Hill engage the Treasurers Cup EJA U14

CODICOTE FC  u14 - 1

BUCKHURST  HILL  u14 - 9

On a cold a wet morning Hill find themselves feeling like Liverpool, knocked out of the Champions league and playing Thursday night football in the Europa! but like Jose the gaffer wanted a professional performance and to progress in the competition.

The boys didn't switch on for the first five minutes and if you don't focus you will get punished. The home side started brightly and on their first attack after Hill had given away possession they found acres of space in the box which left the forward with time to find the  bottom corner. 0-1

In many ways it was probably what Hill needed as they showed why they are a good side. Immediately they started to win tackles and play with the ball. Brookes who had a good game and seems to be enjoying his free role picked up the ball from the home side's goal kick and run straight through the defence but sees his shot hit the side netting. Grace from the next goal kick does exactly the same and his shot flashes across the goal. Hill are now on top and it feels like only a matter of time before we are level.

A few minutes later Ewing picks up the ball just in his own half and plays a ball over the top for Bolton to chase, he shows good strength out muscling the centre half and coolly lobs the keeper. 1-1

Now the turn of Harris to play it forward, Grace shows strength and pace and slots home. 1-2

The home side have been on the back foot but break away only for S Barrett the save well and quickly release King down the right. He finds the feet of Harris who shows a deft first time touch into the feet of Dackombe who picks it up in his own half and takes off on a amazing run beating five players and going through on goal only to see the ball bobble past the post after chipping the keeper.

Brookes then gets the goal his play had deserved, picking the ball up 35 yds out beats the defender and buries the ball in the bottom corner. 1-3

Brookes again is involved in the fourth. Showing lightening pace from the halfway line leaves the fullback standing and gets to the byline where he cuts the ball back to the penalty spot. Ewing who had started his run just outside his own box arrives to side foot the ball first time into the bottom corner, very Lampard esque! 1-4

Just before halftime a Brookes corner finds Harris a yard out and he volleys home. 1-5

Halftime 1-5

This is also an appropriate time to mention how the ref complemented one of the coaches for taking the ball out of the sky with snow on it with the outside of his foot killing it dead. Gazza you know that won't be the scouse coach!!!!

The second half gets under way and immediately both subs on at halftime have a big influence in the game (the gaffer was very quick to point out where the credit should go, rightly so too) H Barrett plays the ball upfield to Bolton who again shows good strength and determination to win the ball and then hold off the centre half. He plays in Swan who with his fist touch of the match hits the bottom corner. 1-6

Hill who are now totally in control break at will and see several efforts go narrowly wide. The home side although down but are not out and S Barrett makes a good save to tip a very good shot around the post.

H Barrett again plays the ball forward and this time Grace is hand to burst clear and hit a pile driver into the roof of the net. 1-7

Within a minute Grace is away again, this time the keeper gets a hand to it but the power is too much and the ball settles in the back of the net. 1-8

Grace now running at will gets his fourth of the game when unleashing from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance. 1-9

A game played in good spirit and we thank all involved from Codicote for their hospitality.

Another little nugget for Gazza as a certain coach and no names mentioned but I used to play against him often and nothing has changed, tried a few keepie upies and typically hit his shin and knocked it 20yards onto the pitch whilst the game was in play.... At least now he keeps it on the pitch!!!

Just one more thing and I think it has been mentioned to a few if not all of you and that is we would like a couple more volunteers to be hacks. The pay isn't very good. The  need to know about football is limited,all those that have spoken to Paul about Liverpool will understand what I mean....  On a serious note it would mean one report about every four games and some different views would be welcome.

Please drop Russ an email if you are interested (which means we do need somebody)  

From Russ,Dean,Darren and the three hacks have a great Xmas and see you in the New Year.

London Cup U14 3rd Round, 14-12-14

Teviot Rangers FC 1-11 Buckhurst Hill FC (Royals)

I think all the fans, players and managers were just pleased to have a game today after a run of postponed matches and waterlogged pitches. Despite the ground being a bit on the frosty side the game went ahead and Hill ran out comfortable and well deserved winners. Clearly the hunger of no games in recent weeks had whetted their appetite and Teviot took the brunt of that.

Hill started really brightly and could have been 2 up inside 3 minutes. Firstly in the opening minute some good pressure in midfield released Redhead whose shot was deflected narrowly wide. From the corner a chance fell to Brookes who hit it well but again just wide. In the 3rd minute Dackombe had a strong run down the right got behind and round the fullback and cut it back but that was cleared. 

