First Team Fire In Five Including a Hat-Trick for Strutty!.....10/04/22

Team: Burton, Pullen, Primus, Brooks, Durrell, Monaghan(Gleed), Strutt, Storey, Burrup(Pearce), Stevens, Grant.
Goals: Grant, Storey, Strutt(3)
NEXT GAME:

Sunday 17th April

First Team - Div2 - Gainsborough Utd. (A) - Gainsborough Sports Centre

Gallant Effort By First Team!.....27/03/22

Team: Burton, Pullen, Primus, Fulker, Larkins(Gleed), Lambert Ja., Jordan W., Monaghan, Strutt, Herridge, Grant.

NEXT GAME:

Sunday 10th April

First Team - Div2 - Shotley Rose(H) - KGV

First Team Lose, Reserves End Season with Draw!.....20/03/22

Team: Davis(Hollinsworth), Pullen, Goddard, Ford, Larkins, Primus, Lambert, Monaghan, Strutt, Burton, Storey.
Goals: Monaghan, Storey





Reserves - Division 4

Northam Celtic Res 2, Taverners Res.2

REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Burrup, Warner, Pearson M, Pearce, Cunningham(Lloyd), Gleed, Grant, Southgate, Burgess, Lowe A., Pilkington G..
Goals: Southgate(2)

NEXT GAME:

Sunday 27th March:

First Team - Div2 - Rushmere & Diamonds Res. (H) - KGV

Strutty's Lob Highlight of the Day!.....13/03/22

At midnight on Saturday night we only had one player missing from our strongest line up of the season. By 9.30am we only had the bare 11 players. And that 11 included a forward line who s combined ages added up to 157 years.

It s nothing new. Most of the time it is because of illness and sometimes misfortune. The only thing that hurts as a manager is knowing that someone did not care enough to be there with their mates. 100 s of reasons are available for a no show.

But I have known people who have played with broken bones, cancelled holidays, travelled 100 s of miles just to play and then return back from where they came, players arrived with no sleep at all, hangovers, illness. And even a guy who couldn t find his kit bag so he turned up drunk with a picnic basket. But he was still there to cheer on his mates.

So yes it is Sunday football. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night out. But a Sunday morning sleep in is not more important than your mates. The saddest thing I see again and again are ex players who stand on the sideline having retired far too early.

I knew of a footballer by the name of George Inness. His reputation was massive. At school he was the very best. A team captain who could win a game on his own. Played for the county. All the big football scouts knew his name. He had a beautiful girlfriend who later became his wife. Older guys started taking him out drinking. It was an idyllic life. Everyone loved George.

But the scouts all walked away. No one could understand it. But maybe they could see something that they had seen many times before. The bigger clubs let him go. The football teams prepared to play him got lower and lower in the leagues. The drink didn t help but it was the fact that he thought nothing of letting his team mates down.

I met George in his mid thirties. His reputation was far bigger than his ability. He signed on for my Sunday side Acton. The beautiful wife had left him long ago and the only friend he had was the drink. He wanted to straighten his life out. Part of that was to try to play football again just like he used too and to regain friends like he used to have. I wanted him to succeed. He would talk to me about the regrets he had and the friends he lost. Sadly his return to real life was short lived. I saw him a few years later and like all his old friends I avoided speaking to him.

I m not making this up. This is a true story. So when you guys think it s more important to ignore the alarm clock. Think about how that makes your mates feel. Ask yourself what you will remember more. Banter, camaraderie and laughing with your mates or waking up alone feeling shit. Your life is your own to live and there is room for both sides of life. Don t let one side overrun the other.

So we stepped forward to play this game with just 11 players. The good point was that we had nothing to lose. After a bright start where Grant Monaghan went close with a blistering header and we had a number of set pieces to pressure their goal. We went 2-0 down inside a ten minute spell. It was not looking good.

But we were defending well. Tom Brooks and Jack Larkins did very well. The second half saw us containing Shotley. Most of their opportunities were from 20 yards plus and Matt Davis in goal dealt with everything they threw at him.

The midfield three of Charlie Askew, Danny Tatum and Grant Monaghan were working hard but we were not keeping possession well in the last third.

We expected nothing but kept trying. With just minutes to go a through ball found Paul Strutt and he lobbed the on coming keeper from 18 yards.

We even had a couple of chances to snatch a draw but sadly it was not to be.

So to next week. Just another Sunday morning football match with my mates. Can't wait.

Team: Davis, Pullen, Goddard, Brooks, Larkins, Tatum, Askew, Monaghan, Strutt, Stevens, Hollinsworth.





Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res.0, Holbrook Swan Res. 4

REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Siggers, Warner, Burrup(Pearson M), Burton, Burgess, Pedro(Lowe A), Jordan W., Southgate(Fisk), Grant, Gleed, Herridge.



NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 20th March:

First Team - Div2 - Gainsborough Utd. (H) - KGV

Reserves - Div4 - Northam Celtic Res. (A) - Gainsborough Sports Centre

Fisky Bags Brace as Reserves Fire In Four!.....06/03/22

Team: Siggers, Pearson(Warner), Burrup, Southgate, Durrell, Pasque, Jordan W., Fisk, Wessels, Gleed(Burgess), Lowe A.(Herridge).
Goals: Fisk(2), Southgate, OG.


NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 13th March:

First Team - Div2 - Shotley Rose(A) - Rose Playing Field - Shotley

Reserves - Div4 - Holbrook Swan Res.(H) - KGV

First Team Bow Out Of Junior Cup After Penalties!.....27/02/22

I know that if we had started the season with this squad then we would have been challenging for the league title as well as this cup. Our improvement was too late for the league.

So in my mind I built a lot of importance in getting something from this season. We deserved something. Taverners as a club deserved something.

Only a few months ago we sadly had to have an emergency meeting to discuss the future of Taverners. Now we have without doubt one of the best squads in the ISFL. Both teams are more than capable of winning their respective leagues.

So it is hard to swallow going out of the cup after a penalty shoot out. I looked at the other results from the quarterfinals and it is obvious that Claydon and ourselves were the best two teams left in this competition. This was the cup final. Whoever wins this game wins the cup.

