Bright blue skies but still cold on the touchline.

Back in action Steve Gower's Under 9 Lions played their "home" fixture against Concord at Thames Road. The game became almost incidental as Catholic showed their class with a 3-1 victory despite going a goal behind. two penalties converted by Tommy Salter and Danny "Bhoy" Payne's 13th goal of the campaign put paid to the Rangers challenge. But it was the boorish, dog's abuse received by Catholic referee Sean Payne that blighted he fixture. With all the energy and effort put in by the FA to reduce the vitriol aimed at the man in the middle, it's very discouraging to find at an Under 9 football match see some lessons are still to be learned. Great life coaching for your kid's there boys - way to go. That leave's Gower's lads with a great opportunity to secure third place after their away trip to Barleylands this coming Sunday. On a brighter note Lawrence Gower's Under 9 Tigers secured the club's first championship pennant this season with their cagey 2-0 away win at Forest Glade. With Hector Palmer and Charlie Batchelor on the scoresheet and a superb defensive shift put in by messrs Albie Day and Josh Cronin. It's medal time for the Hoops although it would have been nice for the league to have delivered the trophy with one of those SPL style helicopter rides. With Lawrence's lads still involved in the last four (to play Leigh Ramblers) and Gower senior in line to play Ecko Whitecaps in his semi, we could be blessed with a first father - son managerial Cup double for this celebrated football club. (they're a bit like Catholic's answer to Brian and Nigel Clough but I understand Steve compared with Brian could be called a bit of a drinker [ahem!]). Scott Cameron's Under 9 Leopards suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat on  Sunday and again goalscoring (or lack of it) spoiled a good performance. Harrison Frost hit the post twice and the goalkeeper made an excellent save from Finlay Cameron on his comeback game from a broken arm. A few players missing meant a bit of a restructure but the Bhoys coped well and were unlucky to lose a goal after a scramble. Cameron Barrell was solid between the sticks but the Man of the Match award went to Max Mudhir for a solid defensive display which was almost capped with a 20 yard screamer that whistled past the post.

With Josh Bussens (2) and Josh King both on the scoresheet, The Under 10 Tigers recorded their seventh win of the campaign as they beat island Boys 3-2. We did the double over the Islanders today. As we have not played for three weeks, it was a great show from the Tigers. We played as the "Magnificent Seven" again today,like we have done a lot of times this season.(no subs). We took a few knocks at different points through the game, three players were with me on the touchline - meaning at times we only had six playing. The side passed well today in spells and we worked hard when we had to defend. A special mention goes to Man of the Match Oliver Poskitt Richardson who set up all three goals with his clever passing play.

Pete McGurk, U11East in preparation for a bit of the ol'Fat Lady Singing stuff had provisonally booked his big-style favourite, Vanessa Feltz to do the honours Sunday. Maybe a bit of "Nessun Dorma" would've been nice, but alas it was not to be. Vanessa was stood down as Catholic failed to make any impression on the pacy league leaders Ramblers at Jones Memorial and went down by a solitary goal. McGurk would ask match official Chris Lawrence to take a good look at himself after instead of awarding the Hoops a corner he gave Rams a goalkick which they scored from. "Second half we changed it around and managed to get on top of their pace. We had plenty of chances ourselves but could not convert. It could've gone either way but it went theirs. Still could be worse - we could be Glasgow Rangers!! So roll it Vanessa..."Low lie the fileds of Athenry..." Dave Piercy's Pirates of Priory park ensured they'll be around in Divison D for another year as they beat cellar dwelling Great Wakering Reds 6-0. Andrew Ryan (3), Billy Piercy, Callum Nurse and Joe Ridge all on the sheet. With plenty of games in hand Piercy could surprise one or two and make the top half of the division. Rick Bush's U11West were involved in an away game at Great Wakering Recreation Ground. Catholic started strong first half. Goal from Jake Fink after ten minutes. Second half we let them back in the game. Not enough passing but our defence battled hard to keep a draw result. Had some decent opportunitnies in last ten minutes. Overall performance from both teams  - fair result. To stand a chance of automatic promotion Rick's lads clearly had to win the game, so more's the pity.

