed it is hard to decide if the extra people came to watch because of our offer or because lots of local games where called off and they needed their football fix. We would like to thank everyone who attended and it certainly is an experiment that we will do again. The pitch had three inspections before being passed fit at 11.00 am and many thanks to the people who came and forked and put sand on it, it may not have been like Wembley by 3.00 pm but it was perfectly playable and took many older supporters back to how pitches used to be. For our younger readers even teams in the top professional divisions (todays Premiership) played on pitches that had very little grass on them after Christmas and mud possibly over your ankles during a wet spell, check out an old video of the Baseball ground Derby County. The Chairman apparently spoke to “Bob the Ploughman” from Capel on Saturday morning and would suggest a tethered raft might be the answer to stop his chickens floating away from his flooded back garden and certainly a soakaway will be of little use, our Chairman is obviously an expert on water issues (he needs to know about something). The “A” team travelled to Ufford Sports and came away with a hard fought 3-1 victory, the goals coming from Rust, Leeks and Bryant with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper. Manager Russell reported a very good team effort and a good home side with excellent facilities. Back at base the 1^st team played Wivenhoe Town and a foul on Clarke after 20 minutes resulted in Andrew Cusack putting the penalty away for a 1-0 lead. A flowing move from deep inside our own half resulted in Chris McLaughlin sliding home for a very good finish and a 2-0 interval lead. The second half ebbed and flowed before two late goals secured a 4-0 victory. Tom Agricole scored a screamer from outside the box and Andrew Wood a tap in from an Agricole pass to complete the win. Did anyone notice the deliberate mistake in last weeks report when 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats added up to 10 home games and a total of 8 points. I know for a fact the chairman bought a calculator from Poundland last week and it had two 4s on it and no 7s so someone must have borrowed it.  The news that CRC are to disband at the end of the season is a blow to the league as it is always a special day when local players get to play at stadiums like the Abbey, the Walks or the Glassworld stadiums, all grounds no longer visited. Having just had a look at the Green Un website I would suggest you get on there and read the East Bergholt club notes, if you are a player it should make you think and if you are on a club committee you will totally agree, well said Sir.

Saturday when the First Team play Wivenhoe F C  the club has decided to make this match a “donate what you like match” to gain entry to the ground, so for anything from 1p to 100 pounds you can experience the non league football scene. Quality local burgers from the butchers in the village and fine ales from Green King will be available for your enjoyment

Well it had to happen, a week with no football played by the clubs teams, you might ask what old waffle will we read today, well there has been lots happening actually, John the proper Chairman (Sports Club) has had his ears de waxed and Mike the Football Chairman (AKA hopeless) had a Saturday out and about at other matches and has given me some snippets to pass on. He had an enjoyable afternoon at Haughley meeting up with some old friends and adversaries and had to buy Hector and the boys the teas (sorry Hec) before ending up at Stow where I cant believe that the best place to sit during a violent hail storm, strong winds and thunder with lightning was the all metal stand including the seats. “Come and join us” the rallying call of the Salvation Army I believe, well its applicable to Walsham Le Willows next Saturday when we play Wivenhoe F C as the club has decided to make this match a “donate what you like match” to gain entry to the ground, so for anything from 1p to 100 pounds) you can experience the non league football scene. Quality local burgers from the butchers in the village and fine ales from Green King will be available for your enjoyment and the only thing we cant guarantee is the quality of the football. In fact our home form as mentioned in previous notes is pretty abysmal with 10 matches played and 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats, amassing a total of 8 points. Compare this to the away record of 14 matches played with 7 wins, 6 draws and 1 defeat, amassing a total of 27 points. Big news this week is that the club has booked a disco for the 1^st of March along with a special surprise act direct from Las Vegas, it’s all a bit hush hush at the moment but the word on the street is that it will be a performance to remember and to give you a clue he goes erhuh a lot. With tickets priced at a measly £ 3.00 a big attendance is anticipated and your kindly Chairman has indicated it will cost £ 5.00 as a fine not to attend so get your money out as tickets are immediately available. Well that’s all from me and lets hope for a big gate on Saturday.

Nearly a full complement of matches to report on this week with only the U18 fixture falling foul of the weather. The first team travelled to Thetford for a local derby hoping to gain revenge for the defeat inflicted on them from earlier in the season. It certainly did not start well with keeper Duncan trying to swat flies whilst the ball sailed over him into the net for an early lead for Thetford from Catchpoles shot. We struggled to get to grips with the hard working Thetford side and they could have increased their lead before a clash between McAnally and Catchpole resulted in Catchpole requiring an ambulance and play was held up for a considerable time. After the re start with only 5 minutes to half time the teams went straight round at the interval and we gradually worked our way back into the game and Brame bundled the ball over the line after confusion in the Thetford box. The winner came after 85 minutes when Agricole released Wood and he slotted past Cruikshank but Thetford had the opportunity to level right at the end but Dixon shot wide. We would like to wish Luke Cathcpole a speedy recovery and confirm for supporter “Rocky” that the score was Thetford 1 Walsham 2 as he was a little confused after the match. The reserves played Stanway or Brantham as the Chairman had been telling everyone (you really could get an amoeba to do a better job) and on a very heavy pitch went down 2-0, we missed a considerable amount of chances but Stanway played very well in the conditions and had two very fast forwards who caused us quite a few problems. I am sure if Capel scribe “Bob the Ploughman” had seen the pitch after the match he would be planting potatoes and runner beans as you read these notes. The “A” team suffered from a touch of over confidence at home to Bramford Road Old Boys and soon found themselves 2-0 down and never really recovered as they ended up with 10 men and losing 4-3. The “B” side played Wortham at home at Hepworth and a feisty encounter was heading for a 2-2 draw when goalkeeper “Chum” came off the bench to score the winner right at the end of the match. He was telling everyone in the club who would listen after the match that he would be having a press conference at 9.00 pm to take everyone through the lead up and execution of the goal as it was such a special occasion. The one thing with the “B” side is, its easy to tell their result as if they win “Wally” gets louder and louder as the night goes on.

Only one match to report on this week due to the very wet weather we are experiencing which was the "A" team match away at AFC Hoxne. A pleasant rural ground with good facilities and a club that appears to be on the up, a windy day did not make for the best opportunity to play the ball on the ground but a fully committed match kept the spectators entertained. Hoxne took an early lead with a good strike from the edge of the area after 2 minutes and had more of the possession pinning us in our own half for long periods of the first half. We conceded again before the break and as in most cases the next goal would make a game of it or end the contest. Manager Russell must have stirred the troops in his half time team talk as we came out and gave a very good account of ourselves and Harvey Rust scored from distance with thirty minutes left, despite quite a bit of pressure we could not find the second goal and Hoxne took the points. Our very own "Statto" came up with some figures the other week and he obviously has too much time on his hands, Paul Smith has managed us for 409 games since we joined the Eastern Counties League and Trevor Newman has played in 361 matches followed by Paul Musgrove on 301. These are impressive figures in this day and age and if we added the games in the Suffolk & Ipswich league that would add a significant amount to those totals. Kevin Gaught runs the line for the reserve side and also does a very comprehensive match report for the website, but the one thing that impresses everyone is that he gets the names of the opposition players into the report which is not an easy feat when running up and down. I have yet to see him flag an offside with his pencil but maybe one day and I should also mention he runs in "rigger" boots, well done Kevin. I will finish with a dig at top flight football in this country and I wonder how they keep getting the crowds when we have cheating, diving, owners who know very little about the game, very few home grown players, obscene wages for players, no respect for officials and clubs who show a total disregard for the integrity of the F A Cup by playing a bunch of reserves. It seems the only aim for many clubs is to hang onto their Premiership status by any means possible and if they finish 17^th that is success.

I hope that everyone got the presents they wanted for Christmas and had a good time, it’s been a bit thin on the football front with only a few matches played. The Boxing day encounter against Diss Town turned out to be rather one way traffic with everything we hit ending up in the back of the net to record our biggest ever win since we joined the Eastern Counties League. Having been on the end of one or two thumping’s ourselves it’s never a pleasant experience for the supporters and committee who have to stand and take it but you can only put it down to one of those days. Goals came at regular intervals with the scorers being Wood 4, Brame 3, Sim, Cusack and Debenham with an own goal for good measure. Its interesting to note that our home form is very poor with an average of .88 points per game whilst away it increases to 1.84 per game, hardly fortress Walsham and we might have to get the minibus out and travel to Walsham for our next match or change in the away changing room. The reserves played their final Chell Trophy match and needed a win to guarantee progress through to the knock out stages, Lowestoft had a very youthful side and never gave up but we proved too strong with goals from Luke Austin 4 and the returning Connor Davies with a hat trick who was playing his first full game for nearly 12 months. We must wait till the final match is played in the group to see if we finish top or runners up. The club is always looking for additional people to get involved which can be anything from administration, helping out on matchdays to team management (that should put the wind up a few people) and we have our own Vincent Tan who you should contact on 07971 613933 or mike.powles@btconnect.com if you are interested. It just leaves me to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