As the game drew closer plans had to change a little because of availability. But we arrived at the game with a strong team. The conditions were challenging. The pitch was dreadful and the wind was strong enough to affect the game.

We played against the wind in the first half and the wind proved to be a major advantage. Claydon pinned us in our own half. In a totally insane 5 minutes we went 2-0 down. Both were not the conditions but mistakes of our own making.

It was hard work but we then gradually gathered ourselves and although Claydon had the advantage of the wind they only had one shot of any note, which Brandon Burton saved well.

At half time we looked at changes to take advantage of the wind. But in the end we stayed the same and trusted in the original set up. This proved to be the correct decision as we took control of the game scoring twice through Grant Monaghan who scored from close range and Jack Larkins who saw his cross swerve in the wind beating the keeper to score at the far post.

As the second half moved on we had some golden chances to put the game to bed but could not convert any of them. I was certain we would win the game within the 90 minutes and I have to admit to not paying enough attention to the fact that penalties were getting very close. If I had I would never have substituted Paul Strutt and beyond that I should have brought myself on before the final whistle to take a penalty. This would have given us enough experienced penalty takers to have won the shoot out. But who knows we could have all missed.

I was reminded that hindsight is a wonderful thing. That is true but I cannot help thinking that maybe we would have got a result if I had done things slightly different.

The season is over as a competition but not as a club. We have 4 more games to get our squad together ready for next season.

Team: Burton, Fulker, Goddard, Brooks, Ford (Pullen), Tatum, Mongahan, Larkins, Strutt(Pedro), Storey, Stevens
Goals: Monaghan, Larkins.


NEXT GAME:

Sunday 6th March

Reserves - Div. 4 - Trinity FC (H) - KGV

Great Game, Shame About The Result!.....21/02/22

Holbrook were the runaway league leaders having only dropped 2 points and had a goal difference of about a zillion. However much to their surprise (and annoyance clearly) we matched them for much of the game and I would argue played much the better football.

They relied on the pace of their A status attack with long diagonal balls whilst both against and with the wind we played good possession football. It wold take an essay to detail all the play in this game but in summary we pegged them back from leading 4 times with superb goals from Duncan Southgate (who also converted a penalty) and Grant Monaghan. Whilst Wayne chipped in with a 30 odd yard free-kick which I understand from a mutual friend, their goalkeeper is still having nightmares about.

We looked the stronger team in the last 15 mins and more likely to score but a worldly of a volley from nothing broke our hearts and decided the game in Holbrook s favour.

At the end I could not have been prouder of the whole team s performance or more disappointed in the opposition s attitude. Understandably they were jubilant having secured winning the league however in their shoes I would have acknowledged to any opposition that it was a great game. They did not.

They are however a very good mostly young team - playing in entirely the wrong league - if they can stay together they will continue to do well.

Team: Siggers, Warner, Pearson, Ford, Durrell, Pasque, Jordan W., Southgate, Monaghan., Gleed, Herridge(Lowe A.).
Goals: Jordan, Monaghan, Southgate(2).


NEXT GAME:

Sunday 27th February

First Team - Junior Cup 1/4Final- AFC Claydon(A) - Whitton Sports Centre

Progress with 4 points!.....13/02/22

How the hell are Crafted still unbeaten? They are not the best team in this league. Not by a long way. But they do have one big advantage. Playing on the 4G pitch most weeks, the game is faster with very few interruptions.

If you are used to the pitch you can break very quickly. The bounce of the ball is different and the ball skims off the floor in a totally different way to a grass pitch. Crafted are used to this and that gives them a home advantage no other team in the league has.

Is this fair? Probably not, but nothing will be done about it. The second point is that without their goalkeeper we would have scored five goals before half time.

It was unbelievable that he cleared off his own line five times in the first half; all five shots were almost point blank range the ball hit his shoulder, his leg and even his head. He maybe a good keeper but he will never have another game like this with this much luck.

Sadly we started badly. We were not prepared at the start of the game. We were not organised. We were 2-0 down within just a few minutes. It took a few minutes more for us to gather ourselves. But then apart from a penalty decision, which was over turned, we totally controlled the game.

When in possession we moved the ball well and the only way to stop us was to commit a foul. We had numerous corners and free kicks. It was from a free kick on the left that we finally broke through. Jack Lambert scored after he curled the kick around the wall into the far right of the goal.

Crafted had some possession but any resulting shots were way off target. Although the advantage of the pitch hit us again with just minutes to go to half time when possession broke down on the edge of their box and Crafted attacked at speed catching us out to score.

At 3-1 down most teams would be looking to a lose but that was not the case. We could not believe we were behind. We knew that with patience we could get into this games score line.

With a lot of confidence we took to the second half and again controlled the play. Paul Strutt pulled another goal back when he was put through and he looped the ball over the advancing keeper to score.

Then luck looked like going against us when James Storey was sin binned for what seemed a very minor incident. Down to ten men and without changing the formation we moved forward with just three in midfield.

Credit to Danny Tatum, Jimmy Fulker and Grant Monaghan who worked hard through this spell. It was Danny and Jimmy who scored twice during the sin bin spell.

Jimmy scored when the ball ran lose from close range and he was there to head home. Danny scored after Jack Lamberts shot was parried by the keeper into his path and Danny finished with a powerful shot low to the keepers left.

Ahead 4-3 and into the 12th minute of the 10 minute sin bin Crafted equalised.

Their luck never seems to fail them. A 4-4 draw seems ok and may have been great as a spectacle but we deserved to win.

Team: Davis, Burton, Goddard, Pullen, Monaghan, Lambert Ja, Tatum, Strutt(Pedro), Fulker, Stevens, Storey.
Goals: Fulker, Lambert Ja.,Strutt, Tatum.





Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 2, The Phoenix 1

The home game against Phoenix came after a period where it is safe to say as a team and individually the reserves had performed poorly for a few weeks.

This game was therefore timely as the opposition are a team we normally tend to overcome more often than not.