So here's the thing. After four long years of unparalleled success U13North will not be gracing a District Cup final this season. Probably the club's best-ever football team were dumped out of the cup at the round of eight by who else, non other than their long term rivals The Rayleigh Boys Club. The last time this Hoops team had lost a cup-tie was the 2008-2009 Lions Cup final when Riley Oliver's freak strike won the game for Trinity. O.M.G as they say. But going two goals down in twenty minutes took its toll. Catholic gifted the Orangemen the lead after just six minutes of play following a calamitious defensive mix up that Max Jones took full advantage of, the ball looping over Phillips into the net. The second was the killer, a scuffed shot, again from Jones that eluded Phillips to send Rayleigh into  raptures. The Hail Mary's and Our Fathers and the rattle of the rosary beads became a constant backdrop to the rest of the game as the shell-shocked Bhoyos tried to claw their way back. It took a magnificent run from Tom Franks to set up Harry Mole to crash it home from around two yards to give hope a chance with just 12 minutes left. And to be fair Rayleigh started to look decidedly vunerable. Franks hit the post, Conor Hobbs had a thirty yard volley tipped over By Thomas "Cricko" Crick the Rayleigh keeper that looked odds-on it was going in. Ole Hunter had another shot that from the side looked like it was going to just curl home. But too much indifferent play couldn't bring the extra time the side desired and on the stroke of time Jay Michael-Rayleigh's lightening flash of a striker raced half the length of the pitch to slip in the Rayleigh third. A epic football match played in front of North's biggest crowd of the season, boosted by a big contingent from Tom Harding's East. Rayleigh's win was deserved, they took their opportunities on the day and could, quite possibly go on to win the cup. The North are fortunate in that they are able to seek instant redemption (and will be looking for a high bouncebackability quotent) in this week's County Cup semi-final against the Eastern Junior Alliance champions, East Thurrock United. Tell Vanessa Feltz to hold on...we're not done yet. U13East cruised through their cup quarter final and into the last four after beating Division B's Berry Boys 9-1 at Valance Way. And Tom managed that without either of his two keepers (both ill). {scorers and report to follow]. A very under strength U13South were beaten very heavily at the weekend. Manor showed little respect for the fact that Catholic's ten players were disheartened and outnumbered and pressed for "goal difference". I remember when Mark Lewis ran their first team and a more sporting manager you couldn't find. Competitive but with the welfare of all the boys on the pitch his first concern. For so long in the hunt for a promotion slot Ron Rossborough's U13Northeast were convincingly beaten by Canvey to pip them for the two slot. It would have been a big ask anyway but the side lost 6-1 to the Seagulls. The view from the frontline, "All started well, in a season deciding game (winners finish 2nd!), one up. Then a diabolical penalty against us - Billy Saunders the official - twice taken as well - they scored and the team lost heart. A second 'odd' penalty followed late in the game but it was all over by then.
Dean's report is a virtual poem to the game, "Hi, this is why (I or we ) do it, last game dreadful, then reflect, good hard look at where things need to change. Coaching and players, they needed took change and me. They were ball boys at Southend yesterday, end result, seeing first hand how football needs to be played.Good day-Southend won.Then we played Dark Lane Dynamos, two leagues above in this Presidents cup won 2-0, our keeper sent off played last 10 with 10. Everybody to a man - all 15 played for each other and worked their socks off. Great result .scorers Matt Lord and Shaun Bowtle. Could be a real turning point, massive win.( Flipping so happy I might wash my van!).
U15North's Martin Howard, "A hugely disapointing performance from most of the team this week with the most five players escaping the coach and managers hair dryer reaction to their poor performance. But things had to be said because it cannot go on any more with the boys looking and acting as if they want to be second best.
But apart from that,James Wilkinson scored a consolation goal and  it was good to see Henry Chin back after a six week absence,the final score was 4-1 to Island Boys.
Alex Taylor U16North "This is the report for our goalless visit to the Apex Ground. It took the entire first half for both teams to wake up. I seriously thought about sending someone out for 12 double espressos but the half time oranges (many thanks Sheryl)  did the trick and we came alive in the second half. Though Hawkwell proved to be a difficult team to break down the chances did come, Tom Short, Leon Harvey and Luke Speirs all missing opportunities to break the deadlock. Kyle Ayres forced a superb save from the Hawkwell custodian, Conor McGuire’s long range effort just clearing the cross bar and a Joe Nastilli header from the back post was cleared off the line. This was both our and Hawkwell’s first nil-nil draw in about 8 years of football. And it also makes it easy for me to decide what we will be working on in our next training session".

Snow still covering all the pitches and the whole league programme is cancelled. Off the field there has been some early indications that there will be changes within the management structure next season.

