Match Reports (latest first)
U13’s
– League Tollesbury Juniors v Tiptree Minors Warriors 6th May 2007
| Danbury 1 | Tiptree Minors 1 |
| Stephen Plumb |
The final game of a long season and an early kick-off away to Tollesbury in what is always a keenly contested fixture with many of the boys at school together during the week. Warriors had the bare 11 players with James and Declan both unavailable. A regular formation adopted for this game with the exception of Tommy and Tanz who would both be playing a half up front and a half in the defensive holding role.
A now familiar start to the match as Tiptree had the best of the early possession creating some golden chances and forced some brilliant saves but failing to score. Tollesbury were unlucky not to be three or four down but gradually worked their way into the game exploiting the pace of their quick front player to expose some rare holes in Tiptree defence. A very fussy referee tried his best to spoil the game seemingly forgetting it was youth football and harshly booked the Tollesbury keeper after an unintentional foul early in the game. Slightly against the overall run of play, a succession of corners for Tollesbury resulted in an early conceded goal following an easy tap in at the back post. This spurred Tollesbury on and following a good break by their forward behind the Warriors defence the referee gave a penalty when an unlucky Jack coming off his line unintentionally brought the player down. Again the referee pumped with his own importance issued a ridiculous card to even things up from his earlier poor decision. The resultant penalty kick was crashed against the crossbar however and the half finished 1-0 at the break with Jack recovering and making some good stops and claims at the edge of his box.
Not much for Jack to do second half though. This was a very similar game to the earlier League Cup game with Warriors firmly pressed into the Tollesbury half forcing a succession of goal line clearances, saves and brave defending. Tiptree front line frustratingly gave the linesman RSI (repetitive strain injury) raising his arm up and down like a semaphore signaller as they were caught off-side time after time (we’ll work on that next season boys!!).
It didn’t look like it would be our day however. Again the champagne football had deserted us although the work and effort was still there. The half was a series of interruptions, free kicks and minor injuries as Tiptree piled on the pressure. With only seconds remaining Warriors forced another corner and, in what turned out to be the last kick of the season, Stephen Plumb turned the ball in at the far post to draw the match.
So it’s all over for another year, 3rd place, a significant improvement on last year and the best defensive record in the division. Well done boys we are all proud of you U13’s
– League Danbury Juniors v Tiptree Minors Warriors 29th
April 2007
| Danbury 1 | Tiptree Minors 1 |
| Tommy Ward |
Second game of the weekend away to Danbury for an afternoon kick-off. With the added challenge of a narrow pitch and smaller goals, this promised to be another absorbing and tight game. Tiptree remained injury free but only had one substitute to utilise in this crucial return match. Some experimental changes to the line-up, endeavouring to exploit the Danbury defensive frailties exposed during yesterday’s game, moved Jonny Hewer into the right side of a three pronged attack with Tanz and Tommy, Stephen drop into midfield and James into central defence.
From the kick-off this was a much more even affair, Danbury contesting first ball with more desire and looking determined to avenge the previous days defeat. The best early chances fell to Tiptree but were screwed wide of the post or into the keeper. Danbury steadily built the pressure as Warriors defence were made to work hard and endeavoured to keep a higher line. Jack was commanding his goal area magnificently making several convincing claims coming of his line and a couple of solid confident saves. Still tight at half time with no goals but Danbury edging possession as Warriors struggled with the formation and failed to establish their free flowing football from the home leg.
A tough team talk from Rob and Steve during the break mustering a fighting effort for the second half and encouraging the boys to play their own game and move the ball on the ground. The line up remained the same for the opening five minutes of the half before the changes were rung as Danbury remained on top of game. James moved into midfield, Jonny reverting to central defence. The shape seemed better with the boys looking more comfortable in their usual positions, however, Danbury struck a sucker punch with a well taken goal just as Warriors were establishing themselves back on top. As the half wore on, nearly all the pressure came from Tiptree chasing a crucial equaliser. With 10 minutes remaining, the Manager, coaches and parents all getting a few more grey hairs, some good work from Adam and Tanz on the left set up a chance for Tommy who scored from 12 yards to set up an exciting finish. In the dying minutes both sides came close to taking both points when Tanz hit the post from a fierce low shot and Danbury squandered an open goal from 6 yards out. In the end it finished 1-1.
