Cup runs, late drama and winter-weather resilience across the club.
Week 12 delivered everything that makes grassroots football so gripping at this time of year. Heavy pitches, swirling rain, short squads, late winners, big saves and cup progress — our teams across every age group rose to the challenge.
Starting with the younger groups, the U7 Blues served up a dramatic contest, showing real heart as they fought back multiple times before the game slipped away in the final minutes. The U7 Whites grew into their match after a slow start, battling well and finishing strongly, a clear sign of their confidence continuing to build.
The U8 Blues weren’t quite at full flow but still produced enough quality to secure a comfortable win, with Zach Louw stealing the headlines after scoring all four goals. The U9 Whites produced an honest, hard-working display and felt unfortunate not to come away with more after having a close-call effort that looked to cross the line. For the U9 Blacks, it was a tough away day at Essex Comets, but their commitment and willingness to keep going despite the challenge speaks volumes about their character. The U9 Royals, meanwhile, claimed an excellent away victory at Billericay, overturning their only loss of the season with a dominant first half and a gritty second — the entire squad deservedly earning Supporters’ Player of the Week.
The U10 Tigresses produced one of the standout performances of the weekend. Faced with difficult weather, a poor pitch and no available goalkeepers, the girls still controlled the game brilliantly. Strong at the back, sharp in midfield and clinical up top, they even played with a player fewer in an attempt to balance the game, but it barely slowed them down. Player of the Match went to the superb Ella Dark, who was outstanding both in goal and out wide. The U10 Lionesses also impressed, securing a disciplined away win highlighted by a fantastic double penalty save from their goalkeeper. The U11 Blacks continued their momentum with a second straight win built on teamwork and crisp passing, while the U11 Lionesses delivered a composed and complete performance in their 3–0 victory, showing maturity and control throughout.
Moving into the older age groups, the U12 Tigresses continued their strong league form with a confident away win, driven by Player of the Match Lilian, who contributed both goals and assists in a dominant display. The U13 Lionesses showed immense spirit in their League Cup tie, playing with 10 players in the first half and only nine in the second, yet still battling to a superb win that earned applause from parents at full-time. The U13 Royals also impressed with a solid Essex Cup victory, producing some excellent goals and a strong team performance. The U13 Blues booked their place in the next round of the cup with a 4–1 win despite missing five players — a gritty, professional display, made even more enjoyable thanks to the supportive attitude of both teams and a young referee who handled the match well.
The U14 Blues secured a dramatic 3–2 win over West Essex in the pouring rain, with Ollie scoring a last-minute wonder goal and Alfie netting a brace in front of his grandad, who had travelled from Wales. The U16 Blacks endured a day to forget, but with it being their first game in four weeks and conditions far from ideal, they’ll regroup and go again. At the top end of the pathway, the U18 Lionesses progressed to the County Cup Final after a commanding 4–0 home performance, while the U18 EJA Blacks continued their strong run with a confident, dominant display.
Up the Stags! 💙🖤
📄 Read all weekly round-ups here: https://bhfc.co.uk/weekly-youth-roundup/
