Saturday 18th April 2009
Braintree & Bocking 2 – 2 Harrold Wood
It was 1st Vs 2nd on a lovely afternoon at Bocking who set out to end Woods
hopes of overtaking them in the race for the title. Bocking could have taken the lead within 10 seconds of the start, Dave
Martin was put through but failed to make a decent connection allowing the keeper to make an easy stop. Despite that Wood
started the better, getting the ball down and passing around Bocking who appeared nervous throughout the team. Wood broke
the deadlock with a fine headed goal that came from a corner. As the game went on Bocking still sruggled to get the ball down
and play any decent football, the young back four had lots to deal with and a superb volley brought out the very best in keeper
Simon Turnnidge who’s excellent reaction save tipped the ball onto the cross bar. Bocking did manage to equalise before
half time when left back Neil Blick found Dave Morgan with a pin point cross and Morgan headed home into the top corner. James
Gill was introduced at half time and he added some much needed bite in the middle of midfield. Bocking enjoyed a good 20 minute
spell but failed to find a way past Woods keeper. Bocking’s inability to take the lead allowed Wood back in the game,
the woodwork came to Bocking’s rescue on two occasions but they could do nothing to prevent a superb second goal coming
from Wood’s danger man. Both teams continued to battle all over the park and chances came and went for both teams. The
game finished with a familer ending for Bocking with manager Dave Morgan coming up with the goods, without doubt the goal
of the season so far with Morgan turning two players before unleashing an unstoppable shot from all of 35 yards. This was
far from a great performance from Morgan’s men but a good result that pushes them ever closer to capturing what would
be their first ever premiere division title.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Blick, Newson (Robins), Lock, G. Harle,
Guy (Wareham), Morgan, Martin (Gill)
Man Of The Match – David Morgan
Saturday 11th April 2009
Braintree & Bocking 2 – 1 Beacon Hill Rovers
Bocking picked up three more valuable points in a hard fought game against a decent Beacon Hill
side. Both teams started well and some good football was being played. Stuart Newson looked bright down Bockings right and
he produced some super crosses, one of which Dave Morgan was an inch away from making contact with. Jason Guy looked equally
as dangerous down the left hand side with Tom Wright providing the cover to allow him to push forward. George Harle filled
the centre midfield slot due to James Gill’s absence and it was his pass that sent Morgan clean through on the stroke
of half time, only for Morgan to pull his shot wide. Stalemate at half time and the game continued to very competitive in
the second period, Simon Turnnidge had a heart in mouth moment when he appeared to bring down a Hill forward, who was clean
through, but the ref gave nothing and Bocking soon went 1-0 up. Morgan was again put through by G. Harle but this time he
put the ball home in his normal confident style. Turnnidge was rarely troubled in the Bocking goal with a solid defence in
front of him and James Lock constantly breaking up any Beacon Hill play in midfield. Bocking then made it 2-0 with a fine
second, Morgan holding up the ball well and G. Harle took over, rounding two Hill defenders before squaring the ball for youngster
Dave Martin to tap home. Hill were determined not to give up and scored a late well taken goal that left Bocking hanging on
for the last few minutes which they did to take a deserved three points.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Wright, Newson (Short), Lock, G. Harle,
Guy, Morgan, Martin (Wareham)
Man Of The Match – George Harle
Saturday 4th April 2009
Southminster St Leonards 1 – 2 Braintree & Bocking
Haven grabbed a late winner a week earlier Bocking travelled to Southminster knowing it was going
to be a tough encounter. In contrast to last week it was a lovely sunny day but Southminster again started the better. Bocking
struggled to put passes together and resorted to long balls over the top for Dave Morgan far too regularly. The deadlock was
broken after 25 minutes when Southminsters left midfielder skipped past Brad Temperley and managed to lift the ball over Simon
Turnnidge in the Bocking goal. James Gill and James Lock worked hard in the middle of the park, creating a few half chances
for Morgan but Bocking went in to the break 1–0 down. The second half began and Bocking started seeing more and more
of the ball, wide men Stuart Newson and George Harle became more involved and started causing Southminster problems. The equaliser
came on the hour when Newson’s smartly taken quick throw was headed on by G. Harle and finished neatly by Morgan. Southminster
did not give up and continued to press forward but found no way past the ever impressive partnership of John Hewett and Samuel
Harle, with Tom Wright also having one of his best games in a Bocking shirt so far. The game was in the balance and could
of gone either way but Bocking grabbed all three points with a fine winner, G. Harle picked up the ball wide left before rounding
the right back and his reverse pass was finished superbly by Morgan, his 23rd of the season. Another valuable three
points for Bocking as they continue to push hard for the league title.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Wright, Newson, Lock,
Gill (Robins)(Blick), G. Harle, Morgan, Wareham (Martin)
Man Of The Match – George Harle
Saturday 28th March 2009
Braintree & Bocking 1 – 0 Southminster St Leonards
Bocking went in to this game looking to bounce back from the defeat to Silver End last time out.