We started strongly and most importantly were well organised in our now (well my) preferred formation of 4-5-1. We were controlling possession and copy comfortably with the oppositions rare threats to our goal. We deservedly took the lead all be it with some fortune when Wayne our now preferred corner taker scored directly from a corner. We continued to control the game but missed a few good opportunities until Dan Pasque mad it 2-0 converting a Luke Wessel s fire kick.

With game really slowing down and Taverners failing to make the most of good possession and promising positions we had to endure a nervy end to the game as we allowed Phoenix to score a goal from nothing - a they from the edge of the area no less.

The game finished 2-1 which was probably less than we deserved but as the match report alludes to a win is a win.

Team: Siggers, Warner, Pearson, Southgate, Durrell, Jordan W., Gleed(Lloyd), Pasque, Fisk, Wessels(Pilkington G.), Herridge(Burgess).
Goals: Jordan, Pasque.


NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 20th February

Reserves - Div. 4 - Holbrook Swan Reserves - Reade Field- Holbrook.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!.....06/02/22

Before this game Pat had predicted it would be a feisty affair and he proved to be spot on.

The first half contained 4 goals, 2 sending s offs and a litany of bad challenges by the opposition which although marked by yellow cards could just have easily been red on a couple of occasions.

The opposition opened the scoring thanks to less than adroit defending on our part. Balance was restored however when Duncan Southgate coolly despatched a spot kick after a Panthers defender had handballed on the line. The player was also sent off correctly much to the annoyance of the opposition managers who don t understand the laws of the game in any form whatsoever as they protested every decision that went against them! The Panthers manager has a certain reputation amongst his managerial peers and other players and that reputation is well deserved!

The 10 men of Panthers then took the lead again after what felt like the hundredth time this season, we had a dead ball opportunity in and around an opponent s area only for them to block/clear break away and score against us. However, balance was once again restored when Grant directed a powerful header into the roof of the net from a corner.

I have kept using the word balance as it is a key word here. The referee having earlier apologised so profusely to the opposition manager for having to send off his player, sought to restore balance by sending off Charlie Askew. This after he vociferously (but only verbally) chastised an opponent for stamping on his chest as he lay on the ground. Despite their being clear evidence, the referee felt an abusive rebuke from Charlie far outweighed the physical attack he had received from the opposition player go figure!

At half time with the score 2-2 and 10 men each I still had high hopes as we were having a good share of possession. However, fate conspired against us again when Vinny was sin binned and in and around that time, we had gone 2-4 down. This led to the highlight of the game for me when Alex Lowe chased down and tackled two opposition players in different halves of the pitch before accelerating away from another defend and coolly sliding the ball into the corner of the net. All round for me one of the goals of the season so far. Even with Vinny back on the pitch and in the ascendency, we could not find the equalizer and came off second best in the end. For all the disappointment of losing to that team in that manner , I want to thank the 1st team players who helped us out and the overall effort the players made to try and win the game coping with strong provocation both on and off the pitch. I also want to make mention of the massive positive difference in the atmosphere and bants in our changing room before and after the game with the return of assistant coach Wessels. Good to have you back mate.

Team: Siggers, Pearson, Southgate(Wessels), Ford, Burgess, Askew, Monaghan, Gleed(Lloyd), Pasque, Burrup, Herridge(Lowe).
Goals: Lowe A., Monaghan, Southgate


NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 13th February

First Team - Div.2 - Crafted Ath (A) - Copleston

Reserves - Div. 4 - Phoenix FC(H) - KGV

Double Defeat!.....30/01/22

It is even more difficult now. I know how good we really are. I know what we can achieve if we can field a consistent team. I know there is not a team in this league who we cannot beat by a distance. But then today happens.

We lose 8 players from the 1st team squad. Tom Brooks, Andy Lambert, James Storey, Vinny Ford, Dan Goddard, Daren Stevens, Jack Larkins and Paul Strutt. It's not their fault. These things happen. We all have life s to lead.

But 8 people in one hit is a difficult hurdle to cross.

But through all this we still had a decent team. We still had good experience in the side.

We started well from a Charlie Askew cross Will Pullen rose above all else to head home. But within just a few minutes Westbourne equalised when we failed to deal with an in swinging corner. The ball hit the front post and we failed to react leaving them with the simple task of slotting the ball home.

The remainder of the half was divided equally. We should have scored on more than one occasion. How different this report could have been if we had finished one of these golden chances.

The second half began ok. Then a quick throw in caught us out and they were through with just the keeper to beat. From this point we fell apart.

They attacked again and again. Some incredible saves from Brandon Burton including a penalty kept the score down. We were not really creating any problems for them and what we did they dealt with easily.

Missing the full squad in the second half really did show.

We have two very hard games coming up next one of which is the quarter final of the cup.. I hope we will all be there to make a real difference.

Team: Burton, Askew, Pearce, Risby, Pullen, Monaghan, Lambert Ja, Fisk, Jorden O.(Hollinsworth), Fulker, Smith.
Goal: Pullen.





Reserves - Division 4

The Margaret Catchpole 6, Taverners Res. 0

Not a fair reflection. . . . . .

We took on TMC with the bare 11 as opposed to the oppositions 17. Whilst our formation was somewhat defensive we caused the opposition several problems on counter attack whilst having few real efforts on our goal for 30 minutes.

However disorganised defence of a half cleared ball saw us go one nil down after 35 minutes. 3 minutes later and for what felt like the umpteenth time this season we conceded a break away goal from our own corner kick although there was a strong hint of offside with the oppositions last pass.

The second half started much as the first with our discipline and commitment frustrating TMC. Then a bizarre decision by the referee not to give a blatant handball decision and then ignore an offside saw us 4-0 down at the 60 minute mark.

We kept plugging away and in truth could have score at least a couple of goals ourselves however a couple individual defensive and meant the score line was not reflective of the teams effort this morning.

Despite the score a performance exponentially better than our last outing.

Team: Davis, Warner, Pearson, Southgate, Burgess, Jordan W., Gleed, Pasque, Tatum, Lowe A., Herridge.



NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 6th February

Reserves - Div. 4 - The Panthers - KGV

First Team Edge Nine Goal Thriller!.....23/01/22

I have to admit to being nervous before the game. This is a competition that we can win. But it is in our hands. Our Reserves met Brickmakers in a pre season friendly, which did not go well. So I knew they could cause us problems if we did not start well.

The good news was that we did start well and from a Charlie Askew cross Tom Brooks headed powerfully home. We had the best part of the possession. But our one failing is that we can on occasions get caught on the break.

Brickies did break away to equalise. But we quickly returned to our control of the game and James (Stozza) Storey equalised when he latched onto a loose ball in the 18-yard box. His shot beat the keeper from a tight angle.

A small mix up on our right allowed Brickies to break away and although Will Pullen worked hard to track back the resulting tackle gave an easy excuse to award a penalty. Brandon Burton got to the resulting spot kick but could not keep it out.

It was obvious that this game was ours for the taking and again we settled into our rhythm and went close again and again. Jack Lambert and Jimmy Fulker worked hard up front. But it was another defender who scored to give us the lead at half time. With With just 30 seconds to go in the first half Will Pullen used his height to score with a bullet header from another Charlie Askew cross.

Early in the second half we started to take full control and quickly pulled ahead giving us a comfortable lead. Will Pullen scored again with another header and Tom Brooks did the same. At 5-2 it looked like game over.

But then decisions really went against us. We went down to 10 men when Grant Monaghan was sin binned for 10 minutes.

Free kick after free kick went against us. Two stonewall penalties were turned down flat.

Brickies pulled two goals back to get to 5-4. We reorganised a little and although there was some pressure from Brickies we coped well with exceptional performances from Tom Brooks and Grant Monaghan .

We still continued to cause problems. Brickies full backs had no answer to the constant pressure from Stozza, Jack Lambert, Jimmy Fulker and Charlie Askew. They resorted to constant fouls, which were not always punished.

We deserved to win this game by a far larger distance.

NEXT ROUND - QUARTER FINAL - 27th FEBRUARY v AFC CLAYDON (A) - WHITTON SPORTS CENTRE

Team: Burton, Pearce, Askew, Brooks, Risby(Pedro), Pullen, Monaghan, Lambert Ja, Storey, Strutt, Fulker, .
Goal: Brooks(2), Pullen(2), Storey.



NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 30th January

First Team - Division 2 - Westbourne FC (H) - KGV

Reserves - Division 4 - The Margaret Catchpole (A) - Gainsborough Sports Centre

Back to Blank!.....16/01/22

Were Thrasher better than us ? No.

Did they play better than us? No.

Did they benefit from our mistakes ? Yes. And for that reason they deserved to win this game.

Could the result have been different.? Yes. But then we would be looking for excuses. On a perfect day we could have had Charlie Askew fully fit. Chris Lawson, Vinny Ford, Jimmy Fulker and Andy Lambert but they were not in our line up today so once again the responsibility for this result is not about what we could have had. It is about the players we did have.

As a manager you try to impart some knowledge that will be in the mind of a player when he finds himself in a certain position.

Unfortunately we gave them the first goal. Failing to clear in the six yard box when we could have easily cleared was a major mistake. Responsibility was taken and a valuable lesson learnt.

1-0 down at halftime. We talked about the game feeling flat. The spark we had the previous week was not there. Unfortunately we went further behind early in the second half.

We changed formation to 4-3-3 to give us more attacking options. This began to work and we pulled a goal back through Jack Lambert when he chased down a back pass to lift the ball over the oncoming keeper.

Our joy was short lived as Thrasher again scored with a well taken shot for 20 yards. It did not look good at 3-1 down.

But we continued to push. Jack Lambert caused problems. Tim Smith and Daren Stevens continued to work hard to create openings. Tim Smith scored when there was hesitation in their defence and he took control and rounded the keeper to score.

With time running out we drew level when Jack Lambert scored almost a carbon copy for Tim's goal.

At 3-3 and with just ten minutes to go we had the control Thrasher did break out on occasions but only really threatened once which produced an incredible save from Brandon Burton to keep us in the game.

We looked like the only team who could possibly score when suddenly two mistakes gave Thrasher the game and the points.

The mistakes are hard to explain. All you can say is that they were bad decisions. I stood in total disbelief as Thrasher went through twice with two simple chances.

It is a cruel score line but one we can only blame ourselves for.

We have to move onto the next game. We go again next week in the cup. I have no doubt in our ability to get right back on track

Team: Burton, Askew(Pearce), Brooks, Goddard, Pullen, Monaghan, Lambert Ja, Larkins, Strutt(Pedro), Stevens, Smith.
Goal: Lambert Ja.(2), Smith





Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res.0, The Cherry Tree 3

Jekyll and Hyde As good as we were in our previous game against Wickham not two weeks previous we were as poor against a hard working but nevertheless very average Cherry Tree.

The score line of 0-3 actually flattered us on a morning where both as a team and as individuals we did not turn up.

1-0 at half time I hope that the break would allow us to regroup but it just did not happen.

Out fought out thought and out played we had to hold our hands up at the end and say just one of those days.

Team: Siggers, Warner, Pearson, Burrup(Jordan O.), Durrell, Southgate, Jordan W., Gleed, Pasque(Phillips C.), Lowe A.(Burgess), Tatum.



NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 23rd January

New Year Cheer On A Six Point Sunday!.....09/01/22

We would talk about the games. We would banter about the near misses and stand out moments. This carried on for many years including all our time at Greshams.

Whitton social club is not the County or even Greshams. They don t serve free crispy roast potato s like The County. With everything that has happened over the past two years it has become the norm to communicate through social media.

Banter in the bar has not always been possible. So, if was an absolute pleasure when a few of the boys joined us in the bar to celebrate our third win in a row.

Pat and I sat there talking about old players long since retired who played when I first joined Taverners. Mark Moore, Smokey Hedges, Tim Howard, James Bullamore, brothers Robbie, Tom and Matt Parker, Andy Glover, Andy Spivey, Paul Ryan.