It looked like Hill were going to steamroller the opposition, but a shock after 5 minutes put us one down. A long throw from Teviot was headed into the box and Barret came out to collect on the corner of the 6 yard box..but a fluke googlie like bounce turned the ball straight past him into the net 0-1.

Hill took a few minutes to recover from that punch to the belly but on 10 minutes got level again When Brookes went on a great run down the left and hit a superb cross which REDHEAD finished from close range. 1-1.

Hill nearly went ahead 2 minutes later when Grace released Dackombe with a super cross field diagonal ball. The winger again got round the back of the fullback and beat the keeper on the near post, but the ball spun off the inside of the post and somehow bounces across the lijn and out. We didn’t have to wait much longer though. 1 minute later and a corner falls to BROOKES on the edge of the box and the little wizard slams in from 20 yards 2-1.

Amazingly the score stays at 2-1 to half time. Despite Hill having the better of the pay the scoreline is a bit tighter than it should be. The gaffer makes a subtle change. G. Johnson just playing a little too deep is asked to step a touch forward and get on the ball more to play shorter passes in midfield as opposed to the longer ball we had been playing.

Start of the 2nd half and the change makes an immediate impact. After 3 mins of the half. Johnson wins the ball in a bit more of an advanced position, plays a nice ball out wide to REDHEAD who cruises forward and fires home from 18 yards. 3-1 and Hill looking good for the score now.

2 minutes later and we make it 4 when Redhead strikes a powerful effort that the keeper just can’t hold and BOLTON is very sharply onto the rebound to slot home. 4-1.

Hill looking more confident on the ball now and playing better controlled passing. Half way through the half Brookes plays a nice ball out to Redhead, he plays the ball over the centre half and HARRIS in a good position and having a really strong game volleys home from 15 yards to deservedly get on the scoresheet. 5-1.

At this point Cheviot seem to capitulate unfortunately. They had been game all the way through and played some decent football but they now start to look a little ragged and Hill accelerate away. REDHEAD makes it 6-1 on 16 minutes after beating a couple of players and calmly finding the corner from 18 yards.,

On 17 minutes Redhead fires another shot in that the keeper just can’t hold and BOLTON is on hand again. 7-1. 3 minutes later and it’s 8-1 after Brookes win a brave a strong header despite a strong challenge from a couple of Teviot midfielders. BOLTON capitalises on it runs onto the ball and lifts it wide of the keeper on the angle from 12 yards.

Hill then leave their final flurry for the last few minutes. On 28 minutes Grace drills a great cross to the far post which finds Harris who plays a great header back across goal and BOLTON who now firmly has the taste for goal, reacts quickest, leaps onto the headed cross and heads home from close range. 9-1. 2 minutes later and we reach double figures when HARRIS gets another deserved goal 10-1 and finally GRACE makes it 11-1 with just 3 minutes left to play.

So a very comfortable win in the end and some great finishing. Clearly Hill will face more difficult assignments if we are to reach the final, but you can only beat what’s in front of you and they did it with menacing efficiency today.

Hill take all points away at Table Toppers Dunstable

AFC Dunstable 2-3 Buckhurst Hill FC EJA U14 Herts Div League 

Great sunny morning for a hike up the M1 to the metropolis of Dunstable.

AFC have got off to a great start in the EJA with a good reputation and clearly this was going to be a tough encounter.

The gaffer went with a 4-2-3-1formation …the key being the central defensive midfield pairing and three attacking players behind the lone striker…and so it turned out with both those positions proving key, along with some superbly organised and at times last ditch defending.

But Hill prevailed 3-2 against a very strong side. While some observers may say a draw was fair…I think Hill just edged it for their determination to hold one….a marked difference to last week.

From the off Hill looked a much livelier, focused and determined team than last week and got off to a very fast start with some good interplay and running. After Dunstable sounded an early warning in the first two minutes where Hill allowed them down the right but the shot struck the post, Hill got stuck in. On 4 minutes, Procter had a well struck shot saved which fell to Brookes whose lively dribble resulted in a free kick that just went over.
On 10 minutes, a good exchange between Redhead and Procter created the opening for a cross / shot that just drifted over the bar.