Any hopes of an easy three points where immediately erased with Southminster coming out the blocks well and they caused Bocking
trouble from the start. Simon Turnnidge was kept busy in the Bocking goal with Southminster having lots of the play and a
number of corners. Bocking managed to keep the scores level though and did defend well with the away side failing to create
and clear cut opportunities. The second half started to a torrential down-poor of hail stones and Bocking seemed to cope the
better with Dave Morgan having a few half chances but he failed to hit the target. The deciding moment of the game
came in the 81st minute when a Simon Turnnidge clearance was latched on to by George Harle and his touch back was
slotted home by Morgan. Their was still time for some heroic Bocking defending with a ball being cleared off the line and
Turnnidge pulling off some fine stops.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Blick (Wright), Brown (Newson), Lock, Gill,
G. Harle, Guy (Wareham), Morgan
Man Of The Match - Simon Turnnidge
Saturday 21st March 2009
Silver End United 2 – 1 Braintree & Bocking
Bocking suffered their first league defeat since 20th September 2008 with this loss to
a decent Silver End side. The home team started the brighter and looked the better team throughout the whole first half. Bocking
struggled to get on the ball and found themselves second best to everything. Silver End took a deserved lead after 25 minutes
when a ball switch from left to right was picked up by a centre forward who turned and finished well. Although down Bocking
were by no means out of the game and looked like a completely different team in the second half. James Lock started winning things in midfield and Bocking started playing the ball around well and got
back on level terms on 70 minutes. George Harle picked up the ball in his own half and picked out David Morgan who managed
to get round his marker and pull the ball back for G. Harle to finish. Bocking appeared to have the momentum to go on and
win the game but a few lapses in concentration at the back allowed Silver End to take all 3 points when a ball whipped in
from the left was put away by the home team’s winger. This result leaves the league table looking very close at the
top and Bocking will need to pull themselves together and ensure they do things right next week against Southminster.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley (Martin), S. Harle, Hewett, Blick, Newson (Guy), Lock, Gill,
G. Harle, Morgan, Wareham
Man Of The Match – James Gill
Saturday 14th March 2009
Braintree & Bocking 5 – 0 United Chelmsford Churches
Bocking continued
their title push in impressive style will a thumping 5 goal win over UCC. Bocking looked the better side right from the start
and took a deserved lead when David Morgan powered his way through on goal and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper.
The lead was soon doubled when Robbie Wareham collected a ball in the UCC area, held off a defender twice his size and finished
superbly. Bocking continued to dominate throughout the first half and looked super tight at the back with Sam Harle and John
Hewett continuing their impressive form. It was much of the same in the second half with Bocking going 3 up straight after
the restart. Morgan got his second of the match finishing neatly after some impressive build up play. The best goal of the
game was still to come as Bocking set about improving their goal difference. A beautiful move started off with Jason Guy picking
up a ball in his own half, he then found Morgan who flicked the ball onto Wareham. Wareham then played in Guy who travelled
20 yards before scooping the ball over UCC’s defence and up popped Wareham to volley home first time. The rout was complete
when Morgan grabbed his hat trick, out pacing and out strengthen UCC’s centre half before slotting home his 15th
goal in his last 5 starts. Another impressive display from Dave Morgan’s men who will need to maintain this level of
performance if they are to win the title.
Bocking –
Turnnidge, Temperley, Hewett, S. Harle, Blick, Brown (Newson), Gill (Short), Lock, Wright (Guy), Morgan, Wareham
Man Of The Match
– John Hewett
Saturday 7th March 2009
Braintree & Bocking 5 – 0 Scotia Billericay
Having been knocked out of two cups this season by Scotia, Bocking knew that this was going to be
tough encounter. Scotia was yet to lose a game in the league this season but that was soon to change after this dominating
display by Bocking’s fine mix of youth an experience. Bocking started the brighter of the two teams and immediately
got in to there free flowing passing football. Henry Brown looked dangerous on his return to the side and James Lock was winning
everything in the middle of the park. The opening goal came after 15 minutes and what a way to open the scoring. David Morgan
picked up a clearance out wide on the right and turned Scotia’s centre half inside out before releasing an unstoppable
shot from 25 yards that left their keeper rooted to the spot. Bocking were well worth their lead and they went 2 up ten minutes
later when some great battling in midfield from Brown won the ball back and he put through Robbie Wareham who, after some
great work down the right hand side, managed to whip a ball across goal that was eventually put home by right back Brad Temperley,
his second in two matches. Wareham himself had a great opportunity to make it 3-0 but his effort was saved when he was put
through. Scotia became more and more frustrated as the game went on, mainly down to the fact that John Hewett and Samuel Harle
didn’t allow there forwards a sniff at goal for basically the whole game and James Gill was running things in midfield.