These names mean nothing to most of our squad today. All good players and all part of the history of Taverners FC

Andy Spivey,Paul Ryan			Bully				Timmy Howard				Smokey

Trev,Andy Glover    Matt & Rob Parker		Mark Moore & Paul Ryan			Tom Parker & Bob

Today we celebrate our third win in a row. Thrasher are placed 2nd in the league at present and they beat us 5-1 earlier in the season. With new signings and some reorganisation, we are now a different team.

Thrasher are a well organised side and the opening exchanges were 50/50 although we created more chances and should have taken the lead on more than one occasion.

We are still getting used to new signings and playing together as a team. We do still have a few of the problems which gave us such a bad start to the season.

We do hesitate on occasions, giving the opposition possession. But we can only get better and we are without a doubt now good enough to beat all and everyone in this league.

It has always been my aim to put together not only a good team but a Taverners team. A team who play for each other and not their own personal glory. Just like we has back in the 90's.

We have had the beginnings of this structure for a few seasons now but every year we would lose players who were part of that structure.

We lost part of that structure at the start of this season. It was disappointing. I accepted their decision just saying I believed leaving was a mistake and probably should give us one more season. Looks like my words came true as their new team folded before Christmas.

I looked to add new names to the squad from the start of this season. But again our luck just did not help us. Long term injuries to Chris Lawson and Grant Monaghan. We also suffered from players not being available.

Over the past month or so we have signed Charlie Askew, Jack Larkins, Danny Tatum, Jerome Primus, Will Pullen and Jimmy Fulker.

Grant Monaghan is now fit and players like Jack Lambert and Andy Lambert have committed to the rest of the season. Add to this the form of the rest of the team especially Tom Brooks and Paul Strutt and we have the makings of a special team.

Taking nothing for granted but our future is in our own hands. We must lose the few bad habits we still have and we need to attack faster on occasions.

At half time the game was locked at 0-0 although by now we had the upper hand and control of play. Charlie Askew and Jimmy Fulker set the pace of the game and with tireless work from Jack Larkins and the rejuvenated Paul Strutt we controlled the midfield areas.

Throughout the second half we continued to press and create good chances. We had worked very hard and fatigue started to show on a few players. Just when we thought it was not going to be our day in front of goal Jack Larkins again attacked on the left wing to find Jimmy Fulker just inside the 18-yard box. Jimmy controlled and his shot from a tight angle beat the on coming keeper.

Thrasher pushed on but their final product was always wide of the mark. We had at least 3 guilt edged chances before the end of the game but somehow we did not score. We deserved to win by more goals but will accept 1-0 every game. Special mention to Tom Brooks and Jack Lambert who both worked tirelessly on a day when hard work won us the points.

Team: Burton, Askew, Brooks, Fulker(Pedro), Goddard, Monaghan(Risby), Lambert Ja, Larkins, Strutt, Pullen, Stevens(Smith).
Goal: Fulker.





Reserves - Division 4

Wickham Wanderers 0, Taverners Res.1

As good as it gets.

Sunday morning football is always enjoyable win lose or draw but I can say I was genuinely proud and ecstatic after this performance.

I don t think many teams will go to Wickham and get anything and after our very fortunate win in the reverse fixture and once again absentees I fully expected this to be another backs to the wall encounter

However, we controlled the tempo and a lot of possession. The goal was scored by Ben Gleed in exactly the manner in which our formation was designed to do.

Other than a very poor penalty from the opposition Matt Davis was rarely troubled in goal and at the end of the game the Wickham manager congratulated us on a deserved win.

Up the Tavs!!!

Team: Davis, Warner(Burgess), Pearson, Southgate, Durrell, Jordan O.(Pilkington G.), Jordan W., Fisk, Gleed, Pasque, Herridge(Lowe A.)
Goal: Gleed.


NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 16th January

First Team - Div. 2 - Thrasher Utd.(A). - Gainsborough SC

Reserves - Div 4 - Cherry Tree(H) - KGV

Reserves Hit Once for Six......12/12/21

Team: Siggers, Warner, Pearson, Burrup, Burgess, Pasque, Jordan W., Southgate(Springate), Gleed, Pilkington(Lowe A.), Herridge.
Goals: O.G. Gleed, Pasque(2), Pilkington, Southgate.





NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 19th December

First Team - Div. 2 - Gainsborough Utd (A). - Gainsborough SC

Reserves - Div 4 - The Panthers(H) - KGV

Did Somebody Say Cup Run?.....05/12/21

The lowest point was against Westbourne. We played the game with just 9 players after three people did not turn up. I have never been so let down.

This season has proved to me that some people just do not realise how lucky they are to play for a club like Taverners. Three players left us at the start of the season. My only comment was that I believed they were making a mistake. My words came true when the club they went to folded after just half a season. Taverners is without doubt the best run Sunday club in the ISL.

The game with Westbourne was a total non-event and we lost 16-1. The only plus point was a decent goal for Paul Strutt.

The following week saw the return of a few key players making a massive difference.

Crafted are somehow unbeaten this year. We should have beaten them earlier in the season but somehow we threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2.

But on this day we deserved to win. There were some very strange incidents during the game which gave Crafted a way back in. With just minutes to go at 4-4 it still felt like we were dropping points.

Then the strangest incident of all gave them a penalty after we cleared cleanly from a cross into our 6 yard box. No explanation and we could see nothing and no reason for the penalty.

We lost 5-4. But this was the wrong result. We were without doubt the best team that day. Jack Lambert scored all four goals and Crafted could not cope with him throughout the game.

Between Crafted and our next game we worked hard to sign on new committed players to improve not only the 1st team squad but to improve and give Taverners a future.

Looking at the league table and results you would not blame Rushmere & Diamonds for thinking this was an easy 3 points. But with new signings and availability of players we were in the position to give them a shock.

Outstanding displays from Paul Strutt, Andy Lambert, Will Pullen, Charlie Askew and Jack Lambert. Although Rushmere kept the score level they could not cope with our attacks and without doubt we should have been further ahead.

