First Team Finish with Fine Effort Against Rushmere......13/05/2019

Despite the enforced changes – and a higher than usual average age (!) – we battled very hard in the first half and gave the Lions more of a game than perhaps they had expected; we were keen to get some reward after losing so unluckily in the away fixture earlier in the season.

A great turn and shot from Markeese Hudnell was a highlight but real drama followed when a deep free-kick was headed in by Tom Brooks. At first the referee seemed happy to award the goal but then, after long consultation with the Lions’ linesman, he reversed his decision and gave the visitors a free kick for a foul on their keeper.

It looked as if our morning would get worse when Rushmere were awarded a penalty – no arguments from anyone – but Liam Siggers dived to his right to make a great save.

The Lions opened the scoring after the break but we were far from finished. A fine run and cross from Daren Stevens resulted in Lee Riley being fouled and Tom Brooks levelled the scores from the spot.

Unfortunately, our legs went a bit and the Lions re-took the lead and then went on to score twice more the the closing minutes to close the book on our 20 year spell at Greshams.

Team: Siggers, High, Burton, Risby, Pearce, Tacey, Brooks, Riley, Burgess, Hudnell, Stevens(Hollinsworth).
Goal: Brooks.

First Team Win Greshams Derby Whilst Reserves Finish Season In Style......29/04/2019

We opened the scoring when a great cross from Jawa Tacey was headed in by Tom Brooks, returning from injury. We made it 2-0 when Lee Riley’s corner was powerfully headed home by Brooksy.

Our neat football should have produced more reward but we turned round with a two goal advantage and, as has happened in the past, we rather lost our way after the break and Greshams came into the game.

A most unlucky own goal gave Greshams a lifeline and they equalised with a well taken goal.

At that point, we all feared a Greshams winner but the Tavs fought hard – with Rico Stanojevic battling for everything and Brandon Burton solid at centre back – and in the dying minutes a deep cross from Jawa was coolly headed into the far corner by Wayne Jordan.

Team: Siggers, High, Burton, Pearce, Tacey, Hudnell, Jordan, Stanojevic, Brooks, Riley, Sneddon.
Goal: Brooks(2), Jordan.

Reserves - Division 4

Wickham Wanderers 0, Taverners Res. 4



Looking to reverse a narrow defeat by Wanderers before Christmas, the Taverners’ Avengers assembled at Gainsborough for the End Game of the season.

The end of term atmosphere in the changing room spilled onto the pitch as we took a one nil lead after Jack Lambert headed home from a cross from the right.

Our neat, tidy football enabled us to go 2 up when Jack scored again.

We rode our luck for the rest of the first half and relied on PFA Referee’s Assistant of the Year Nominee Dave Vincent to correctly apply the offside rule which lead to 2 Wickham disallowed goals.

With Daren Stevens and Andy Lambert shoring up the defence, Wickham never looked like scoring in the second half, and on the rare occasion that they did break through, Matt Davis was there to ensure the much coveted clean sheet was achieved.

Calum Andrews and Josh Mclauglin scored two breakaway goals to ensure a victorious end to the season for the reserves.

A season which has seen us finish at the dizzy height of third from bottom with 19 points.

The most points we have achieved in a good few years!

If we can keep this delicate balance of youth and experience together, who knows what we can achieve next year!

Team: Davis, McLaughlin, Lambert A., Stevens, Burgess(Warner), Strutt, Wessels, Lambert Ja., Hua, Herridge(Keeble C.), Andrews C.
Goals: Andrews C., Lambert Ja.(2), McLaughlin.

RESERVES PLAYER AND GOAL OF THE SEASON VOTING:

If you missed the oppertunity to vote for the Reserves' Player and Goal of the season in the changing room, you can download the voting form here.

Just fill it in and email it back to me by clickinghere

What a difference a week, and the correct number of players, can make!......14/04/2019

Despite last week’s ten-man mauling at Sizewell, the 1st team were in good spirits for what looked like a tough visit to Paul Athletic.

The return of Liam Siggers to the Tavs goal saw Brandon Burton back at centre back and what a tremendous game he had – drawing some very complimentary comments from team-mates as he dominated our defence.

We fell behind to a clever header as Pauls had the upper hand but any thought on their part that last week’s collapse might follow were dispelled by some quick and incisive counter-attacks. Rico stanojevic hit the bar and we shocked Pauls with two goals near the end of the first half.

Firstly, Mikey Sneddon took everyone by surprise by taking a quick free-kick from a good 25 yards out and he smashed his shot low into the net. Then Gary Pilkington began a move which saw Mikey and Lee Riley combine well, finishing with Lee’s low cross being turned in by Mikey.

We knew that Pauls would come out firing on all cylinders and so it proved as they scored two goals to take a 3-2 lead; another made it 4-2.

This was the moment when there was a collective determination to stand up and be counted and we had the boost of coming back into the match with another free-kick from MIkey Sneddon. At least 45 yards from goal – and with everyone expecting a chip into the box – Mikey leathered the ball high into the net to complete an excellent hat-trick.

The Pauls defence were being given a torrid time and Mikey scored his fourth goal to level the scores at 4-4.

More great inter-play by Lee Riley and Mikey Sneddon ended with Lee firing into the far corner for what proved to be the winning goal.

Everyone fought like tigers to maintain our lead but we weren’t forced into last-ditch defending and were still attacking at the final whistle.

Every player on show deserves full marks for a magnificent display and it’s been a very long time since we have witnessed such jubilant and joyous scenes in the changing room afterwards.

Up the Tavs!

Team: Siggers, High, Burton, Pearce, Tacey, Hudnell, Jordan, Stanojevic, Pilkington(Keeble C.), Riley, Sneddon.
Goal: Riley, Sneddon(4)

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 1, Kesgrave Kestrels 1



With 11 players and 2 subs, including the return of some youthful Uni lads’ legs, the Reserves began their last match at Greshams against 3rd placed Kestrels in confident fashion.

We took the lead midway through the first half from a heavily deflected Luke Wessels free kick, awarded after some nifty Darren Herridge footwork on the left had seen him fouled.

More chances followed, but we were unable to capitalise on them meaning we went into the break 1-0 up and hopeful of a positive result as we had limited Kestrels to very few efforts on goal.

However, we seemed to lose our way in the second half, unable to replicate the football that had seen us cause problems in the first.

Fortunately, the defence was holding firm, with Alex Lowe having a fine game in an unfamiliar role at right back; ‘Sticks’ and Daren Stevens resolute in the centre, and Bevan Burgess, playing his 750th game for the club, as solid as ever at Left Back (If you can't give yourself a mention when you write the report then when can you ;-) ). It was therefore very frustrating when an incorrectly awarded corner resulted in Kesgrave equalising.

But we consolidated and were able to hang on for a valuable, and well-earned, point.

We could have even stolen the three points at the end but were unable to force the ball home from a corner.

All in all a great result. Thanks to everyone that made the effort to be available, although I think Ollie Whiting wishes he'd stayed in bed!

This point almost guarantees us 10th spot in the division (some may call that 3rd from bottom), as we only have 1 game left against the 11th placed team, currently 3 points behind. Only a 7 goal swing in their favour will see us drop to 11th.