This was a less sparkling performance than Saturdays game but it was a determined team effort with everyone trying their best till the final whistle, Jack Vanson and Luke Melia both having outstanding games for the Warriors. A draw was a fair result after a weekend of entertaining football played in a good spirit. Warriors wished Danbury luck for their forthcoming Cup final but having taken three points from the weekend the boys have all but secured 3rd place off of them in the division with a game to go.
U13’s
– League Tiptree Minors Warriors v Danbury Juniors
28th April 2007
| Tiptree Minors 5 | Danbury 2 |
| Luke Melia | |
| Tommy Ward | |
| Stephen Plumb | |
| James Nelson (2) |
The first of a double header weekend against Danbury Juniors, one place ahead of Warriors in the table. A glorious sunny morning and anticipation of a good Tiptree performance on the back of last weekend’s efforts. Warriors had no injury problems and the rare luxury of two substitutes in what promised to be a tight game in warm conditions.
Some tactical changes moved James into central midfield, Tanz slotting into the holding role and Tommy and Stephen pairing up front. From the kick-off there was a better balance to the team with Warriors gradually taking a grip of the game in all areas exerting pressure on the Danbury defence. Better still Tiptree were keeping the ball on the deck and linking up well from back to front using a combination of width and through ball in attack. It was only a matter of time as some great chances went begging before a sublime move involving 4 players ended with Luke Melia bursting through midfield to finish a great team goal. Further pressure and ‘sexy’ football before Tommy Ward sent a 25 yard shot over a flailing keeper to put Tiptree two up, the ensuing goal celebration with Tom Dickinson was well rehearsed and pure comedy. 2-0 at the break.
Changes early in the second half slightly altered the team balance slightly, but as Tiptree maintained the pressure overall, somehow Danbury with the only two chances they created in the second half, scored twice to level 2-2. At this point things could have gone horribly wrong, one thing was clear with 10 minutes left the next goal would be decide the result.
A slight re-shuffle on the pitch restored the shape and warriors regained their composure and started playing good football exploiting the width and stretching Danbury defence. Great goals from Stephen and two from James buried Danbury and only the final whistle prevented another couple of goals as Tiptree finished strongly and in full command.
This was the team performance lacking in the previous matches and it was all smiles for players, manager/coaches and parents alike.
U13’s
– League cup Focus Ferrers v Tiptree Minors Warriors 4th
January 2007
| Focus Ferrers 0 | Tiptree Minors 1 |
| Adam Sorrell |
U13’s
– League cup Tiptree Minors Warriors v Tollesbury
28th January 2007
| Tiptree Minors 1 | Tollesbury 1 |
| Tom Tansley |
U13’s
– League Burnham Ramblers v Tiptree Minors Warriors 11th March 2007
| Burnham 1 | Tiptree Minors 1 |
| Stephen Plumb |
U13’s
– League Tiptree Minors Warriors v Burnham Ramblers
18th March 2007
| Tiptree Minors 0 | Burnham 5 |
U13’s
– League Tiptree Minors Warriors v Heybridge Youth
1st April 2007
| Tiptree Minors 2 | Heybridge 4 |
| Tom Dickinson | |
| Stephen Plumb |
U13’s
– League Tiptree Minors Warriors v Focus Ferrers
15th April 2007
| Tiptree Minors 1 | Focus Ferrers 2 |
| Tom Tansley |
U13’s
– League Tiptree Minors Warriors v Valley Green 22nd
April 2007
| Tiptree Minors 1 | Valley Green 3 |
| Tommy Ward |
What a frustrating story these seven games, played over nearly a four month period, tell! Game cancellation followed game cancellation as flu and sickness bugs, flooded pitches and opposition team postponements happened week after week. Add to this James Nelson ongoing back injury, Tommy Ward broken wrist and the squad reduced to bare eleven for a number of matches. All these factors helped contribute to the Warriors losing a little focus, team play and the desire to win every game which was shown pre-Christmas break.