Jack Lambert again was unstoppable and took both his goals in some style.

We were awarded two penalties which were both taken bravely by Paul Strutt. The pressure when preparing to take the second one must have been immense. To his credit Strutty sent the keeper the wrong way to score easily.

A 4-3 win but it could have been a lot more.

So, this week was league cup week and we were drawn against Trinity. Our squad was depleted through Covid. Our team talk before the game was all about taking this opposition seriously, play to our own strengths and enjoy the game.

This looked to have worked after 3 minutes when Jack Lambert pounced on a rebound off the keepers body to score. But all the pre match warnings came true. Trinity were playing a solid back 5 with two men up front at all times.

They would then hit the long ball again and again trying to catch us out and they did twice before half time. At half time we were losing 2-1. This was surely not possible and there were a few harsh words.

I knew we could win this game but it was up to each individual to insure this happened. We had to make changes due to injury at half time. Daren Stevens went to centre half and Grant Monaghan came on but unfortunately he only lasted a few minutes so had to be substituted.

We actually started to control the game from here on. Jack Lambert scored again after the keeper dropped another shot and Jack forced the ball home. We did have control but our final ball was lacking. The first time we got it right we scored.

Will Pullen made a great wide run and his perfectly hit cross was met by Jack Lamberts head to complete his hatrick.

We were never in any danger of losing the lead from here on but scored again with just a few minutes to go which I am told must be some sort of record. Jack Lambert beat two players on the edge of the 18 yard box and made a short pass which was chipped first time over the advanced keeper by Trevor Hollinsworth.

So is it the first time a grandson has set up his 62 year old grandad to score in the Suffolk leagues?

As a club we have come through some dreadful weeks. The Reserves have been doing really well but because of availabilities over the past few weeks they have been affected.

I am certain with a few more players on Sunday they too would have come through their game.

UP THE TAVS!!!

Team: Burton, Pullen, Stevens, Archer(Monaghan(Hollinsworth)), Larkins, Lambert A., Strutt, Askew, Primus, Storey, Lambert Ja. .
Goals: Hollinsworth, Lambert Ja.(3).





Reserves - Junior Cup

Northam Celtic 2, Taverners Res.0

REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Siggers, Warner, Pearson, Chard, Burgess, Jordan O., Jordan W., Wessels, Fisk, Gleed, Cunningham






NEXT GAME:

Sunday 12th December

Reserves - Div 4 - Athletico Once(H) - KGV

First Win of Season for First Team......28/11/21

Team: Burton, Pullen, Goddard, Risby, Pearce(Jordan O.), Askew, Lambert A., Monaghan, Strutt, Stevens, Lambert Ja. .
Goals: Lambert Ja.(2), Strutt(2)





Reserves - Division 4

Trinity FC. 2, Taverners Res.0

REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Siggers, Warner(Springate), Pearson, Burrup, Burgess, Fisk, Southgate(Brodie), Jordan W., Gleed, Lowe A., Pasque.






NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 5th December

First Team - Junior Cup - Trinity FC(A) - Gainsborough SC

Reserves - Junior Cup - Northam Celtic(A) - Gainsborough SC

Comfortable Win for Reserves!......21/11/21

Team: Siggers, Pullen(Warner), Pearson, Burrup, Risby, Pasque, Southgate, Jordan W.(Fisk), Tatum, Lowe A.(Wessels), Gleed(Lloyd).
Goals: Lloyd, Lowe A.,Pasque, Southgate, OG.





NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 28th November

First Team - Rushmere & Diamonds Res. (A) - Gainsborough SC

Reserves - Trinity FC (A) - Gainsborough SC

Late Dubious Penalty Costs First Team First Point!......07/11/21

Strutty played his 300th game. A photo of him with his memento can be seen here.

Team: Davis, Pullen(Burrup), Goddard(Burgess), Lambert A., Pearce(Risby), Pasque(Fisk), Burton, Jordan W., Strutt(Herridge), Lambert Ja., Storey
Goals: Lambert Ja.(4).





NEXT GAME:

Sunday 21st November

Reserves - Northam Celtic Res.(H) - KGV

No-Shows Cost First Team Dear!......31/10/21

Team: Hollinsworth, Durrell, Goddard, Risby, Pullen, Strutt, Burton, Fisk, Lowe A.
Goal: Strutt.





Reserves - Division 4

Phoenix FC 1, Taverners Res. 2

REPORT TO FOLLOW

A Photo taken before the game in the changing room can be found here.

Team: Siggers, Burgess, Burrup, Pearson M., Cunningham, Gleed(Wessels), Jordan W., Southgate, Monaghan, Pilkington G, Hillebrandt.
Goals: Hillebrandt, Southgate.




NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 7th November

First Team - Crafted Ath.(H) - KGV

Another Blank Sunday!......24/10/21

Team: Burton, Gleed, Archer, Durrell, Pasque, Strutt, Ripper, Hillebrandt, Pullen, Stevens, Smith
Goal: Ripper





Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 1, The Margaret Catchpole 3

They say that form and momentum counts for a lot in football and I can t help but think that had we entertained MC a week ago after the Cherrytree game, the performance and result would have been very different.

Yes we were forced to make some changes but that is part and parcel of being a reserve team. This result unfortunately and somewhat surprisingly was about individual and team performance and most worryingly all round effort.

It all started so well with Alex Lowe answering my weekly appeal to score his first goal, by doing so with a very smart finish.

This was however to be the highlight of the game and bright point of the morning.

We soon found ourselves at 1-2 thanks to individuals mistakes. The rest of the game consisted of resolute defending which kept the score respectable.

We could not have consider ourselves unfortunate if we had conceded another 5 or 6 goals. As I said after the game to everyone, with all due respect to MC they were not even the third best team we have played this season so far.

We missed an opportunity to make a big statement of our ambitions this season.

What was commendable is that I think everyone was rightly disappointed with the result but I don t believe everyone completely understood or would agree on why the overall performance was so disappointing. However we take it on the chin and go again next week.

Most importantly best wishes to Luke A who finds himself with a fractured clavicle after taking a heavy fall under a tackle. Get well soon son.

