22/01/11
KESGRAVE KESTRALS 1
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 2

Scorers: N.Ling, D.Mann

Report to follow

15/01/11
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 3
SHOTLEY 5

Scorers: D.Mann(2), Watson

After a 2 month lay off due to weather, the reserves kicked off the new year with a disappointing defeat to Shotley.

Match practise was lacking, and was evidential in the first 20 minutes, where Shotley took an early 3-0 lead, after poor marking, twice down the left hand side, and giving away an unfortunate penalty after Leech handled.
The Reserves got back into the game, when Watson finished well after sheer determination after a Leech pass to make the score 3-1 at half time. Manager Jermy installed that it was up to them to turn things round, and the second half did start off brighter, but Shotley scored straight from a corner, it was clear it wasn’t going to be their day.

Still they fought on though, and two excellently taken goals, from the now joint top goal scorer at the club, Darren Mann, there was still belief they could get the equaliser. The introduction of debutant N. Ling was well received, his energy and enthusiasm is something the side was missing, and his work rate brought life back into the side.

Unfortunately though, it wasn’t to be their day, as Shotley scored another poor goal when they bundled in a corner to make the final score 5-3.

On another day, and perhaps in a run of matches, rather than their first game in 8 weeks, the Reserves looked like they would’ve won, here’s hoping that they can start a big run in to the end of the season and focus on getting the promotion they all want and deserve.

20/11/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 0
OLD NEWTON 'A' 1

Scorers: -

The reserves were dumped out of the cup after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Old Newton A, despite being arguably the better side, and creating more than enough chances to win the game.

They also had a slightly different look than usual, with Caldwell making his first start at right back, and Reeder making his debut in Town colours.

Old Newton ‘A’ took the lead early on, when a dodgy shot/cross looped over Oakes, and was suspiciously bundled over the line. After this, it was all Halesworth who had attempts from a Roberts header and Saunders, who made a rallying run from the back, only to be tackled in the box as he was about to shoot. Chances were created, but were rewarded with nothing in return.

It was emphasized at half time that if they kept playing the same way, something would eventually go their way, but after a wonderful one-two with Andy Wright, Roberts’ shot agonisingly went past the post. Long range efforts from Leech and Sayer were blocked, it did feel that they could play for ever, and they wouldn’t get that all important goal.

The final push saw a cross fall to the back post for Caldwell, who on another day, would’ve scored, and sent the game into extra time, which, with the momentum, feel, would’ve won the game. Unfortunately, his shot hit the back stantion, and the Reserves bowed out the cup for another year, a competition manager Jermy felt they could’ve won.

13/11/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 4
STRADBROKE UNITED RES 1

Scorers: J.Roberts(3), D.Mann

James Roberts netted the first hat trick up Dairy Hill since his last one 8 months earlier, in a convincing 4-1 win over Stradbroke Reserves, helping them bounce back from two previous consecutive away defeats.

With a similar squad to the side that lost heavily the week before, manager Nick Jermy felt that a fresh approach was needed, with Mann moving up front to partner Roberts, and Lewis Wright moving from left back to play alongside Page in the middle. They also welcomed Joe Pinnington into the starting line up to make his first appearance at right back. The only absentees from the last game, were Myatt who was back in Swindon for the week, and regular reporter Matthew “Tatty” Thomas, who was sidelined, after opening the door for someone, to see it slammed shut, and losing the tip of his finger, what bad karma! As a result, this report won’t have the same flow, or quirkiness that it usually has...

There seemed to be a positive attitude towards the game this week (possibly with Chopper Watson coming along in the David Beckham/World Cup role after being ruled out as his head was opened up the week before). There was an urgency to push forward early on, with Mann immediately holding the ball up and involving the charge of the midfield. Mann was unlucky not to get himself on the score-sheet when he broke down the right, got in behind the defence, but misjudged his shot to fire wide. Town did soon take the lead though, when Mann’s shot was saved, but the rebound fortunately fell to Roberts, who cleverly lobbed the ball from 20 yards to put the reserves 1-0 up.

Possibilities for another goal were had from Mann and a long range efforts from Page and Wright, but to no avail.
At the other end, an outstanding Dan “Buffon” Oakes, wasn’t letting anything get past him, as the ball stuck to him like glue.