A reasonable if unconvincing start to the year resulted in a much needed win in the League Cup away against Focus Ferrers. A six week period of cancelled matches, preceded a ‘must win’ home game in the League Cup against Tollesbury, in our final group game. Tiptree dominated this game throughout and literally camped in Tollesbury half during the second period. However, failure to convert a hatful great chances saw a win slip through our grasp as a valiant Tollesbury, playing like it was the final, defended brilliantly to earn a draw which saw them into the semi’s and Tiptree knocked out.
In the league it was agonising watching Burnham and Valley Green catch up and overhaul Tiptree’s points tally as our games were cancelled and our main challengers at the top all played… and won. The last minute game cancellations understandably left a feeling of frustration and disappointment for the boys, Rob and Steve, as they nearly always followed some really good training/team building sessions in preparation for a big game on the Sunday. The first league game wasn’t until mid March against the now high flying Burnham Ramblers. Considering the lack of competitive games, 1-1 wasn’t too bad a result. Although the nice football seemed to have deserted us a little, the team spirit and fight was still present against a Burnham side looking confident and up for the game. Two weeks later however and it was a different story. At home in the return against Burnham with gale force winds making football barely playable, Tiptree had effectively lost by half time trailing 5-0. Burnham had taken full advantage of winning the toss and the extreme conditions and scored some bizarre long range goals leaving Jack little chance as the ball was literally blown into the net. Warriors heads went down faced with scoring six goals, desperation led to panic football and mistakes and the final heavy defeat as Tiptree never played the conditions as well as Burnham and failed to sustain any real pressure. Burnham played out a comfortable defensive performance second half to safeguard their lead and took a big step in overhauling Tiptree in the table.
The second Burnham game seemed to knock the confidence out of the team and instead of going into the Heybridge game two weeks later (another cancelled game in between) rightly expecting to win, there was a slight feeling of apprehension amongst the boys. This was a lacklustre performance for Warriors and apart from a highlight when Tom Dickinson scored his first of the season, it was another disjointed panic football performance against an incredulous Heybridge who had surely expected a much tougher game. Another two week break and another home game, this time Focus Ferrers. Warriors had played and beaten Focus twice already this season and should have been confident of making it three straight wins against them. However, the fire was well and truly doused if not out amongst a few of the boys going into this game. A poor Focus managed to inflict a third straight home defeat on an even poorer Tiptree, the pre Christmas honeymoon was over and Tiptree had slipped to fourth in the division but with a couple of games in hand.
Its not all doom and gloom though, this was to be a mini turning point. Given the recent run of results the tables had turned and Warriors expectations lowered as they faced division leaders Valley Green. At the end of Saturdays training session in which the boys were completely focussed and playing some great football in the training, Rob read out the match report from the pre-Christmas game against Valley. It reminded the boys what they are capable of and the team spirit they can show. Forget the result (1-3 to Valley Green), Tiptree played the better football, refusing to be intimidated by a bruising, bullying Valley filled up with the biggest thirteen year olds to be found in Witham. The team spirit was back as the boys fought for each other and turned on the style in patches. A draw would have been a fair result but we all came away pleased with the performance, despite an unsporting Valley Green marring the end of the game.
So four straight home defeats have put paid to winning the division but hopefully the team is now galvanised by the last Valley Green game and the performance they gave. If we can find our scoring boots again (just seven goals in the last seven matches), then we can finish the season on a high and achieve a better position than last season (fourth) continuing the trend of improvement season upon season. Let’s look forward to the final three games and put the disappointments since Christmas behind us. Come on the Warriors!!