Firstly the team I coach have been invited to take the opportunity to play Eastern Junior Alliance football with Concord Rangers. In terms of District football the side are very accomplished, dominating the age group for the past five years, winning four titles and two cups. As things stand at present they are currently undefeated in all competitions and are County Cup semi finalists. The football the side has produced has been widely praised for its technical quality and organisational prowess (but as Arsene Wenger said, "everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home!"). So if the players are to improve and grow as young men, in my opinion, the side needs to leave the club to seek a more ambitious challenge in a regional league. Current EJA rules prohibit Catholic from entering the competition because of the junior status of our senior club. After eight years at the club and being involved on the management side for five or so I feel it's time to stand aside.

Unfortunately, Darren Allen will also be standing down from his Vice Chairman and Charter Standard Officer roles at the end of the season as well. He started a new job last week and it will demand more of his time going forward. In addition, he would like to concentrate more on the management of his own team ("as we are struggling a bit in the Prem!"). Darren is happy to continue as Club Welfare Officer, particularly as 2012 will generate a large number of CRB renewals for our Managers and Coaches.

So the club will be looking for a chair and a vice chairperson for 2012-2013 season at the very least. In the very near future a meeting will be called for all members to attend to discuss the forthcoming changes and look for able and willing volunteers to fulfill these important posts. Tom and Grace have pledge to continue as Club Secretary and Treasurer for at least another season, but we are always in desperate need of people to help adminster and run the club. Any one who has the time or inclination to help, please take one pace forward. This is especially true of the parents/carers of the younger age groups who are woefully under represented in the club's management structure.

Cold and bright in the morning, getting colder with drifting rain as the day wore on.

A whole bunch of cup action for some of our sides this weekend, both District Cup and County Cup quarter finals. First off to Scrubs Lane where the Under 9 Lions seeking to keep their season alive were faced with a quarter final tie against Leigh Ramblers, placed second in Division 2. Gower set out his stall early doors with some positional changes, periodic substitutions and a strategy that had the side keeping a constant pressure on the "I Nerazzurri". In a game dominated by the home side, Catholic scored first with Reese Underwood smashing a long distance strike for his first goal of the year. His back-flip celebration a great delight. Playing some neat football and winning most of the tackles you began to see there was only one team going to win it. Mecurial Tommy Salter added the second and third while Declan Hobbs volleyed in the fourth from a Lucas Nash free kick. Despite a couple of Rambler's goal threats it was a game that felt a little bit flat. Still Catholic go in the hat along with Concord, Ecko and Essex Royals. Lawrence Gower's Under 9 Tigers also progressed to the semi finals with a smash and grab raid over on Waterside, beating Dark Lane Dynamos 1-0. An own goal settled the match, deflected in following a Hector Palmer corner. Key perforformance from Ted Turnham, with some strong tackling. Oswald Wiafe was presented with the man of the match for creating several chances and making some excellent passes. Tom Quinn in goal also worked well to earn a coveted clean sheet. In the velvet bag with them for the draw, Hockley Orient, Leigh Ramblers Pumas and Leopards. Scott Cameron's team the Under 9 Leopards were in Divison Six action, Scott takes up the story, "The Leopards claimed their first victory of 2012 with a hard fought win over Ashingdon. Our opponents started well and cracked the post twice before the Bhoys took a foothold in the game. On the stroke of half time, a lovely cross from Francis Leftley split the defence and found Max Mudhir at the back post who prodded home for his first goal of the season. The Bhoys continued to fight well in the second half with Samuel Skedge and William Russell solid in defence and clearing everything that was thrown at them. The match was lit up by a spectacular solo effort from Saleem Zare, who left opponents in his wake and cracked the ball into the top corner to raise the roof! A late goal from Ashingdon ensured a nervy finish but the Leopards held on to complete the victory. Man of the match went to the scorer of our first goal-Max for an excellent overall performance."