Bocking went in at half time 3-0 to the good with Morgan adding his second of the game, rounding the keeper before slotting
home confidently. Scotia came out in the second half and started to see more of the ball but failed to really trouble Bocking
who continued to defend well. Brad Temperley’s great block and Simon Turnnidge fine save kept out Scotia’s two
main chances in the whole game. It was a different story at the other end though as Bocking looked dangerous every time they
went forward. George Harle made it 4-0 after some great battling from Morgan who found G. Harle free in the box, who turned
and curled home pass the keeper. The rout was complete when G. Harle scored from the spot after Morgan was brought down. This
was a superb performance from Bocking, and a win that leaves them 12 points clear at the top after Silver End slipped up against
Springfield Rouge, WELL DONE BOYS!!!!
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Blick (Wright), Brown (Martin), Lock, Gill,
G. Harle, Wareham, Morgan
Man Of The Match – Samuel Harle
Saturday 28th February 2009
Mundon Vics 0 – 6 Braintree and Bocking
Bocking recorded their 12th consecutive league win with a comfortable victory over a
poor Mundon Vics side. Mundon came very close to drawing first blood when they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy tackle
from James Lock, but their skippers retaken effort came off the inside of the post and away to safety. That early scare seemed
to be a kick up the backside for Bocking as they started to knock the ball around and create some openings on the small,
bumpy pitch. The first goal came courtesy of some great work from the in-form David Morgan who muscled his way past 2 defenders
before picking out Robbie Wareham, who still had a lot to do, but finished superbly. Morgan was at it again minutes later
when he again picked the ball up wide left, turned 2 defenders and crossed for Brad Temperley to slide in his first senior
goal for the club. Bocking were rarely troubled at the back and went 3-0 up just before half time when Wareham picked up the
ball in the middle of the pitch, turned and played in Morgan who ran through and completely deceived Mundon's keeper before
passing the ball into an empty net. It was more of the same in the second half with Bocking going 4 up inside a minute of
the restart. Wareham again won back possession and he then fed Morgan who put the ball away confidently. James Gill became
more and more involved as the game went on and he picked up 2 assists, the first from a free kick that was floated over and
nodded home by Morgan for his hat trick. The second came via a superb and rarely seen left foot cross from Gill, which was
again headed home by Morgan from the tightest of angle, his fourth of the game and his tenth in his last three games. This
was Bocking's third clean sheet in a row and the win leaves them 9 points clear at the top and all eyes are now on the
big game against Scotia Billericay this coming Saturday.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Short, S. Harle, Print, Wright (Blick), Temperley, Lock, Gill, G.
Harle (Child), Wareham (Hewett), Morgan
Man Of The Match - James Gill
Saturday 21st February 2009
Braintree & Bocking 5 – 0 Bradwell United
Bocking extended their lead at the top of the table with an impressive performance over struggling
Bradwell. Bocking seemed focused right from the start and dominated possession throughout the first half. James Gill was pulling
the strings in midfield and full backs Brad Temperley and Neil Blick managed to push forward on a number of occasions causing
Bradwell all sorts of problems. At the back Sam Harle and John Hewett were quiet and snuffed out any advancing Bradwell attacks
with comparative ease. Chances soon came Bocking’s way with Jason Guy, Robbie Wareham and George Harle all having opportunities
to open the scoring. The break through came after half an hour when James Gill picked up the ball in midfield and he fed Guy
who went round Bradwell’s keeper and slotted home. The surprise at half time was that it was only 1-0 but that was soon
to change as 2 goals in 2 minutes from G. Harle put the result beyond any doubt. The first came after a comical slip from
Gill, who managed to tackle himself in midfield, but James Lock was able to pick up the ball and feed Harle who ran clear
and found the top corner. The second came soon after when Harle again ran clear down the left and slotted home at the near
post. Bocking continued to dominate in the second half with Simon Turnnidge in the Bocking goal having very little to do.
Stuart Newson, who looked lively on the right, had a decent effort sail over the bar before G. Harle grabbed his hat trick
with a shot from 20 yards that somehow bobbled into the corner. The rout was completed on 75 minutes when Robbie Wareham wriggled
his way past two Bradwell defenders and he found G. Harle free in the box whose shot took a slight deflection and looped in
to the net. Possibly the main highlight of the match came on 80 minutes when George Harle was replaced by Chairman Tony Child
who would have been delighted to get on and have a few touches, A true Bocking legend.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle, Hewett, Blick (Wright), Newson, Gill, Lock, G. Harle
(Child), Wareham, Guy (F. Harle)
Man Of The Match – George Harle
Saturday 31st January 2009
Manford Way 0 – 3 Braintree & Bocking
It was a very cold and windy end to January but Bocking ended the month how they began it, with
a win. Kicking against the wind in the first half Bocking struggled to find there feet in the first 5 minutes but soon had
their noses in front with 2 quick fire goals from in-form striker David Morgan. Morgan’s first came courtesy of a great
threw ball from James Gill, which Morgan latched onto and outpaced Manford Ways centre half to slot home comfortably. His
second came soon after when Morgan collected a George Harle threw ball, turned a defender inside out and slid the ball in
from the tightest of angles. The remainder of the half was a battle with the wind becoming stronger and stronger but all credit
must go to Bocking’s back line of Brad Temperley, Samuel Harle, John Hewett and Tom Wright, who, with an average age
of 16½, kept Manford at bay with some tough tackling and great defending. Simon Turnnidge played his part in communicating
to his back line with a constant flow of instruction. Bocking went in 2-0 up at half time and looked in general the much stronger
team. The second half started with Bocking getting the ball down more often and chances were being created on a regular basis.
