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Goals Scored:

George Jenkinson:    51

Kyle Dangerfield:     26

Luke Burnham           14

Josh Santry:            12

Harry  Simpson:        12

Denny Brydon:           5

Nathan Brown:          2

Izaak Darvill:           2

Sam Jones:               2

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The following is the reporters view of how the boy's did this season:

Nathan Brown

Nathan has only played in a few of the games but when needed he has been an excellent addition to the squad. He is composed and confident on the ball and makes some excellent passes under pressure. He is a good tackler and keeps his eye on the ball.

Denny Brydon

Denny has grown stronger as the season progressed. He has played many positions including goalie, He is good on the ball and very skillfull. He can pass a long range ball with excellent accuracy.

Luke Burnham

Luke’s first season at Thurlow has been excellent, he is a hard worker and never gives up. Left wing is his preferred position and has created loads of goals with some excellent passing. He has also scored 14 goals.

Kyle Dangerfield

Kyle is probably the most versatile player at Thurlow. He looks comfortable in defence, midfield and as a striker. He has also been known to play in goal. His passing game and work rate has been excellent. He has set up as many if not more goals than he has scored.

Izaak Darvill

Izaak has been one of the most consistent players this season at Thurlow. His awareness of the game, and passing from defence is incredible. Izaak is also very good at moving the ball forward. He has made some lovely runs down the wing and scored a couple of excellent goals.

Harrison Fish

Harrison has been a rock in defence this year. He is the only outfield player that has made his position his own. He rarely lets anything passed him and his passing game has improved dramatically. He plays the defensive role in a way that boy’s two or three years older would struggle to do.

George Jenkinson

George has been captain fantastic this year, scoring over 50 goals including the friendlies. He is very fast and has worked hard in every game. He has taken his role as captain seriously, always encouraging the other boy’s to raise their game. George’s passing and positioning has improved no end this year.

Sam Jones

Sam has been unbelievable in goal this year. He has been brave, and consistently stays focused even in the games where he has had little to do. He communicates well with his defence and his distribution has been excellent. Sam has also managed to score a couple of goals.

Josh Santry

Josh has got an unbelievable strike. He is strong on the ball, can hold it up and pass with pin point accuracy. His corner taking, throw ins and free kicks are superb. Josh has set up countless goals and scored some spectacular long range goals.

Harry Simpson

Harry has been awesome in the centre of midfield, his strength and work rate are second to none. Harry has scored some good goals and set up a good few. His first touch and passing has improved dramatically.

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15-05-10          Thurlow Youth v Saffron Walden                              League Match

Today was the last league match of the season and with Saffron Walden beating Thurlow in the last meeting today was going to be a good game.

Both teams looked up for it in the warm up.

From the first whistle Saffron Walden won the ball, they looked hungry and were very physical. Thurlow looked a bit shocked to start with and struggled to keep any possession. Saffron Walden got the first goal and we all knew the boy’s were in for a tough game. After about 10 minutes Thurlow started to get a hold of the game and George managed to level the scoring.

After half time the game carried on as before and Saffron Walden scored another goal making them 1 – 2 up. The game was very physical and Thurlow matched Walden but couldn’t get the passing game going. Kyle scored soon after making the match a nail biter. Thurlow did have more shots on goal than Walden but just couldn’t find the net. Sam made a couple of excellent saves and Kyle managed to get another goal just before full time giving Thurlow the win.

Although not the best football display of the season Thurlow did deserve to win this game through hard work and determination.

Man of the match was difficult with many of the boy’s working so hard. It was given to Harry for his efforts in the middle.

Final Score: Thurlow 3 – 2 Saffron Walden

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01-05-10                   Haverhill Rovers v Thurlow Youth                  League Match

The boy’s wanted to put on a good display in the penultimate game of the season. They all looked up for it in the warm up and with Harry playing rugby we only had one sub so the boy’s would get plenty of football.