1-0 at half time, it was stressed that they needed to carry on playing the way they were, keep pushing, and the chances would come to extend their lead, which they did early on. A good run from the ever improving Leech, was followed by a through ball to Roberts, who cooly finished to make it 2-0. Mann was next on the score-sheet, when a cross from Arlow, was swiftly met by the Captain, and right footed home for a 3-0 lead. The pick of the bunch was the 4th and Roberts’ hat trick. Manager Jermy later admitted to Roberts that it was “the best goal he’d ever seen from a Reserve side”. Caldwell, who came on for Pinnington to make his first appearance of the season, cleared from right back, to find Mann out wide left, who controlled, and crossed the ball in to Roberts, who instead of attempting a shot, flicked inside to Wright, who headed back, to set up Roberts to absolutely thunderbolt home a volley to complete a well deserved 3rd of the game. The quality of the goal was not only in the finish, but in the confidence of the build up, which was encouraging.

Stradbroke did get a late consolation goal, but the win was Halesworth’s, and really did help morale in the camp, especially after being stretched in their resources in the past month or so. A settled side looks likely to come along now, and hopefully this is the start of another winning streak.

06/11/10
SPROUGHTON UNITED 8
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 1

Scorers: J.Roberts

The reserves were outdone on their travels to Sproughton United.

This fixture was best forgotten, with only a few players it seems, turning up. Perhaps 4 away games in a row were taking their toll on the side.

Apart from a decent finish from Roberts to get him off the mark for the season, there wasn't a lot to shout about. The reserves were outplayed by a young side, who played the ball around very well, and looked like a good "team", whereas the reserves look tired, and unable to make anything happen.

With two loses in a row, they need to bounce back next week against Stradbrooke Reserves.

30/10/10
SHOTLEY 5
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 1

Scorers: W.Bird

Town made the trip to Shotley on the back of three straight wins and a victory here could have taken them to the top of the table.

However as match day came around it became apparent that the reserves were going into the game with a bare eleven, with one or two unwell players being forced to put in a shift. This seemed to upset the sides confidence as they started sluggishly with Shotley creating a few early half chances.

As the first half developed the home side began to turn these half chances into clear cut ones as Town attempted to calm the storm, with the away sides only highlight being a decent shot on the turn from Roberts. Shotley failed to convert any of their own chances and ironically their goal came from a rare mistake from Oakes, whose pass out was intercepted by the opposition’s front man who passed into an empty net. 1-0 down and Town appeared to collapse with Oakes more than making up for his error with a string of outstanding saves, and despite Mann coming close with a volley, they were lucky to go in at a goal down.

The boys from Dairy Hill started the second half in better fashion with manager Jermy making it clear that improvement was needed, and that a win was by no means out of the question. However despite this Shotley somewhat fortuitously went two goals up with a deflected effort, although this seemed to kick Town into life when Leech found Bird superbly who stabbed home. This joy was cut short though as the home side scored almost directly from kick off with a scrappy effort being stabbed in from 5 yards. Shotley then added a fourth and a fifth to add to the reserves’s embarrassment, and this was how the game ended, despite Myatt coming close to a consolation goal with a driven effort that skimmed the post. 5-1 and the worst performance of the season by quite some distance. Although it’s never easy having a bare eleven, with a better performance the team could have got a result out of the game, however disappointing it may be to have to field ill/injured players you can argue that the grass was too green and the ball was too round but the reserves simply weren’t good enough today. The boys need to forget this game quickly and make sure that it doesn’t prove to be a spanner in the works.

16/10/10
AFC TITANS 2
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 3

Scorers: D.Page, R.Myatt, S.Punt

Town went into the game high on confidence after last week’s victory and this was demonstrated in Jermy sticking to the 3-5-2 formation that saw off Aldeburgh.

Jeffries, Watson and Jermy dropped out for Punt, Myatt and Roberts. Things started slowly and somewhat sluggishly from Town’s perspective as the wind did its best to make things difficult with Town second best to most things in the early exchanges.

The opposition gained the initiative, albeit fortuitously, as a scrappy passage of play led to their unmarked striker getting in a shot, that Oakes parried before the rebound was turned in.