Sean Robins and James Lock worked tirelessly in midfield winning the ball back time after time for Bocking and it was only
a matter of time before Morgan completed his hat trick. His third came on 65 minutes when Robins won back possession and he
managed to pick out Morgan who ran clear and clipped the ball over Manford ways advancing keeper who had no chance, which
was his second hat trick in two games and his 8th goal in his lat 4 matches. The game also saw the return of Jason
Guy who came off the bench after over 3 months out with injury. Bocking continued to defend superbly throughout the second
half with Manford struggling to find any way through. David Morgan appeared to have made it 4-0 late on but the ref failed
to spot that the ball had gone through the net. Manford way had a late chance for a consolation only for sub Alex Short to
make an excellent last second tackle.
Bocking – Turnnidge, Temperely, Hewett, S. Harle (Short), Newson, Lock, Robins (Guy), Gill
(Wareham), Harle, Morgan
Man Of The Match – David Morgan
Saturday 17th January 2009
United Chelmsford Churches 1 - 4 Braintree and Bocking
With last weeks game being called off this game was highly anticipated
and Bocking arrived knowing that a win was much needed if they are to maintain there title push. The pitch was in lovely condition
considering the weather we have had and Bocking welcomed back Rob Flatt who slotted in beside Samuel Harle at centre half.
The game started at a high tempo in what could only be described as a scrappy opening ten minutes for Bocking, who failed
to get the ball down and string any number of passes together. Bocking did look dangerous going forward and started to create
chances but a decent final ball seem to be eluding them. Sean Robins worked hard to win back possession and Brad Temperley
provided width from right back but it looked like it could be a frustrating day. Bocking had a decent shout for a penalty
turned down when George Harle was taken down in the box but we did manage to take the lead when James Lock’s through
ball was met by G. Harle who squared for Morgan who continued his recent goal scoring form with a neat finish. Is wasn’t
all Bocking though and UCC did look like they could hurt us when they went forward. The 1-0 lead was short lived when a ball
played up the UCC front man was brought down well and he managed to turn inside Samuel Harle and leave keeper Simon Turnnidge
with no chance. UCC then had a great chance to take the lead when Neil Blick was caught in possession only for a fantastic
last ditch tackle from S. Harle to keep the scores level. Bocking seemed to go up a gear after that and started to press forward
on a number of occasions, Stuart Newson became more involved on the right hand side of midfield and James Gill started to
pull the strings in midfield. Bocking’s second goal came 5 minutes before half time when G. Harle had another penalty
shout turned down, which allowed the ball to be cleared only to the feet of Gill, who let fly from all of 40 yards to lob
the UCC keeper for the goal of the season so far. Bocking continued to press forward in the second half and went further in
front after a superb run from Newson down the right flank which he then managed the pick out Morgan who ran through to score
his second. Rob Flatt ensured Bocking stayed tight at the back with some crunching tackles and the game was put to bed on
70 minutes when a Simon Turnnidge goal kick travelled over 60 yards in the air and not dealt with by any UCC defender allowing
the ever impressive Morgan to complete his hat trick and score his 5th goal in his last 3 games. Bocking had a
third penalty shout turned down late on but went on to record their 9th consecutive league win.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Temperley, Flatt, S. Harle, Blick, Newson (Hewett),
Robins, Lock, Gill (Wright), Harle, Morgan (Martin)
Man Of The Match - Dave Morgan
Saturday 3rd January 2009
Bradwell United 1 – 3 Braintree and Bocking
The first game
of 2009 for Bocking and they started with a win against struggling Bradwell. It was the only game that survived the weather
in the premier division although it was touch and go to whether it was going to go ahead. It was clear from the start it wasn’t
going to be a pretty game with the ball bobbling all over the place and neither team could put any number of passes together.
Bocking did manage to take the lead after 20 minutes when George Harle’s cross from the left was met by James Gill who
cut in on his left peg and hit an unstoppable shot pass Bradwell’s keeper, it was his first of the season and only his
second for the club. From that point on though Bocking struggled and Bradwell started to press forward. Keeper Simon Turnnidge
saved superbly on three occasions when Bradwell went through one on one and they also hit the bar from a thundering header
from there centre half. Robbie Wareham, G. Harle and Dave Morgan all missed great chances to increase Bocking’s lead
and it stayed 1-0 till half time. Bocking came out in the second half knowing that they needed to improve on the first half
and stay focused till the end. Bradwell were given a chance to get back on level terms when the ref spotted a push in the
area allowing their captain to put home the spot kick. The game was in the balance as the pitch became worse and worse making
it almost impossible for any free flowing football. Bocking did manage to regain the lead on 70 minutes when G. Harle chased
a long ball over the top which caused Bradwell’s keeper to make a mess of things allowing Morgan to pick up the loose
ball and chip in from 20 yards, his 5th of the season. The game was put to bed on 80 minutes when some good play
from Bocking ending up with James Gill finding Robbie Wareham free in the box, he cut inside and curled a beautiful shot into
the far corner on his left foot. Bocking sit top of the premier league and long may they stay there.