All of the boy’s were working hard from the first whistle. Thurlow were in total control, Kyle was playing well in centre midfield and was rewarded with a goal after about 5 minutes. Haverhill tried to gain possession on a few occasions but Denny and Harrison dealt with everything that came their way. Josh was passing and working well on the wing as was Luke. The play was becoming a bit erratic with Thurlow struggling to string any passes together, despite this George scored 2 goals, Haverhill scored an OG and Kyle got another before half time to give a score of 0 – 5 to Thurlow at half time.

The second half started with Sam up front and George in goal. The play was a bit scrappy and Haverhill started to put pressure on the Thurlow defence. Izaak was working well and managed to make some good passes from defence. Denny replaced George in goal to leave Sam up front.

Haverhill kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a goal. As the game wore on Thurlow managed to get a grip back on the game. Josh was using some brilliant skills on the right wing and passed a lovely ball for George to score his third, soon after Sam headed home from a corner for a well deserved goal. George finished the scoring just  before the final whistle.

This was not one of Thurlow’s better team performances but it was good to see some good skills and good individual performances.

Man of the match was extremely difficult, They had all played well, particularly Kyle, Josh and George. Alan decided to let the boy’s decide and Luke was voted man of the match by the team.

Final Score: Haverhill Rovers 1 – 8 Thurlow Youth  

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27-04-10                   Thurlow Youth v Saffron Hawks                      League Match

Thurlow played against Saffron Hawks on the first day of the season beating them 17 – 0. They had improved their scores throughout the season and it was going to be interesting to see how they had progressed.Thurlow were keen to get possession from the first whistle. Josh was playing well in centre midfield and straight way the passes were good. George was running around in his usual manner and causing the Saffron Hawks defence some problems. Saffron Hawks however were trying hard to push up and attack our goal. The Thurlow defence was just too strong with Izaak and Denny controlling the ball and starting some excellent passing moves down the wings. The first goal came from George after about 10 minutes. Soon after Thurlow made a string of passes ending with Saffron Hawks scoring an own goal. Kyle was having an excellent game, he was looking for the spaces and making some superb passes. Harry scored his first goal followed closely by his second. The game carried on with Harrison and Luke playing well and Kyle scored a well deserved goal. George finished the scoring in the first half giving a score of 6 – 0 to Thurlow.

The second half saw Saffron Hawks trying to get into the game, their centre forward was fast and strong but Harrison didn’t give him any time on the ball and tackled him every time he got the ball. Harry was having another good strong game and was rewarded with another goal to give him a hatrick.

Saffron Hawks were still putting in a lot of effort and Sam had to make some good saves to deny them a goal. Kyle carried on his good game and scored two more to get his hatrick.

Saffron Hawks had definitely improved and should be congratulated for their effort, but Thurlow were just too organised and hungry for the game.

Kyle got man of the match for a fantastic display.

Final Score: Thurlow Youth 9 – 0 Saffron Hawks************************************************************************************************************

24-04-10                   Thurlow Youth v Balsham Colts                       League Match

Balsham came to Thurlow for the return match. It was going to be a good match with the history between the teams and the fact that they have been training on the same pitch for the season.

Balsham kicked off with an unusual shot at goal, Thurlow soon got the ball under control and started to attack the Balsham goal. The Balsham defence played well stopping George from getting any goals. Luke and Denny played well from the start and were looking to make some good passes. Thurlow weren’t playing as well as they can but were putting in a lot of effort. George managed to score a goal to put Thurlow up. Balsham soon replied to this and the teams finished the first half with a goal each.

The second half started with both teams trying to get the ball, the game was end to end, The Thurlow defence had been changed around and Izaak, Denny, Harrison and Luke dealt with everything with ease. Sam kept alert and played well in goal. Kyle was working hard in the middle as was Harry

Luke scored soon into the second half with George helping the ball in! George got his second soon after with Luke returning the favour! We were hoping that Thurlow would settle into their passing game but they didn’t. Balsham were making it hard for Thurlow. Josh took an excellent free kick which was just tipped over the bar by the Balsham keeper. George managed to get his third near the end of the game.

Man of the match was between Luke and Denny who both had excellent games in different positions. Luke was given the trophy.

Final Score: Thurlow Youth 4 – 1 Balsham Colts

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22-04-10          Plantation Youth v Thurlow Youth    League Match

We travelled over to Saffron Walden on this sunny evening for a match against the strong Plantation. The boy’s were keen to win this following last Saturday’s game.

