Congratulations to The Highridge under 14’s and 15’s who were both crowned Champions of their respective leagues. The U15’s have won all their 22 games which is a marvellous feat in itself while the Under 14’s have only lost once. A big thank you to Ricky Bryant (15’s) and Scott Little (14’s) on achieving this double celebration. A first for the club since the youth teams were started.
The under 10’s were proud flag bearers at the Bristol City Vs Derby County game. They had a great day and got their picture in the match day programme.
The under 10’s reports below were prepared by Ian Clapp (U10’s Manager) so a big thank you to him for this.
Downend Saints 2 Vs Highridge United 6
Title-chasing Downend Saints lost for the first time in Division B in 2010, going down 6-2 against relegation-threatened Highridge United, who produced easily their best performance of the season.
Simon Kane set up Dean Hill to put Highridge ahead in game one, with defenders Lewis Clapp and George Swift strong and reliable. Stand-in keeper Hayden Dullaghan produced fine saves when called upon, Kane and Brendan Baxter worked tirelessly down the wings and Bradley Caton dominating midfield, clung on to the lead. Hill struck again to double the advantage, neatly rounding the Downend keeper before firing into an empty net. Saints dominated the next 10 minutes scoring from range but Highridge hit straight back to seal a 3-1 win, Caton scoring from a tight angle with a ferocious shot.
Highridge won the second game by the same score line thanks to two goals by Declan Hurst, his second a cracking strike from outside the box, and James Hayter, with a rasping finish from a corner. Keeper Jordan Perkins, defender Daniel Mellors and the tough-tackling Jake Minton turned in outstanding performances, midfielder Jack Greenslade went close with three fine efforts, while Jake Hawkins, Louis Elson and Callum West all ran well up front.
Highridge United 2 Vs Hallen 3
In the last game of the season Highridge continued in the same vein from the previous match taking the game to a promotion bound Hallen. In the ‘A’ game Highridge were on the attack immediately with Dean Hill scoring from inside the box after a good run. Hallen got a foot in the game with two quick goals. Newly instated keeper Jack Gillam pulled off good saves with both Lewis Clapp and George Swift defending well to hold Hallen at bay. The midfield worked hard with Bradely Caton and Brandon Baxter, Ben Rush and Jay Baker all pushing for a equaliser which Highridge could not achieve.
In game two the sides were very evenly matched with Declan Hurst providing the pace and power to get behind the Hallen defence, The visitors took the lead after a error in the Home defence, but the team came back and pinned Hallen in forcing the equaliser when Declan Hurst’s shot was fumbled by the Hallen keeper. Jake Hawkins pounced on the loose ball to score for Highridge. Chances were had a both ends with Jordan Perkins making two great saves , Jake Minton was tigerish in the tackle with Daniel Mellors marking the striker out of the game. James Hayter, Declan Hurst and Jack Greesnslade battled well with Greenslade causing problems with his skilful runs. Louis Elson was effective up front as replacement for Hawkins but Highridge could not get the winner with most of the possession in the second half.
The Under 11’s lost their game 9-8 when a late winner for Henbury sealed their fate. The U13’s have won all their last 5 games, the best a 7-0 hammering of Saltford. Champions U14’s drew 4-4 with Southmead then beat local rivals, Bishport 7-1. (6 goals coming in the second half) Our other Champions, U15’s, beat Ashton 7-0 and Pucklechurch 6-1. Usual scorers Jack Peacock and Jacob O’Donnell amongst the goals. The U16’s were unlucky when a stoppage time header against Keynsham made it 1-1 just when it looked like Highridge had all three points They also beat Henbury twice..