The week started with an away match at Whitton for the U18 team on Wednesday night and a strange encounter it turned out to be, with the wind blowing down the slope it was always going to be one of those “game of two halves” but it turned out to be “a game of three bits” as we had a 15 minute break when somebody turned the floodlights off. We started well going down the slope but failed to capitalise on our early advantage and credit to Whitton who worked their way into the match to lead at half time. Finding ourselves 3-0 down early in the second half somebody obviously took pity on us and switched half of the lights off. After the delay we started again and the rain started to lash down so going up the slope and against the wind and rain was not ideal, however we had two very good chances which we wasted before scoring 2 goals to put us right back in it, this obviously woke Whitton up who went on to win 7-2 and right at the end we missed a penalty and Whitton had a player dismissed. Saturday brought 3 teams into action with the reserves having a break to get over their Christmas outing to Norwich, the firsts welcomed Stanway to Summer Road and we would like to thank Richard and David of R & D Construction for their match sponsorship on the day. Unfortunately after a decent first half performance we looked as if we had our Santa suits on for the second half and went down 3-0 with a pretty abject display. The “A” team continued their good form with a 4-1 win at Thurston, the goals coming from Bloomfield 2, Rust and Davies. Manager Russell certainly looked like the man with all the points in the clubhouse afterwards. The “B” team went down 3-1 to AFC Hoxne in the cup but as it is Champions league format they have the return leg to look forward to in the new year. The Chairman tells me he had an interesting conversation with “Bob the Ploughman” from Capel Plough on Saturday morning and having got him out from his chicken coop it was noted that Mrs Ploughman was not happy about the chicken poo he had carried into the house on the bottom of his boots. That’s enough garbage from me and it only leaves for me to wish all our readers a happy and prosperous new year.

Walsham le Willows F C

What is it about late goals or 2 goals scored very close together that make matches special, we have had it with the reserves and under 18s this season and now the first team have got in on the act with a stoppage time goal against F C Clacton to bring all 3 points back to Suffolk. Both sides had good chances in the match but it was not until the 72^nd minute before Condon scored from the spot for Clacton. It was another 10 minutes before Wood collected Fosters shot off the post to calmly knock home the rebound but the biggest sting was still to come as with 92 minutes on the clock Wood flicked the ball on for Brame to slide the ball past Fowler in the home goal to cue wild celebrations. The U18s played midweek away at Framlingham and gave their best performance of the season to win 6-1 and sit handily on top of the league but at least 3 teams have plenty of matches in hand on us. The reserves played their penultimate Chell Trophy group match and beat a determined Great Yarmouth 4-0 with the highlight an Austin hat trick. With only one match left in the league basis the reserves need to beat Lowestoft reserves on the 28^th to qualify for the knock out stages. The “A” team played Coplestonians “A” and a solitary goal from Rust secured the points. The “B” side played Wortham and lost 4-1 to end their winning streak. Once again that useless Chairman got the fixtures wrong when he supplied them to me last week, it would be better to have a monkey running the club. Latest news on the merchandise is more hats are on order so don’t worry if you have not got yours yet. (late night opening on Wednesdays). It was good to see “Bob the Ploughman” slide onto the page last week and we must hope we don’t all start talking about root vegetables although the best runner beans I have ever seen were behind the goal at Stowmarket some years ago. Damn its started already ! Many years ago when I played we always had a Scot or two in the team but they seem to have disappeared completely now and I would like to know if anyone knows of the whereabouts of a certain Jock Strapp, its obviously been a slow week for news in Walsham.

Well, what a week with plenty of action off the pitch which started with the big news that Manchester United have their “Megastore” and Walsham have a “cardboard box” from which you can purchase hats, ties, badges, coats and replica shirts all “at cost” according to that chairman !!!! There is a rumour that the minibus got flashed on the way back from Gorleston which means it must have been going downhill with a following wind and slipstreaming the vehicle in front, we await the post to see if we have Christmas greetings from Norfolk Constabulary. Saturday night brought the eagerly awaited Christmas social with “Lashys” highly amusing and well thought out quiz, no one is sure who won but the half time “Hoy Bingo” saw Trevor Newman scoop the four corners and Mrs Lash win the full house, the evening concluded with chip butties and changing room golf, we certainly know how to live life to the full out here in the sticks. It is worrying when more first teamers turn up for the social than Smithys training, but don’t take it personally Paul. I nearly forgot but we did play some football as well which started with a highly enjoyable evening at Lowestoft when the reserves played in the Chell trophy and let in a last minute goal to draw 2-2 which means we still have a chance of reaching the knock out stages, goals from Austin and Driscoll (a screamer) secured the point and some good banter with the Lowestoft supporters made for a very funny evening. Saturday saw all four teams in action, the first team played away at Gorleston and came back with a hard earned point with keeper McAnally making an excellent save to keep our goal intact, I must admit the report did come from goalkeeping coach “Lashy” who did only mention one player in his description of the match. The reserves progressed to the Suffolk Senior reserve cup semi finals with a 4-0 defeat of Wickham Market reserves who can take great credit for their performance and attitude. The “A” team played AFC Hoxne reserves and an excellent match ended in a 2-2 draw with our equaliser coming with the last kick of the match, the shouts of joy could be heard in Hepworth were the “B” side continued there excellent form with a 3-1 win over Beck Row which makes three wins on the bounce and undefeated for five weeks which will increase to nine weeks as they do not play again till January. Assistant manager Wally is claiming a goal from what must be the most obvious own goal ever. Having watched the “A” team in SIL division 3 over the last few weeks I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of football played in this division. We finish by sending our condolences to the family and friends of Alan Gorham who was our first point of contact when we entered the Suffolk & Ipswich league many years ago. Alan was not someone you contacted out of normal hours unless you wanted a flea in your ear but what a fantastic administrator he was for that league.

 

Plenty of midweek football this week and we started away at Felixstowe in the Red Insure cup, a close encounter that Felixstowe edged 1-0 after extra time but the story of the night was that they played 75 minutes with 10 men after goalkeeper Crump was sent from the field of play for denying a goal scoring opportunity, how on reflection we would rather have had the goal and left 11 men on the opponents side. The referee was 100% correct but we could not break down the Felixstowe defence as they worked extremely hard and scored a superb goal through Thrower to settle the tie at the start of the second period of extra time. Surprise surprise and we played Felixstowe at Summer Road on Saturday and another tight and entertaining match prevailed, a team full of confidence and on a good run is not the ideal opponents but we bossed the first half and Felixstowe controlled the second. Unable to break down the Felixstowe defence that had not been breached for over 7 hours it looked like defeat when Powell scored in the 71^st minute but we finally got our reward when Woods sublime chip nestled in the top corner of the goal after 83 minutes. The action was not over as an unsavoury incident saw Clarke sent from the field of play with a few minutes remaining and how often does this type of incident happen when teams play each other in back to back fixtures. Look on the bright side Nathan as you cant get booked when sitting in the stands. That’s 3 matches against Felixstowe this season and on the pitch they have all been quality games with no quarter given or asked and off the pitch enjoyable events with good people from both camps getting on extremely well, exactly how local football should be. On Wednesday the reserves welcomed Gorleston in the Chell trophy and a good contingent from Gorleston swelled our normal one man and a dog gate to double figures. We squeaked home with a 2-1 victory with goals from Austin and Smith after going behind in the match, our goals came in a 1 minute spell which completely changed the match and surprised everyone in the ground. This result keeps the Chell Trophy mini league very tight although we have to win all our remaining matches to qualify. The U18s welcomed Framlingham on the next night and won 2-1 with a brace of goals from young Branard. I think managers Harris and Brame should have been wearing masks and riding a horse called Black Bess because that was Highway Robbery as Framlingham missed a host of chances, funny old game as they say.  On Saturday the reserves travelled to Felixstowe but with the appointed official doing a “no show” they then returned to base and prepare for this Wednesdays match versus Lowestoft reserves. The “A” side travelled to Bramford Road Old Boys and returned with a 2-1 victory to continue a decent start to the season.     

 

                   

Even with all midweek matches postponed its been a busy week at the club with new signing D.E.Fibrillator arriving on Monday and many suggestions of where to put it which included “you must lock it up” which is not quite the best solution when it would only be needed in an emergency so it’s in the hallway with easy access for everybody. We hope its never required but what a marvellous piece of equipment to have and its two thirds funded by the FA and British Heart Foundation. On Tuesday 12 members participated on the first aid course held at the club and will receive their certificates in due course. Three matches to report on from Saturday with the “A” team playing Ufford Sports in the SIL, going 1-0 up and then 3-1 behind was not part of Russells game plan but with the scores at 3-3 after 30 minutes it was a rip snorter of a match and could have gone either way. Ufford went 4-3 up in the second half and we missed a penalty at the end to finish pointless. It was good to see Ufford in the clubhouse afterwards and that’s how it should be. The reserves played their counterparts from Brightlingseas and won a close game 2-1 with the goals from Austin and young ex U18 player Twinn. The pitches are certainly taking a hammering with all the recent rain and hopefully we will have some settled weather soon. The firsts came back from Wivenhoe with a point, Clarke scoring a late leveller for a share of the spoils. Wivenhoe is always a ground where we struggle to play our best football and we now look forward to 2 matches with Felixstowe in the next week, K.O. cup and league. On the last two Sundays I have seen some of the best aspects of youth football with our U8 and Diss U8 playing a friendly on the astro, it finished with an impromptu penalty shoot-out and then both respective team managers went in goal for another shoot-out, the laughter, banter, good humour and inter mingling of both teams, managers and parents had to be seen to be believed. This Sunday the youth section held an U7 festival and many thanks to Nathan French from Suffolk FA for organising the event, with 28 teams and 2 other matches on site to say it was busy would be an understatement. Again this appeared to go off very well and the youngsters just want to play football and the parents/grandparents are the ones feeling the cold. I must ask the club for another car park. Finally its congratulations to Mussy and Maria on the birth of their new daughter Maisie, a candidate for our girls’ team.