Just a footnote to last week’s 10-0 defeat against Thrasher when we had 9 men. They beat Rosary 10-2 yesterday, and Rosary had 11 players (and yes, their Harry Kane did score another Hat-trick, 5 in fact!). So it just goes to show what a great performance it was last week, despite only having 9 men.....and there are new clips on the goal for the nets:-)

Team: Davis, Lowe A, Burrup, Stevens, Burgess, Jay, Whiting(Hew), Wessels, Strutt, Herridge(Andrews), McLaughlin.
Goal: Wessels

Heavy Defeats for both under numbered Teams.....07/04/2019

Extensive and continued efforts throughout last week to field two full teams failed – a combination of absences prevailed – with the result that the 1st team made the haul to Sizewell with ten men and the reserves entertained Thrasher with nine.

Our goal – on a particularly wet morning – was a superb chip into the far post by Lee Riley; at the other end, Brandon Burton distinguished himself with a series of fine saves.

All season, the management and the club committee have endeavoured to strengthen our numbers and strength and this will continue as we look forward to some important matches to round the campaign off.

Team: Burton, Keeble C., Jordan, Wessels, Tacey, Hua, Strutt, Riley, Hudnell, Sneddon.
Goal: Riley

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 0, Thrasher Utd. 10



What is the best formation to play when you only have 9 players? 3-4-1? 4-4? 4-3-1? 4-2-2?

Well, none of them worked. We still, unsurprisingly, lost heavily.

However, every one of the nine players worked hard to keep the score down.

Every one of them should be proud of the attitude and commitment they showed on a difficult Sunday morning for the club.

It was only 3-0 at half-time, but we naturally tired in the 2nd half when Thrasher rubbed salt into the wounds by bringing on substitutes with fresh legs.

There are always things that can be learnt from every game, and here are a few from yesterday.

1. If you moan loud and long enough about a Referee’s assistant, no matter how good a job they are doing, the referee will ‘ask’ you to change the assistant at half time to stop the opposition from moaning.

2. Darren Herridge can play tremendous through-balls……to the opposition.

3. The Thrasher’s centre forward scored a Hat-trick - His fourth in a row which he had much delight in telling us - which was greeted with sarcastic applause from his conquered, 3rd from bottom of the bottom Sunday Morning League mighty opposition.

4. Matt Davis can swear like a trooper.

5. There are no clips for the net on the goal furthest from the changing rooms.

Despite the Thrashing from Thrasher, the Reserves have had an improved season from last year, and are on track for their highest points total for a number of years.

So, with two games left in the season, it’s time to think positive! The number of players and results can only improve!

To quote Oscar Wilde - "We Are All In The Gutter But Some Of Us Are Looking At The Stars!"

Team: Davis, Pearce, Burgess, Stevens, Warner D., McLaughlin, Southgate, Lowe A., Herridge.

First Team in Six Goal Thriller.....31/03/2019

Once again showing a number of changes, the Tavs began in tremendous form and were settled down by an early goal from Jawa Tacey who drove a low shot into the far corner from the edge of the area.

Some of our play was excellent and we made the score 2-0 when a short corner saw Mikey Sneddon dribble in from the right and his low cross was fired into the net from close range by Lee Riley.

We continued to play good football – with Rico Stanojevic having a strong game in midfield - and Mikey made it three with a fine shot from the right hand side.

Andy Hua – making his full 1st team debut – made a good impression.

However, too often we ran out of ideas once we got into the final third and, when the teams turned round at the break, it was soon clear that the Old Boys were far from finished and we would have a fight on our hands.

So it proved, as the Old Boys pulled one (well taken) goal back which gave them hope.

We survived a number of corners as the stiff breeze helped the Old Boys press forward but then conceded a second goal late on.

Worse was to follow as the Old Boys centre forward – who was happy to shoot from any position and any distance – completed his hat-trick and secured a 3-3 draw for his team.

Disappointing for Taverners, but we must reflect on the fine attacking football we played in the first half and somehow stop making the kind of mistakes which cost us dear.

Team: Burton, Tacey, Spalding, Risby, High(Warner), Hudnell, Jordan, Riley, Stanojevic, Sneddon, Hua
Goals: Riley, Sneddon, Tacey.

Reserves Give Top Team Gainsborough A Good Game.....24/03/2019

I trade the lost boys of Taverners for the real lost boys on an island second star to the right. If only we had the fight of Peter Pan in the first half against Gainsborough.

They scored three times and every goal was our fault. We were second in almost every contest and I only counted one shot from us in the first half.

We were bullied out of the game.

I wish the saying "a game of two halves" meant you got something from the game because after half time we stopped moaning about the formation and started playing. We won the second half 1-0.

A well taken headed goal from Lee Riley just after half time. Gainsborough only went close once in the second half. Although they threatened, we controlled the game and should have scored enough to at least get a draw.

Everyone played well throughout the half.

I'll send you some fairy dust to help with the last three games.

Team: Wessels, Collins, Pearce, Burgess, McLaughlin, Riley, Jordan, Strutt, Hudnell, Andrews, Stevens.
Goal: Riley

First Team Fire In Eight to Ruffle Feathers.....17/03/2019

Team: Burton, Tacey, Brooks, Spalding, High, Woollard, Jordan, Hudnell, Stanojevic, Sneddon, Riley
Goals: Brooks(2), Hudnell(2), Riley, Sneddon(2), Woollard.

Reserves - Division 4

Northam Celtic 3, Taverners Res. 1



No matter what I say before , during and after the game it is up to the players on the field to make it work.

In the 90 minutes of a game mistakes will be made. In the first 45 minutes we made just two major mistakes. You hope to get lucky and they miss the chances but the Gods of football decided they would score from both mistakes.

We did not play that bad. We made other mistakes in different areas of the field but got away with it. We were not in control but still made chances. Again only the players on the pitch can make the chances pay.

We are just not finishing at the moment. Plus points of the game were that Henry Chard made a rare appearance and was playing really well but the star of the show was Darren Warner.

Never put a foot wrong and ran rings around players half his age.

Going into the second half 2-0 down we knew we had to start asserting ourselves. We were by far the better side throughout the second half but our possession in midfield let us down again and again.

Against the run of play we went further behind leaving a mountain to climb. We pulled one back when Calum Andrews went through on his own and took on the defence and the goalkeeper to score the best goal of the game from a very acute angle.

It was all too little too late. It’s hard to explain what was missing. The majority of players did well and the overall performance was an improvement on the previous week. But we were always second to the ball in key central areas. We need to be on our toes and anticipate the ball coming into feet. Our passing needs to be more accurate.

Onwards and upwards. Next week we play top of the league with hopefully our full squad back in place

Team: Stevens, Chard, Fisk, Burgess, Warner, McLaughlin, Flatman, Strutt, Hua, Andrews, Herridge.
Goal: Andrews

One Point From Wet & Windy Wild Weekend.....10/03/2019

We came back well and had a number of shots well saved but our football was too often over-intricate on a heavy pitch while Laxfield used their wings and the long ball to good effect in stretching our defence.

Our hopes were hit by two quick goals just before half time: the first coming from a poor pass in our own penalty area and the second a towering header at the far post.

Heads went down when Laxfield scored a fourth goal immediately after the break but – rather than lie down – we had our share of the play and certainly the home goalkeeper wasn’t inactive. Mikey Sneddon was unlucky to hit the post.

Laxfield scored twice near the end as, once more, we rued the lack of players available; our teams could only muster 22 players between them.

We battle on!

Team: Burton, Fisk, Pearce, Brooks, Pilkington, Jordan, Riley, Hudnell, Tacey, Stevens, Sneddon

Reserves - Division 4

Phoenix 2, Taverners Res. 2



The game in 2019 dictates that you need substitutes. Starting the game with the bare 11 does put you at a disadvantage. At Wembley Stadium on the 30thJuly 1966 England played West Germany in the World Cup Final.