13 mintes and H. Barrett stepped out of defence for a superb tackle which really turned the AFC defence and allowed the effervescent Brookes, playing in the no. 10 role to break free and hit a sighter, just over. 1 minute later however and his earlier shot practice paid off. The ball is played forward by Hill in the air. Redhead rises well and plays on a nice flicked header which finds BROOKES 20 yards out. He collects, flicks the ball up and volleys straight into the bottom corner with the keeper rooted to the spot. No chance. Hill 1-0.

On 18 minutes the lead is doubled and Hill looking good value. Redhead gets the ball in a seemingly impossible position down near the corner flag, manages to get outside and round the full-back and lifts a cross into PROCTER who heads home well from 6 yards. 2-0.

It’s at this stage that AFC have subbed their main threat as the organisation and strength of Jessop and Jethva are proving to strong for him. Hill well on top and looking good. Some superb one touch football down the left and into the middle leaves the AFC defenders flat footed, but the final pass just breaks down. Then on 22 minutes G. Johnson takes a nice free kick into the far side of the box. REDHEAD collects and drills home low into the far corner. Half time leaves Hill in a good 3-0 lead. However with the slope in their favour and some strong words in their ear we fully expect AFC to start the second half brighter and so it proves. 

Foe the first few minutes AFC really put on the pressure and are looking to get back into the game. Then on 10 minutes Brookes collects in the middle and goes on a superb run beating two or three players and sliding in a sublime ball for Swann who strikes a lovely shot across goal and only just denied by the outstretched keepers leg. That would certainly have put the game out of sight, but still leaves AFC hope.

S. Barratt was going to have to make some saves in the second half and the first of them came on 14 minutes with a well struck 25 yard effort tipped brilliantly over the bar. However on 19 minutes AFC get a deserved breakthrough. Hill defence is under some sustained pressure and three chances to clear are not taken. This leaves the AFC 17 who is proving a real handful since coming back on, with a cross shot opportunity that finds the far corner. 3-1.

3 minutes later and Hill are really up against it as a lovely 25 yard shot proves just too powerful 3-2.

From that point on it’s backs to the wall stuff. AFC pushing pushing, Hill resisting well. Some great saves from S. Barrett, some superb defending from the combination of King, Jessup, Jethva and Harrison see Hill through to what should have been full time. The ref announces 5 mins to go. Hill slow the play down, try to break the rhythm and hold on, which, despite the ref playing more like 7 or 8 minutes added time they do. Great win and much needed. Now back to he London cup next Friday.

Big thank you and well done to the AFC players, fans and officials all of whom take a hard fought defeat with great sportsmanship and spirit and who are superb hosts.

A bad day at the office....

 EJA LEAGUE Herts Div         

BUCKHURST  HILL u14 2-5 -v-    BISHOPS STORTFORD u 14 

 A miserable start to a Sunday morning with the rain coming down in bucket loads and the day didn't get any better.

The 'gaffer' having a full squad of nineteen to choose from had told the team in the week he would be given some of them playing time in the other team as he didn't want to take more than 16 to a game. You would have thought that those that made the squad would make it hard to be excluded next week but from this hacks point of view there can't be many complaints from who is left out. Whilst we don't want to dwell on a poor performance    and this was one of those, it give great debate from several of the supporters during and after the game. 

Normally we would report on the highlights of the match but not only did we have very few of those, due to the weather conditions the notebook got soaked and the pen wouldn't work so down to a poor memory!!

Hill started with three at the back and five in midfield but the system on this occasion just didn't work. We were soon on the back foot and being outnumbered and overrun. To be fair I think today whatever system we played we would have come off second best.

Football is a simple game but Hill resulted to long balls which just ran through to the keeper. We were simply outfought and outplayed by a good side. We showed none of our short passing game and keep ball. We have to learn that especially in these conditions we have to keep the ball. We also need to show we won't be bullied out of our playing style and believe in our ability to play.

On three minutes Hill concede a free kick just in their own half, a straight ball into the box is not dealt with. A little fortunate but it skims the top of the forwards head and hits his team mate and deflects into the bottom corner wrong footing S Barrett.

Five minutes later and another free kick into the box sees no one move on the home side and the centre forward is free to side foot home. 0-2

H/T 0-2 

The second half is much like the first and Hill are second best all over the pitch although Harris gives a sign of hope with a quality finish to a Brookes cross. 1-2 

It is not long lived as again good football from the away side sees them go through the heart of the Hill side and regain their two goal cushion. 1-3 

It is not long before the away side extend their lead from another set piece. Some are wishing  for the rain to stop, some are wishing for the game. 1-4

Hill though still show a glimpse of fight when Grace picks up the ball beats his marker and hits one into the bottom corner. 2-4

Can Hill strangle something out of a game they have not been in? 