A goal down and the frustration was evident, as with most teams in the league Titans seemed to seek out their bigman up-front and lump it up to him which prevented Town from getting the ball down and playing it. However neat interchange between Thomas and Roberts found Page who turned and played in Thomas whose ball played in Punt who did well to round the keeper and slot into an empty net, 1-1.

At half time the players were understandably frustrated at being held by an inferior side and their will and desire was questioned. This appeared to work as they began the second half in better fashion despite Titans doing their best to make sure as little football was played as possible.

The breakthrough came when Darren ‘Barry Chuckle’ Mann found Page with an outstanding 40 yard pass. Page with a lot to do delivered as he rounded the on rushing keeper before slotting home from a tight angle, the goal moved Page up to joint top goalscorer with Myatt and Wright.

The game certainly fell Town’s way from there on in as they began to knock the ball about with ease and when a series of passes found Myatt he shaped up and lashed home from the edge of the box. 3-1 and the boys from Dairy Hill appeared home and dry however some sloppy marking from a long throw resulted in a scruffy consolation for their opponents.

It was hardly a game for football purists however as assistant manager James Roberts said, “it isn’t performances that make the news, it’s the results.”

Town look to be playing with more cohesion and have the best defensive record in the league which is testament to the way in which the likes of Mann , Clack and Sayer have performed in the early stages of the season. The reserve’s have a well earned week off ahead of them and in the meantime can sit and ponder the prospect of silverware in May.

09/10/10
ALDEBURGH TOWN RES 1
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 2

Scorers: M.Jeffries, M.Watson

Following on from last weeks impressive, resilient display against Cedars Park it was important that Town continued in the same vain of form.

A trip to the seaside and the prospect of post match fish and chips seemed to inspire Town who, through circumstances rather than choice, adopted a 3-5-2 formation as Jeffries, Thomas, Jermy and Leech came in to the side. Despite initial worries about how this change would affect the side it was the Halesworth boys that started brighter with Jeffries and Page coming close with long range efforts. The middle three of Page, Jeffries and Thomas remained close to their men and pulled the strings throughout the first half, this meant that Aldeburgh seeked to play through their widemen. With Arlow and Leech being natural wingers this could have posed a problem but despite early teething problems in their wing-back roles the duo grew into the game and remained disciplined whilst attacking with verve.

Manager Nick Jermy returned after 4 months out and an American diet, but despite this forged an effective understanding with Matt ‘Chopper’ Watson as the two were busy and creative as they led the line.

Some last ditch defending from Mann ensured Town went in level at the break. Despite a good half as always patience was stressed and to keep playing the way they know how to, something which the 1sts and reserves both have in common is to play the game the right way, on the floor. At Division 6 level it is far too tempting to lump the ball up field however between them Jermy and Jeffries made it clear that the game was Town’s to win and that they were the better side. This seemed to kick Town into life who broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half when good linkup play between Leech and Chopper released the ginger dynamo who lashed the ball across goal only to find the incoming defender turn the ball in. The goal was Chopper’s first since late April and the relief was clear upon his red face.

1-0 Town and they continued to press and when the on rushing Aldeburgh goalkeeper hand balled 25 yards out, Thomas took a quick free kick to Chopper who found Jeffries, whose loose control turned in his favour as he dispossessed the opposition midfielder before slotting home; 2-0 and utterly deserved.

With 10 minutes to go Town looked comfortable until a sloppy pass turned into an Aldeburgh counter-attack as their wideman converted from a good move.

However one of the big changes from last season is that head’s no longer appear to drop, and there is confidence throughout the spine of the team. Despite a few corners and some long shots Town defended well in the last minutes of the game and celebrated a well deserved win.

After the game long time WAG Heather Lindsay was quoted as saying “that was better than the superbowl”.
Town are back to business in the league this week and despite this much welcome cup win it is the league that will ultimately define the reserve’s season.

02/10/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 4
CEDARS PARK RES 2

Scorers: A.Wright, B.Arlow, R.Myatt, S.Punt

After last weeks dismal and albeit unforgettable trip to Lowestoft, it was important that Town got back to winning ways.