 

“Beaten by a better side”, not a phrase that you hear much in football these days as its usually the officials fault or some cheating person diving for a penalty on the opposition team. However I think that phrase sums up our defeat in the F A Vase by Harringey Borough, we put a lot of effort in and the 4-1 scoreline may have been harsh but they were the better side. With speedy wide man Anthony McDonald a perfect outlet to catch us on the hop early on scoring the first goal after 10 minutes and then supplying the cross for the second just before half time it was always going to be an uphill battle. In the second half we gave a good account of ourselves and at 3-1 Borough cleared the ball off the goal line which if that had gone in would have made an interesting last 10 minutes. What an excellent competition the Vase is as it brought many old friends and acquaintances to the club and it was good to see and catch up with them all. A good atmosphere and a buzzing clubhouse is always a bit special and the Vase certainly guarantees that. The week started with the U18s at Stowmarket and 2 towering headers from central defender Tom Tuson were the highlights of the match as we returned with a 4-1 victory. Onto Saturday and the reserves came back from Gorleston having lost 3-2 in the Chell trophy in a match that was described as bad tempered which should make the midweek return game this week very interesting. The “A” team were also on their travels but returned with 3 hard earned points from Halesworth with a 3-2 victory, Bloomfield scoring a hat trick and also getting the “man of the match” award. The “B” side played Ram Meadow reserves and continued their good form with a second successive victory by 6 goals to 2. I am glad to report they also continued with their after match performance and have moved from drinking jugs onto drinking shots in celebration. The first team Vase match was sponsored by Martin Anderson of J K Construction (East Anglia) Ltd and we would like to thank him for his continued support over many seasons.

 

 

                     

 

 "A" Team 2013-2014

 

We start this week with a mention of our forthcoming F A Vase fixture against Harringey Borough on Saturday the 16^th of November which kicks off at 3.00 pm. We have never progressed beyond this round so as much support as possible would be appreciated, that’s the advert out of the way and now down to the football. Its been raining a lot this week and that’s both in water and goals, unfortunately the reserves unluckily had both their matches postponed as they got too much rain on matchdays for the pitch to cope but for all the other teams its been raining goals. The U18 started it off with a midweek 8–2 victory over Debenham with goals from Langston 3, Phoenix 2, Barnard, Stock and Palmer and on Saturday the “A” team played very well against higher league opposition in the Bob Coleman cup before finally going down 5–1 after leading 1-0 for 30 minutes. The first team returned from Ely with a 4-0 victory and many thanks to Ely for supplying the shorts for us to play in as we only turned up with 9 pairs. I understand the kit man was exonerated and the Chairmans name was in the frame for this debacle (how much longer can he hang on?). A Jack Brame hat trick was the highlight of the match with Chris McLaughlin adding the final goal. Keeper Duncan McAnally made a number of excellent saves at the start of the second half that stopped Ely getting back into the match.  The “B” team played Bury Wanderers and came back to the clubhouse with an 8-3 victory which was their first of the season, many jugs of ale were sunk that night and the goals from Lawrence 5, Barrell, Barker and Childs made all the effort worthwhile. I popped up the club on Sunday morning and there was a lot of activity with many youth matches in progress, the new car park was overflowing and with cars parked all over the road it proved how successful and busy the youth section is. It made me wonder if parents fully appreciate how much volunteer time and effort is made to provide sport for all the youngsters who participate in football over Suffolk. A lot of the time we only hear of the negative aspects of our sport but it appears to me that all coaches, managers and volunteers should receive a big pat on the back for their efforts.

Plenty of soccer ball to report on this week with some good, bad and indifferent and a sprinkling of controversy thrown in for good measure. We start with the reserves midweek match in the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup against Haverhill Borough, a tight contest in which we took a 1-0 advantage at half time with a goal from Driscoll and only wrapped up the win in added time with a Davey strike. This was a match that could have gone either way and was contested by two committed sides who at one time became over committed after a rather rash challenge by one of our players. Its nice to be in the hat for the next round. The next night it was more cup action with the first team entertaining Braintree Reserves in the Thurlow Nunn k.o. cup, we huffed and puffed for 90 minutes and despite taking the lead twice through Cusack and Agricole Braintree would not lay down and forced extra time, with a bit more luck they could have produced a cup shock. In extra time we found an extra gear and scored four goals through Wood (2) Brame and McLaughlin to progress through to the next round. This match probably summed up our season so far, much like the “Curates Egg” good in parts and awful in others. With another match at home on the Thursday the pitch needed the extra time, before the U18s played unbeaten Whitton who went away with the points following a 4-3 win, the match was very tight and we came back from 2-0 down to level the scores and then missed a couple of chances before a controversial offside allowed Whitton to take the lead and we did not look like getting back in the game after that. The one thing I have learnt in football is that you might as well “keep your gob shut” as it will only get you in trouble. Onto Saturday and the first team welcomed Brightlinsea Regent to “The Meadow”, we played ok but got undone with 2 breakaway goals in the first half and when Regent scored the 3^rd it was all over. A late consolation goal from Foster was little consolation and we move on. The “A” team were the only other side in action and they played Elmswell away in a local derby, with the score at 2-1 to Elmswell we got a penalty which was tucked away only for the referee to blow for encroachment by one of our players and award Elmswell an indirect free kick. I aint no expert but that does not appear to be the correct decision and Elmswell scored their 3^rd in stoppage time. My snippet this week is please ask our kitman/groundsman Malcolm about the time he laid the kit out at Long Melford but could not make out why the lights were not on, had the match been postponed days before ?

Walsham le Willows F C

How quickly things change in this game, from the euphoria of last week to no wins for any of our teams on Saturday. The reserves played midweek in the Chell Trophy and beat Diss 5-1 with a Luke Austin hat trick and he also missed a penalty and other goals from Musgrove and Tatham. The first team match on Saturday v Mildenhall did not have the usual edge associated with matches between the two clubs. Mildenhall ran out deserved 3-1 winners with ex Walsham player James Attwood scoring 2 goals, Jack Brame equalised the Mildenhall opener within seconds of the re start but after the break Mildenhall scored twice to take the points. The reserves made the long trip to Witham and returned pointless with a 2-1 defeat, Ben Virtue scoring his first goal for the club on his birthday and the “A” team travelled to play Tacket Street and also came back pointless after a 4-2 defeat with Wayne Leeks scoring the goals, the club wishes Kevin Clarke a swift recovery from his broken ribs sustained in the match from a rather robust tackle. Also on their travels were the “B” side who lost 2-1 at AFC Hoxne but were encouraged by a resilient display and the goal from Ashley Forbes. However the most worrying aspect of the weekend was the Chairman letting slip that he had a dream that “Nigel Clough had bought Fakenham” which is a bit sad! but then to confirm he had turned on Radio Norfolk to find out if there was any truth in it takes the biscuit. Sometimes I wonder how the club manages to function but hopefully I will still be able to write some notes next week unless I have been replaced after that revelation. Late news in is that the Sunday side progressed to the semi final of the league K.O. cup with a 4-2 victory over Chedburgh.

 

Cpt Matt Morton on the score sheet in the FA Vase game against Godmanchester Rovers 

              Picture kindly taken by Clive Pearson

Another busy week at the club with the firsts gaining 2 impressive victories. Unbeaten Haverhill visited last Wednesday and we were indebted to keeper Duncan McAnally for some excellent early saves as Haverhill came out of the blocks fast. We gradually worked our way back into the match and took the lead just before half time with a sublime chip from Nathan Clarke (not sure as it might have been a scuff). A tight second half with our defence playing well ended with our second goal on 90 minutes with Jack Brame curling a lovely left foot shot into the bottom corner. Saturdays F. A. Vase match with Godmanchester was our best performance of the season as we scored through Wood, Robinson, Morton, Brame and Tatham to give us an excellent 5-0 victory. Matt Mortons goals was his first in 4 years and I would think only the second time he had ventured over the half way line in that time. The prize money was welcomed by the chairman as he went and immediately booked a 10 day break in the sun and I don’t think he is taking Smithy. The U18 side played Woodbridge in the knock out cup and that’s exactly what happened as they trimmed us up 7-1. The “A” team played AFC Titans in the Bob Coleman cup and progressed into the next round with an emphatic 8-3 victory, the goals coming from Bloomfield, Leeks (the grumpy man), Soanes, Guest (2), Davis and Robins (2). Goalkeeper Liam is renamed “Lobbed Liam” as at 6ft plus it can still happen. The “B” side continued with their unbeaten record as they gained their first point with a 2-2 draw at Beck Row, a last minute goal from Liam Ellis sparked wild celebrations and added to the goal he scored in the first half. With 8 first teamers still in the club at 7.15 and the “A” side and “B” side celebrating their point it was a happy clubhouse. To illustrate how much football happens at the club with the new facilities there will have been 45 competitive matches played at Walsham in the month of October with 14 of them on the main pitch.