A double header for Terry Dick's Under 10 Tigers this weekend, Saturday saw Catholic trump winless Wickford Town by 3-0 at home in an uneventful prelude to some cup quarter final drama on Sunday. Josh Bussens, Oliver Poskitt-Richardson and Josh King the scorers with Tommy Dicks nominated as man of the match, in central midfield who kept his position, passed and stopped the opposition when they attacked. Sunday's cup tie at Scrub Lane had all the roller coaster excitement and fun of kid's footbal juxtaposed against a vignette of how not to behave at a football match. Scoreless at the half, it was Trinity that looked more ambitious in the second period, going ahead with a sort of an all-out rushing game. Catholic were trying to play the football on the floor but Josh Bussens, leading the line, was struggling to keep the ball up-top. Dicks, King and Poskitt- Richardson in midfield dug in and began to dominate the play with some nice interchanges. The two (count 'em) Trinity managers were of the Sam Alladyce school of touchline behaviour bags of shouting and pointing. Even throwing in a Arsene Wenger water bottle smash at one point!! Josh Bussens got Hoops back in it with a well crafted shot. The Blues responded with another cavalry charge, Catholic didn't show enough urgency, and Trinity, out numbering the defenders, went ahead from close range. Still the drama continued when referee Tom Payne pointed to the spot in the final seconds after adjudging a Trinity player had handled the ball. Oliver Poskitt-Richardson, as cool as you like, slotted home the spot kick. With only seven available Terry had no options to freshen things up off the bench. Extra time ended scoreless and on to the penalty shoot out. Trinity then proceeded to swop keepers, leading the tear streaked incumbant off the pitch. More shouting ensued. Catholic's first pen was saved, Trinity missed the goal, Josh King scored then unfortunately the replacement Trinity netminder saved the next two and that was that. Terry Dicks with the final word, "Special mentions - we were left with seven and no subs after Luke Bellfield turned up off the sick bed.He really didn't look well, played for about ten minutes and had to go home. Connor Brindley (our keeper) got man of the match.The opposition keeper was their hero today". Under 10 Leopards Liz Paradine reports, "1-1 draw for us this week, away against Forest Glade. It was a great game, where the boys demonstrated great skills and some super passing. A lot of possesion but just could not get the ball in the back of the net in the first half. Second half was very much the same, the first shot on goal from the Glades hit the back of the net. This spured our boys on and Indhi O'Hanlon scored our goal - he took it well. Man of the match went to Ewan Russell, who showed some fantastic dedication to the team, and some wonderful touches and passes".

Premier football action for U11North at The Barleylands. Froud's Hoops had a chance to get within two points of the Cosmos but stumbled to a 3-3 draw. 3-1 at the turnaround Forest Glade dug in and grabbed a share of the points. [scorers and report to follow].

Cordell U13 County Cup quarter final appointments for our two Premiership sides with mixed results. U13North winning with some distinction against Chelmsford's Prem side Danbury Juniors and the cup holders U13East going down 3-0 against Hawkwell from the SDJSL.

Before this season commenced, Danbury had lost no less than four key players, three to Academies and Eastern Junior Alliance football and one Bradley Nunn (ex Southend) to a long term injury. The side, well coached by Martin Lee still retained the nucleus of the team that were Catholic Tournament winners in 2010 but were struggling in the CYL. U13East had gone out at this stage last year, losing to eventual finalists East Thurrock at the Shell Club in what to date has been the team's biggest defeat (4-0). But this current version of the Hoops are a totally different animal. Described by Russell Hobbs as the strongest group he has ever coached, the champions are in effect the fourth team he has run. From mini soccer to the Under 11s, then a massive change with six new players arriving and seven leaving at U12 and following their second double last year, three players went through the exit door with only one coming in. This season is to be their last in the famous green and white jersey as the core of the team are following that well worn path over to Concord to compete in the Eastern Junior Alliance. Danbury looked lively at the start playing neat tidy football, the 16 and their Colchester striker, Isaac looking dangerous. But it was Catholic who took the lead, Chris Olivares rifling the ball past the keeper from the left hand side (4min). An early goal is always a great settler and the Bhoys in Hoops then demonstrated why on current form they are one of the best teams in the County. Pace, aggression and finesse are deadly companions in a football team and Danbury struggled to stay in the game as Catholic pressed with continued urgency. The only contrary note from the coaches - Catholic's profliglacy in front of the sticks. Alex Margiotta made it two with a characteristic no-backlift strike that found the top corner (28min) and "Stitch" Stabielli made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time (35min). Catholic had comandeered the football match and looked good value for a place in the semi finals. Now going up the slope every Catholic raid looked dangerous. Wasted opportunities and the Danbury keeper kept the scoreline honest and it was Ole Hunter (68min)  from around thirty yards out who added the fourth with around a minute or so of normal time left. Danbury officials and specatators were very complimentary with regard the team's performance as the treble pursuit continues unabated. Companions for the live draw (Chelmsford Radio 3rd February), East Thurrock from the EJA, Dagenham United (Echo League) and Hawkwell Athletic (SDJSL).

Cup holders U13East crashed out of the County Cup following a 3-0 defeat at the Apex to Hawkwell. Tom's initial reaction and a very straight-forward one, "Funny old game football. We were utterly awful to be honest and Hawkwell were very effective. Not a lot of quality from either side". [report to follow]. With relegation now looking ominously close at hand Richard Kidd reports on the U13South's game from the Recreation Ground. "We lost 5-1 to a strong, improving Great Wakering team. Our formation was a more solid 4-4-2. The first 30 minutes were tight with no real clear cut chances for either side. Wakering conjured up a lucky goal, followed by another on the stroke of half time which gave us a mountain to climb. Even the half-time-Haribos failed to stop a third score straight after the break. But Catholic refused to roll over and for the second week running we finished strongly. Our consolation goal was scored by Tom Cotgrove.

