Youth football round-up

Dereham U12s visited Old Catton for what turned out to be a great game of football. An eventful first half saw excellent passing football from both teams with both defending superbly. Dereham had the best of it with brilliant build up play leading to goals for Logan and Kieran and a great individual effort from Logan. Ben made a brilliant save in Dereham's goal and Old Catton's keeper pulled off an amazing save from Jake's well taken penalty. It was 3-0 at half-time.

The second half turned into a tough scrappy battle with both teams cutting out space well and challenging strongly.

Dereham broke the deadlock when Logan drove a shot from distance that sneaked under the keeper for a well earned hat-trick. Most of the attacking play came from Dereham but Old Catton managed a deserved consolation goal late in the game from a speculative long range shot.

Team: Ben, Dan, Jake, Jordan, Aaron, Kieran, Korben, Marcus, Mason, Logan, Chris, Will, Sam & Harry. MOM: Logan

Dereham Wanderers U13 Girls were hosts to North Walsham on a fine morning. Dereham started positively with Pheobe getting her first goal for the team, Walsham pushed forward but were unable to penetrate the stubborn home defence. Laura scored Dereham's second after good work from Millie in midfield, chances then fell to both teams but both keepers were doing well, Walsham almost scored with a shot that eluded Drew but hit the post and fell into her hands. Dereham got a third before half-time with a good run and shot from Rochy which the keeper saved but it went straight to Laura to bang in her second of the game. In the second half Walsham pushed forward more and scored with a lob over Chloe who took over from Drew in goal. They had more chances but Chloe was having her best game in goal for Dereham with some good saves. Eventually Dereham came back into the game and had plenty of chances, with the ones which did hit the back of the net coming from Rochy who has netted another hat-trick making the final score 6-1. Team: (from) Drew, Sassy, Chloe, Reya, Pheobe, Millie, Mary, Katie, Rochy, Laura. GoM: Laura.

Fakenham Town U12s travelled to Costessey to play their final game of the season knowing that victory would secure them the league title. It was anticipated that the small pitch and uneven surface would have an effect on the game but despite this the young Ghosts set about their task in a determined manner. They were given the ideal start when in the first minute of the game Ben J was released down the middle and despite the keeper getting a hand to his shot, it still ended up in the back of the net. As to be expected there was still an element of nervousness about Fakenham's play and failure to deal with a ball played into their box allowed a home player a simple finish to draw the game level. Although not at their best, Fakenham were still able to create decent chances and got themselves back into the lead through Reece before an own goal and further strikes from Ben J and Dominic sent Fakenham into the break with a healthy 5-1 lead.

Having gained command of the game in the first half, the second half was all about maintaining discipline and getting the job done. Costessey remained competitive throughout and kept Fakenham's resolute defence on their toes, but their determination coupled with keeper Jamie having a really good game meant that there was to be no way through. The final goal of a prolific season was scored by George which typified all that is good about the team when they turned some dogged defending into a penetrating attack. The final whistle was greeted with cheers of appreciation for what the lads have achieved this season, having gone the whole season unbeaten. Final score: Costessey 1 Fakenham 6.

Team: Jamie, Jack, Dominic, Josh, Rahul, George, Reece, Aaron, Charlie, Ben H, Ben J, Charlie, Thomas, Matthew, Kai.

Litcham U14 played West Winch in a league fixture. Both teams battled well and Litcham were creating good chances and defending well when a long ball clearance was sprinted onto by the speedy forward to make it 1-0. Litcham worked really hard as a unit showing some great work ethic and got their just reward when Ben Beane headed home from one of Charlie Read's succession of good deliveries.

Litcham were denied the win late in the game then Felix burst through to slot home only to deemed to be offside making the final score 1-1. Both teams played their part in a great game of football.

Team: Kyle, Brad, James, Bud, Harry, Ben B, Ben S, Charlie, Alby, Ryan, Liam Felix, Kai.