 

          

 

 

Walsham le Willows F C  Under 18's 2013-14

 

News from the Willows

Plenty of matches to report on this week with the first team participating in the Suffolk Premier Cup (but only for 90 minutes) as a 2–1 defeat at Ryman north Needham Market saw us tipped out at the first hurdle. On reflection we gave a good account of ourselves in a competitive and good football match with our late goal coming from Jack Brame. We did think this might have been one of the competitions Needham manager Mark Morsley did not aspire to do well in but from his team selection that was certainly not the case. The U18s continued their good run with a 6 – 2 victory at Bungay with goals from Barnard, Ellis, Haggerty (2) and Stock plus an own goal. The boys raced into a   4- 0 lead on the coldest night of the year so far, before Bungay scored twice in the second half. We certainly don’t do well in County Cups with the A team losing to Bury side Elephant & Castle on penalties after pulling back from a 3-1 deficit to draw at full time. With the hard bit done we then managed to hit our penalties to all parts of the ground apart from the bit that mattered and so end our interest in the Primary cup. The B side continued their unbeaten run as they had no game and the reserves beat Felixstowe & Walton 3-2 at the Meadow. The firsts came back from Kirkley & Pakefield with a point from a pulsating 3-3 draw although with a minute left it looked like 3 points but a never give up effort from K & P made the scores level. Our goals came from Bolton, Wood and Clarke with K & P replies from Godbold, Gilfedder and King. On Sunday we hosted the Suffolk v Cambridge U16 match and fortunately the pitch was in good nick after all the rain on Saturday night and dried out for the match in the afternoon which justifies the amount of money and time it has had spent on it over the last 2 seasons.  The Chairman tells me that he secured 2 tickets for the England v Montenegro World cup qualifier at Wembley and spent all Friday getting them for our legend of a manager, meeting Smithy at Stowmarket station to hand over the merchandise he was surprised when Smithy asked him if he had any change for the car park, so not only did he get him the free tickets but he paid 2 quid for the privilege, is that what makes Smithy a legend ?

Playing squads are now updated and a warm welcome to Chris Mcllaughlin from Hadleigh Town, Conor Davies from Team Bury, Tom Driscoll from AFC Sudbury Res. And Wes Boatright who last played at Newmarket Town Res.

           

 

 

Walsham le Willows F C

Two home matches for the first team to report on this week and 4 points from a possible 6, last Wednesday Woodbridge visited the Meadow and went away with their first point of the season, many people would see this as 2 points dropped but after 50 minutes with Woodbridge 2 – 0 up a point for us looked a long way off but goals from Cusack and Clarke rescued a point although Woodbridge could still have taken the 3 with two good chances late in the match. CRC arrived on Saturday with some mixed results so far this season and went in 1-0 up at the break, a decent second half performance with a deflected shot from Jack Brame getting us back into the match was the little bit of luck we needed and the team grew in confidence from that point and a further goal from Brame added to an Andrew Cusack penalty gave us our first league home win of the season. The “A” team came back from Adhara FC with nil points on the back of a 4-0 defeat, Russell Snowling the manager (got the wrong name last week) told me that Adhara are one of the best teams he has seen in his 4 years running our “A” team in division 3 of the SIL. The “B” side had their best result of the season with a clean sheet as with everyone ready, the referee on site and the orange squash in the changing rooms the opposition failed to arrive. This would have been a bottom of the table clash so it could hardly have been our reputation/results that put them off. Picture of the waiting "B" team above.When you look through local results there are now a number of matches not played due to teams unable to raise a side which is a sad reflection on the commitment of some players and a disappointment for the club volunteers who work so hard to put everything in place. Midweek our U18 side played host to Stowmarket and went off like a train with 4 goals inside the first thirty minutes. The final score was 6-1 with 2 goals from Josh Palmer, 3 from Elliot Stock and one from Sam Ellis. If you ever come across our chairman ask him about the time he went to Woodbridge to watch a match and was 24 hours too early. (more snippets next week).

 

 

              

The Reserve Team before the Felixstowe & Walton Reserve Home game

 

 

 

Walsham le Willows F C

Firstly the club would like to wish Olly Hughes all the best for his move to Leiston F C we will watch his progress with interest and are pleased that we have helped him to progress two levels up the pyramid. We would also like to make Andy Crisp aware that the costs for bandages and first aid equipment will increase considerably. Onto what happens on the green stuff and I must say that the recent wet weather along with the fertilisation has made our pitch in as good a condition as many people can remember. The U18 team beat Coplestonians 6 2 with a Henry Phoenix hat trick and further goals from Elliot Stack, Tom Tusan and an o.g. On Saturday the “B” side scored 2 goals through Darren Dowds but the opposition scored considerably more and the highlight was the after match sausage and chips. It’s difficult for the chairman to give the manager a vote of confidence as no one will own up to being in charge. The first team returned from Brantham with three hard earned points with goals from Andrew Wood and debutant Chris McLaughlin whom we welcome to the club. It must have been very pleasing for the management duo of Smith and Taylor to be back in the dugout together after holidays and illness and also the work rate from the team was exceptional. The “A” team beat Trimley Red Devils  reserves 3 1 with goals from Craig Bloomfield, Julian Guest and the evergreen (grey) Wayne Leeks. Manager Hubbard nearly had a revolt when he charged everyone £ 5.00 for losing the warm up balls in the hedge (I like your style Russell). The reserves played Felixstowe & Walton in the Suffolk senior reserve K.O. cup, a competition we would like to do well in but find difficult to make progress in. A very close game was decided by a late Lewis Cooke goal that can only be described as like trying to stop a charging Rhino and was all down to persistence and determination, unfortunately early indications are that Lewis may have broken a bone in his foot whilst scoring, so we enter the draw for the next round.

Sporting Dinner 2013

 

This year’s dinner was attended by a record number of guests with 253 tickets sold and required a bigger marquee with the bar being moved to a side tent. The catering was superbly done by Carol Hubbard and her team with many guests wondering how it can be provided so hot and quickly from facilities that resemble a field kitchen. The four courses went down a treat and a quick game of “Heads & Tails” ensured someone went home with £ 150.00 before the main event with guest speaker Lee Sharpe enthralling people with his tales of Ferguson, Eric Cantona and Abi Titmuss, I know which one interested the male guests the most and it was not Fergusons hairdryer. Comedian John Stiles decided to give Sports Club treasurer Ian Campbell a hard time as he sat next to Ian for the dinner. Johns jokes, impressions and tales had many people in tears of laughter and what a superb act John and Lee provided. During this time the “silent auction” was going quietly on and had such diverse items to bid on from the usual framed shirts to a flight in a Tiger Moth or a table at Gordon Ramseys restaurant. I believe a box at Ascot sold for a significant sum along with signed shirts from Messi, Pele and Ronaldo. The 12 other auction items sold by John Stiles included a Shearer/Bobby Robson signed shirt and a Beckham signed shirt along with two shirts from that Suffolk team Ipswich Town. The signed Norwich City ball went for over £ 400.00 which shows which East Anglian team has the craziest supporters. The evening closed with the usual speediest raffle in the world hosted by Peter Bailey with over 50 prizes to be collected. The normally mild mannered Peter usually manages to upset wife Margaret during this part of the evening and on this occasion he surpassed his normal display with divorce proceedings being mentioned. Carriages arrived at 12.15 with hopefully everyone having a good time, feedback from the event has been excellent with many saying it was the best ever. It would be remiss to not thank everyone who helped before, during and after the event and please take this as thanks to everyone who made the event possible and to run smoothly. Special mention must go to Peter who did his usual superb job of organising the event.

 

The sleepy Suffolk village of Walsham-le-Willows has a population of little more than 1,000 people, is best known for being the filming location for cult television drama Lovejoy and its football club is about to introduce a human-sized chicken as the new club mascot

 

It’s fair to say we’re a million miles away from the cash-rich, high-wage world of football’s Premier League.

But this weekend its football club and the biggest teams in the country will be bonded by what many still feel is the best domestic competition in the world - the FA Cup.

For, at 3pm on Saturday, August 17 the long, long road to Wembley Stadium will begin as a host of non-league clubs do battle in the FA Cup extra-preliminary round.

And for the Suffolk side, who play in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, this means a home tie at their ground The Meadow, against London’s Tower Hamlets.

For many, it’s matches like this which ensure the competition retains its magic. 

For 90 minutes, at the very least, teams comprising bakers, butchers and candlestick makers (if the cliches are to be believed) are on a level par with the biggest football names in the world.

As Paul Smith, Walsham’s manager and a legend in East Anglian non-league football, explains: “The FA Cup is always a special day when playing or managing as it is such a world-wide known competition.

“Many people will not know what league Walsham play in but when you tell them you are in the FA Cup, everyone knows the competition.

“For small clubs it’s the possibility of getting to play a team from a much higher league or possibly a professional club, which would be a dream come true.”

Until recently the village’s only possible claim to fame would be that many of the scenes in popular mid-80s series Lovejoy (starring Ian McShane as an antiques dealer) were filmed there.

However, in recent years the club has been putting itself on the local football map, quickly moving up the pyramid from step seven to step five in just a few seasons. In 2012-13 they achieved their highest position with a 6th placed finish.

Despite this they are likely to be one of the smallest clubs entering this year’s competition and go into Saturday’s match as the under-dogs, with their Essex Senior League opponents boasting a population of 250,000.