At this point the report gets a little difficult as the hack helps the injured Redhead to the changing room but from 100yds away a cheers goes up for another away goal but I'm later told this was disallowed for offside, well done lino!!!

Hill concede a late 5th when the centre half goes past four players and slides in the winger who has his fierce shot well stopped by S Barrett, but he can only parry it, the only person to react is the centre forward who slides into an empty net. 2-5

Would just like to mention Harrison showed great passion and determination when getting his chance, and how many spotted the 'gaffer' throwing down his notebook in pure frustration when the third went in? 

Lads next week we are away to the league leaders, let's put this performance behind us, move on and make the gaffer happy!!!

Hill Form Improves Again

Cambridge Utd Invitation Tournament 

Hill were invited to attend a High Standard indoor tournament at The London Soccerdome. The best teams from the EJA (Thurrock, Stanway, Concord, Broxbourne and Tilbury)were invited along with semi professional teams and West Bromich Albion. Interwood from the Ech League were also in attendance.

Two groups were formed playing 4 round robin matches with the playoffs at end sorting out 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th and so on.

Starting with a tentative 0-0 against West Brom, Hill then beat Stanway, Tilbury and Interwood without conceding and therefore meeting a strong Broxbourne team in the Final.

Controlling the game comfortably they eased into a 1-0 lead and looked to play the game out but conceded a last minute equaliser and entered a Pen shootouts which was immediate sudden death. One pen later crowned Champions.

A good workout and a pleasing day.

Hill push on with gutsy win away...

 Broxbourne Borough FC 1-2 Buckhurst Hill FC. EJA Herts Div League26/10/14

Apologies firstly that the resident Roving Reporters were either working on Government matters, hiding because Liverpool failed to impress or were observing tactics at The Bernabeau leaving the Manager to scribe some words on our performance.

A warm October afternoon saw another reason for having 19 boys signed....a 13 man squad with absentees for injuries, rep games, trials and trips abroad....the thoughts of told you so never entered the mind :)

New formation and tactics set and a fast pulsating start see Swan breakthrough on the halfway, carry powerfully through and hit a 30 yard rising drive into the corner of the net. Broxbourne stunned and the away support feeling comfortable but not the coaches. All teams in this division are capable and Borough do not collapse but regroup and retain a bit of possession.

Midfield two Johnson and Harris take the strain and allow Grace time and space to become influential. Hill hit the woodwork twice and work the keeper several times but do not add to the lead ....something we need to work on. Boroughs dangerous moments come down the flanks but rotation of full backs Basi, Barrett and Harrison works well with the balance of Emerson left side.

Heading to half time Boroughs CM makes a fantastic run and looks certain to equalise only for Emerson to get across and ease out the problem. The frustration of the CM is clear and he fouls then unfortunately chooses the wrong word to the Ref and has to leave the field.

Half time and in control but boys will be boys and and the foot comes of the Gas. Boroughs loan CF makes a great run to byline and acute angle drive sees the equaliser hit the net. Game on and advantage Borough.

Hill spend the next 15 minutes trying to wrestle the game back but without success and danger building. Coaches sometimes earn their keep and on this occasion we will claim the plaudits. Reverting to a 3-5-2 we gain composure and control and above all territory.

With 10 to go a sweeping move sees Jethva move the ball to Brookes who cuts inside and feeds Johnson, a good first time ball into the feet of Swan sees the Shoulder drop and a spin away from the marker. He then feeds a lifting pass to the onrushing Bolton who at full pace sees the keeper flying out and calmly lifts the ball over and into the net. Special mention for the Goal Celebration of Bolts Senior seen only by the writer but well worth a beer or two at Christmas.

Hill play the game out and continue with their improvement and movement up the table.

Prostar Green FC 0-1 BHFC, London Cup 1st Round, 19/10/2014, U14

Hill were handed a tough draw for the first round of the London cup. Although this was a team they beat comfortably in last years run, intel suggested ProStar were not the same team that lost 9-0 last year and so it turned out. Hill edged a tough and well fought match and could have paid the price for not taking their chances in the first half.