Team: Siggers, Pearce, Southgate, Pearson M., Burgess, Lloyd, Jordan W., Fisk, Anderson,(Tunbridge) Lowe A.(Herridge), Goodwin.
Goal: Lowe A..




NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 31st October - REMEMBER!!!! CLOCKS GO BACK 1 HOUR!!!!!

First Team - Westbourne FC (A) - Whitton SportsCentre

Reserves - Phoenix FC (A) - Gainsborough Sports Centre

Cup Exit For First Team!......17/10/21

Team: Burton, Pullen(Gleed), Goddard, Durrell, Chard(Fisk), Pasque, Jordan W., Robins-Bailey, Tunbridge, Stevens(Hollinsworth), Ripper(Strutt)





NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 24th October

First Team - Thrasher Utd(A) - Gainsborough

Reserves - The Margaret Catchpole(H) - KGV

Injuries Hamper First Team!......10/10/21

Team: Burton, Pearce, Archer, Brooks, Fisk, Strutt, Goddard, Storey, Gleed, Jacobs(Hollinsworth), Smith





Reserves - Division 4

Cherry Tree 0, Taverners Res. 3

Another disciplined team performance saw the reserves deservedly take all 3 points at Gainsborough. Unlike the previous week this was not backs to the wall stuff as on the very rare occasion the opposition threatened we defended well.

In truth Cherrytree only created two clear chances in the game. The first a close range effort excellently stopped by Siggers and the second hitting our bar late on in the game. Had that one gone in it might have made a nervy last few minutes all be it the game could have been over well before this.

The first half was a fairly uneventful affair. Alex hitting the outside of the post was the closest we came but was not the limit of the chances we had created.

In the second half another cracking free kick from Sticks gave us a deserved lead before two very well taken goals from Josh Goodwin made it 3-0.

We had plenty of chances before and after this and in reality possibly 6 or 7 2 would have been a fairer reflection of the game.

As a club we are going through some extraordinarily difficult times at the moment and we all need to support each other. If collectively everyone in the club can have the same togetherness and positivity the 11 players displayed in this game, as a club, we will get through this difficult period.

A special mention to Will Pullen (or tall Brandon) who made his debut for the reserves. Welcome to the club Will, it already feels like you have always been here!

Team: Siggers, Southgate, Burrup, Pearson M., Pullen, Lloyd, Jordan W., Wessels, Anderson, Lowe A., Goodwin.
Goal: Burrup, Goodwin(2).




NEXT GAME:

Sunday 17th October

First Team - Sunday Shield (Rnd2)- Laxfield Utd..(A) - Laxfield

Mixed Bag!......03/10/21

Team: Burton, Pearce, Archer, Brooks, Durrell, Pasque, Primus, Storey, Pilkington G, Stevens, Hillebrandt(Hollinsworth)
Goal: Pasque




Reserves - Division 4

Taverners Res. 1, Wickham Wanderers 0

REPORT TO FOLLOW

Team: Siggers, Warner, Burrup, Pearson M., Burgess, Tunbridge(Cunningham), Fisk, Strutt, Anderson, Lowe A., Herridge.
Goal: Burrup.




NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 10th October

First Team - Gainsborough Utd.(H) - KGV

Reserves- Cherry Tree(A) - Gainsborough

A Sunday to Forget!......26/09/21

Team: Burton, Pearce, Archer, Brooks, Durrell(Tunbridge), Pasque, Goddard, Strutt, Phillips, Stevens, Herridge(Hollinsworth)





Reserves - Division 4

The Panthers 7, Taverners Res. 2

The reserves visited Eastward Ho with a much changed side to play against a team whom frankly I have never liked.

Again, the team was severely affected by the unavailability of first team players. We started slowly and the opposition could have been 4 goals up in the first 15 mins. however we grew into the game and went ahead thanks to a great free kick from Spanky.

However we soon found ourselves 2-1 behind but then had a great chance to make it 2-2 just before half time. Our cause wasn t helped by Panda having come off in the first half with an injury and Wayne having to play on with a very a tight calf.

Despite some solid defending we soon found ourselves 4 then 5-1 behind as the younger, fitter and extremely quick opposition exploited our back line. We did however keep plugging away and were awarded a penalty thanks to a push on Alex. Our first effort was missed by Bevan however the referee penalised the goalkeeper for coming of his line and Spanky stepped up to cooly dispatch the retake.

We then conceded another goal as the quick feet of their substitute midfielder bedazzled our defence - a very good goal.

There was no shame in the loss and again everyone tried hard. The only real disappointment was that the referee who kept quoting the law to everyone, gave Panthers three yellow cards and two sin bins all of which by the laws of the game should have been red cards.

Team: Davis, Warner, Jacobs A.(Siggers), Pearson M., Burgess(Cunningham), Fisk, Southgate, Jordan W., Lloyd, Lowe A., Hillebrandt
Goals: Southgate (2).




NEXT GAMES:

Sunday 3rd October

First Team - Shotley Rose (A) - Shotley

Reserves- Wickham Wanderers (H) - KGV

Reserves Crash Outof County Cup!......19/09/21

Team: Burton, Pearce, Burrup(Cunningham), Jacobs A., Burgess, Warner, Strutt, Lloyd(Hollinsworth), Stevens, Lowe A., Smith,
Goal: Smith.




NEXT GAME:

Sunday 26th Sept

First Team - Rushmere & Diamonds Res. (H) - KGV

Reserves- Panthers (A) - Eastward Ho.

Reserves Fire In Five Against Athletico Once!......12/09/21

Team: Burton, Durrell, Pearson, Burrup, Burgess, Southgate, Wessels(Anderson), Jordan W., Pilkington W.(Hillebrandt), Strutt( Lowe A.), Pasque(Herridge)
Goals: Burgess, Jordan W., Pasque, Strutt(2).




NEXT GAME:

Sunday 19th Sept

Reserves- Martlesham Old Boys - Suffolk FA Sunday Trophy (A) - Ipswich School Sports Ground.