At least Walsham, nicknamed The Willows, can call upon the experience of assistant manager John Taylor, the former Cambridge United striker, who was a quarter-finalist twice in the competition during a career which spanned more than 500 league appearances and 153 goals.

He said: “Having been a losing quarter finalist twice, the expression on player’s faces when you lose really tells you what it means to them.

“The prize money if you are fortunate to win a couple of matches can make a real difference to the season as football clubs at this level always struggle to make ends meet.

“We look forward to hosting Tower Hamlets FC and it is an opportunity to make new friends in the football community.”

Admission prices for this Saturday’s game are £6 for adults, £4 concessions but free entry for under-16s with a paying adult.

Meanwhile, pre-match entertainment will be provided by the club’s under-11s doing battle with Elmswell under-11s, the introduction of ‘Rhode Island Red’, the club’s new chicken mascot and a bouncy castle for the children.

  

For more information call Mike Powles on 07971 613933

 

 

 

The Meadow, Summer Road v Wembley Stadium

 

History - Wembley Stadium opened in 1923 at a cost of £750,000. The old stadium was demolished in 2003 before reopening four years later. The Meadow has been the home of the village football and cricket clubs going back to the late 1800s and the old pavilion still survives on the far side of the ground, originally this had a thatched roof and water was carried across to it by bucket and then a two wheeled hand water cart was pulled across by the players. The club has recently refurbished the changing rooms and opened new all-weather pitches opposite the main ground.

 

Capacity - With it’s small seated stand behind the dug-outs Walsham have seating for 106 fans, compared to Wembley’s 90,000.

 

Highest Attendance - The FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United on 28 April 1923 was the first event to take place at Wembley Stadium. The official attendance was 126,047, still the largest for any football match in England, but estimates of the number of people who entered the stadium put the number at around 200,000. Walsham's highest attendance is 753 against Ipswich Town in last season’s Suffolk Premier Cup.

 

Amenities - The new Wembley has all the amenities a modern football fan could desire - albeit at mouth-watering prices. Dozens of bars, food kiosks, restaurants and shops attempt to entice supporters to part with their cash. The club’s chairman Mike Powles often serves burgers and sausages and at half-time and there is also tea and alcohol in the clubhouse. Special guests and officials are treated to half-time sandwiches and home-made cakes. If you are prepared to turn up the night before a game the club has recently launched a Friday night sweet shop, run by the chairman’s wife. 

 

 

First Team Manager Paul Smith and his Ast Manager John Taylor

Walsham Le Willows F.C. host an annual Sportsman’s Dinner which takes place this year on Friday 6^th September. 

 

This is our ninth annual dinner and we are very pleased to confirm that this year we have secured the services of Lee Sharpe as our main guest speaker.  Lee is a former player for Manchester United and Leeds, and has won three Premier League titles, two FA cups and is an ex England International.  Lee has also appeared on a TV reality show and is currently a highly respected Football pundit.

 

This year’s dinner is being held in a large marquee at our home ground, Summer Road, Walsham Le Willows, and the evening will consist of the following:

 

A first class four course dinner including wine

Main Guest Speaker Lee Sharpe

A Top Comedian – John Stiles

An Auction of Sporting Memorabilia

A Prize Draw

 

 

We anticipate this dinner being our most memorable to date, and I’m sure a fantastic evening will be enjoyed by all those who attend.  A Table - for 10 at this event is £475.00.  If you require any further information, or wish to confirm a table booking, please contact me Peter Bailey – Home Tel 01284 787399  - Mobile 07831 448598

 

 

 

CONSTITUTION 2013/14

Premier Division

Brantham Athletic, Brightlingsea Regent, CRC, Diss Town, Ely City, FC Clacton, Felixstowe & Walton United, Godmanchester Rovers, Gorleston, Hadleigh United, Haverhill Rovers, Kirkley & Pakefield, Mildenhall Town, Newmarket Town, Norwich United, Stanway Rovers, Thetford Town, Walsham Le Willows, Wivenhoe Town, Woodbridge Town

First Division

AFC Sudbury Res, Braintree Town Res, Cornard United, Debenham LC, Dereham Town Res, Downham Town, Fakenham Town, Great Yarmouth Town, Halstead Town, Haverhill Borough, Ipswich Wanderers, Long Melford, March Town United, Needham Market Res, Saffron Walden Town, Stowmarket Town, Swaffham Town, Team Bury, Whitton United

Reserve League – tba

THE RED INSURE CUP DRAW

The draw for the early rounds of the Red Insure Cup is as follows:-

Preliminary Round (week beginning September 30^th 2013)

AFC Sudbury Res v. Cornard United

Brantham Athletic v. Whitton United

Debenham LC v. Norwich United

Ely City v. Haverhill Borough

Haverhill Rovers v. Godmanchester Rovers

Stowmarket Town v. Needham Market Res

Swaffham Town v. Gorleston

First Round (week beginning October 28^th 2013)

Brightlingsea Regent v. Stanway Rovers

Diss Town v. Fakenham Town

Downham Town v. Mildenhall Town

Felixstowe & Walton United v. FC Clacton

Great Yarmouth Town v. Dereham Town Res

Halstead Town v. Team Bury

Haverhill Rovers or Godmanchester Rovers v. CRC

Ipswich Wanderers v. Woodbridge Town

Long Melford v. AFC Sudbury Res or Cornard United

Newmarket Town v. March Town United

Saffron Walden Town v. Ely City or Haverhill Borough

Stowmarket Town or Needham Market Res v. Hadleigh United

Swaffham Town or Gorleston v. Debenham LC or Norwich United

Thetford Town v. Kirkley & Pakefield

Walsham le Willows v. Braintree Town Res

Wivenhoe Town v. Brantham Athletic or Whitton United

THURLOW NUNN YOUTH LEAGUE - Constitution – Season 2013/14

 

CENTRAL DIVISION

Bungay Town

Coplestonians

Debenham LC

DissTown

Framlingham Town

Ipswich Wanderers

Stowmarket Town

Walsham Le Willows

Whitton United

Woodbridge Town

 

EAST DIVISION

Dereham Town

Gorleston

Great Yarmouth Town

Harford CEYMS

Holt United

Kirkley & Pakefield

Lowestoft Town

North Walsham

Norwich United

Sheringham

Wroxham

 

NORTH DIVISION

Downham Town

Fakenham Town

Histon

Mildenhall Town

Newmarket Town

Saffron Walden Town

Soham Town Rangers

Swaffham Town

Wisbech St Mary

Wisbech Town

 

SOUTH DIVISION

Brantham Athletic

Cornard United

FC Clacton

Felixstowe & Walton United

Hadleigh United

Halstead Town

Haverhill Rovers

Long Melford

Stanway Rovers

Witham Town

Wivenhoe Town

 

WEST DIVISION

Blackstones

Chatteris Town

Deeping Rangers

Huntingdon Town

March Town United

Peterborough Northern Star

Ramsey Town

Royston Town

St Ives Town

St Neots Town

Thurlow Nunn Youth Cup Draw – Season 2013-14

Preliminary Round

Brantham Athletic v. Cornard United

Bungay Town v. Framlingham Town

Diss Town v. Debenham LC

FC Clacton v. Wivenhoe Town

Halstead Town v. Whitton United

Haverhill Rovers v. Soham Town Rangers

Holt United v. Gorleston

Kirkley & Pakefield v. Norwich United

Long Melford v. Hadleigh United

March Town United v. Blackstones

Newmarket Town v. Saffron Walden Town

Peterborough Northern Star v. Ramsey Town

Royston Town v. Huntingdon Town

Sheringham v. North Walsham

Stanway Rovers v. Felixstowe & Walton United

St Ives Town v. Mildenhall Town

Stowmarket Town v. Woodbridge Town

Swaffham Town v. Great Yarmouth Town

Wisbech St Mary v. Chatteris Town

Witham Town v. Ipswich Wanderers

Wroxham v. Harford CEYMS

 

First Round

Brantham Athletic or Cornard United v. Halstead Town or Whitton United

Deeping Rangers v. Downham Town

Diss Town or Debenham LC v. Coplestonians

Fakenham Town v. Holt United or Gorleston

Histon v. Haverhill Rovers or Soham Town Rangers

Kirkley & Pakefield or Norwich United v. Wroxham or Harford CEYMS

Long Melford or Hadleigh United v. Stanway Rovers or Felixstowe & Walton United

Lowestoft Town v. Dereham Town

Peterborough Northern Star or Ramsey Town v. March Town United or Blackstones

St Ives Town or Mildenhall Town v. Newmarket Town or Saffron Walden Town

Thetford Town v. Bungay Town or Framlingham Town

Walsham le Willows v. Stowmarket Town or Woodbridge Town

Witham Town or Ipswich Wanderers v. FC Clacton or Wivenhoe Town

Sheringham or North Walsham v. Swaffham Town or Great Yarmouth Town

St Neots Town v. Royston Town or Huntingdon Town

Wisbech Town v. Wisbech St Mary or Chatteris Town

 

Taken from the Thurlow Nunn League Web Site

 

The First Team run out seven nil winners against Wivenhoe Town, goals from Ollie Huges 3 Jack Brame 2 Stuart Jopling & Shaun Thorrold, Gordon's Man of The Match was Matt Morton who's having another great season.

Reserves clinched a one nil win thanks to a Lewis Cooke goal.

A Team drew 0- 0 against Aldeburgh Town who are 4th from top in the league.