The game started well for Hill. Despite Prostar challenging fiercely for every ball and giving our midfield a tough time, our initial exchanges are very encouraging as it seems our passing game has returned and we string 3-4 passes together readily. On 3 minutes Grace plays a lovely ball into Brookes down the left channel and his well struck shot just goes wide. 3 minutes later and we work the ball down the left again with some nice play into Grace whose shot is deflected for a corner. Prostar at this stage don’t look threatening, they seem to be playing more long hopefully ball and the wind takes it too long on most occasions.

On 10 minutes Redhead gets free from his markers in midfield and slots a nice pass through to there tireless Harris, playing with real effort and determination today, he gets to the ball on the 6 yard line but a superb last ditch tackle prevents a certain goal. 2 minutes later a great combination between Harris, Brookes and Grace gives Grace a shooting opportunity from 15 yards. He strikes it powerfully but the rising shot hits the bar. On 20 minutes Brookes again, enjoying good room down the left and in the mood to attack outpaces the full back and gets in a good shot which is just cleared. A further minute later and Brookes again plays in Harris who is through on the keeper who makes an outstanding save. 

At this stage of the game it looks like a case of when and how many for Hill. But steadily Prostar start to find their feet, they stop playing it long as much and working through the middle start to play their way into the game. Maybe this will not be so easy after all. But Hill keep going and fighting. On 30 minutes a mix up in the Prostar defence lets harris in and he works it well to play across to Brookes but the shot goes narrowly wide. 2 minutes later and the ball worked through the middle to Grace. The Prostar defence finding it hard to play against him, he hits a side foot effort through one on one trying to place it in the corner, but the keeper just manages to get a foot to it and force it clear. 

Finally on 34 minutes we get the breakthrough. A great bit of team play starting with S. Barrett rolling the ball out, the ball is worked down the right by H. Barrett to Proctor. Up to this point most of Hills wide play has been down the left, but Procter does really well and plays in a super ball to GRACE who slots home to finally break the deadlock. 1-0.

The final act of the first half sees a brilliant jinking  run from H. Barrett who plays in Harris inside the box. He strikes hiis shot well but again Hill are denied by the crossbar. Halftime 1-0.

The second half was bound to see a slightly different character to the game as Prostar are now playing into the wind and their long balls forward into a lively no. 9 who played the game with good character and spirit, plus a bit of banter with the touchline, start to put Hill under a bit more pressure.

The midfield battle is fiercely contested and ebbs and flows with Prostar holding the edge one minute and Hill the next. Harris is having a tireless game and up front on his own is working really hard to chase and harrie. Grace drops a little deeper to help out in midfield and  Prostar push forward. They don’t really create anything clear cut but the tension in Hill fans is growing. Our wide play seems to have stopped and we resort to hopeful rather than measured passes. The one bright moment is a mazey run from Proctor who beats several players and battles well to get his shot away which is well saved.

The final 5 minutes seem to go on for ever…..Hill cannot just get the 2nd goal to calm nerves and put the game out of reach. A good run from Grace on 35 mins sees his shot just wide. Hill’s defence has played superb all game. The middle combo of Jessop and Jethva holding strong and composed against some pacey Prostar forward play. 

Finally the ref blows after a 2nd half of close to 40 mins. Hill progress to round 2 where they will be very unlucky to come up against such tough opposition again.

Buckhurst Hill FC 0-1 Tilbury FC

 EJA  CUP 1st ROUN U14

Both sides taking a break from league action go into today's game with Hill winning their last two games and Tilbury picking up their first point of the campaign in the Essex Division last week.

Before a ball was kicked there was an omen for the superstitious when the lights in the changing room came crashing down.....and It seems when the light went out in the changing room the boys forgot to turn it back on when the game kicked off.!!!

The first five minutes we started sluggish, were second to the ball,had sloppy passing and were hitting long hopeful balls forward. Mixed in with not being strong enough in the tackle. This was the pattern set for most of the match with small glimpses of football!

Much against the run of play Hill take advantage of a mix up in the Tilbury midfield when Redhead breaks away and plays a through ball for Dackombe who pulls his shot wide.

On 18 minutes Redhead finds himself away on goal and clear of the back four, the Tilbury defender (17) shows exceptional pace and gets back to close him down before he can pull the trigger and clears the danger. This again was to be the pattern of the game and the sooner the boys learn that the long ball over the top whilst working well in previous years is no longer the only route to go. We have to keep possession and work the ball, when a side have a bear eleven the way to tire them out is not play into their hands and hit everything first time long which after seeing the pace of the defender (17) will play straight into their hands. The gaffer and coach are blue in the face asking for us to keep possession and until we do that we will struggle to win matches.