Most footballers of today do not know that in 1966 there was no such thing as a substitute. Alf Ramsey picked his 11 and that was it for 90 minutes.

The luxury of a team like he had does not exist in today’s game. Now the team is 14 players from a squad named on the day.

Just two interesting facts. It cost just 10 shillings to buy a ticket for the final, with inflation that would be £8.73 in today’s money. The top wage at the time was £80 a week. That’s about £1,400 a week in today’s money. How time has changed!

Substitutes are an important part of the game now. They are used to change tactics, add fresh legs, replace players not playing well and basically affect the game.

The original point of substitutes was to replace an injured player. Injuries are almost an inconvenience in today’s game and not part of the tactics.

Unfortunately this game against Phoenix was not even close to the ‘66’ Final. The only similarities were that we only had 11 players and we drew 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Phoenix are without doubt the worst side in the league. For them to play you have to feed them confidence. You have to give them room to look like a decent team. Luckily for them we did both these things.

We started well. An early goal when their defender headed into his own net from a Bevan Burgess corner. We then lost our momentum and allowed Phoenix to play. They only went close once but had a lot of the play in midfield.

We went further ahead when a cross was met by Darren Herridge who controlled and fired the ball across the six yard box that was met by Paul Strutt to stab home.

From this point we spent the whole game allowing Phoenix to play.

One of the best qualities in a footballer is honesty and the knowledge to see a game how it is. Often I hear players speaking about the game after the final whistle and I wonder if they were part of the same game that I saw from the side line.

I hear players shouting and ordering people around during the game. If you have opinion during the game just be sure you are not guilty of the fault you point out to others.

One too many payers were guilty of dishonesty today. With 14 players I could have changed the game. I could have taken away the dishonesty and plugged the gaps that Phoenix were finding.

Bad decisions in key parts of play cost us the three points. It is so frustrating to see players taking chances from the team because they believe falsely that they have the ability to score from distance.

We are a team and you have to be aware of your surroundings. Know when it is right to make the right pass. Know when it is right to take a shot. But most of all know you limitations. Be honest.

Phoenix scored twice in the second half to draw level and even had chances to win the game.

We did have four very clear chances to take the 3 points in the last few minutes but unfortunately we did not have Geoff Hurst to put his laces through the ball to save the day.

Team: Davis, Keeble C., Collins, Risby, Burgess, McLaughlin, Lambert A., Wessels, Hua, Strutt, Herridge.
Goals: O.G., Strutt.

Sunny Six Point Super Sunday.....24/02/2019

Team: Burton, Fisk, Spalding, Pilkington G., Jordan, High, Pearce, Riley, Stanojevic, Ripper, Sneddon
Goal: High, Pilkington, Riley(2), Stanojevic(2).

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 3, AFC Claydon 1



Emily aged 8 put it simply.

“You had 10 players, they had 11.

But you played a better game. You scored 3 goals and they only scored 1.

So you won. “

Simple as that.

The truth is at times we rode our luck a little. On the plus point the defending at these times was incredible. New signing Connor Collins somehow cleared the ball off the line when a goal seemed a certainty. Matt Davis, Bevan Burgess, Aaron Warner and Jack Lambert all put their bodies in front of shots but we should not have given them the chances they had in the first place.

We took the lead from a through ball from Paul Strutt which found Darren Herridge who finished in some style passed the advancing keeper.

We were now totally dominating the game and had opportunities to go further ahead. We went 2-0 in front after a Paul Strutt corner swung in to the far post was met by Jack Lambert who slid in to score.

The second half was much of the same until we lost Aaron Warner through injury leaving us with 10 men. We switched to a three man back line and Claydon began to press. We still had good control of the game but we began to lose possession too easily.

Claydon scored after we again lost possession when we should have passed our way out of trouble. For a good twenty minutes Claydon had the upper hand but we held our own moving Paul Strutt, Harry Croft, Jack Lambert and Josh McLaughlin into deeper positions to help our defence.

For a while it looked like we were going to have to fight our way to the end of the game. But we were still creating chances and where we could we would push numbers forward.

With just ten minutes to go Harry Croft chased down the defender on the edge of their 18 yard box. His aggression won the ball leaving him free in the 18 yard box. Playing the ball back he found Paul Strutt who beat two players to score.

It was the space we needed to run out the game.

A superb performance from everyone. Making next weeks selection so much harder.

Team: Davis, Warner A., Collins, Burgess, Keeble C., McLaughlin, Strutt, Hua, Croft, Lambert Ja., Herridge.
Goals: Herridge, Lambert Ja., Strutt.

First Team Return To Winning Ways!.....17/02/2019

Team: Burton, Tacey(McLaughlin), Stevens, Spalding, Pilkington, Brittain, Riley, Jordan, Stanojevic, Woollard, Sneddon

Goals:Brittain, Sneddon(2), Woollard.

Stevens Scores as he joins Seven Hundred Club!.....10/02/2019

Team: Burton, Tacey, Stevens(Hua), Spalding, Pilkington, Brittain, Riley, Jordan, Ripper, Hudnell, Sneddon

Goals:Sneddon, Stevens.

Reserves Hit Six in Frost against Firey Phoenix.....03/02/2019

From our first game of the season only three players played today. We now have a nucleus of players who treat playing football as a priority rather than if they have nothing else better to do.

Their performances have helped us become a better side. Our defence with Andy Lambert and Tom Pearce is strong and determined, our midfield with Jack Lambert, Josh McLaughlin, Paul Strutt and Luke Wessels fought harder and was more creative.

If we had had this squad at the start of the season then we would be in the top three in this league without a doubt. We still need a Dennis Law or a Jimmy Greaves and if you don't know who they are then you are not who we are looking for!

It was important not to take this result for granted. Phoenix are bottom of the league and on paper we should walk this game.

But Phoenix did us a really big favour in opening our eyes. Almost from the kick off they scored. From that point onwards we then took the game very seriously.

We equalised very quickly from the penalty spot which was scored Paul Strutt. Phoenix did not take too well to the penalty decision and after some words two were booked and one sent off.

This obviously gave us a lot more room. To gain advantage from having an extra player you have to play football.

You have to invite the opposition onward and pass the ball around them. We did this very well at times. We took the lead through Luke Wessels who scored direct from a free kick on the left of the 18 yard box accurately curling the ball into the far top right of the goal.

And went further ahead before halftime when Darren Herridge gathered the ball 20 yards out and seeing the keeper off his line he lofted the ball over him to score.

Phoenix were far more involved in disagreeing with decisions to cause us too many problems. They did come forward on a few occasions but these were dealt with well by Andy lambert and Tom Pearce.

Josh McLaughlin added a fourth goal when his shot from 18 yards was too fierce for the keeper to hold and he could only parry the ball into his own net.

Two more goals were added before the final whistle through Sticks Burrup and Andy Lambert to make this the biggest win for the reserves in a very long time.

I have no doubt that if we keep this team together and maybe add one or two more players we will be competing for the title next season

Team: Davis, Pearce, Lambert, Burgess(Flatman), McLaughlin(Keeble C.), Wessels, Lambert, Strutt, Burrup, Stevens(Jordan), Herridge
Goals: Burrup, Herridge, Lambert A., McLaughlin, Strutt, Wessels.

Encouraging Performances, but no points.....27/01/2019

Team: Burton, Jacobs A., Brooks, Pilkington G., Jordan, High, Brittain(Stanojevic), Riley, Tacey, Jacobs R., Sneddon
Goal: Sneddon.

Reserves - Division 4

Gt. Blakenham Chequers Res. 2, Taverners Res. 1



REPORT TO FOLLOW.