These results were a credit to the teams with many players missing.

ITFC WEB SITE NEWS

Latest News

The Premier cup match Walsham le Willows v Ipswich Town will now be played on Tuesday the 13th of November and the club is offering entry to Wednesday nights F A Vase replay against Hadleigh and the Premier cup match for a TOTAL of £ 10.00 . This is a saving of £ 4.00 against the set entry prices so turn up on Wednesday night to take up this offer.

Walsham v Ipswich Town from the Green 'UN' Web Site

The Menus for all the teams Fixtures & Tables have been updated.
There is no Youth Under 18 team so details of the Under 16 team have been set up.

IPSWICH Town have been handed a home draw against Walham-le-Willows in the first round of the John Banks Suffolk Premier Cup on Tuesday 9th October

The Blues last competed in the county’s premier cup competition in 2009/10 before Roy Keane withdrew them the following season.


JOHN BANKS SUFFOLK PREMIER CUP, first round: Ipswich Town v Walsham-le-Willows, Hadleigh Utd v Needham Market, Felixstowe & Walton Utd v Mildenhall Town, Bury Town v AFC Sudbury, Leiston v Haverhill Rovers, Lowestoft Town v Brantham Ath. Byes: Woodbridge Town and Kirkley & Pakefield (ties to be played 9/10th October).


LB GROUP SUFFOLK SENIOR CUP, first round: Haverhill Sports Assoc v Corton, Felixstowe Utd v Grundisburgh, Long Melford v Cornard Utd, Brandon Town v Melton St Audrys, Stowmarket Town v Team Bury, Stanton v Achilles, Wickham Mkt v Debenham LC, Ipswich Wdrs v Old Newton Utd, Newmarket Town v Capel Plough, Coplestonians v Leiston St Margarets, Lakenheath v Whitton Utd, East Bergholt Utd v Crane Sports, Ipswich Ath v Ipswich Exiles. Byes: Beccles Town, Ipswich Valley Rgrs and Haughley Utd (ties to be played October 6)

Taken from the Green'UN' web site

See below for First Team, Reserves, and 'A' Team

The League Challenge Cup will be known as the Red Insure Cup for 2012-13 and the draws for the early rounds of the competition are as follows:-

PRELIMINARY ROUND

Brantham Athletic v Cornard United
Brightlingsea Regent v Braintree Town Res
Ely City v Downham Town
Swaffham Town v Fakenham Town
Whitton United v Woodbridge Town
Wisbech Town v March Town United

FIRST ROUND

Brantham Athletic or Cornard United v Wivenhoe Town
Debenham LC v Team Bury
Dereham Town v Great Yarmouth Town
FC Clacton v Stanway Rovers (holders)
Godmanchester Rovers v Cambridge University Press
Gorleston v Diss Town
Halstead Town v Haverhill Rovers
Ipswich Wanderers v Felixstowe & Walton United
Long Melford v Brightlingsea Regent or Braintree Town Res
Mildenhall Town v Ely City or Downham Town
Saffron Walden Town v CRC
Stowmarket Town v Whitton United or Woodbridge Town
Swaffham Town or Fakenham Town v Kirkley & Pakefield
Thetford Town v Norwich United
Walsham le Willows v Hadleigh United
Wisbech Town or March Town United v Newmarket Town

Preliminary Round matches have been scheduled to the week beginning September 24th and 1st Round matches to the week beginning October 22nd


FIRST DIVISION KNOCK-OUT CUP DRAW 2012-13

Draws for the early rounds of the First Division KO Cup are

PRELIMINARY ROUND

Cornard United v Stowmarket Town
Saffron Walden Town v Braintree Town Res

FIRST ROUND

Brightlingsea Regent v Whitton United
Cornard United or Stowmarket Town v Saffron Walden Town or Braintree Town Res
Debenham LC v Ipswich Wanderers
Downham Town v Newmarket Town
Fakenham Town v Great Yarmouth Town
Long Melford v Halstead Town
March Town United v Cambridge University Press
Swaffham Town v Team Bury

Preliminary Round matches have been scheduled to Saturday September 8th and First Round matches to Saturday November 3rd

The Thurlow Nunn (Eastern Counties) League AGM has agreed the following constitution for Season 2012/13:

PREMIER DIVISION
Brantham Athletic
CRC
Dereham Town
Diss Town
Ely City
Felixstowe & Walton United
FC Clacton
Godmanchester Rovers
Gorleston
Hadleigh United
Haverhill Rovers
Kirkley & Pakefield
Mildenhall Town
Norwich United
Stanway Rovers
Thetford Town
Walsham le Willows
Wisbech Town
Wivenhoe Town
Woodbridge Town

FIRST DIVISION
Braintree Town Reserves
Brightlingsea Regent
Cambridge University Press
Cornard United
Debenham LC
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Great Yarmouth Town
Halstead Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Long Melford
March Town United
Newmarket Town
Saffron Walden Town
Stowmarket Town
Swaffham Town
Team Bury
Whitton United

RESERVE LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
Brightlingsea Regent
Dereham Town
FC Clacton
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Haverhill Rovers
Heybridge Swifts
Leiston
Lowestoft Town
Maldon & Tiptree
Needham Market
Stanway Rovers
Thetford Town
Witham Town

RESERVE LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION
AFC Sudbury
Brantham Athletic
Diss Town
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Halstead Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Long Melford
Newmarket Town
Saffron Walden Town
Stowmarket Town
Walsham le Willows
Whitton United
Wivenhoe Town
Woodbridge Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (CENTRAL DIVISION)
Bungay Town
Coplestonians
Debenham LC
Diss Town
Framlingham Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Leiston
Stowmarket Town
Walsham Le Willows
Whitton United
Woodbridge Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (EAST DIVISION)
Dereham Town
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Harford CEYMS
Kirkley & Pakefield
Lowestoft Town
North Walsham
Norwich United
Sheringham
Wroxham

YOUTH LEAGUE (NORTH DIVISION)
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Histon
Holt United
Newmarket Town
Soham Town Rangers
Swaffham Town
Thetford Town
Wisbech St Mary
Wisbech Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (SOUTH DIVISION)
Brantham Athletic
Cornard United
FC Clacton
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Halstead Town
Haverhill Rovers
Long Melford
Stanway Rovers
Witham Town
Wivenhoe Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (WEST DIVISION)
Blackstones
Chatteris Town
Deeping Rangers
Huntingdon Town
Langford
Peterborough Northern Star
Ramsey Colts
Royston Town
St Ives Town
St Neots Town
Stotfold

With the First team already back for pre-season training, The Reserves and A Team will start on Tuesday 3rd July 7pm start.

New players for all teams are welcome. contact by phone or email

The 2012/13 Premier Division season will commence on Saturday August 4th 2012.

The First Division season will commence on Saturday August 4th 2012 for teams participating in the FA Cup and Saturday August 11th 2012 for other teams.

The Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup is scheduled for Saturday August 11th 2012.

Not a good week for the First & Reserve Teams.

Friday night saw the Reserves V Thetford Res, this was the last club we played before the snow appeared. The visitors took all 3 points yet again with four more goals considered and again another poor performance. Let’s hope Friday nights game which is against Whiiton (24th Feb) Away, will see changing fortunes. We also welcome Alan Boon to the reserves, a striker from Bridgeham Utd who play in the Crown Fire Central & South Norfolk League Div 1.

On Saturday with Paul Smith away John Taylor took the First team to his old stomping ground of Cambridge Utd where CRC now play. Reports back was that all though the team lost three nil they did not deserve that score line.

The A team with a great win at home to Tacket Street BBA. With goals from A.Forbes S.Owston(2) R.Ellis well done to Russ Snowling and the A Team.

First Team win 3 - 1 at home V Woodbridge Town and the Reserves win away at Ipswichich Wanderers Res 0 - 2, both teams first League points of the season.

Training on the the new pitch.

First Team Results
Won Ipswich Wanderers 2-4
Lost to Ipswich Town U18 2-1
Lost to Felixstowe Utd 2-1
Lost to Grundsburgh 4-2

Reserves Results
Won Felixstowe Res. 0-5
Won Ridgeons Walsham U18's 4-1
Lost Bacton Utd 5-3

Paul Smith returns as First Team Manager from Chris Soans who will be taking a back seat due to health reasons.