U13’s –
League Valley Green Pythons v Tiptree Minors Warriors 17th December 2006
| Valley Green 2 | Tiptree Minors 2 |
| Stephen Plumb | |
| James Nelson |
The last fixture of 2006, Tiptree away to another division title chasing team, Valley Green from Witham. Warriors were without Tommy Ward, out for 4 weeks with a fractured wrist sustained in training (although Tommy came to support the team) but had James returned from a back injury. Stephen Plumb was handed the Captains armband partnering Tanz up front.
From the kick off it was evident Valley Green were up for their clash against the unbeaten division leaders. They looked big and physical and contested every ball as Warriors looked a bit intimidated and paid a little too much respect to a couple of their players. Valley Green scored first, a poorly conceded goal by Tiptree leaving a player unmarked on the edge of the 18 yard box from a corner and allowing a well placed side foot shot to be ‘passed’ into the corner of the net unchallenged. A case of Déjŕ vu for Valley Green second just 5 minutes later and Tiptree found themselves 2-0 down for the first time this season with hardly a chance created.
Despite the unusual position of trailing by two goals early in a game, heads did not drop and the team determination and fighting spirit emerged. Although Valley continued to deny space and time for Tiptree to play their own football, the boys hauled themselves into the game creating a couple of half chances and corners. Two minutes before the break saw some determined work from Tanz carry the ball forward and although forced out left, deliver a great cross for Stephen to steal in and head home from close range.
Half time tactical change assigned James to deal with Valley’s key player and stop him dictating the play and match the physical presence. Tiptree never looked out of this game and gradually defence and midfield started to win challenges and loose ball, creating chances for the strikers as the half wore on. With 20 minutes to go all the pressure came from Tiptree as a succession of excellent chances went begging or were well saved by the Valley keeper having a great game. At the other end Jack made two fantastic saves and Valley had a goal ruled out off-side. With less than 5 minutes to go, fitness and determination told as Valley was pinned in but holding on. Despite this, a first league defeat still looked the result until James picked up the ball 25 yards out, burst through brilliantly rounded the keeper and smashed home from a narrowing angle, a far from easy finish. A panicky Valley Green nearly saw a point slip away when Tanz shot just wide with almost the last kick of the game. At the final whistle it was a very relieved Valley Green that left the field, 5 more minutes and Tiptree would have netted a couple more.
For Warriors, James Nelson was inspirational, Jonny, Toby and Neil battled hard second half, Stephen and Tanz were tireless up front, the midfield worked hard to wrestle control in Tiptree favour. Well done Jack on another great performance. So still top and unbeaten at Xmas, well done every player in the squad, a great team spirit maintained after some very tricky and hard fought recent games.
*****************************************************
U13’s –
League Cup
Tiptree Minors Warriors
v Maldon
Saints Tigers 3rd December 2006
| Tiptree 3 | Maldon 2 |
| Tom Tansley (2) | |
| Tommy Ward |
Another league cup game and a third match against Maldon Saints on a pleasant sunny afternoon. A soggy muddy pitch and stiff breeze however, didn’t make for a perfect pitch. Tiptree were without an injured James Nelson and unavailable Matt Burton.
A sluggish start by both sides saw plenty of ball in up in the air and possession easily given up as neither side took control or created any chances or inspirational football. However Tiptree took a lead with two goals by Tanz midway through the half and 5 minutes before the break, the first a low shot the second a long range effort from 20 yards. It must be said Maldon were a little unlucky to be trailing at the break as they had a 20 minute spell of sustained pressure, possession and numerous corners with Tiptree struggling to create any coherent play.
After the break Maldon came out playing football as Warriors tried but stuttered to get their game kick started. Good passing and movement for another 20 minute spell pinned Tiptree in their own half and the pressure paid off as two well taken goals levelled things and threatened to overwhelm the boys.