Bocking –
Turnnidge, Temperley (Newson), Hewett, Blick, Wright (Short), Gill, Lock, Robins, G. Harle (Martin), Morgan, Wareham
Man Of The Match
– Simon Turnnidge
Saturday 20th December
Ravens 0 – 2 Braintree and Bocking
This was Bocking’s
last game of what has been a successful 2008 against a team who they had beaten 4-0 at home already this season. Bocking welcomed
back Grant O’Donnel after a spell out and he partnered Sam Harle at the back allowing Dave Morgan to start up front.
Both teams started slowly and the game was scrappy due to the poor playing surface but Bocking managed to get their noses
in front after 10 minutes. A Simon Turnnidge goal kick was won powerfully in the air by Morgan allowing James Lock to put
George Harle clear with a lovely first time pass. Harle raced clear and pulled the ball back across goal for Robbie Wareham
to slot home confidently. That goal seemed to inspire Ravens to get back in the game and they started keeping the ball well
and created some good chances throughout the first half, although Bocking did defend well and keeper Turnnidge snuffed out
anything that did get through. The second half started with Ravens again applying much of the pressure and having more of
the possession. They just struggled with their final pass and Bocking started to get back in the game. Dave Morgan thought
he had doubled Bocking’s lead with a superb header but the goal was harshly ruled out for offside. Morgan did however
have the last laugh when he was put through by Henry Browns ball over the top, Morgan brought the ball down with a sublime
touch and finished the game off with a neat finish. This win means Bocking are now only 2 points behind leaders Silver End
with 2 games in hand.
Bocking - Turnnidge,
Temperley, S.Harle, O'Donnel, Blick, Gill (Hewett), Lock, Brown, G. Harle, Morgan (Short), Wareham (Martin)
Man Of The Match -
Grant O'Donnel
Saturday 29th November
Braintree & Bocking 2 – 1 Silver End United
The long awaited top of the table clash was upon us after a two week break from the league. Silver
End, unbeaten since the opening day of the season, sat five points clear at the top and had a large amount of travelling supporters.
Bocking, still buzzing from there mid week cup final victory, knew they where going to have to be at the top of their game
if they were to take anything from the match. Manager Dave Morgan was boosted by the fact he could pick the same starting
line up that had demolished Beacon Hill but would have been concerned early on as Silver End started the far better. The opening
10 minutes saw some brilliant passing and moving from Silver End and Bocking struggled to gain any sort of possession. The
early pressure paid off on 15 minutes when a corner swung in from the left hand side was steered home to give Silver End a
1-0 lead. That goal seemed to knock some life into Bocking with James Lock and Sean Robins starting to take hold of the midfield
and James Gill started seeing more of the ball and was able to pick out a few crosses. Silver End tried to push for a second
goal but Brad Temperley and Samuel Harle made life difficult with some crunching tackles. The equalizer came on the half hour
when a Silver End corner was cleared up field and the ball fell to George Harle who managed to slide in Glen Bennet. Glen
then showed a fantastic turn of pace to beat his marker and coolly slot home past the away side’s keeper. It was a fairly
even first half and the sides went in level. Bocking came out after half time knowing that a strong second half performance
could see them taking all three points. The half started well for Bocking as we started to create chances with George Harle
seeing more of the ball down the left and Henry Brown was making himself busy upfront. David Morgan marshalled the defence
and Silver End failed to really test keeper Simon Turnnidge. The fog started to set in and the game looked to be heading for
a draw until the 85th minute. Neil Blick received the ball at left back and hit a fantastic threw ball to George
Harle who picked up the ball 40 yards from goal, cut in pass a defender, and hit a 25 yarder in to the top corner to win in
for Bocking, a great goal that was probably outdone by the superb team celebration. A superb victory for Bocking and a superb
performance.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Blick, S. Harle, Gill , Lock, Robins, G. Harle, Bennet (Short), Brown
Man Of The Match - Brad Temperley
Braintree Cup Final
Tuesday 25th November
Braintree & Bocking 4 - 1 Beacon Hill
The long awaited cup final arrived on a bitterly cold Tuesday night. Bocking
went in to the match as favourites, they have beaten Hill twice already this season, and started the match well. Sean Robins
saw a lot of the ball early on and managed to get James Gill and George Harle involved out wide on regular occasions. The
opening goal came after 20 minutes when Gill picked up a loose ball on the right hand side of the area and he delivered a
cross to the back stick which was met by G. Harle who nodded home from 6 yards. Hill struggled to make use of any possession
they had as David Morgan put in several tough tackles and Samuel Harle provided cover when needed. Bocking doubled there lead
when Robins neat threw ball was latched on to by G. Harle who’s cross was met by a spectacular over head kick from Morgan
only for his effort to be blocked by Glen Bennet on the line, luckily for Bocking though it fell to Henry Brown who finished
coolly. The score remained 2-0 till halftime with James lock winning header after header, not allowing Hill to settle at all.