Simon Leftley's U14South at Priory played their rearranged October fixture against Thorpe Bay. Simon had this to say, "Before the start we would have taken a point from one of the top teams. However we should have had three. This was our best performance of the season for 70 minutes. We started well and passed the ball well creating several chances finally going up through Max Hyde. We kept pressing and passing and got the reward with a second goal courtesy of James Tiffin. The lads dropped back a bit too deep  in the final minutes of the half and we conceded a soft goal. Second half we came out well, kept playing football and competing and went 3-1 up through a great finish from Liam Power. They pulled one back in end-to-end stuff and its was now 3-2 Good pressure obtained Catholic a corner and a great delivery from Joe Fraser saw them put the ball in their own net. 4-1 By now we were tiring and the game became very stretched,we used all out subs and another fine move saw Liam Power getting his second of the match to make it 5-2. We really should have seen this out from there with only 10 minutes to go. Unfortunately we made a number of errors mainly through tiredness and we conceded three soft goals in the last six minutes played. Although there were a few stoppages Mr Collins played 42 minutes in the second half well over the allotted 35 and we conceded two in the last three. Still no excuses, we played some of our best football, everyone contributed to a great match and we now need to build on this, we are now playing good football and getting the rewards".

U15North's Martin Bailey give's us this report from the King George V Rec on sunny Canvey. "A difficult match was expected against Island Boys who are flying high in the division. After a torrid 15 mins, Catholic dug in and weathered the storm, getting their passing game going was priority which came. Island Boys right midfielder suddenly broke down the right, gave a pass into Catholic's six yard box and with their forward breaking into the area, calmly slotted into the net 1-0. Catholic, to their credit, did not let their heads go down-upped the workrate, and started to create some very good chances with saves by the goalie under pressure. We also had some chances with the breaking player just unable to connect to give us an end product. Half time 0-1. A couple  of tweaks to the formation was made at half time and Catholic again was playing some really good football. In a good passage of play Alex Murley broke onto an equisite pass and scored with a great shot to make it 1-1. The game at this point was end to end with both goalies being put under pressure. After a ball was recycled out of Catholics defence, an Island Boy player had a shot which flew in despite Catholic's goalie getting his fingertips to it 1-2. Catholic took control for the next 20 mins, with the Island Boys goalie having to make three extremely good saves in quick succession. But unfortunately at this point with Catholic looking for a winner, Island Boys under pressure proceeded to break away three times and proceeded to score on each occaisions to make the scoreline an unflattering  4-1 at the end. This result certainly flattered Island Boys because the Catholic had a phenomonal workrate, drive and endeavoured to play good football throughout. And they can be proud of themselves, to which the coach and Manager certainly told them. They are not having any sort of good fortune at the moment, but the signs are good for the future".

Alex Taylor from Hullbridge Sports Ground, Pitch 3,"It was a cold and misty start to U16North's away trip to bottom club Hullbridge Sports. We began the game two players down due to other commitments and our keeper was carrying an injury from yesterday's training. Both teams had chances to open the scoring, but it was Kyle Ayres who took his when his long range effort beat the Hullbridge custodian. And it was the tricky winger again who doubled our lead with virtually a carbon copy of his first goal. We continued to pile on the pressure; Leon Harvey hit the post twice, had a goal disallowed for offside before getting the goal he thoroughly deserved. Joe Nasilli very nearly made it 4 when his free kick hit the crossbar. But Hullbridge also had chances and they kept themselves in it when they scored from a corner. This left the score 3-1 at half time and us worried as on the last two occaisions  we had led by this amount at the halfway break we had gone on to throw it away. But we needn’t have worried as Tom Short extended our lead and was unlucky not to have a second when his effort was ruled out for offside. Leon Harvey also had a goal disallowed for offside before Joe Keville finished off the game with a long range shot which found its way past the keeper. It was not all us as Hullbridge did have their chances but failed to capitalise, one effort forcing a superb save from our injured keeper Tom Schofield. So that is our second win in a row and hopefully we have put the curse of the 3-1 halftime lead behind us".

With heavy overnight snowfall in Essex no games were played this weekend. Because of the relative good weather we have experienced it shouldn't as yet lead to a fixture pile up for most teams. Most of the divisions are well on schedule and a number of our sides are able to enter additional competitions organised by the Leagues.