First Team Let 2 Goal Lead Slip!......05/09/21

Team: Burton, Fisk(Hillebrandt), Archer, Brooks, Burgess(Lowe A.), Pasque, Primus(Hollinsworth), Southgate, Storey, Stevens, Smith..
Goals: Pasque, Stevens.




NEXT GAME:

Sunday 12th Sept

Reserves- Athletico Once (A) - Claydon Recreation Ground.

New Season!......29/08/21

It would be almost impossible to describe how frustrating it is to be a manager of a Sunday league team. Just a few weeks ago the team line up looked incredible.

Firstly we lost Grant Monahan and Chris Lawson to long term injuries. Then as this first league game approached we lost Tom Brooks, Tim Smith, Will Pilkington, Andy Lambert and Jack Lambert. So seven players missing from selection does not make my plans any easier.

But still our team today was a strong side. Sometimes a game can be decided by one player and today was an example of just that. We were in total control in the first ten minutes.

Westbourne could not live with the speed of Calum Andrews, James (Stozza) Storey and Dan Pasque. We had three golden opportunities which should have been taken.

Then everything changed. Calum Andrews pulled his hamstring and had to be substituted. Without the outlet as we drove forward we lost our way and Westbourne took advantage.

But they could not have taken control without their centre forward Golding. We lost our game changer and theirs stepped forward.

0-2 down at half time we looked at restructuring to be able to cope with their attack. But our efforts did not seem to work as we lost possession time and time again. Westbourne scored twice more to lead 0-4.

It seemed we had no answer. Brandon Burton in goal saved us from going further behind.

Sometimes just a slight change can make enough of a difference. Westbourne were strong in attack but very poor in defence. So we change again. This time we found their biggest weakness on their left. Dan Pasque and Mike Durrell began to cause problems.

Dan Pasque drove into the 18 yard box from our right and his driven cross through the six yard box was met by Trevor Hollinsworth to score.

With a new belief we drove forward. Again in an almost identical move Dan Pasque again sent the ball across the six yard. This time to be met by Daren Stevens to score.

Within just a few more minutes Duncan Southgate picked up the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box and his shot gave the goalkeeper no chance.

At 3-4 we were in control and Westbourne had no answer as we went in search of the equaliser. Everyone's game had changed. Zack, Sticks, Stozza, Mike, Duncan and Dan drove forward again and again with Daren and Trevor looking for just a half chance to level the game.

But with just a minute to go they scored against the run of play to win 3-5.

The fight back was brilliant and for just a few minutes everyone believed and became the players I know they are.

Team: Burton, Durrell, Archer, Burrup, Pilkington(Hollinsworth), Pasque, Goddard, Southgate, Storey, Stevens, Andrews(Fisk).
Goals: Hollinsworth, Southgate, Stevens.




Reserves - Division 4

Northam Celtic Res. 3, Taverners Res. 4


Match Abandoned after 44 minutes to due injury.


NEXT GAME:

Sunday 5th Sept

First Team- Crafted Athletic (A) - Copleston

		First Team					Reserves
		Division 2					Division 4

Aug  	8				Friendly - Claydon  0-1 (H)
       11			Friendly - Brickies 4-0 (A )(Trimley Sports Club)
       15			
       22			Friendly - Foxhall Utd.1-2 (H)
       29	Westbourne FC		(H) 3-5 L		Northam Celtic Res.	(A) Ab-Ab		

Sep   	5	Crafted Ath.		(A) 4-2 L 			
       12							Athletico Once		(A) 0-5 W
       19	(SS1) Bye					Martlesham Od Boys(ST1) (A) 9-1 L
       26	Rushmere & Diamonds Res.(H) 0-4 L		The Panthers FC		(A) 7-2 L
      	
		
Oct  	3	Shotley Rose FC		(A) 3-1 L		Wickham Wanderers	(H) 1-0 W			
       10	Gainsborough Utd	(H) 0-4 L		Cherry Tree FC		(A) 0-3 W	
       17	Laxfield Utd. - SS2	(A) 8-0 L									        
       24	Thrasher Utd 		(A) 5-1 L		The Margaret Catchpole	(H) 1-3 L
       31	Westbourne FC		(A) 16-1 L		Phoenix FC		(A) 1-2 W				

Nov  	7 	Crafted Ath.		(H) 4-5 L						
       14									
       21       	 					Northam Celtic Res.	(H) 5-0 W
       28	Rushmere & Diamonds Res.(A) 3-4 W   		Trinity FC		(A) 2-0 L
       
Dec  	5	Trinity FC	(J/C)	(A) 2-4 W		Northam Celtic FC (J/C)	(A) 2-0 L			
       12							Athletico Once		(H) 6-3 W
       19	Gainsborough Utd	(A) P-P			The Panthers FC		(H) P-P							
       26
           
Jan   	9	Thrasher Utd.		(H) 1-0 W		Wickham Wanderers FC	(A) 0-1 W
       16	Thrasher Utd		(A) 5-3 L		Cherrytree FC		(H) 0-3 L
       23	Brickmakers Arms (J/C)	(H) 5-4 W		
       30	Westbourne FC		(H) 1-6 L		The Margaret Catchpole	(A) 3-0 L				

Feb   	6							The Panthers		(H) 3-4 L
       13	Crafted Ath.		(A) 4-4 D		Phoenix FC		(H) 2-1 W
       20							Holbrook Swan Res.	(A) 5-4 L
       27	AFC Claydon (J/C)	(A) 2-2 (4-3 pens)(L)

Mar     6							Trinity FC 		(H) 4-0 W
       13	Shotley Rose		(A) 2-1 L		Holbrook Swan Res. 	(H) 0-4 L
       20	Gainsborough Utd.	(H) 3-5 L		Northam Celtic Res. 	(A) 2-2 D
       27	Rushmere & Diamonds Res.(H) 0-2 L

Apr     3
       10	Shotley Rose 		(H) 5-0
       17	Gainsborough Utd.	(A)
       24				
	First Team to take part in Div. 2 cup/plate comp. after conclusion of regular season due to only 7 teams in league.