Heddingham 2 - 2 Beacon Hill U16s
How’d we not win that one?

On a cabbage patch of a pitch with more slope than Lords it was going to be very difficult to knock the ball around as the lads had been these past few weeks. We started slowly and a long ball over the top was missed leaving their forward to lob home comfortably. After that we took control and had numerous one on one chances that were all spurned resulting from a lack of clinical finishing to an inspired performance by the Heddingham goalkeeper. Oscar turned provider for Fin to finish at the back post so at least we went into the break level.
Again some pretty avoidable mistakes cost another goal but the lads kept plugging away despite some more excellent saves from the keeper. Oscars persistence finally worked when he got to the ball just ahead of the keeper and was brought down for a penalty that he dispatched confidently into the bottom corner.
Fins powerful free kick was again well saved and Zach nearly won it at the end with a crisp strike that was also superbly saved.
So a frustrating morning all round, we play these again on our patch next week, find those shooting boots cut out some of the daft mistakes and we could be in for a treat.
Thanks to our two linos today.

Woodham Radars 2 - 4 Beacon Hill U14s
This was the final round of the League Cup group stage. The boys needed to win and win well to guarantee a place in the semi-final. What we didn't need was another slow start. But, true to form, that is what we got.

A ball down the side allowed the Radards forward to collect and send a wild cross over Josh into the net. Shortly after a clumsy foul gifted Radars a penalty and a 2-0 lead within 7 minutes.

As the half wore on we started to play and began to dominate. An excellent through ball from Ben Large set Alfie Murphy away and he fired past the keeper. But, that was as good as it got. A couple of long shots and a free kick turned over was all we achieved.

We explained what they needed to do to get into a semi-final. Now it was down to them and they duly obliged. Gone were the bouncing balls and the opposition controlling the ball under no pressure. This was the team that had played so well weeks before.

A fine left-footed strike from Archie brought us level. Then he was brought down just inside the box. The resulting penalty was dispatched expertly by Alfie Murphy. With minutes to go, a great pass over the top from Callum sent Alfie through. He rounded the keeper to secure the win.

We then had a nervous wait to see if a two-goal advantage would be enough to secure one of the top two places. Based on the results, we should be joint top of the group, both matching goal difference and goals scored.

9th - 15th

Beacon Hill 0 - 6 Notley
Tough day at the office.

First up Notley clearly deserved to win the match, they were the more aggressive side overall, but in general play we were pretty good today and a 6-0 scoreline isn’t really a fair reflection on the performance from our lads.
We made defensive mistakes for the first three goals that were all highly avoidable, Notley did score a nice fourth, but at the break if it wasn’t for the individual errors we’d have been well in the match.
What was good to see was the lads still trying to pass the ball and compete, we didn’t create a huge amount but did have a few chances, we just didn’t have the breaks today. This was epitomised by Notley literally scoring with their only two chances in the second half.

Away to Hedingham next weekend, a chance to keep playing the right way and I’m sure a win will come with that.

Beacon Hill U15 Girls 0 - 0 Bealonians U15 Girls (3-2 Penalties)

On Sunday, November 10th, Beacon Hill Under-15 girls took on Bealonians Under-15 girls in a high-stakes away cup match in Ilford. After a tough league loss to the Bealonians earlier this season, the Beacon Hill girls were eager for redemption. Fresh off an inspiring coaching session with Leyton Orient on Saturday, the team went into the match motivated to challenge the undefeated league leaders.

Beacon Hill’s manager, Rob, played a 3-5-2 formation, a bold strategy with only 11 players available and no substitutes. The tactic proved crucial, with captain Lucy joining Jess and Elsie in a formidable midfield trio, while Amelia and Holly took charge on the wings. This setup gave Beacon Hill a strong presence in midfield, breaking up play effectively and holding off Bealonians’ attacks.

The first half was a hard-fought battle, with Beacon Hill working tirelessly across all positions to prevent Bealonians from finding a rhythm. Both teams created a few goal-scoring opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock, leaving the score 0-0 at halftime.

As the second half progressed, fatigue began to show, and Bealonians ramped up the pressure. However, Beacon Hill’s defense and especially goalkeeper Taegen were relentless, keeping the scoreline level despite Bealonians’ increasing threat. Their combined efforts saw Beacon Hill hold Bealonians to 0-0 at the end of regular time, sending the game into a penalty shootout.

In the tense shootout, both teams scored their first penalties. Bealonians missed their second attempt - well saved by Taegen, but Beacon Hill scored theirs for the early advantage. Bealonians then scored,followed by another successful shot from Beacon Hill. On Bealonians’ next attempt, Taegen made a crucial save, giving Beacon Hill a chance to secure victory., but the home keeper made a great save keeping them in the game. With nerves of steel. Taegen then saved her 3rd pen sealing a 3-2 win and booking their place in the next round.

The entire team deserves praise for a phenomenal performance, with special mentions for Lucy’s leadership in midfield and Elsie’s unflagging energy. However, the standout player of the match was Taegen, whose critical saves throughout the game and heroics in the penalty shootout were pivotal in Beacon Hill’s thrilling win over the unbeaten league leaders.

UP THE HILL ??

Upland Rangers 3 - 4 Beacon Hill U14s
Well this was a proper a game of two halves.

Having started slowly again, the boys finally got into gear midway through the first half. Despite playing some nice stuff, the opening goal came from a long goal kick, Alfie Murphy collecting and slotting home. Shortly after it was two. Another long ball over the defence and this time Callum Webb got on the end of it to finish. Then, five minutes before half time and Callum Webb made it 3 - 0.

Credit to Uplands, they came out a determined unit and started the second half like they did the first. This time, they were rewarded with a goal - and a fine one too. From a ball over the top, the Uplands forward volleyed it over Josh and just under the bar. This gave the home side some confidence and seemed to sap a bit of energy from ours. Having ridden our luck a little, with 15 to go, Uplands scored a second. Then, shortly after, two became three.

This is when your character is tested the most - and the boys came through it. They upped their energy levels and upped their desire. Having dominated the last 10, they were finally rewarded as Alfie Murphy's cross was turned home by an Uplands defender.

A game that should have been comfortable almost turned into a nightmare. That's now 3 games in a row where we haven't been on it. Once against the team at the top and the others against the bottom two. This league is very competitive and the boys will have to be on it in every game.