The pitch was really uneven so they were going to have to work hard to control the ball and the game.

From the first whistle Thurlow looked hungry for the ball and didn’t give Plantation any time on the ball. Plantation are a physical side but Kyle was really strong in the middle. George was rallying the team to play well. The game was end to end in the first half, but Izaak and Harrison were stopping everything that came their way. Harry, Josh and Kyle were tracking back well and mostly kept control in the middle. Thurlow didn’t really settle into the football we know they can play in the first half, although they did unsettle Plantation by being physically strong in the tackles.

The second half started 0-0, but Thurlow looked more composed and were keeping control of the ball. They started stringing some lovely passes together and were soon rewarded with the first goal which was driven low and hard by Luke from the left wing. Soon after Izaak received the ball at left back and started running down the wing. With no obvious pass to make he went all the way, dodging a couple of players and scoring a fantastic goal.

Plantation were getting frustrated but didn’t drop their heads, this made Thurlow play even better football. They were passing the ball around like premiership players. George scored twice in the remainder of the game which Thurlow dominated.

Man of the match was difficult today, Kyle, Sam, Denny and Luke had played particularly well but the trophy was given to Izaak for another solid display at the back topped with a terrific goal.

Final Score Plantation Youth 0 – 4 Thurlow Youth

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17-04-10          West Wratting Youth v Thurlow Youth         League Match

The boy’s all looked up for today’s clash with Wratting, this match was the one we were all looking forward to. Two of the best under 10 teams in what would probably be the decider for the league.

From the first whistle Wratting were hungry for the ball and penned Thurlow into their own half. Sam made some good brave saves and the defence worked hard to deny them a goal. The first half was a bit scrappy, but both teams were trying their best to gain control. George managed to put Thurlow 1 nil up just before half time.

The second half started with Thurlow trying to play football, which they didn’t really manage to do for any prolonged periods. Harry was working hard in the middle and Sam was having an excellent game in goal. Despite this Wratting managed to get a goal back midway through the half. The rest of the game was tense for the fans with both teams working their hardest to keep control and maybe get a goal. Wratting managed to score just before the final whistle.

Man of the match today was easy to choose with Harry working so hard in the midfield and making it hard for Wratting to play football. 

Final Score West Wratting Youth 2 – 1 Thurlow Youth

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29-03-10          Thurlow Youth v Plantation Youth                League Match

This match was the first league match played on the astro turf at Linton. Plantation are one of the top teams in the league so we were hoping for a good game.

Both teams looked to control the game from the start, the football was really fast and the narrow pitch meant the ball kept going out. Both teams played spells of good football but neither could settle into any sort of rhythm. The first team to score were going to gain the upper hand.

Sam was having a really good game again and dealt with everything that came his way. Izaak and Harrison continued their recent good form by working well with Sam.

Harry was working hard in the middle but was struggling to keep possession which in turn dragged Josh and Luke in too far from the wings. When they held their positions they played some really good football and were rewarded with the first goal after a great passing move that came from the defence and ended with Josh setting George up, who put the ball in the net with ease. Plantation caught Thurlow out a couple of times soon after and were very unlucky not to score.

In the final 10 minutes Plantation struggled to control Thurlow who looked most likely to score again. Denny had a good game and was unlucky not to score with a lovely strike at goal. Kyle played well in 3 different positions and was close to scoring a couple of times. Luke was working hard again and managed to score the second.

Man of the match was very difficult today, although not the best team performance all of the boy’s did give 100%. Sam was definitely a contender again as was Harry. It was pouring with rain so with no obvious man of the match it was decided not to give it!

Final Score: Thurlow 2 – 0 Plantation Youth

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27-03-10                   Thurlow Youth v Aztecs Juniors                  League Match

After last weeks frustrating match we were hoping for a more settled game today. The boy’s all looked up for it and were keen to start.

The game started with both teams eager to get control and score. This made it an end to end game. Harrison and Izaak were playing well at the back and Aztecs couldn’t get past them. After about 15 minutes it was looking as if it was going to be a repeat of last week. Thurlow just couldn’t settle. Just when it was beginning to get frustrating Josh found the corner of the net. Thurlow immediately lifted their game and started passing and communicating better.