Team: Davis, Pearce, Lambert A.(Risby), Stevens, Burgess(Keeble C.), McLaughlin, Lambert Ja., Strutt, Hua, Burrup(Wessels), Herridge.
Goals: Strutt.

Late Heartache for Reserves !.....20/01/2019

Team: Davis, Keeble C.(Pilkington), Pearce, Stevens, Burgess(Flatman), McLaughlin, Lambert, Hau(High), Strutt, Herridge, Burrup.
Goals: Burrup, McLaughlin.

Last Minute Defeat for First Team but Late Equaliser for Reserves !.....06/01/2019

Team: Burton, Warner, Brooks, Ripper, Pilkington G., High, Brittain, Riley, Tacey, Siggers, Stow.

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, Ipswich Pythons 2



Taverners have gone through some major changes over the past few weeks. It has not been a great season so far. The blame for the problems of unavailable players can be discussed over and over. The solution is obvious and the team of people who commit themselves to Taverners FC have done what is right for the football club.

This has meant that today we had a starting line up with 5 new signings. A team game requires you to know each other, to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team mates. The team is not just the 11 on the field. The team includes everyone on the sidelines too. So Andy Lambert and I spent 90 minutes talking, encouraging and advising our team.

The new signings all settled in very quickly and all of them had very good debuts. We also started this match with not a single centre half in the team. So the line up had to be adjusted with players playing out of position.

We took the lead after some great football around their 18 yard box was finished in some style by Darren Herridge. We kept our concentration and controlled the game through to halftime.

We knew the second half would see them come at us after regrouping at half time and they did. Pythons scored twice to take the lead but we have to take blame for both goals.

Weak defending allowed them to take the chances. After that ten minute spell we got back on track and again caused them problems.

Our reward came with just 5 minutes to go when Paul Strutt collected the ball 20 yards out beating one player and shooting into the far left of the goal.

A new beginning for Taverners. All we want is players who commit to playing for us throughout the season. With consistent team selection we can get results and with players returning from injury, suspensions and work commitments we can improve beyond recognition.

Team: Davis, McLaughlin, Pearce, Burgess, Keeble C, Lowe T., Strutt, Hua(Lowe A.), Flatman, Herridge, Lambert Ja.
Goals: Herridge, Strutt.

Not Much Christmas Cheer at Greshams!.....16/12/2018

Although Mikey was missing, we still had pace up front and several times were in positions to bear down on goal from an angle only to shoot wildly or show a reluctance to shoot at all! We had one effort somewhat unluckily disallowed.

We conceded a goal from a quick breakaway but, with Lee Riley in outstanding form in midfield, we continued to play good football in the second half only to run out of ideas once we reached the Greshams box. Greshams netted a second goal and there was no way back despite the possession that the Tavs enjoyed.

Team: Siggers, Burton, Risby, Bullamore, Spalding, Stanojevic, Lowe T., Brittain, Andrews, Tacey, Riley.

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, Wickham Wanderers 4



After a hectic start to the morning, with multiple reorgs due to unavailabilities, availabilities we were unaware of (but couldn’t use because of league rules!!!), and traffic problems, we began the game well on a boggy pitch.

It was no surprise then when we took the lead through a Daren Herridge header from a Strutty corner because we were playing nice flowing football. However, we couldn’t capitalise on our early pressure and Wickham drew level after breaking through our defensive ranks after we lost possession higher up the pitch.

Frustrations began to surface and Gary Cunningham found himself ‘in the book’ after he ‘adopted an aggressive manner’ following being incorrectly accused of head-butting an opponent.

The second half began much like the first, with us on top and playing good football, and it wasn’t long before ‘Sticks’ Burrup, who replaced Gary at half time, slotting home neatly after some good interplay on the left.

We seemed to think the game was won at that point, as we stopped playing our neat football and resorted to long balls.

The game changed when a Wickham player broke through on the right and managed to loft the ball over the head of makeshift keeper Callum Keeble and into the net despite being fouled by Andy Lambert. At first the Ref. didn’t award the goal, but gave Andy a yellow card and a free kick to Wickham on the edge of our area instead. However, our hopes of remaining in the lead were shot lived after the ref. gave the goal after he consulted Pat Elvin on the side-lines who, to his credit, confirmed the ball had finished in the back of net (we still don’t know how the ref. didn’t see that in the first place).

Our heads went down after this and Wickham sensed this as they pushed forward. They took the lead after a speculative shot from the edge of the box flew into the roof of our net.

This resulted in the game turning into a precession of fierce challenges, with us seemingly on the end of incorrect decisions and inconsistent applications of the laws, which disrupted out abilities to build any meaningful attacks.

Wickham took an unassailable 4-2 lead when a cross from the right found the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ between defender and ‘keeper, and a Wickham forward was able to head home.

To make matters worse Andy Lambert was shown a second yellow, and subsequent red, card for a frustration induced tackle shortly before the end of the match.

So all in all a disappointing end to the year, losing a game that we should have easily have won. But hopefully, due to recent new signings, the numbers situation, and hopefully results, should improve in the New Year.

Team: Keeble C, Warner A, Stevens, Lambert, Pearce, O'Donnell V.(Lowe A.), O'Donnell C., Strutt, Burgess, Cunningham(Burrup), Herridge.
Goals: Burrup, Herridge.

It's all about the numbers!.....09/12/2018

We began well but were dealt a harsh blow when Panda was put out of action by a late tackle (yellow card duly issued) after clearing from around our goal-line.

Our remaining ten men did themselves and the club proud, battling for everything and even lifting themselves after a disastrous spell just after the break.

In the first half we played some neat football, varying from close passing to the use of the long ball. Mikey Sneddon was unlucky with a shot which hit the post after Feathers had taken an earlier lead.

Our ‘mad five minutes’ came early in the second half when Feathers scored four times and – with 30 minutes remaining – things looked ominous.

Fortunately, the Tavs collectively pulled things round and some enterprising attacking saw Paul Strutt find the corner of the net with a good shot; Strutty had earlier hit the bar. Then Ryan Jacobs chipped the keeper stylishly for our second.

Strutty was felled in the area and Tom Brooks stepped up to net the penalty for 3-5 and suddenly the Feathers looked anxious. A loose clearance was picked up by David Spalding and his chip beat the keeper only to be headed off the line by a defender.

Unfortunately, Feathers tucked a sixth goal away but this had been a good display by the Tavs; important for team morale too.

Team: Siggers, Burton, Risby, Jacobs A, Spalding, Strutt, Jordan, Brooks, Pilkington, Sneddon, Jacobs R.
Goals: Brooks, Jacobs R, Strutt.

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 1, Rushmere & Diamonds Res. 5



Another frustrating Sunday morning. Frustration at having to play a 'Home' fixture at Gainsborough due to Greshams deeming their pitch unplayable. Frustration at losing (again). Frustration at losing with 10 men (again) and frustration at losing with 10 men to a team we probably would have beaten (again) comfortably with 11 men.

However, the Tavs’ fighting spirit showed through in the first half with Matt Davis making some great saves; new signings Connor and Vinny O’Donnell showing up well in midfield; Callum Keeble battled hard against R&D’s main outlet, their left midfielder; the imperious Daren Stevens and Andy Lambert handled everything that was thrown at them; Luke Wessels and Gary Cunningham provided cover and tackles when required in the middle of the park; and Jack Lambert worked tirelessly up front on his own to provide an outlet. Our left-back will be mentioned later!