However we are a different team this season and heads do not drop neither does the effort or work rate. A bold tactical change looking for the win sent three up front and left three at the back. Tommy Ward playing in 20minute spells looked strong and determined making a difference when he came back on and his persistence paid off with a winning goal. Other stand out performances came from Max Harris who led by example in midfield strong and determined, and another fine game by Jack Vanson who earlier pulled off some brave saves to keep Tiptree in the game.
Sometimes you win and it’s not pretty but gutsy and that summed up this faltering performance. Perhaps last season the boys would have folded under the same pressure and good football played by Maldon, but once again we finished strongly threatening a fourth and did start to get our game together by the end. Well done boys, grinded out a victory.
*****************************************************
U13’s -
League
Tiptree Minors Warriors
v Tollesbury
Juniors 26th November 2006
| Tiptree 4 | Tollesbury 1 |
| Tom Tansley (3) | |
| Stephen Plumb |
League match number seven and the closest thing to a local derby game against Tollesbury with many of the opposition class mates at school. After the disappointment of the previous weeks cup game, Tiptree, with a full squad available, were looking to bounce straight back and prove the recent run of wins was nothing to do with luck.
As Rob and Steve were ‘at school’ again completing their FA coaching qualifications, this report comes courtesy of a stream of text messages supplied by our fantastic supporting parents by which the match progress was relayed.
Tollesbury started the game brightly but soon faded away with Tiptree gradually looking fitter and stronger as the half wore on. Few chances for either team before Tanz scored a long range effort from the left five minutes before the break to edge Tiptree into narrow lead. Second half saw Tiptree playing with more confidence and asserting some pressure. A deserved second goal, carbon copy of first, before a jammy Tollesbury goal threatened to spoil things. However the boys created a string of chances before Stephen scored a third and Tanz completing his hattrick latching onto to some good work from Tom D in midfield.
This was however a much improved team performance in what looked to be a tricky fixture. All the boys played their part as the substitutes were fully utilised with a better shape and an energetic pressing game maintained, the boys once again finishing the match strongly. Another good game from Jack Vanson and a disciplined performance by James alongside Toby, Neil and Jonny in defence, but it was a team effort which provided the winning platform and maintain the unbeaten league form, more importantly the best response to lacklustre game seven days earlier.
*****************************************************
U13’s - League Cup
Danbury v Tiptree Minors Warriors 19th
November 2006
| Danbury 3 | Tiptree 2 |
| Tom Tansley | |
| Stephen Plumb |
This Sunday saw yet another away match at Danbury. Without Rob & Steve, away on a coaching course (or so they said!) the team were ably organised by Pete and Judd. The game started fairly slowly with both teams finding their feet and sizing up the opposition. With smaller goals than Tiptree are used to they were unlucky not to be ahead after a shot by Tom Tansley skimmed over the post. The teams were both evenly match for much of the first 20 minutes or so with neither team taking any advantage. Then a lucky break by Tiptree saw Tanz lob the Danbury keeper to take us to half time with a 1-0 lead. Shortly after the restart some excellent team play saw Stephen Plumb clear through on goal only to be denied by some superb running by the opposition. The ball rebounded twice more before Stephen finally buried the ball to make the score 2-0.
If only games could then stop when you were winning! Danbury made a terrific comeback with 3 well taken goals to see Tiptree on the losing side for the first time in a while. Jack made some fantastic saves during a spell of sustained pressure from the opposition which saved Tiptree from a far more undignified scoreline. Not the best day on the park for the Minors boys but heads did not drop and even till the last whistle another goal was always possible. Bad luck boys there is always next week.