Luke was having an excellent game making some good tackles and passes. He got his reward with the second goal. George had been making some good runs and passes and followed with the third goal just before half time.

Thurlow started the second half playing some superb football. Josh scored another goal followed soon after by Luke. Harry was playing well in the centre and the boy’s looked in total control. To Aztecs credit they did keep working hard to try and gain possession. Kyle scored after a lovely string of passes. Sam had made some excellent saves throughout the game and was communicating well. Denny was playing well on the wing and in defence, he was unlucky not to score after some excellent shots and passes. Josh scored the final goal to earn a hatrick.

Man of the match was difficult today with most of the boy’s getting a mention. With some brilliant saves and another clean sheet Sam was a strong contender again. Luke was given the trophy for working so hard and making some excellent tackles and passes.

Final Score: Thurlow 7 – 0 Aztecs 

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20-03-10               Hundon Hawks  v  Thurlow Youth                       League Match

After last weeks match Thurlow were expecting to score a hatful of goals again, from the first whistle they were trying too hard to score. The Hundon keeper was on fine form and denied Thurlow at least 5 goals in the first half. This frustrated Thurlow, and they struggled to settle into their normal passing game. George scored the only goal just before half time.

The second half carried on where the first left off, with all of the football being played in the Hundon half. Thurlow had shot after shot at goal but the Goalie was not going to be beaten. As the game wore on the Thurlow boy’s were becoming more frustrated and let Hundon into the game on a couple of occasions. Sam had had nothing to do most of the match, but did really well to stay focused and deal with Hundon’s attack’s on his goal. Hundon looked like equalising in the dying minutes but Thurlow just hung on to their lead.

Maybe a good lesson learnt for the boy’s today, they have to stay in their positions and be more disciplined. If they don’t let themselves become frustrated they can enjoy their own game, score goals and win matches.

Sam was awarded man of the match for not putting a foot wrong when he could have struggled to stay alert.

Final score: Hundon Hawks 0 – 1 Thurlow Youth

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06-03-10                        Spartak 78 v Thurlow Youth                         League Match

Today was the first trip to Herberts Farm in Saffron Walden this season. With Izaak back in action we had a full squad and the boy’s were all up for a good game.

Thurlow took control from the first whistle but were struggling to make good passes.

The pitch was bobbly, which was going to have an impact on Thurlow’s game. The boy’s were going to need to concentrate to control the ball. Most of the first half was frustrating for the boy’s until Kyle broke the deadlock. Spartak were trying to attack but with Harrison and Luke in defence nothing was getting past. Soon after Kyle’s second goal one of Spartak players went down with what could have been a nasty injury. The game was stopped for about 10 minutes which gave the boy’s time to compose themselves. On the restart Thurlow started to pass better and were looking more like their usual selves.

Harry, Luke, Josh and Denny were controlling the midfield and making some excellent passes to George who was all over the Spartak defence.

The second half started with George in goal to give Sam a run out on pitch. Izaak and Harrison were making some good tackles and passing the ball down the wings. Josh was playing well in centre midfield and the goals started to come. Thurlow settled into some fantastic passing football. Josh, Luke and Denny were making some excellent passes. Sam was enjoying playing up front and had a few good shot’s at goal. With everyone pushing up to try and get a goal Spartak managed to break a couple of times but Denny was well composed at the back and they still couldn’t get through.

Kyle continued having probably his best game so far and scored a total of 6 goals. George scored 2, Luke and Harry got a hatrick each.

Man of the match was easy today as Kyle had worked so hard, (even Ian gave his opinion on this one!) his passing, tackling and shooting earnt him a well deserved trophy.

Final score: Spartak 78 0 – 14 Thurlow Youth 

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27-02-10     Thurlow Youth v Shelford and Stapleford Strikers       League Match

Shelford and Stapleford Strikers (SaSS) beat Thurlow in the first leg so today was going to be a good match with the boy’s looking to get their own back.