A makeshift but experienced Town side came out looking like they meant business with a combative approach against table topping Cedars Park Reserves. With a few half chances for both sides in the opening exchanges, it became increasingly obvious that it would take a moment of madness or magic to break the deadlock.

It was the latter that happened, with Town’s Alsatian like striker Matt ‘Chopper’ Watson winning a 50-50 in his own half, before racing forward and then picking out Andy ‘Ian’ Wright with a ball that could have easily been played by David Beckham, before the grey dynamo finished superbly with his weaker foot.

However, despite looking dangerous on the attack through Arlow and Watson, Town seemed to stop and Cedar’s took the initiative and equalised through their ex-Reading hit-man. At half time, the frustrations were clear with Town’s Chuckle Brothers, Mann and Watson expressing their annoyance at going in level.

Manager of the Month Jermy made it clear that the football was good and with patience they could win the game. Page moved back to right back, with the goalscorer Wright going outside, debut-man Punt going up top, and Birthday boy (40 on Sunday) Roberts going in the middle.

With Town looking more comfortable with the change, Roberts convinced Sayer to go up for a corner, and the beanpole defender rose to win a header that was blocked and then turned in by Arlow on the volley, 2-1.

With Cedar’s pushing forward there was space to exploit and Myatt with time to pick his shot, lashed home past a hapless keeper from 20 yards, 3-1.

Town seemed to stop once more and with what seemed an eternity, the ex-Reading man strolled through and picked his spot, 3-2.

Town refused to panic and went back to football with a ball over the top releasing the onside Punt who lobbed the keeper sublimely with spectators questioning whether or not he was Brazilian.

Now 4-2 up, Town simply had to see out the game, and with an in-form Oakes dealing well with corners, the final whistle was blown with cries of “top of the league” being heard from the sellout crowd. Die hard fan Stan Clayton expressed his view after the game;

“Town are a different side from last season, they looked dangerous to be sure. Right, I’m off home.”

25/09/10
WAVENEY RES 8
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 0

Scorers: -

Report to follow

18/09/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 1
FC ADHARA 1

Scorers: W.Bird

Super Sub Will ‘Birdy’ Bird raced onto a
sensational 25 yard ball from Ricky Myatt to
earn Town a point.

In what was a tentative and albeit second-rate first half performance. Adhara came up the A12 with a clear game plan, in what could only be described as hit and run football. Town were lackluster and second to most balls despite Leech coming close with a good header from a Thomas cross.

The midfield was overrun and Adhara won a corner, Oakes made a call for Roberts and Thomas to stay on the line, and the gamble didn’t pay off as an onside wide man crossed for a free header, 1-0 Adhara.

At half time manager Nick Jermy stressed that more commitment and better football was required and Town started in better fashion, however, creativity and invention was lacking. Jermy wasted little time in bringing off Thomas and Page for Bird and Whatling.

However, the real turning point was when Jeffries replaced Leech, and Town turned to a 3-5-2, allowing spring-chicken Bird, and the evergreen Roberts more freedom. Myatt picked up the ball in the centre circle and with a “Paul Scholes-esque ball released Town’s very own Usain Bolt in the Bird, who lashed home, 1-1.

Town went in search of a winner with ‘Chopper’ Watsons’ run almost winning it. Jeffries picked out Watson with a superb cross, whose headed just went over. Clack also came close and should have scored, which would have capped off a good performance from the veteran. Some ‘back to the wall’ defending from Mann and Jeffries meant Town got a point in what was literally a game of two halves.

11/09/10
SOMERSHAM RES 0
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 1

Scorers: Waters

Kelvin Waters was the hero for the reserves in a hard earned game at Somersham.

With only a bare 11,Town began well and profited after only 8 minutes. Kelvin Waters picked up the ball on the left hand side and, after cutting in, unleashed an unstoppable effort from 25 yards. Town continued to press with Matt Watson blazing over and Waters continually worrying the back line.

Kicking down the slope 2nd half, Halesworth hoped to increase their lead, however, it was Somersham who had the better of the chances. After beating a static HTFC defence, a Somersham forward knocked the ball past Bayfield (making his first appearance of the season, looking comfortable between the sticks), only for a last ditch diving header from Roberts, preventing the equaliser.