Hill come out in the second half determined to have a go at Bocking and there early pressure paid off with a tidy finish from
10 yards after some poor Bocking defending. Bocking did not lay down though and scored there third on the hour.
Henry Brown picked up the ball wide on left and he skinned two defenders with some ease before laying a perfect ball across
goal for Glenn Bennet to tap home. G. Harle added a fourth late on after a slip from Hills centre half and Bocking went on
to lift the trophy after a fine performance.
Bocking- Turnnidge, Temperley, S. Harle (Hewett), Morgan, Blick, Gill,
Lock, Robins, Harle (Wright), Brown (Wareham), Bennet
Man Of The Match - Sean Robins
Saturday
22nd November
Tollebury 1 - 3 Braintree & Bocking
Bocking travelled to
Tollesbury on the outskirts of Colchester for a second Round Essex Junior cup match on Saturday.
On a bitterly cold and
miserable day, the 13 men arrived for battle to find a very open pitch, that did not look it would suit our passing style
of play.
The gaffer gave a very passionate and emotional speech beforehand about how we must win this game and how teamwork’s
goes a long way.
From the first whistle Bocking dominated in every area of the park Sean Robins and James Lock got the
ball down and passed it around. Winning headers for fun, and getting stuck in.
The back four whose average age was 17,
marshalled all day long , winning most headers and getting stuck in with there tackles and showing a maturity well beyond
there years. The difference seemed to be the communication and the will to want the ball.
The score at half time was 0-0,
which against the wind and up the slope, already felt like a moral victory.
The second half was much of the same, balls
were being played down the flanks for Freddie Harle, and Brad Temperley, and it was just the lack of a good final ball which
was missing.
Finally, a crunching tackle from Shortie, allowed the ball to break and “Junior Lock” (Wrighty)
who put Morgie away…
Luckily Dave decided to scuff the ball, which sent the keeper the wrong way and the ball trickling
over the line. 1-0.
Tollesbury decided to assert some more pressure and were rewarded for some dirty tackles by a fluke
goal lobbing Simon who was on his line, who apart from that had been claiming everything and coming off his line with a renewed
pace.
(Must be all the hard work from Training Boys!)
That just spurred the Boys in blue on, who then received a penalty
decision, for a left arm jab to Morgie’s ribs by the centre back.
Glen stepped up and slotted home the penalty,
which some on the sidelines commented was his first touch of the ball.
Bocking stood firm carried on defending tight and
the teams’ hard efforts were rewarded by a third goal to substitute deano, who tapped in from 5 yards out.
A really
great physcial game to be part of and a great result to go with it!
Turnidge, Short (Palmer), S. Harle, Hewitt, Wright,
Temperley, Lock, Robins, F. Harle, Morgan, Bennett.
Man Of The Match - Samuel
Harle
Match Report by James Lock
Saturday 15th November
Scotia Billericay 5 - 2 Braintree & Bocking
Scotia knocked Bocking out of the league cup earlier on this
season and done the same in the Dave Strachan Cup. Bocking, unbeaten in there last 5 games, started well and played some neat
football early on only to go 1- 0 down when a ball played into our area was failed to be cleared and was poked in from 5 yards.
Bocking did not lie down tho and started to create some good chances with Henry Brown going close on a few occasions and equalised
when a poor clearance was finished superbly by Robbie Wareham, his first goal of the season. 1 - 1 soon became 2 - 1 to Bocking
when some good work down the left hand side from Robbie allowed George Harle to get his shot away from 12 yards which took
a deflection and looped over Scotia’s keeper. It was a very solid first half display from Bocking but the second half
completely different. Scotia started playing some better football and got back on level terms early on and then took the lead
shortly after Bocking were denied a blatant penalty. Robbie Wareham missed a good headed chance and Henry Brown had a one
on one saved before George Harle gave away a penalty which was converted and Scotia went on to make it 5.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Blick, S. Harle, Gill
(Wright), Lock, Hewett, G. Harle, Wareham (Bennet), Brown (Newson)
Man Of The Match - George Harle
Saturday 8th November
Braintree & Bocking 4 - 0 Ravens
Having won their last 4 games Bocking had to ensure that complacency did not set in ahead of the visit of Ravens who
finished 2nd last season. Manager Dave Morgan was able to pick the same side that had played so well last week
apart from Tom Wright making his debut in place of the absent Neil Blick. Bocking again started well, and looked dangerous
when they got the ball on the deck and played football. Some early chances went begging with Glen Bennet and George Harle
failing to capitalize on some early poor defending from Ravens, whilst at the back it was clear from early on that it was
going to be a tough day as keeper Simon Turnnidge and James Lock took some heavy knocks. The breakthrough came after
half an hour when a James lock clearance travelled all of 50 yards and was completely misjudged by a Ravens defender to allow
Glen Bennet to run through and finish putting Bocking 1-0 up at half time. More of the same was the general view at half time
and Bocking doubled their lead after only 2 minutes of the restart after a fantastic through ball from James Gill set G. Harle
on his way to round the Ravens keeper and make it 2-0. Ravens didn’t collapse tho but struggled to find their way past