The game started with both teams looking to get possession and control the game. This made the football a bit scrappy to start with. Harrison made some excellent tackles and Sam was communicating well with the defence to keep the goals out. As the game went on Kyle, Josh and Denny were getting a grip on the midfield and the passes started coming. Denny was playing some excellent football and scored the first goal. The game was going end to end but SaSS couldn’t get past the Thurlow defence. Luke was tackling well and passing down the wings and Kyle was winning everything in the middle. Just before half time Josh received the ball on the right wing following a string of passes and hit a lovely strike from about 20 yards out into the top corner.

Not long into the second half George got hold of the ball and ran at three SaSS players, with no support he took it all the way and scored an excellent Goal from a tight angle. Thurlow were looking more in control of the game and were passing well, but SaSS were battling hard and made Thurlow work to keep possession. Harry was playing well and made some excellent defensive runs and tackles followed by some good passes. The fourth goal came from a lose ball that Josh hit with his left foot, with George also making a claim! Either way they were all pleased to get another goal.

Man of the match was really difficult again with all of the boy’s playing so well. The trophy went to Denny for playing a good team game.

Final Score: Thurlow 4 – 0 Shelford and Stapleford Strikers

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20-02-10          Thurlow Youth v Hundon Hawks                          League Match

Having lost the previous week to Saffron Walden in probably Thurlow’s poorest team display this season, everyone was sure the team would put that right today.

The boy’s all looked up for it in the warm up and the sun was shining.

From the first whistle Thurlow were hungry for the ball, they started passing the ball around and were communicating well. This gave us some excellent football to watch. Hundon were trying really hard to get in the game but George scored his first goal after about 10 minutes. The second came soon after following a string of passes involving Izaak, Kyle, Luke and then George putting it away. Harrison was having an excellent game again at the back as was Izaak. Luke and Josh were putting in some lovely crosses from the wings which gave Luke the third goal. Harry came on to play left wing and Luke played defence. Harry got a goal just before the break. Score 5 nil.

Thurlow were up for it again and the change around made no difference. They were still communicating and passing well. Harry was making some excellent runs down the wing and putting some good balls into the box. Hundon were still giving it a good go but Thurlow were too strong and organised. Kyle scored the first of 2 soon after the restart. Denny played an excellent team game today with some excellent passes and good positional play in defence and on the wing. Hundon made a few attacks at goal and to their credit never gave up but Sam had things covered and was communicating well with the defence.

Josh had been out of form lately and came back on half way through the second half into his normal centre midfield role. He took control and put in his best display this season tackling and passing the ball well, then scoring his first of two goals.

George took his goal total to 6 with some well placed goals in another excellent display. Josh’s second goal was an awesome strike from about 20 yards out into the top corner.

Man of the match was extremely difficult today with all of the boy’s being considered in what was probably their best team game yet. Main contenders were George and Josh for both putting in excellent display’s. The long range goal clinched it for Josh.

Final Score: Thurlow Youth 12 - 0 Hundon Hawks

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13-02-10          Saffron Walden Town A v Thurlow Youth                League  Match

Following the recent run of good form everyone was feeling confident about this game against the strong Saffron Walden side.

From the first whistle Saffron Walden were first to the ball and didn’t let Thurlow have any space to play the passing game. The pitch was much smaller than others they play on and the lack of space and bad conditions didn’t help Thurlow to find their recent form. Sam, Harrison and Izaak had their work cut out at the back, as the midfield were struggling to get a grip on the game. The first half was scrappy with both teams struggling to string any passes together.

With a few changes in positions Thurlow looked disjointed at the restart. Saffron Walden scored the first goal soon after the start of the second half and their second followed within minutes.

Thurlow started to play better at 2 down and were battling to get control and play their game. Kyle was playing well and scored our only goal. Saffron Walden kept up the pressure and stopped Thurlow scoring again.

Man of the match was probably the easiest choice we have had to make this season with Harrison making tackle after tackle against the strong Saffron Walden boy’s, even after getting hurt defending a free kick!