We did play some very neat football at times, and went close on a couple of occasions, but disappointingly fell behind just before the break to a very well taken goal from the edge of the area following a corner.

Buoyed by our first half performance, we began the second half in an optimistic mode as we had the wind at our backs and in our favour…or so we thought!

Disappointingly , the wind assisted R&D’s second goal as a cross field ball, which would have sailed out of play in the first half, stayed in play and enabled the midfielder to cross the ball across the face of the goal and was met at the far post and put way from a very tight angle to make it 2-0.

This seemed to break our resolve as R&D scored two more break way goals to make it 4-0.

Bevan (here comes the left back notes) provided a glimmer of hope by scoring direct from a corner (again) with a Hollinsworth inspired in-swinging effort to make it 4-1.

Alas, the famous Taverners’ charge didn’t materialise, as soon after R&D scored a flattering fifth following a hefty deflection from a shot that Matt Davis assured us he had covered.

Although it’s been said, many times many ways…….the current player availability crisis is costing both our teams the chance of competing in their respective leagues, not to mention the impact it has on the players that do turn out week-in, week –out. Any answers, or new players, will be gratefully accepted by your committee!!!

Team: Davis, Keeble C, Lambert A, Stevens, Burgess, O'Donnell V., O'Donnell C., Wessels, Cunningham, Lambert Ja.
Goal: Burgess

There's Always Next Week!.....02/12/2018

With only 15 minutes left for play, Pauls only led 2-1 but once numbers three and four went in things got from bad to worse.

For most of the match we had shrugged off the absence of several regulars and had battled hard. Mikey Sneddon scored our goal with a crisp shot.

Team: Burton, Tacey, Risby, Stevens, Spalding, Keeble C., High, Riley, Sneddon, Pilkington G., Bloomfield A. .
Goals: Sneddon.

Reserves - Division 4

Kesgrave Kestrals 2, Taverners Res. 0



As the dust settles after another Sunday for you guys there maybe some reflection on what you could have done to improve the results. That should be your reaction. There maybe some blame in your minds as to who should have done better. Most of you do not see what we see from the sideline. Why are results not going our way?

I could write a long list of everything we needed to do. It makes no sense to focus on just the goals. The goals dictate the result but they are not the cause. As a team we allowed Kestrels to get into a position where they could cause us a problem.

Their first goal was a total fluke. A cross from almost into the corner flag was miss hit but hung in the wind and it floated into the far corner of our goal.

No blame, it was a fluke, but it drained us after fighting so hard for an hour and fifteen minutes. Look to the build up. We didn’t keep possession. We allowed the cross to happen. It’s not one players fault. It’s the team.

Their second goal started with possession lost on the halfway line. We tried to win back possession but instead of standing up and holding up progression we committed to a tackle we could not win and Kestrels went on to score their second.

Five players could have stopped this attack. You cannot blame others. You can only ask if you personally could have done something.

Could we have won this game. Yes!

Did we have chances. Yes!

Darren Herridge did everything right with a volley in the six yard box which beat the keeper but hit a defender on the back and it was cleared.

] Callum Andrews went clear through and chipped the keeper but the bounce on an uneven pitch sent the ball just wide.

Three more good opportunities in the second half never quite fell right for us. A goal seemed just a matter of time. But then the fluked cross happened. Sometimes the run of the ball is just not on your side.

I want to thank every single player who fought hard throughout the 90 minutes.

People ask me every week whether we are good enough to compete. Again look at yourselves. If we have full squads for both teams then yes we can compete. Both teams would be in the top half of the league.

We are a club and if you are affected by the result then stand with us and together we can change the results.

Team: Davis, Milner, Lambert A, Wessels, Burgess, Andrews C., Brodie, Strutt, Lambert Jo., Herridge, Lambert Ja.

Time To Concentrate On The League.....25/11/2018

Thanks is due to those who put themselves out and others who agreed to play out of position to help the Tavs cause.

We looked lively going forward and, although struggling for pace on occasions in defence, some tremendous tackling in dangerous positions kept the score blank until midway through the first half when Portman opened their account. Undeterred, we hit back and a long throw from Craig Risby led to confusion and Lee Riley hit the bar with a header. Fortunately, Lee was the quickest to react and he headed the rebound in.

Portman regained the lead but we had our moments and might have equalised more than once.

Brandon Burton was having a fine game in goal but even he was helpless as a strong tackle rebound off a Portman forward and flew past him into goal.

This was a decisive moment and, although we continued to play with great spirit, Portman reached a seven goal tally before the end.

Team: Barton, Tacey, Risby, Stevens, Siggers, Keeble C., Riley, High, Bloomfield A.(Burgess), Sneddon, Strutt.
Goals: Riley.

There's Always Next Week!.....18/11/2018

Smarting from a hammering in Corton the previous week, the Tavs began brightly and took the lead when Nathan Bloomfield crossed low and Lee Riley netted at the far post. Gradually, Sizewell came into the match and an equaliser was followed by them going ahead.

We levelled the scores when Mikey Sneddon fired home from an acute angle but Sizewell grabbed the lead again before the break.

The second half saw Sizewell well on top but the score remained at 3-2 for a long time. Nathan Bloomfield was unlucky with a one-on-one but Sizewell added to their lead and stretched the score to 6-2 as the Tavs became disheartened towards the end.

We had earlier gone close through Mikey and Jawa Tacey who both saw shots well tipped over.

Team: Siggers, Tacey, Brooks, Bloomfield A., Spalding, Jordan, Riley, Burton, Sneddon, Pilkington G., Bloomfield N. .
Goals: Riley, Sneddon.

Reserves - Division 4

Thrasher Utd. 10, Taverners Res. 0



REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Davis, Keeble C., Burrup, Wessels, Burgess, Herridge, Lambert Ja., Strutt, Cunningham, Milner

First Team out of Sunday Shield after Promising Start!.....11/11/2018

We looked to be holding our own early on and, after Fusiliers had opened the scoring, the Tavs equalised with a deft header from Nathan Bloomfield over the advancing keeper.

Unfortunately, the goal was our high spot as Fusiliers put their close-passing game together and went on the win 9-1.

Fusiliers are a very good side and they progressed to the next stage of the Sunday Shield with our best wishes.

Team: Siggers, Spalding, Bullamore(Burgess), Burton, Ripper(Bloomfield A), Tacey, Jordan, Jordan, Pilkington G, Riley, Bloomfield N.
Goal: Bloomfield N.

Six Point Sunday!.....04/11/2018

We finally conceded a goal as the result of a mistake and worse was to follow as another error saw the Old Boys take a two goal lead within 15 minutes.

However, during that opening period we had looked lively in attack with Mikey Sneddon causing problems. Mikey hit a post and then pulled a goal back. Lee Riley crossed, Gary Pilkington challenged for a header and, when the ball ran free, Mikey tucked it away.

We equalised just before half time, Mikey being tripped as he broke in from the right and Tom Brooks firing home the spot kick.

The Tavs began the second half by forcing the pace and, after Pilky had hit a post with a header, we went ahead 3-2. A goalmouth scramble saw the ball come loose and Lee Riley netted.

We had our tails up and scored a fourth when Lee and Mikey combined in a one:two and Mikey scored with his right foot just inside the box.

Number five came with a Tom Brooks header from Mikey Sneddon’s corner and Mikey himself went on a mazy run to score our sixth after beating two defenders; a great hat-trick Mikey!

The Old Boys reduced the arrears with a penalty but this had been a tremendous Taverners performance in which everyone had played their part. Brandon Burton was commanding at the back while we fought for everything in midfield and attacked with pace and good combination-work.