*****************************************************
U13’s - League
Notley Youth Kestrels v Tiptree Minors Warriors 5th
November 2006
| Notley 0 | Tiptree 6 |
| Tom Tansley (2) | |
| Tommy Ward | |
| Adam Sorrell | |
| Neill Andrew | |
| Matt Burton |
Another away game, on a fine November afternoon, perfect football conditions were it not for the cow field of a pitch with a side slope more at home in the Lake District. With the exception of Jack, Tiptree had a full squad available for the first time this season. Our superb stand in keeper Max once again donned the goalie gloves behind the ‘three amigos’ looking for a fourth clean sheet.
Warriors took control from the start, looking to play quick football using the width and winning challenges and first ball in all areas. A sustained spell of pressure saw a couple of golden chances spoilt by potholes and divots in the pitch before Tanz sent a long range lofted shot just beyond the keepers reach to open the scoring. The game was firmly in Notleys half when Tanz added an almost identical second from the left. Pressure produced a couple of corners with Tommy ward wrapping his left leg around a loose ball to net the third. A strong determined James set up the fourth before the break stealing in before the goalie to square for a jubilant Adam (and Pete!) to tap home his first of the season.
Changes at half time saw Tommy, Stephen and Toby coming off for a rest, with Dec, Peter and a returning Matt Burton coming on. Only Matt’s second start of the season and wearing bizarre thermals earning him a nickname of ‘Nora Batty’. Continued pressure saw Neill pop up for a corner and turn one into the net via a deflection, a fantastic header from Stephen come back of the post and a sixth goal volleyed in from Matt Burton. Further rotation of players saw Tanz, Dec and Adam rested for the last 15 minutes. With everyone now trying to get on the score sheet inevitably some of the shape was abandoned (to the coaches frustration!), however Notley failed to create a chance the whole game with Max not required to make a single save.
It was another solid team performance by every player with quality composed football for long periods, using the width well and some excellent crosses and delivery on corners. Another clean sheet means a very healthy goal difference, well done team. Finally, we don’t hand out ‘man of the match’ but we all agreed Luke Melia was outstanding in his defensive midfeld role, executing tactics discussed at the training ground superbly and passing the ball around with intelligence and confidence, great game.
*****************************************************
U13’s - League
Heybridge Youth Panthers v Tiptree Minors Warriors 29th
October 2006
| Heybridge 0 | Tiptree 3 |
| Stephen Plumb | |
| Tommy Ward(2) |
A third consecutive away game in the league, and a potentially tricky fixture against a Heybridge team in winning form of late. Tiptree were without Luke, Jack (GK) and Matt, with Max pulling on the goalie gloves.
The boys started slowly in an evenly contested first 10 minutes with no chances created by either team as both sought for a grip on the game. Tiptree took control as the defence held a high line and the midfield starting winning possession and loose balls. A fantastic goal by Stephen capped a spell of sustained pressure as he burst onto a through ball and struck a sweetly hit right foot drive low to the right. Further chances came as Tom Tansley, Tom D, Adam and James bossed the midfeld in front of a solid defence including a shot against the post. However Heybridge were still in the game hitting the post themselves and forcing a couple of corners, before a very officious referee decided to blow for halftime just as Tommy Ward was about to score a second.
Second half and Dec (Decorator) Bays came on for Pete Horslen, slotting in up front with some minor reshuffling in midfeld. All the possession belonged to Warriors as they played an impressive team performance throughout the half, capping 35 minutes of pressure with two further goals from Tommy Ward amongst a host of chances created throughout the team.
3-0 flattered Heybridge in the end as Tiptree failed to capitalise on some great chances (more shooting practise in training this week boys!!) to make it six or seven however it was a good all round team performance by every player with some unselfish play and patches of excellent football.
A third clean sheet for the defence and a unflappable display by Max cannot go unmentioned as Tiptree pretty much played three at the back again with ‘the three amigos’ of Jonny, Toby and Neill reading the game superbly and aided by a hard working midfield and yet another captains performance by James, providing the platform for five out of five league wins.