Final Score:

Saffron Walden 2 – 1 Thurlow Youth

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06-02-10          Steeple Dynamos v Thurlow Youth              Friendly Match

This was the boy’s first game on a “big pitch” playing a 9 aside friendly against the under 11’s at Steeple Bumpstead. It looked massive and the supporters were worried that the boy’s would run out of steam quickly.

Thurlow looked hungry for the ball from the first kick with George quickly gaining possession from their kick off. The boy’s played some good football from the start, they were making good passes and getting into the extra space on the bigger pitch, it was clear straight away that the 9 v 9 game was going to suit them today and next year? Josh and Harry were doing an excellent job in the centre of midfield. The ball was passed out wide to Luke and Kyle who were making some good runs down the wings. We just couldn’t capitalise on the possession. With Denny, Izaak and Harrison at the back Sam didn’t have much to do in goal. George was giving it 100 per cent as usual and was rewarded with the first goal.

In the second half Alan moved a lot of the boy’s about. Sam got to have a go up front as did Denny. Luke and Kyle had a go in defence and Izaak played on the left wing. Freddy was a guest player today to give us a sub, he played up front and in goal.

All the boy’s played excellently, the football was good to watch but the boy’s started to get tired midway through the second half. Steeple Bumpstead had their best spell and had a few shots at goal but Sam and Freddy made some good saves and distributed the ball well. Harry kept battling in the midfield and George managed to get another goal.

The boy’s did get tired towards the end but to their credit none of them gave up. Man of the match was difficult again. George played an excellent game, but Harry played a superb game in midfield and gave his all, he was given man of the match for his best game yet at Thurlow.

Final Score: Steeple Dynamo’s 0 – 2 Thurlow Youth   

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23-01-10          Thurlow Youth v West Wratting Youth                    League  Match

The last match the boy’s had played was on the 28^th November. So to have strong local rivals West Wratting as their first match for ages was a bit worrying for the supporters!

The boy’s all looked up for it before the match and Alan and Ian gave them a longer than usual pre match team talk.  From the first whistle Thurlow looked to be panicking a bit and Wratting were winning a lot of the ball. It was a real battle all over the park. Kyle, Luke and Josh were working extra hard in the middle. Both teams were anxious to break the deadlock and this made the game a bit scrappy. Harry and Denny came on half way through the first half. Both of them had been ill for a while and looked to be struggling a bit. They both settled down to play some good football. Both goalies played well in the first half to keep the score nil - nil at half time.

Thurlow started the second half a bit better and were trying to string some passes together. Not long into the half George scored the first Goal. Harry was now looking really strong and played some great football. George started getting more of the ball, he was making some excellent passes and getting into good space. George scored the second to make it 2 – 0. Wratting started to push players up to try and get a goal back, but Sam, Izaak and Harrison were having a good game. Izaak did not give up on any of the balls and Sam made some excellent saves.

Man of the match was extremely difficult today. Every single boy had given 100% and they had beaten a very strong West Wratting with hard work and tenacity. Sam was given man of the match for an excellent game!

Final Score Thurlow Youth 2 – 0 West Wratting

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28-11-09                Thurlow Youth v Haverhill Rovers                     League Match

Today was the first match against Haverhill Rovers. Boy’s from both sides go to school together so it was going to be a good game. Thurlow looked up for it during the warm up and with both Alan and Ian there things were looking good.

From the first whistle Thurlow were hungry for the ball, they didn’t let Haverhill have any time on the ball. There was some really good passing and the boy’s were getting themselves in the right spaces. Josh scored an excellent goal from the right wing to open the scoring. George followed soon after with his first of a hatrick. The third came from Luke following an excellent string of passes. The score line was low in the first half mainly due to the bravery of the Haverhill goalkeeper.

Haverhill looked dangerous on the break and on several occasions Harrison and Izaak had to stop them with some good tackling. Sam had a mostly quite game, but stayed focused and dealt with the attacks when they came. Denny scored his first of two from the right in the second half. Kyle and Harry played in defence as well as there normal positions and both played well. Thurlow played a really good game today but this could be improved on dramatically with more communication!

Luke played an excellent game and was close for the man of the match, which was given to Josh for a good display on the right wing and in central midfield.

Final score Thurlow 7 – 0 Haverhill Rovers

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