Team: Siggers, Tacey(Bloomfield A.), Risby, Spalding, Jordan(Bloomfield N.), Riley, Burton, Ripper, Brooks, Sneddon, Pilkington G.(Brittain) .
Goals: Brooks(2), Riley, Sneddon(3).

Reserves - Division 4

Rushmere & Diamonds Res. 1, Taverners Res. 3



Congratulations must go to Bevan Burgess on playing his 500th game for the Reserves today.

After a disappointing run of results it was time to really address the problems we face every week. We are creating chances and scoring goals but we are conceding too many.

I asked the team to give me one outcome of this game; A clean sheet. In looking at how we achieve that we suddenly became a team prepared to fight for each other.

Our problem was not our defence, our problem was that we lost possession in the last third of the pitch and we did not recover our shape quick enough to stop a breakaway attack.

Well today we did. We made sure that if we did lose the ball then it was done is such a way that allowed us time to regain position.

We are not there fully yet and we rode our luck a little early on. But moving forward was a joy to watch. Pass and move.

We were cutting the Rushmere defence apart and took the lead mid way through the 1st half when a superb through ball from Jack Lambert found Harry Croft free on the 18 yard box. He chipped the on coming keeper and followed the ball all the way through to the line to be certain of the goal.

Rushmere were a little more affective at the start of the second half and missed two golden chances to draw level.

With everyone playing well we needed a second goal which came on the hour when Paul Strutt worked himself some space on the edge of the 18 yard and like Harry he looped the ball over the oncoming keeper into the empty net.

We had control of the game. Rushmore could not cope with the young legs of Harry Croft and Jack Lambert and resorted to conceding free kick after free kick. Even when they did break free Daren Stevens and Andy Lambert coped with everything.

Matt Davis produced some good saves to keep us in the driving seat. We made mistakes during the game but rather than dropping our heads everyone fought back to regain possession.

With minutes to go Rushmere were pushing harder but with no real finish. So it was a shock when a desperate shot from 30 yards deceived Matt Davis to fly in under the cross bar.

But this did not set us back and from the kick off the ball was sent forward bouncing in front of Sean High a full 35 yards out. To his credit he looked up to see the keeper off his line and Sean used the bounce of the ball to send it high above the keeper to score.

An excellent result and if we continue with this form we can beat any team in this league.

Team: Davis, Keeble C., Lambert A., Stevens, Burgess, Lambert Jor.(Warner), High, Strutt, Croft, Cunningham, Lambert Ja.
Goals: Croft, High, Strutt.

Missed Opportunities .....28/10/2018

However, with 30 minutes gone, and against the run of play, Northam Celtic found themselves 2-0 up after indecision and then a run and finish which beat our well drilled Old Skool Arsenal offside technique.

Our inability to convert chances was costing us and looked to have put the game beyond us before half-time when Celtic added a third from a ‘Worldy’ just inside our own penalty area.

We thought we had pulled a goal back just before half-time with a Daren Stevens header, but alas, it was ruled out for a much contested offside decision.

The second half began as the first did, with us on the offensive, but another quick break found us 4-0 down. At this point we threw caution to the wind and pushed forward, looking for something to give us a foothold in the game.

The breakthrough came when Darren Herridge forced the ball home following a corner. We sensed we could get something out of the game and pressed on. Lee Riley added a second when he converted a penalty following a foul on Harry Croft after a great run into the box.

We reduced the deficit to just one when the Celtic ‘Keeper flapped at a speculative cross and only managed to push the ball into his own net to make it 4-3.

Our hopes of a dramatic come back, and perhaps unlikely victory, were all but dashed when Celtic took a 5-3 lead as we failed to clear our lines from a corner. With our heads down, Celtic added a 6th to complete what was a very flattering score line for them.

All in all, a typical Sunday morning football match which included 9 goals, 2 bookings (none for us this week!) and the usual incredulity of the opposition at Pat’s (correct) offside decisions. One atypical occurrence should be noted and applauded, a great example of sportsmanship from a Northam Celtic player: Following an obvious mistake by the referee after he award a free-kick on the edge of our box in a dangerous position for a legal ‘kneed back pass’, the Celtic player deliberately put the ball out for a goal kick!

Team: Davis, Bloomfield J., Stevens, Lambert A., Burgess(Keeble C.), Croft, Riley, Strutt(Cunningham), Pilkington, Herridge, Lambert Ja. .
Goals: Herridge, Riley, OG.

Mixed Fortunes @ Fortress Greshams.....21/10/2018

A low corner wasn’t dealt with and Craig Risby forced the ball home for his first Taverners goal.

Craig and Jordan Ripper formed a strong partnership in the centre of the Tavs defence while we were fighting for everything throughout the side.

We were caught out when Laxfield got through for an equaliser but we were unworried and forced the pace in the second half. A great pass from the lively Lee Riley saw Mike Sneddon – who tormented the visitors’ rearguard all through – get behind the Laxfield defence and he held off some strong challenges to fire home for a 2-1 lead.

Both teams had chances – Brandon Burton kicked clear from our goal-line while a great Laxfield free-kick hit our bar. At the other end, Lee Riley hit a post.

We clinched a deserved victory when Jawa Tacey saw his shot find the net from an angle.

Three wins on the trot now and a credit to the whole squad.

Team: Burton, Tacey, Risby, Spalding, High, Riley, Stanojevic(Jordan), Ripper, Fisk, Sneddon, Stevens(Cunningham).
Goals: Risby, Sneddon, Tacey.

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, Gainsborough Utd. 5



It was a special day for me. For the first time and probably the first time in Taverners history, three generations of one family got the chance to play for Taverners in a game.

Andy Lambert with his sons and my Grandsons Jack and Jordan plus another Grandson in Harry Croft. I had not looked forward to a game so much for a very long time. Also with a number of family members coming along to support this special occasion.

Expectations can often fall short. But it was not the family who fell short of the occasion. A beautiful day for football and I spent some time with Bob sorting out the starting line up.

I was therefore very disappointed when I was made aware that some players were unhappy with their role in today’s game. Even more so when it was obvious that they were not committed to the game.

A number of things went wrong for us as a team through the first half. We all make mistakes. That’s fine. If we didn’t then we would be top of the league and probably playing in the premier division.

Mistakes will always be made. It is how you react as a person and player that make the difference. Learn from that mistake and move on. I asked the team to concentrate on that final ball. But we just did not keep possession through the first half.

We did improve in the second half and a number of chances were created. But these were not taken. A combination of snatching too early or waiting to long to take the shot.

After conceding three goals in quick succession it looked like we were done, but Taverners Reserves have always had a good fighting spirit and we scored from a near post corner that caught out the Gainsborough defence and Henry Chard was there to score from close range.

Just a few minutes later another corner to the far post was headed down to be met on the line by Darren Herridge to score.

With just ten minutes left we were pressing but our final ball again was lacking.

It was good to get back into the dressing room where the banter always improves a bad result. Matt Davis confirmed the result was the fault of Paul Strutt due to him ducking out of every header he went for. Paul and everyone else questioned Matt’s attempted save on their first goal.

Andy Lambert told us that Matt turned to him and said “Did that look as bad as it felt,” Yes!! Was our unanimous answer. Without the banter and these friends I would have stopped playing many years ago. Up the Tavs!!!

I look forward to more games with my grandsons and hopefully with the full support of our whole squad.

Team: Davis, Bloomfield J.(Chard), Lambert A., Burgess, Croft, Herridge, Brodie, Strutt, Lambert Jor.(Milner), Hollinsworth, Lambert Ja.
Goals: Chard, Herridge.