Bocking’s blossoming central defensive partnership of Samuel Harle and David Morgan with Brad Temperley continuing his
great form this season. Sean Robins worked tirelessly in midfield and Tom Wright was impressive on his debut and Bocking put
the game to bed with a third goal after a great run and pass from Stuart Newson allowed Glen Bennet to score his 9th
goal in 9 appearances this season. Henry Brown came on to replace Stuart towards the end and he made it 4-0 with a neat back
heal after James Gill had found room in the area and his cheeky lob was cleared off the line. It was another very promising
performance from Bocking who are playing well as a team but will need to stay focused in order for this to continue.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Wright, S. Harle, Gill, Lock (Hewett), Robins, G. Harle, Bennet (Wareham),
Newson(Brown)
Man Of The Match - Glen Bennet
Saturday 1st November
Braintree & Bocking 4 - 1 Little Waltham
On a wet and windy afternoon it was 2nd placed Bocking
against 3rd placed Little Waltham. Bocking were looking for their fourth win in a row and started very brightly
with George Harle testing Waltham’s keeper early on. Bocking continued to dominate with lots of early pressure and took
the lead through a Glen Bennet penalty after a stupid hand ball by a Waltham midfielder. As the game went on Little Waltham
started to play more football and drew level with a fantastic finish that looped over Simon’s head who had no chance.
Despite being pegged back to 1 - 1 Bocking continued to play well with Sean Robins and James Lock busy in midfield and Neil
Blick continuing his recent good form at the back. Bocking were awarded a second penalty when James Gill played a short corner
and upon receiving the return pass was taken out as he got his shot away. Glen stepped up and again confidently dispatched
the spot kick to give Bocking a 2 - 1 half time lead. The second half continued like the first with Bocking creating chance
after chance but failing to add to their total. Stuart Newson became more involved and would have scored his first of the
season but for a magnificent save from Waltham’s keeper. Glen completed his hatrick with another penalty after James
Lock’s fantastic vision set G. Harle threw but he was taken out as he received the pass. A true master class in penalty
taking from Bocking's leading goal scorer. The game turned nasty on the hour with Little Waltham struggling to come to terms
with being totally outplayed and at times completely outclassed. 2 red cards were shown and some disgusting tackles from Waltham
players threatened to ruin the game. Bocking stuck to their task tho and some more solid defending from Samuel Harle and David
Morgan made sure Waltham were kept at bay. Stuart Newson completed the scoring with a tidy finish after G. Harle latched on
to a James Gill threw ball. Bocking took all three points with a very solid performance and Little Waltham went home with
exactly what they deserved, Nothing.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Blick (Short), S. Harle,
Gill, Lock, Robins (F.Harle), G. Harle, Bennet, Newson
Man Of The Match - Samuel Harle
Saturday 25th October
Beacon Hill 1– 2 Braintree and Bocking
Bocking again struggled for personnel this week but the starting 11 looked
strong as we looked to overcome Beacon Hill for the second time this season. In sunny but windy conditions Beacon Hill started
strongly and dominated the opening 15 minutes with Bocking struggling to win possession and string any passes together. Having
opted to continue with our 4-3-3 formation, Bocking had hoped to press forward and put Beacon Hill under pressure, but found
it hard to contain their wide men as the home side looked dangerous going forward and would have taken the lead after a sloppy
pass from John Hewett allowed Hill’s forward in, but a fantastic last ditch tackle from David Morgan saved us from going
behind. Morgan then reverted to 4-4-2 and Bocking started to settle but still didn’t seem to be able to play any free
flowing football. James Gill was pushed out wide left and found himself with more time on the ball and managed to pick out
Tom York on a few occasions but the scores remained 0-0 at halftime. Bocking came out in the second half and played with more
belief and started to string passes together as Jack Cooper and Glen Bennet became more involved. Neil Blick and Brad Temperley
continued to make life difficult for the Beacon Hill front men and Bocking took the lead when a Jack Cooper cross was met
powerfully by James Lock to make it 1-0. Bocking continued to work hard and create chances but gave Hill a great chance to
equalize when keeper Simon Turnnidge allegedly brought down their forward and a penalty was given. They scored from the spot
to make it 1-1 but Bocking never stopped working and deservedly took the lead again when a James Gill cross was brought down
and finished superbly by Sean Robins. Bocking held out for the win and will now be concentrating on what looks like a tricky
set of November fixtures.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Blick, Hewett, Gill, Lock, Robins, Cooper, Bennet, York
Man Of The Match - James Gill
Saturday 18th October
Springfield Rouge 2 – 3 Braintree and Bocking
Having beaten Rouge on the opening day of the season Bocking went in to this game knowing
that 3 points were there for the taking. Bocking had several players missing but still managed to have a strong looking line
up, keeping with the 4-3-3 that had worked so well last week. The game looked set to very close after the first 10 minutes
with both teams working hard to break down the other and strong challenges were ever present.