After the game, captain Darren Mann was quoted as saying "It was an all round great team performance" and he wasn't wrong. From 1-11, the team gave their all, and despite only having played 3 games this season, their is high optimism now in the reserve team camp.

04/09/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 1
SPROUGHTON SPORTS RES 2

Scorers: D.Whatling

The reserves first home game of the season ended in an undeserved defeat. Despite controlling a lot of the game, especially the 2nd half, they couldn’t quite earn what they merited.

The last time these sides met, it was 9-1 to the opposing side, maybe some proof of how far the side have come in the last 6 months.

Sproughton got an early goal, when Town were caught out by a long ball over the top, which the opposing striker slotted past the deputising Leech.

A chance a few minutes later fell to Waters in the box, but he just couldn’t get the shot on target.

Will Bird looked very threatening throughout on the left wing, creating chances for Watson and Waters in the box, but these chances just weren’t taken - and Town were punished when an unstoppable long range effort from Sproughton gave the side a 2-0 lead at the break.

Town didn’t let their heads slip though, they started brightly in the 2nd half, and pushed and pushed to get a goal back, and were rewarded when Dean Whatling pressured the defence to win the ball, and slotted home comfortably to make the score 2-1.

Despite late chances, particularly from Watson, who’s chip past the keeper, tantalising went past the post, Town couldn’t get that 2nd goal to get anything from the game.

A positive performance though, and some good things to take in to their next fixture, away to Somersham, yes the pitch on the slope!

28/08/10
WILLIS RES 0
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 3

Scorers: D.Mann, D.Page, A.Wright

HTFC Reserves got their season off to the best possible start with a 3-0 away win over new-boys Willis Reserves.

With Manager Nick Jermy away on international duty, it was left to his assistant James Roberts to take the reigns for the opener, which saw midfielder playmaker Ricky Myantt making his debut, and Dean Whatling making a welcome return to the club after a few seasons away.

The first half was a fairly even affair, with Town going close through strikers Matthew “Chopper” Watson and Andy Wright. Willis also came close, and it took a good save from stand-in ‘keeper Kelvin Waters to prevent the home side taking the lead.

An encouraging half-time teamtalk saw the Town players agree to go all out for the win they felt was there for the taking, and this saw a more positive approach to the second half. Will Bird replaced the injured Craig Leach on the left, and the midfield pushed on more, stifling any Willis player who gained possession. HTFC’s hard work finally paid off when Centre Back Darren Mann strode forwards with the ball. After playing a 1-2 with Wright, he found himself one on one with the Willis Goalkeeper, and found the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Two minutes later Town doubled their lead, Wright being the man to profit after good work by Dean Page.

With five minutes to go Halesworth killed off the game with their third goal. Roberts, playing at left back for the day, rolled back the years with a surging run down the wing. HIs cut back found Whatling, who chipped forward for Page to deftly flick a header past the ‘keeper.

Despite chorus’ to give him the job full-time, stand-in Manager Roberts was quick to remind everybody who had built the team. “This is Nick’s team. I was just a driver today in a car that Nick built. He will be back to take the wheel next week, and I’ll return to my role as co-pilot, map reader and all-round dogs-body.”

23/08/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 2
ROYAL MAIL XI 1

Scorers: Bird, Myatt

No report

18/08/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 3
EASTON 1

Scorers: A.Wright, Arlow, O.G.

No report

14/08/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 3
BENHALL ST MARYS RESERVES 3

Scorers: D.Cockerill(2), Lowe

No report

05/08/10
HALESWORTH TOWN RES 5
ALDEBURGH TOWN RES 2

Scorers: W.Cockerill(2), Myatt, Lowe, Thomas

Reserves win their second friendly 5-2 against Aldeburgh Town Reserves, with 2 goals from Will Cockerill, one each from Ricky Myatt and James Lowe and his first in mens football for Matthew 'Tatty' Thomas.

31/07/10
MULBARTON WANDERERS 1
HALESWORTH TOWN RES1

Scorers: W.Cockerill

Reserves draw their opening pre season friendly 1-1 with a goal from debutant Will Cockerill.