Tilbury are starting to dominate the game and are pushing down the Hill left. They play a neat interchange and the winger gets away sending a powerful low drive across goal which only needs the slightest of touches to find the net but Proctor does brilliantly getting back to take it off the toe of the forward three yards out at our back post.

That should have been a warning sign as two minutes later they again break down the left which sees the ball at our near post and a mix up in the Hill back four, with no one taking responsibility for clearing the ball the centre forward has an easy job of heading into an empty net. 0-1

Hill are now on the back foot as Tilbury push forward, the centre forward (10) who had  great game upfront hits one from the edge of the box which S Barrett parries and h Barrett who was  Hills best player today clears with the help of the crossbar off the line!

The away side again break quickly down the left and Jessop who had he's hands full all game with the excellent (10) accidentally trips the winger and from the resulting free kick the ball goes narrowly wide.

This time Tilbury come down the right with the winger showing good footwork cuts inside and hits a powerful shot which would have found the bottom corner but S Barrett gets down well to push it around the post.

Just a minute before halftime Hill show the only bit of football they put together in the first half. Emmerson picks it up down the left and keeps possession feeding Grace who moves the ball across field where we play some quick short one two's with a cross coming in from  H Barrett which the home side just fail to finish off.

Halftime 0-1 we have been out played, out passed,out thought and out muscled. This was the general view taken from several of the watching parents. Not a happy touch line!!!

The second half starts much like the first but the gaffer may have used the "hair dryer" as there are signs that we want to turn up today. The gaffer also uses the squad to freshen up the team and a few replacements are implemented.

Brookes on the halfway line shows good feet and puts Redhead away but yet again the 17 has to much pace for him and clears the danger. 

Tilbury have a lack of concentration at the back and the ball falls to Grace on the edge of the box who bears down on goal and with only the keeper to beat but doesn't connect with the shot and it bounces wide.

King on at left back is looking to play football and slides it in to Bolton's feet who in turn finds Grace, his shot goes narrowly wide. 

King out on the left shows good feet cutting in and again plays good football with a cross field ball to Proctor that sees him in on goal only for the keeper to parry the shot away at the near post.

Hill push forward in numbers in the last 10 minutes but a little bit of composure and cutting edge in front of goal is missing today. We have to learn that just running with the ball and first time long balls will not always work and we need to see another side to our game.

The gaffer had a long inquest in the middle of the pitch afterwards and by the look of the boys faces I guess they know he was not happy. We now need to learn from this and put the performance behind us and move on to a tough cup match away to Prostar who will be looking for revenge after losing to us in the semi final of the cup last year. They will be 'up' for it and I'm sure the boys will be too!!

Don't forget to turn the lights on....

EJA HERTS DIV 05/10/2014

Buckurst Hill FC 3-0 Barton Rovers FC

Unusually short report this week on account of mis-communication on the hacks part (i.e. no-one knew who was doing the report) and mo pen and paper at the game.

Lame excuse in line with the dog ate my homework…but here we go.

Lovely sunny morning for the game. The gaffer had a strong squad to select from with 15 boys here and welcome to Sid who stopped up to the squad for his debut today….We also welcomed back Joel minus his plaster cast but missed Lewis who was unavailable and Zak with a nasty sounding hand injury earned playing rugby.

Still the 15 were had available were strong, cover in all positions and gave the gaffer a chance to rotate, which would be important on a hot day. The opposition did not have that luxury and put up a good game considering they had a bare 11.

Hill started well and we saw the return of a fluid passing game. We got into our stride quickly and pressed from the off.. As a result it took us only 3 minutes to open the scoring when a free kick was earned 20 yards out. GRACE stepped up and dispatched into far corner with power and accuracy. 1-0.

4 minutes later and the scoreline doubled. A corner from the left was taken by Brookes. His superb delivery found HARRIS who turned the ball in off a dubious part of his anatomy (according to G. Johnson). However, they all count and given his masterful display in the centre of midfield today, no more than Ben deserved. 2-0.

Hill were in full flow now and threatening with every piece of forward play. On 20 minutes the ball was worked to Basi in the middle of the park where he had cut in from the left full back position. A powerful drive inside saw him fouled on the edge of the box. He earned it, he was going to take it, and a good effort it was as well…..just wide.