First Team Fire In Five for Cup Win.....14/10/2018

The buoyant spirit in the Taverners dressing room was boosted by the presentation of a memento to reserve team player manager Trevor Hollinsworth to mark his marvellous achievement of scoring 250 goals for the club since joining the Tavs in 1993.

We began well and, in truth, completely dominated the first half but our finishing was too often high and wide. We eventually took the lead when the ball pinged around the Rangers box and finally fell for the raiding Gary Pilkington who slid it home.

A mistake in midfield gave the Rangers possession and we were slow to react as they broke through to score a well-taken goal.

At the other end, Mikey Sneddon had a strong penalty appeal turned down while Tom Brooks saw his header hit the top of the bar and Jawa Tacey was foiled by the impressive Rangers goalkeeper who tipped a fierce shot onto the bar.

However we regained the lead when a loose ball found Tom Brooks and he scored from close range.

Matt Davis had to react quickly to save a free-kick but we continued the second half in dominating form. Our third goal came from Jawa Tacey, who tackled a defender out on the right to regain possession and cut inside before firing low into the far corner.

Daren Stevens then showed a combination of speed and strength as he cut in from the right, rode a tackle, and crossed low for Jawa Tacey to score. An own goal, headed in from Mikey Sneddon’s cross, completed the scoring and saw the Tavs into Round 3 of the Sunday Shield.

Action shots from the game can be found here

Team: Davis, Burton, Brooks, Risby(Spalding), A Bloomfield, Tacey, Riley, High(Ripper), Pilkington(Hollinsworth), N Bloomfield(Stevens), Sneddon.
Goals: Brooks, Pilkington, Tacey(2), OG

First Win for First Team.....07/10/2018

We may only have had the bare eleven but from the first whistle we battled for everything and kept our shape and discipline; encouragement throughout even when mistakes were made.

The Tavs had the best possible start to the game when James Bullamore found Lee Riley and he swept through to fire past the keeper.

Both teams had their moments but Taverners looked the hungrier side with some excellent tackling all over the pitch. Our back four were tremendous and we had the bonus of some tremendous ‘sweeping’ by Liam Siggers, who had an outstanding match.

The first half ended with a Bucklesham player missing from close range while, at the other end, Lee Riley whipped a shot just over the bar.

In the second half, we continued in the same disciplined way and rarely looked in trouble through some no-nonsense defending; fresh legs would have helped but even those carrying knocks kept going well.

A fine win was clinched when Lee Riley’s great free-kick was fired in by Skipper Gary Pilkington.

An excellent morning and well played everyone.

Team: Siggers, Burton, Bullamore, Risby, Bloomfield A., Keeble C., Riley, Pilkington, Tacey, Strutt, Bloomfield N.
Goals: Pilkington, Riley

Reserves - Division 4

AFC Claydon 4, Taverners Res. 3



I find myself writing this report very early as I feel I need the therapy of talking about a very frustrating game. It is important to learn from every game.

It's good to find the positives from the 90 minutes but it is so hard to console myself when mistakes not football cost games.

These mistakes ran throughout the game. It feels even harder when I know that with a full squad these mistakes would not happen or we would be good enough to overcome bad decisions.

We went 1-0 down early on. A mistake letting the forward get to the ball when it looked like we were in no trouble.

The positive is that we equalised almost straight away. Darren Herridge scored from close range after the ball fell loose in the box from a Bevan Burgess free-kick. But with just 5 minutes to go before half time we lost the ball on the left of midfield very cheaply. The mistake was total inexperience. They scored from the attack. Again we came back before half time.

Darren Herridge was put through with an excellent pass from Gary Cunningham and Darren scored passed the on coming keeper.

We had to change things at half time. The changes seemed to work and we had the lion share of the play but again one of our constant problems is not recovering quickly enough when we lose the ball.

We lost the ball on their 18 yard line and 30 seconds later they scored.

Again we deservedly came back. Trevor Hollinsworth found Darren Herridge on the edge of the 18 yard box, he controlled and took on the defender to score with a fierce shot into the far top corner for his Hat-trick. The exchanges were even throughout the second half and the result looked set to be a draw which was probably fair. But with 30 seconds to go they scored the winner after an offside flag was ignored. The only flag ignored in the whole game.

Roy Keane used to say he could affect the game by questioning every decision and being a constant thorn in the side of the officials. Claydon complained from minute one until the final whistle. The game was not the best game due to mistakes but the result feels just too unfair after working so hard to get back into the game on three occasions.

Team: Davis, Bloomfield J., Stevens, Lambert A., Burgess, Andrews M., High, Brodie, Milner, Cunningham, Herridge
Goals: Herridge(3)

First Team Outplayed by Playford.....30/09/2018

Team: Siggers, Bloomfield N., Brooks, Burton, Pilkington G., Bloomfield A., Stanojevic, Bullamore(Spalding), Riley, Tacey, Sneddon.
Goals: Brooks, Sneddon(2)

First Team Sunk by Swans, but Reserves Check Chequers for Point.....23/09/2018

This is the eleventh season when Trev and I have worked together in managing the Club’s two teams and we shall both continue to battle on; our club is not alone in trying to keep afloat on a week by week basis, it is happening throughout men’s 11-a-side Football.

A soggy morning saw the Tavs fight hard for an hour against a good Swan side but heavy legs and sapped spirits saw several late goals conceded so that we were relieved to avoid double figures.

We went close to scoring on three occasions, Lee Riley going wide from an angle and Tom Brooks twice hitting the bar – once with a cross and another with a header.

A rare bright spot was manager Bob meeting up with Trevor Last, supporting the Swan, against whom he used to play in some epic Taverners v. Holbrook YC encounters back in the sixties and seventies.

Team: Burton, Keeble C., Bullamore, Brooks, Tacey, Spalding, Ripper, Fisk, Strutt, Pilkington, Riley.

Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, Great Blakenham Chequers Res. 2



The plus point of all our results this season so far is that we now know that with availability going in our favour we can beat anyone in this league.

Today we played with a bare 11 and two of them were injured very early so effectively with both of them at half pace we were down to 10 men.

I really wish I could show all our younger players the benefits of committing to Taverners. I wish my words would change how some of you feel about playing Sunday morning football but I know it will not.

The only thing that will convince you of that is if you all start becoming available and we can field our strongest teams. Both teams would then be winning and you would all start to believe.

Not everyone has a negative view. We are lucky to have young players like Harry Croft, Tim Smith, Scott Brodie, Jim Bloomfield who all commit themselves to the games.

As a club we are having to look to the future. Just this week we are signing on four new players.

So to the game. A Sunday morning wet and windy. We knew even with a bare 11 we had a good team. The opening exchanges went to Blakenham as we were settling into the game.

We went behind after they missed a number of clear chances. It was then that we started to play Tim Smith and Sticks Burrup were lively up front and began to make headway.

We equalised from a low driven corner kick which Sticks flicked through his legs to be met by Daren Stevens who drove the ball home.

The second half saw us create some good opportunities and we went ahead after Tim Smith went through into the 18 yard box on the left. He then pulled the ball back for Trevor Hollinsworth to score, making that his 250th for Taverners!!!

The injuries began to tell towards the end of the game and Blakenham took advantage to push forward going close on a few occasions but we had golden opportunities to go further ahead.

Almost directly from one of these missed chances they broke away to score from 20 yards with Matt Davis unsighted as a fierce shot evaded the legs of Taverners defence.

2-2 was probably a fair result but with the chances we missed we are disappointed not to take the 3 points.