Bocking were then forced into an early change after Jason Guy fell awkwardly and it has since been revealed that he
has broken his arm, bad news as Jason has been a key part of Bocking’s early season good form. Alex Short came off the
bench and filled in at the back, allowing David Morgan to push up front. Within minutes Morgan latched on to a ball out to
the left flank and produced a great cross which Stuart Newson met, forcing a great save from the Rouge keeper. Bocking continued
the pressure and took the lead when Tony Gillingham picked up a loose ball in midfield and picked out David Morgan who ran
through to finish confidently. The lead was short lived when Bocking gave the ball away in midfield and a nice finish from
18 yards made it 1-1. The game continued to be a tough battling affair and Bocking again took the lead when Stuart Newson
picked up a ball wide right and produced a super cross which David Morgan brought down and fired home leaving the keeper with
no chance. Rouge did not lie down tho and again equalized on the stroke of half time when a midfield runner was allowed through
to beat Simon Turnnidge from 12 yards. The second half was very tight and Bocking defended superbly thanks to some great communication
from Neil Blick and tough tackling from John Hewett and James Lock, who took a few stingers for the team. The winning goal
came after 75 minutes and from a very unlikely source. Tony Gillingham floated a free kick to the back post which was met
by David Morgan, who nodded back across goal for John Boy Hewett to head in from 6 yards, his first ever senior goal which
was followed by a very dramatic celebration, which made it very clear that he had never scored before. Bocking held on for
the win with Simon making several great saves throughout the game and Samuel Harle came on to make his debut and kept the
defence solid till the end.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Temperley, Blick, Hewett, Gillingham, Lock, Robins (S.Harle),
Newson, Guy (Short), Wareham
Man Of The Match - David Morgan
Saturday 11th October
Braintree & Bocking 3 – 1 Manford Way
This match couldn’t come round quick enough for Bocking who were desperate to put things
right after a dreadful performance last week. It was a beautifully sunny afternoon and the pitch was in lovely condition ready
for the visit of Manford Way who have not made a great start this season. A new 4-3-3 formation was selected by the gaffer
and Bocking started very brightly, having much of the possession and creating chances early on with Brad Temperley making
some very dangerous forward runs. The early pressure paid off when George Harle latched on to a ball over the top and crossed
in for Jason Guy to control and set up Sean Robins for a fine finish from 12 yards. Manford Way found it hard to
create any chances thanks to some great marshalling at the back from Dave Morgan and James Locke ensured that the midfield
stayed as a unit. Bocking were then given a great chance to increase their lead when Glen was brought down in the box after
some great work but George skied the ball over the bar. Sean Robins and James Gill worked tirelessly in the midfield and continued
to create chances for the front 3 but some good saves and poor finishing kept the score at 1-0 until 2 minutes before half
time. Some hard battling and a great pass from Sean allowed George to run through and score to give Bocking a 2-0 half time
lead. Manford Way came out in the second half and started to create a few openings but never really tested Simon Turnnidge
in the Bocking goal thanks to some very strong defending from Rob Flatt and John Boy Hewitt. Bocking went on to make it 3-0
after John Boys headed clearance fell to James Gill who in turn picked out George who took on a defender and crossed for Glen
Bennet to score his fourth of the season. Bocking wasted several more opportunities to increase the score and would have kept
their first clean sheet of the season but for a tame back pass that crept under keeper Simon’s foot. There is an ongoing
debate between Simon and Dave as to who’s own goal in was.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, Flat, Temperley, Hewett, Gill (Blick), Lock, Robins, Harle, Guy
(Wareham), Bennet (Newson)
Man Of The Match - Brad Temperley
Saturday 4th October
Scotia Billericay 5 -
1 Braintree & Bocking
Bocking went into this fixture on the back of an encouraging win
against Beacon Hill. They were boosted by a strong squad to choose from and would have been hopeful of a long cup run this
season. The game looked set to be scrappy from the outset as a strong wind blew from behind the Bocking goal in the first
half. Both teams struggled to string passes together but Scotia settled the better and took the lead after Bocking lost possession
wide on the left and a good finish made it 1.0. Scotia soon made it 2.0 as they continued to look the better side but threw
Bocking a lifeline when a Jason Guy cross was turned into their own net. The comeback was short lived as less than a minute
later an awful pass back from captain George Harle gifted Scotia a 3-1 half time lead.
Bocking came out after some strong halftime words by manager
Dave Morgan and briefly looked like getting back into the game. Some neat work and intelligent passing from Tony Gillingham
created two great opportunities for Robbie Wareham but Bocking failed to score whilst being on top. Scotia went on to make
Bocking pay when a long shot slipped its way pass keeper Simon Turnnidge and
some late poor defending allowed them to make it 5.
Bocking - Turnnidge, Morgan, O'Donnel, Hewett, Lock (Robins),
Gillingham, Harle (Temperley), Brown, Wareham (Cooper), Guy, Bennet
Man Of The Match - NO ONE