The Ridgeons (Eastern Counties) League has agreed the following constitution for Season 2011-12:

PREMIER DIVISION
Brantham Athletic
CRC
Dereham Town
Diss Town
Ely City
Felixstowe & Walton United
FC Clacton
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Hadleigh United
Haverhill Rovers
Kirkley & Pakefield
Mildenhall Town
Newmarket Town
Norwich United
Stanway Rovers
Walsham le Willows
Wisbech Town
Wivenhoe Town
Woodbridge Town
Wroxham

FIRST DIVISION
Brightlingsea Regent
Cambridge University Press
Cornard United
Debenham LC
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Godmanchester Rovers
Halstead Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Long Melford
March Town United
Saffron Walden Town
Stowmarket Town
Swaffham Town
Team Bury
Thetford Town
Whitton United


RESERVE DIVISION (NORTH)
Debenham LC
Dereham Town
Diss Town
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Leiston
Needham Market
Norwich United
Stowmarket Town
Thetford Town
Walsham-le-Willows
Whitton United
Woodbridge Town

RESERVE DIVISION (SOUTH)
AFC Sudbury
Brantham Athletic
Brightlingsea Regent
Cornard United
FC Clacton
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Halstead Town
Haverhill Rovers
Heybridge Swifts
Long Melford
Stanway Rovers
Witham Town
Wivenhoe Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (CENTRAL DIVISION)
Bungay Town
Debenham LC
Diss Town
Framlingham Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Leiston
Stowmarket Town
Thetford Town
Walsham Le Willows
Woodbridge Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (EAST DIVISION)
Cromer Town
Dereham Town
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Harford Tornadoes
Kirkley & Pakefield
Lowestoft Town
North Walsham Town
Norwich United
Wroxham

YOUTH LEAGUE (NORTH DIVISION)
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Histon
Mildenhall Town
Newmarket Town
Soham Town Rangers
Swaffham Town
Watton Juniors
Wisbech St Mary
Wisbech Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (SOUTH DIVISION)
Brantham Athletic
Coplestonians
Cornard United
FC Clacton
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Haverhill Rovers
Whitton United
Witham Town
Wivenhoe Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (WEST DIVISION)
Blackstones
Chatteris Town
Deeping Rangers
Huntingdon Town
Langford
Royston Town
Somersham Town
St Ives Town
St Neots Town
Stotfold

Walsham First Team will be playing Ipswich Town Under 18's on Saturday 30th July with a 3pm K/Off

Come and see Town's Stars of the Future !!!

KINDLY TAKEN FROM THE GREEN'UN' WEB SITE


THE first ever visit by an Ipswich Town team to Ridgeons League Walsham-le-Willows ended with a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors.

The Blues’ Aacdemy side dominated the first half, but only had a 25th minute goal from Jack Simmons to show for their efforts.

The young Welsh international pounced on a through ball by Carel Tiofack to fire against the Walsham keeper, the ball bouncing agonisingly over the line.

Tiofack and Jide Maduako both had further efforts cleared off the line by a beleaguered home defence.

Numerous second half changes by both sides seemed to affect Ipswich more as the villagers looked a far better side, and it was against the run of play when a tremendous left foot shot by Tom Winter extended Ipswich’s lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Two minutes later Walsham scored the consolation they deserved when some sloppy defending allowed James Tatham to net from close range.

The Under-18’s continue their pre-season when Colchester United visit Playford Road on Wednesday (11am ko).

Leiston promoted to Ryman League

Gorleston & Diss Town promoted to Ridgeons Premier League

Whitton United withdrew their application for promotion due to ground improvements not being met

Histon Reserves have withdrawn for the League

Debenham L.C F.C were offered to stay in the Premier league but opted to be relegated to Division One

Brightlingsea Regent F.C promoted from Essex & Suffolk Border League to Division

2011/12 season will see 21 teams in Premier League & 17 teams in Division One

The draw for the premlinary round & first round of the Ridgeons League Cupp matches was made at the Ridgeons A.G.M we have a HOME Premlinary tie with Grt Yarmouth date to be set

7 Jun 2011
SEASON STARTS ON AUGUST 13TH

The League Management Committee have confirmed that the 2011-12 Premier Division and First Division season will commence on August 13th

Signing on forms available from Saturday 25th June.

Pre-Season Training has started on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm at the Club.

All current and new players wishing to join the club are most welcome.

Please bring trainers and boots but not blades as we may use the new training pitch.

Winners of Trophies on the Presentation evening were

First Team
Managers Player James Tatham
Players player Ben Soanes

Reserves
Managers Player Ben Cobbold
Players Player Ben Cobbold

A Team
Managers A Stannard
Players Player David Fletcher

Ridgeons Under 18's
Managers Player Jonny Lambert
Pl;ayers Player Joe Boulter

Sunday League Under 18's
Managers Player Tom Debenham
Players Player David Grant

Most Improved Player in the Club Jonny Lambert

Ridgeons U18 Most Improved Player J Heaps

Supporters Player of the Season Tom Fenner

George Manning Clubman Shield Graham Styles

First Team finished with a great 3 nil win against CRC, A young Reserve side got a credible 1 1 draw against a inform Grt Yarmouth side, and the A's lost their last game 3 2 to St Clements but still be in the 3rd Div SIL League next season.

Reserves have a Semi final game against Grundisburgh Reserves ON TUESDAY 10TH MAY 6.30 KICK OFF

The A Team have a Cup final on the same night at Bury Town.

Martin Mcconnell joins us from Stowmarket Town, Macca has had a couple of games for the First Team since joining Walsham. Welcome to Macca.

Coming into the Reserves for some games have been Karl Tarpley, Paddy Lawerance Amd Dave (Aggresive Running ) Fletcher from the A Team

All three teams won on Saturday, First Team beat Wivenhoe 1 nil, Reserves 4 nil and A Team 2 nil good weekend for all players

FROM THE EDP24

PJ (Peter Johnson}

From the East Anglian Daily Times

BURY FREE PRESS

Due to some bad news received this afternoon First Team/A Team/Reserve games are off.

Are thoughts are with all the families at this time.
From The East Anglian Daily Times Web Site

Suffolk village expands its football facilities
Thursday, 18 November, 2010
14:46 PM


FOR a village with a population not exceeding a few hundred the efforts of Walsham-le-Willows to reach and then survive in the Premier Division of the Ridgeons League should never be underestimated.

And the good husbandry continues with news that new floodlit grass and artificial 3G football pitches and car park are being introduced to the site.

When finished the new facility will allow Walsham to increase the number of youth teams they run and maintain a production line of talented players.

Walsham have been awarded a grant of £185,961 from the Football Foundation, and a cheque presentation takes place tomorrow at noon.

And they will receive an additional £50,000 from the Football Association, as part of their capital allocation within the Whole Sport Plan agreed with Sport England.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “This funding is excellent news and Walsham and Suffolk FA deserve credit for their hard work.

“Since its launch in 2000 the Foundation has funded 143 projects worth more than £13.5m across Suffolk with money provided by our funding partners the Premier League, the FA and Government.”

Smith looking to get involved again
Thursday, 2 September, 2010
15:32 PM
Taken from the Green'un'


PAUL Smith may have been in football for 33 years, but he admits to still getting a big buzz out of the game, and he is now looking to become involved again after a summer break.

Smith left his role as manager of Ridgeons League Premier Division Walsham-le-Willows after feeling that he had taken the village club as far as it could go.

He was expected to slip into another managerial job after doing so well at Summer Road.

But he is still without a club and explained why: “My wife Beverley underwent a major operation and this has been my priority during the close season.

“She is fine now and in recent weeks I have had a look at Bury Town, AFC Sudbury and Needham Market.

“There have been a few phone calls, but at the time I was not in the market, and to be honest it’s been good to have a pre-season without having to chase players.

“But I’m starting to get itchy feet again.”

The man who scored goals for fun during a highly successful playing career and was tipped by many good judges to have been talented enough to play professional football if the ball had ran more kindly for him, is still in love with the game.

“I want to get back before long to what I should be doing on Saturday afternoons,” he added.

“I’m not too concerned about at what level, but I need a new challenge and the higher the standard the more rewarding that could be.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve been making notes of players who impressed me – and I’ve stored them for future use.”

Smith reveals that there are no irons in the fire and he is looking to add to his coaching badges during his break from management.

“I’ve been striking a few balls on the golf course, but if a club was to come in now I would show interest,” added Smith.

“I used to get a big buzz from playing and I started when I was 17.

“Being in and around the dressing room as a manager gave me a similar buzz, and one that I would like to experience again.”

On Tuesday night Norwich Utd went top of the Prenier league after beating the First Team 3 0, all the goals coming in the first half.

First Team are at home to Long Buckley in the FA CUP on Saturday 3pm Kick off

Walsham travelled to Theford to play their second friendly
Walsham took the lead through DRURY Thetford pulled the game back just before half time.
The game was settled by Partridge's first touch, after just coming on as a substitute

Final score 1 - 2

The club welcomes new members and some old ones for First Team & Reserves

Simon Brooks - Assisting First Team Manager Chris Soanes

Oliver Hughes
Tom Hardwick
Alex Steed
Tom Goddard
Jake Gathercole
Marcus King
Luke Austin
Gary Newman
Andrew Cusack
Gavin Johnson
Graham Drury
Steve Fenner
Luke Roberts

League fixtures for August 7th, the opening day of the 2010/11 season are:-

Premier Division
CRC v Woodbridge Town
Debenham LC v Brantham Athletic
Dereham Town v Histon Reserves
Felixstowe & Walton United v Ely City
Hadleigh United v Norwich United
Haverhill Rovers v Walsham-le-Willows
Leiston v Wisbech Town
Mildenhall Town v Stanway Rovers
Newmarket Town v Kirkley & Pakefield
Wivenhoe Town v Great Yarmouth Town
Wroxham v FC Clacton

First Division
Cornard United v Gorleston
Diss Town v Saffron Walden Town
Fakenham Town v Halstead Town
Godmanchester Rovers v Whitton United
March Town United v Thetford Town
Stowmarket Town v Cambridge University Press
Swaffham Town v Ipswich Wanderers
Team Bury v Downham Town

GAVIN Johnson said “it just seemed right” as the reason he has signed for Ridgeons League Premier Division side Walsham-le-Willow

The former Ipswich Town and Colchester midfielder, who will be 40 in October, decided to join Walsham despite “six or seven” clubs expressing an interest in signing him.