Ten on 35 minutes the game was sealed. Some great build up play through the middle worked the ball to the right side and H. Barrett found DACKOMBE, the pair combining well throughout the game. With little else on and from the angle of the box he fired a powerful shot which h went over and round the keeper and into the side meeting. A lovely finish to effectively wrap up the game.

3-0 at half time allowed the gaffer to change and rotate the team. Different combinations of forwards, Redhead on for the lively Johnson in the middle, Sid on for Adam at the back. Whatever player combinations Hill put out the fluency and game control remained. However, despite again controlling the game in the second half, and a couple of decent chances, the score remained 3-0. The best chance of the second half coming from a pacey and powerfull run down the right from Proctor who cut the ball back to Swann who struck it first time with power, but just rose over the bar.

Full time, Hill win 3-0. Good performance all round and looks like we have clicked into gear…just in time for what will likely be a tough game against Tilbury in the cup next.

That's better....

Buckhurst Hill FC 5-0 Codicote FC

EJA LGE Sunday 27/09/14

This was a game that resembled the day….Foggy and dull early doors but once the sun broke through it turned into a fine afternoon.

Hill started with the hangover of several lacklustre results holding them back. Slow and quiet for the first 20 minutes, the game lacked any pace, energy or drive. Despite having the better of the play in the early encounters Hill didn’t really pass the ball crisply. The first real sortie came on 6 minutes when H. Barrett stepped into midfield with the ball, released Dackombe down the right whose cross found an empty penalty spot and was easily cleared.

After 18 minutes, almost by accident, Hill were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Redhead stepped up confidently and struck a decent effort but the keeper gathered. 

The game then slowly started to gather pace. Almost as if Hill’s muscle memory were clicking into place. On 21 minutes the ball was worked well through the middle with Harris, who was having a very solid game, finding Brookes. The little dynamo injected some much needed pace and struck a lovely effort from 25 yards which the keeper pushed for a corner.

Hill were gradually winding up now and got the breakthrough their possession demanded. On 25 minutes Harris again worked the ball well into the right channel, was patient with his pass and slipped a beauty inside the fullback inviting Dackombe forward. He collected the ball, got his head up and played a nice cutback to GRACE who made a great turn inside his man and passed home from 6 yards. 1-0. 

28 mins and Hill going through the gears. The now energetic Brookes, who along with Harris in the middle, was starting to press. The two combined and Harris shot was just pushed wide by the keeper. The resultant corner found Jessop, who was having a fine game in the heart of defence, played one which was just deflected onto the bar. 4 minutes later a good combination between Grace, Redhead and Brookes found Johnson who struck a nice effort from 25 yards just wide.

Then on 34 minutes Hill broke through again. Some good possession in midfield from Johnson found GRACE who made a good run to pull away from his marker and slotted home from 18 yards. 2-0.

Half time Hill 2-0. Just about deserved. Despite the visitors playing some neat football early on, any real chances they had were readily stopped by the superb Jessop and Barratt in the heart of the Hill defence.

The second half began where the first left off. Hill maintaining the pace they had built up and on 37 minutes Brookes broke down the left. He found GRACE who made a good run down the left channel and got round the back of the defence. A composed ball pulled back to PROCTOR on the edge of the 6 yard box and a cool finish, 3-0.

On 48 minutes Hill went further ahead with the goal of the game. A solo effort from GRACE who picked the ball up 30 yards out and back to goal, he slipped a great turn inside and let fly with his left boot. Top corner 4-0. The result was now sealed and Hill were turning on the style. The football began to flow a lot better. passing out from the back and using the ball intelligently. Hill were now starting to string passes together and looked more like a unit. On 55 minutes the scoring was complete when Harris won a good header in the middle of the park which fell to GRACE who hit his 4th goal of the game  from 18 yards. 5-0.

The final act was one of the nicest bits of football when King, on in the right back slot, once again used the ball intelligently down the channel to Bolton, who in turn found Grace. He lifted his shot over the keeper and was goal bound but a last ditch clearance from the centre half prevented the goal.

Final score Hill 5, Codicote 0. A score worthy of the possession and just about worthy of the play. If Hill can take that momentum into the next couple of fixtures then the season will be up and running.

A final word for the referee who went largely unnoticed throughout. Not a dirty game, but one which he allowed to flow and stopped only when required….especially for two mid half drink breaks. If he had brought the shaving foam anyone would have thought we were still in Brazil.