*************************************
U13’s - League
Focus Ferrers Falcons v Tiptree Minors Warriors
15th October 2006
| Focus Ferrers 0 | Tiptree 2 |
| Tommy Ward(2) |
A long trip to Rayleigh for an away fixture against unbeaten Focus Ferrers, behind the Warriors on goal difference only. This looked a tight game on paper and a big test for the boys in a top of division clash, made harder by the fact Tiptree had no subs available.
Two minutes into the game and the first Tiptree attack saw Tommy Ward in on goal to give the boys a great start with an accurate finish tucked inside the near post from the left hand side. But this was never going to be a walkover and both teams competed in all areas of the park for dominance as Ferrers recovered from the conceding early on. Tiptree shaded the first half as both sides struck the woodwork, James and Max letting fly a couple of long range efforts, and some intelligent football amongst a competitive midfield battle.
Second half, and Warriors needed another goal to calm supporters and coaches nerves in a fairly even affair. Both teams created half chances until Tommy burst through the middle onto a slide rule through ball and placed a low shot to the right to edge the game beyond Ferrers. Ferrers however refused to be beaten and could have got back in the game from a well struck free kick were it not for a brilliant save by Jack Vanson parrying the ball diving full stretch to his right.
The game ended 2-0 with the boys finishing on a high note with some fantastic interplay on the left between Luke, Tom D and Stephen, straight from the training ground.
An outstanding hard fought win for Tiptree with every boy giving their all and working till the final whistle. Impressive displays from Tom Dickinson and Max Harris who had their best games of the season so far, earning a special mention and the teams fourth consecutive ‘way hey’ cheer from Rob.
Well done Jack and the defence for a second clean sheet and Tommy Ward who found his scoring boots this week after a few missed chances last week!
********************************
U13’s -
League
Maldon Saints Tigers v
Tiptree Minors Warriors
8th October 2006
| Maldon 2 | Tiptree 5 |
| Tom Tansley | |
| Stephen Plumb (2) | |
| Luke Melia | |
| James Nelson |
A fine sunny morning and excellent football conditions for our first away game in a return against Maldon Saints Tigers. Warriors without Jack in goal and Matt Burton for the next three weeks, lined up with Luke and Jonny moving into midfield and Pete Horslen in his first game of the season, in centre defence.
Some early pressure from Tiptree established control from the start and after a couple of early missed chances, Tanz scored number 9 for the season, finishing neatly. Stephen Plumb was in great form making intelligent runs, unselfish play and bagging a brace in the first half with cool finishing. Luke Melia added a fourth before the break heading in from close range from a well worked corner. Despite being 4 down, Maldon showed some spirit and fight, coming back into the game and pegging a goal back after a spell of pressure just before the half time whistle.
Some half time changes with Tommy Ward and Dec Bays coming on for Tom D and Adam, Tommy up front with Tanz for the first time this season and the energetic Stephen dropping into midfield. Another good spell for Maldon after the break saw them press for a second, however, Warriors gradually took control for the remaining 25 minutes with Tommy Ward, Stephen, Tanz and Jonny all coming close including several excellent goal mouth clearances by Maldon keeper, hitting the woodwork and the wrong end of a number of ‘dodgy’ off-side decisions. Tiptree created at least a dozen chances with James Nelson (c) bossing the midfield and scoring arguably the best goal of the game beating 5 players to tuck a cool finish away for number five and his 3rd of the season. A late scrambled consolation for Maldon, who were fortunate to hold Tiptree to five, did little to change the dominance.
Outstanding players amongst a good all round team performance were Stephen Plumb and James Nelson.