Johnson, who last season helped Bury Town gain promotion from the Zamaretto League Midlands Division One, said: “After meeting the chairman and manager I had a good feeling about the club, and I also know one or two players who were at Bury Town.

“Although I spoke to a couple of other clubs, it just seemed right to join Walsham so I politely declined their offers.

“I am joining just to play football and help the younger lads along, and see if the club can push on from last season.”

Many thanks to the Green'Un 24

Gavin Johnson

LEAGUE CONSTITUTION FOR 2010/11 AGREED

The Ridgeons (Eastern Counties) League AGM has agreed the following constitution for Season 2010/11:

PREMIER DIVISION
Brantham Athletic
CRC
Debenham LC
Dereham Town
Ely City
Felixstowe & Walton United
FC Clacton
Great Yarmouth Town
Hadleigh United
Haverhill Rovers
Histon Reserves
Kirkley & Pakefield
Leiston
Mildenhall Town
Newmarket Town
Norwich United
Stanway Rovers
Walsham le Willows
Wisbech Town
Wivenhoe Town
Woodbridge Town
Wroxham

FIRST DIVISION
Cambridge University Press
Cornard United
Diss Town
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Godmanchester Rovers
Gorleston
Halstead Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Long Melford
March Town United
Saffron Walden Town
Stowmarket Town
Swaffham Town
Team Bury
Thetford Town
Whitton United

RESERVE DIVISION (NORTH)
Debenham LC
Dereham Town
Diss Town
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Leiston
Lowestoft Town
Needham Market
Norwich United
Stowmarket Town
Walsham-le-Willows
Whitton United
Woodbridge Town

RESERVE DIVISION (SOUTH)
AFC Sudbury
Braintree Town
Brantham Athletic
Cornard United
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Halstead Town
Haverhill Rovers
Heybridge Swifts
Ipswich Wanderers
Long Melford
Stanway Rovers
Witham Town
Wivenhoe Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (CENTRAL DIVISION)
Bungay Town
Debenham LC
Diss Town
Framlingham Town
Ipswich Wanderers
Leiston
Stowmarket Town
Thetford Town
Walsham Le Willows
Woodbridge Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (EAST DIVISION)
Cromer Town
Dereham Town
Gorleston
Great Yarmouth Town
Harford Tornadoes
Kirkley & Pakefield
Lowestoft Town
Norwich United
Wroxham

YOUTH LEAGUE (NORTH DIVISION)
Downham Town
Fakenham Town
Mildenhall Town
Newmarket Town
Soham Town Rangers
Swaffham Town
Watton Juniors
Wisbech St Mary
Wisbech Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (SOUTH DIVISION)
Brantham Athletic
Coplestonians
Cornard United
FC Clacton
Felixstowe & Walton United
Hadleigh United
Haverhill Rovers
Whitton United
Witham Town
Wivenhoe Town

YOUTH LEAGUE (WEST DIVISION)
Blackstones
Bourne Town
Chatteris Town
Deeping Rangers
Huntingdon Town
Royston Town
Somersham Town
St Ives Town
St Neots Town
Stotfold

PRE-SEASON TRAINING HAS STARTED ON TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 7.00PM AT THE CLUB

Walsham F C held their presentation dinner on Friday 14th May when the following awards were presented.

After a successful season the “A” team were presented with Div. 4 trophy on the night by the Chairman & Vice Chairman of the S.I.L.

“A” team, Players player of the year, H Davies, Managers player of the year, P Lawrence

U18’s team, Players player of the year, T Fenner, Managers player of the year, J Brame, Most improved player, J Bolter

Res. team, Players player of the year, B Cobbold, Managers player of the year, C Brock

1st team, Players player of the year, S Holder, Managers player of the year, D Macanally, Supporters player of the year, L Sim,

Most improved player, C Robinson.

Manning trophy, M Tipple,

Awards were then made to P Hubbard for 20 years & R Partridge for 15 years playing services to the club.

Due to the fact the first team manager P Smith was standing down after managing the 1st team through a very successful past 10 years presentations were made to Paul in recognition of all his efforts and success during that time.

With news that Manager Paul Smith was stepping down at the end of the season, this is after a successful 10 years with the club, everybody at the club wishes Paul all the very best for the future and many thanks for the last 10 years hard work.

Chris Soanes, Assistant Manager to Paul will take over the running of the first team for next season, we wish Chris the very best for the future.

A Bungee jump at the sports club on Sunday the 26th of September.

Jump from 43metres high.

The cost will be £ 60.00 with a £ 25.00 non refundable deposit, jumpers must be over 14 and have parental consent, over 17 to 50 can leap and anyone over 50 needs a doctors certificate.

You can book by e mailing mike.powles@montracon,com or paul@rolfesbutchers.co.uk


GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

Smith reveals he has made his mind up
NICK GARNHAM

Last updated: 27/03/2010 07:00:00

PAUL Smith leads his Walsham-le-Willows side into today's match at Mildenhall Town having decided on his future at the Ridgeons League Premier Division side.

But Smith, who earlier this season revealed he was considering his options after perhaps taking the Premier Division Ridgeons League village club as far as they can go, will not make his decision known until the end of the season.

The former Sudbury Town striker: “I've made up my mind what I am going to do and have informed chairman Mike Powles. But I'm keeping my decision under wraps until the end of the season.”

Walsham head to Mildenhall for what is expected to be a grudge match after two defeats in four days brought their six-match undefeated run, which included five straight wins, to a shuddering halt and left Smith scratching his head.

Walsham lost 3-0 at Norwich United a week ago and were then beaten 3-2 at home on Wednesday by Hadleigh United - a team they had thrashed 6-0 earlier in the season.

Smith said: “We didn't perform at Norwich United. We gave two first-half goals away and were then chasing the game. I said to the players before the Hadleigh game we needed a big performance ahead of the Mildenhall match and the League Cup semi-final against Needham Market.

“We needed a performance to get their confidence up, but in the first half it just didn't happen. There was no passion. We came into it more in the second half, but their third goal (which made the score 3-1) killed it off and Hadleigh deserved their win.

“What was disappointing was that we have got so much more to play for than Hadleigh at this stage of the season. You want to be in cup semi finals, and that should push you to try harder.”

Today's match will have an extra edge to it as three Walsham players - Ryan Foster, Alan Ross and Andrew Cusack - have joined Mildenhall this season, while Smith's squad has been further weakened by losing Nathan Clarke and Stuart Walker to AFC Sudbury.

Smith said: “They have torn our squad apart. They were all with us at the start of the season which means we have lost five out of our squad of 18 players. At the end of the day you need quality, although the boys that have come in have done really well and I can't fault them.”

After today's match Walsham will turn their attentions to next Friday's Ridgeons League Cup semi final at home to Needham - their first appearance at this stage of the competition.

“It will be our biggest game of the season. We beat Leiston 3-2 earlier in the competition after being 2-0 down and of course we have also beaten CRC here. We have proved we can do it, but at times we have let ourselves down.”

S.I.L. Div 4
Aldeburgh 2 – Walsham Le Willows “A” 3
Walsham were away to Aldeburgh who were in 4th place in the league, Walsham took an early lead only for Aldeburgh to equalise to make the score at half time 1 – 1, with the wind and the slope in Walsham’s favour for the second half they added 2 more goals, but full credit to Aldeburgh they continued to fight and pulled a goal back just before the end. The goal scorers for Walsham were Karl Tarpley 2 & I Chapnell 1
DE

Ridgeons Premier League
Norwich Utd 3 v Walsham le Willows 0
Walsham were away to Norwich Utd looking to maintain their recent run of good results, the preparation was not good for this game as several of the players arrived just before the kick off, due to being caught up in an accident on the way, the game was even for the first 30 minutes and then Norwich Utd took the lead after a harsh free kick was awarded against Walsham, but Hunter scored an excellent goal from 30 yards. Walsham tried to get back in to the game but the final ball was not good enough, just before half time Norwich Utd increased their lead when Wilson scored a scrappy goal. Norwich Utd started the second half as the better side and were awarded a penalty but an excellent save by Macanally kept Walsham in the game. Walsham were getting back in to the game but still could not create any worthy chances and after 80 minutes Claydon scored for Norwich Utd to complete a miserable day for Walsham Le Willows

Walsham le Willows “A” 6 v Salvation Army Res. 1
Walsham recorded a 6 – 1 victory for the second week running with a comfortable victory against Salvation Army Res. to maintain their position at the top of the table. The goal scorers were, Patrick Lawrence, Ben smith & Darren Dowds all with 2 each

See the Paper Talk menu

Jayden Swallow born 24Th December 2009 weighing in at 7lb 6oz born at 7.50am Congratulations to Scott and Hannah

Walsham FC would like to congratulate the famous “Rhode Island Red” who celebrated the mighty age of 50. An excellent turn out from his family & friends ensured a good gathering at the Sports Club to celebrate his special day. Keep on running round the village Gordon, that keep you so young looking !!

CRC
Dereham Town
Ely City
Felixstowe & Walton
Harwich & Parkeston
Haverhill Rovers
Histon Reserves
Kings Lynn Reserves
Kirkley & Pakefield
Leiston
Lowestoft Town
Mildenhall Town
Needham Market
Norwich United
Stanway Rovers
Tiptree United
Walsham le Willows
Whitton United
Wisbech Town
Wivenhoe Town
Woodbridge Town
Wroxham