Team: Davis, Bloomfield, Stevens, Lambert A, Burgess, Hoskins, Southgate, Brodie, Hollinsworth, Burrup, Smith.
Goals: Hollinsworth, Stevens

First Round County Cup Win for First Team.....16/09/2018

The first team showed many changes from our first match and it took quite a while for us to settle. The wind was playing a big part and our defence had to be alert against T & D’s speedy attackers. We went behind when a corner wasn’t properly cleared and a shot was fired home.

Gradually we began to get into the game and played some neat football. We were awarded a penalty when the lively Lee Riley was fouled and Tom Brooks netted in the corner.

The second half began with the Tavs getting on top and we took the lead when a jinking run from Mikey Sneddon saw him part the R & D defence and he smashed his shot high into the net.

Although we might have added to our score, R & D had their moments, a defender’s slice hitting our bar (R & D had hit the woodwork in the first half too) while they had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the dying moments.

After last week, we dearly needed a win and – although rarely pretty – we secured victory through hard work and a never-say-die spirit. David Spalding had a solid game at left back while Rob Fisk was always in the thick of the midfield action.

Team: Siggers, Burton, Brooks, Risby, Spalding, Croft, Ripper (Jordan), Fisk, High (Andrews M), Sneddon, Riley.
Goals: Brooks, Sneddon

First Team Lose Opener Whilst Reserves Grab 3 Points.....09/09/2018

Unfortunately, there was very little in the way of a finished product – good crosses or runs into the box – and, as Martlesham forced their way into the game, we began to look short of match practice in too many areas and were second best in too many tackles.

Martlesham rocked us with two quick goals and, when they scored a third, soon after the break, the game was effectively over. We came back to enjoy a good share of possession but Martlesham scored twice more before the end while our morning was summed up by Tom Brooks’ late penalty miss. Goalkeeper Liam Siggers had a good game.

Team: Siggers, Spalding, Brooks, Burton, Ripper, Keeble C, Riley, Brittain(Andrews M.), Pilkington, Tunbridge, Sneddon.





Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, Rosary CC 1



With the injuries still a concern from last week we had 12 players but Jared, Darren and Trevor were all carrying injuries. The difference this week was we had 11 players all willing to compete. It’s hard to pick out all the match winners.

Darren Herridge scored both goals in the first half. They were not world beating goals both were from close range but they were as important as any 30yrd belter.

We had the lion's share of the play in the first first half. Rosary seemed more concerned with arguing amongst themselves and questioning every decision the referee made. This behaviour led to one of their players being sent off after he again questioned a totally obvious offside decision.

Matt Davis on his 300th appearance kept us firmly in the driving seat with an incredible one handed save just before half time.

The second half was difficult. Jared Pearson had to come off with torn ligaments and will be out for sometime. We were forced to bring on the already injured Trevor Hollinsworth. Darren Herridge was also injured. This evened the game and Rosary forced us to defend. But we continued to create chances and could have gone further ahead on a number of occasions.

Rosary are normally a top three team so this was a great result. The refereeing was excellent and he was never intimidated but the constant arguing of Rosary.

We defended well right to the end with Andy Lambert at the heart of the defence. Harry Croft had a great debut causing Rosary constant problems. The only disappointment is that if we had a full team the week before we would now be top of the league.

Team: Davis, Pearson J(Hollinsworth), Fisk, Lambert A, Burgess, Croft, High, Brodie, Bloomfield, Herridge, Strutt
Goals: Herridge(2)

Understrength Reserves Defeated in Season Opener.....02/09/2018

The result was bad, not only did we lose the first game of the season but we were beaten by a team that we would have dominated with 11 players.

Even short handed we stayed with them throughout the first half. 2-1 down at half time but we should have been level.

Trevor Hollinsworth scored to make it 1-1 after a Matt Andrews cross hit the bar. Trevor then made a poor decision when taking a penalty just before half time and the kick was saved.

All our hard work was undone early in the second half and from then on it was not a competition.

The biggest disappointment was a number of injuries. Gary Cunningham, Trevor Hollinsworth, Jared Pearson and Darren Herridge all looked doubtful for our next game.

Team: Wessels, Pearson J, Risby, Stevens, Cunningham, Strutt, Jordan, Herridge, Hollinsworth, Andrews
Goal: Hollinsworth.

Season 2018/19 Fixtures Announced!.....30/07/18

Season 2018/19 Fixtures!

		First Team				Reserves

Aug  5			Friendly no.1	- Fat Cat (H)		
    12         	        Friendly no.2	- Westbourne (H)				
    19  		Friendly no.3   - Martlesham Old Boys (H)	                        
    26			Friendly no.4   - AFC Bergholt (A) - Gainsborough				
		
Sep  2							Ipswich Pythons          (A) 7-1
     9		Martlesham Old Boys    (A) 5-0		Rosary CC Res.           (H) 2-1
    16		Rush. & Diamonds (S/S1)(H) 2-1		Rush. & Diamonds Res.S/T (A) H-W
    23		Holbrook Swan          (A) 9-0		Gt. Blakenham Cheq. Res. (H) 2-2
    30		Playford               (H) 3-5		Phoenix                  (A) Ab-Ab			
 
Oct  7		Bucklesham             (H) 2-0*		AFC Claydon              (A) 4-3
    14		Ipswich Rangers(S/S2)  (H) 5-1	
    21		Laxfield Utd.          (H) 3-1	        Gainsborough Utd.        (H) 2-5			        
    28							Northam Celtic           (H) 3-6	

Nov  4		Eastern Elec. Old Boys (A) 3-6          Rushmere & Diamonds Res. (A) 1-3
    11		Fusilier FC (S/S3)     (A) 9-1				
    18          Sizewell Argyle        (H) 2-6		Thrasher Utd.            (A) 10-0
    25	        Portman Rovers (S/C)   (A) 7-1		Rush. & Diamonds (J/C)   (A) H-W
	
Dec  2		Pauls Athletic         (H) 1-7		Kesgrave Kestrels        (A) 2-0
     9		The Feathers           (A) 6-3		Rushmere & Diamonds Res. (H) 1-5		
    16	        Greshams               (A) 2-0		Wickham Wanderers        (H) 2-4	        
    23
    30          

Jan  6		Rushmere Lions         (A) 1-0		Ipswich Pythons          (H)2-2
    13             
    20		Martlesham Old Boys    (H) P-P		Rosary CC Res.           (A) 3-2
    27		Holbrook Swan          (H) 1-4          Gt. Blakenham Cheq. Res. (A) 2-1

Feb  3							Phoenix                  (H) 6-1
    10		Playford               (A) 3-2 
    17		Martlesham Old Boys    (H) 4-3
    24		Bucklesham             (A) 1-7*         AFC Claydon              (H) 3-1

Mar  3							Gainsborough Utd.	 (A) Ab-Ab
    10		Laxfield Utd.          (A) 6-0		Phoenix                  (A) 2-2    
    17		The Feathers           (H) 8-0		Northam Celtic           (A) 3-1
    24							Gainsborough Utd.	 (A) 3-1
    31		Eastern Elec. Old Boys (H) 3-3

Apr  7          Sizewell Argyle        (A) 15-1		Thrasher Utd.            (H) 0-10
    14		Pauls                  (A) 4-5		Kesgrave Kestrels        (H) 1-1
    21		
    28		Greshams               (H) 3-2		Wickham Wanderers        (A) 0-4

May  5		
    12		Rushmere Lions         (H) 1-4

		
		*Results, Appearances and Goals expunged as Bucklesham have withdrawn from the league