******************************
U13’s –
Knockout Cup Tiptree
Minors Warriors v Heybridge Youth ‘A’
24th September 2006
| Tiptree 1 | Heybridge 10 |
| Tom Tansley |
A reality check for the Warriors as they were drawn in the Knockout Cup against Heybridge ‘A’ top of division 3 and in excellent form. The boys had put in a lot of effort on the Saturday after training, by walking/running over 7 miles in a sponsored event to raise money for the club, unfortunately it showed as some tired legs and minds lined up Sunday morning to face an energetic and quick opposition. Two goals within two minutes for Heybridge killed the game instantly. Another 3 by half time and Tiptree were hanging on to avoid a threatened rugby score, the highlight of Warriors first half being a penalty won by Tanz and brilliantly saved by Heybridge keeper from an unlucky Jonny Hewer.
Tiptree kept their heads up second half despite further goals conceded and were rewarded with a well worked consolation late on with Tanz striking home from 20 yards.
For Warriors it was a measure of where the team want to be at the end of the season with Heybridge showing pace, intelligent use of width, determination and organisation all over the park. Despite a subdued performance and tired legs for Tiptree throughout the game, positives to be drawn were the boys kept going, maintained a good team spirit amongst each other and Jonny Hewer, who stood out for the Warriors and battled to a standstill.
************************************
U13’s -
League Tiptree
Minors Warriors v Maldon Saints Tigers
17th September 2006
| Tiptree 4 | Maldon 0 |
| Tom Tansley | |
| Stephen Plumb (2) | |
| James Nelson |
Warriors second league game of the new season saw them at home against division new boys Maldon Saints Tigers. Some enforced team changes handed Tommy Ward the unenviable task of fulfilling a missing Neill Andrew position at left back.
Warriors, defending their early season top slot in the division, started strongly winning early battles against a newly formed Maldon team that looked short of match practise in their first game of the season. Tiptree created several chances with Stephen, Tanz and Max all converting to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second half despite Maldon coming into the game for 10 minutes before the break.
Tactical changes at halftime saw Adam make way for Dec Bays with a shuffle round in midfield. Continued determination displayed by Maldon early second half, provided a test for a calm and cohesive Tiptree defence however, Maldon rarely created a chance with Jack Vanson coming off his line several times to claim the ball and show command of the 18 yard box. Off pitch treatment was required for Tom D and Tommy Ward temporarily reducing Tiptree to 10 players as Adam came back on, however Tiptree soon took a firm grip on the half. With both Tom’s finishing the game and all the play deep in the Maldon half, chance after chance was created including Max hitting the crossbar twice and James forcing a fantastic diving save from a free kick before tucking in the fourth to seal a solid if unspectacular team performance that kept Tiptree top of the division.
Well done Jack and the Warriors defence on a first clean sheet and for notching up an impressive early goal difference that could well be important later in the season.
******************************
U13’s -
League Tiptree Minors
Warriors v Notley Youth Kestrels
10th September 2006
| Tiptree 9 | Notley 1 |
| Tom Tansley (6) | |
| Max Harris | |
| James Nelson | |
| Stephen Plumb |
First game of the 2006/07 season and what a start!
The debut for three new signings, Jonny Hewer, Luke Melia and Tom (Tanz) Tansley. Tiptree were just too strong for Notley from the first whistle winning early battles in every area of the pitch. The first goal came within two minutes, Tom Tansley notching his first goal for the Warriors. 4 more goals were added by half time without reply, Tanz registering a hat trick, Max and James both netting.
With all the play in the Notley half and midfield well on top, Tiptree reverted to three at the back and pushed James further forward. Warriors added 4 more in the second half, Tanz helping himself to a second hat trick and strike partner Stephen opening his season’s account. A lucky deflected Notley goal did little to distract from a fantastic performance. There was no single ‘man of the match’ however Luke Melia was tigerish in the midfield, Neill Andrew strong at the back, Toby Vickery and Jonny Hewer calm and collected in defence, James a strong captain as ever and a fantastic debut for Tanz, all worth a special mention.
Well done Warriors, top of the table after one game, more importantly a great team performance all round with some impressive football, ringing alarms with other teams in the division no doubt.
*****************************