Harder than Thurston thought

Monday 20 May 2024, Thurston 3 Woolverstone United 1 - Suffolk Junior Cup Final, Portman Road

Thurston had a team packed with players who had played much higher up the pyramid, but were given a really tough game by a young, fit Woolverstone team who also were fortunate enough to have a goalkeeper who pulled off some fantastic saves, including one from the penalty spot.

Village football

Saturday 18 May 2024, Boxford Rovers 5 Tendring District 0 - Essex & Suffolk Border League, Division 4, Homefields.

Had to stay local, and was just glad it was not one of many games in this league that were called off today. Texted Boxford and got a message back straight away, they even had 5 subs! Well done for Tendring turning up, even with no subs.

A good game that Boxford dominated from the start and displayed some decent football, three nil up at half time, and added two more in the second - some good individual goals, good team goals and at least one down to goalie error!

Large village playing fields, cricket square and two football pitches, with the one used today the furthest from the changing rooms. Grass was rather long and pitch covered in daisies!

Two home made dug outs with a park bench in between gave me a good view of the game.

 Tuesday 15 May 2024, Hathern 2 Kirby Muxloe 2 ( 5-6 on penalties) - Holmes Park, Leicestershire & Rutland Senior Cup Final

Decent game with the lower league team, Hathern being very unlucky to lose this final.

Hathern started the stronger and played some good football but Kirby Muxlow took the lead from a breakaway goal after 7 minutes. Hathern were deservedly back on level terms after 33 minutes.

Second half started with Kirby Muxloe having a penalty saved then Hathern went ahead after 53 minutes. Players started to tire and Hathern started to defend deeper but still creating chances on the break, however Kirby got the equaliser after 81 minutes.

Kirby Muxloe then won it on penalties, game played in a great spirit , hardly a foul and very little back chat from the players, very impressed with the football Hathern played.

Holmes park is a decent venue, with plenty of food offerings available but would think the players would prefer to play the final at a more inspiring venue.

Did not seem like an end of season game

Saturday 11 May 2024, Bishop Stortford Swifts 2 Harold Wood Athletic 2 - EOFL, Premier Division, Silver Leys

My planned game was called off late but had time to get to Bishop Stortford and glad I made the effort. Even if hot, and both teams mid table and nothing to play for, both teams put 100% into the game with plenty of skill on show. Home team had better of the first half and went two up, however Harold Wood got one back just before the break.

Second half and it was the visitors on top, but when they missed a penalty it looked like the home team would take all 3 points, but deep into injury time, a long range shot took a wicked deflection and Harold Wood had a share of the spoils, They certainly deserved a point after their second half display.

Pitch fully roped off and in very good condition, Bishop Stortford Rugby club have the pitch next door. Two clubhouses, one for football - open today, full bar - whilst the Rugby club house ( with attached marquee) is much more modern and larger.

Talk in the clubhouse was of the Swifts moving as they need more space for all their teams. As this game finished, the reserves came out for their match  

Premier League

Saturday 4 May 2024, Ipswich Town 2 Huddersfield Town 0 - Championship, Portman Road

A long wait, but what a journey we have had over the last two years - Ipswich will party tonight

Hardy few

Friday 3 May 2024, Ipswich Town Under 21s 1 Sheffield Wednesday Under 21s 2 - Professional Development League, Bent Lane Training Ground

It rained, rained and then rained some more- not great conditions to watch a game, but players seemed to enjoy it and it was entertaining match, Ipswich scoring just after the break but close to the hour mark Wednesday scored two goals, within a minute  to put themselves in front. A late rally by Ipswich but the Wednesday defense stood firm and they left with all 3 points.

Old Boys

Wednesday 1 May 2024, Old Chelmsfordians 1 Old Southendians 5 - EOFL, Old Chelmsfordian Sports and Social Club

This win put the visitors top of the league, but this was their last game of the season and the team now second, has 2 games left.

The team from the Essex coast started well, one up in less than 30 seconds and 2 up after 2minutes. Only surprise was that there were no further goals in the second half.