Burnham Utd U-16 5, Clevedon Town 0

BURNHAM were dominant from start to finish in this cup match, but couldn’t create any clear-cut chances early on. Beattie went closest with a superb dribble down the middle. Garrett and Smith also missed narrowly before Garrett broke the deadlock, slotting coolly past the keeper.

In the second half, Burnham went up a gear and Beattie scored. More chances came but, due to poor finishing and the woodwork, it stayed 2-0 until Beattie got his second with a calm finish from just inside the box.

Pettitt made it four after a fine move and cross from Garrett, then Beattie rounded off the scoring with a superb run, beating nearly the whole Clevedon side before completing a fine hat-trick.

Special mention should go to Ben Griffiths for a good solid performance. Man of the match: Joe Beattie.

Berrow Boys U-14 3, Isle of Wedmore 0

HAVING won the Woodspring Cup for the last two seasons, Berrow were fully aware of the potential banana skin that Wedmore presented in this tie. Within a few minutes, the difference between divisions became apparent, with Berrow’s bold 3-4-3 formation pushing all 11 Wedmore players back into their own half and just keeper Chris Burr in his own half playing sweeper.

Credit should go to Wedmore for frustrating Berrow by man-marking and making a physical match of it. Captain Ben Stacey scored the opening goal and produced outstanding workrate throughout the match. Richard Dearsley added the second with a well-struck effort and also won a penalty which Berrow failed to convert.

Wedmore’s keeper produced heroics to frustrate the strike-force of Anthony Cleave, Tom Gowan and Chris Spittel. Former Wedmore player Callum Ponesford had the final word. Following banter from his former manager, he let his football do the talking with a brilliant solo run and a finish that Deco would have been proud of.

Callum Kennelly was again a class act on the day earning the man of the match award.

Berrow Boys U-11 7, Kewstoke 2

AFTER waterlogged pitches and a gap in the fixtures, Berrow were looking forward to starting their 11-a-side campaign with this first-round cup tie. Kewstoke defended well in numbers, with their keeper having an outstanding game and he was man of the match.

Bill Lupton and Oliver Morris started the season as they had finished the last, with solid, reliable performances, breaking up any movement forward by Kewstoke. They were ably assisted by Harrison Kidner, Ashley Harper, Nathan James and Jake Harding.

Ryan Saunders added additional support in defence, while keepers Josh Field and Henry Hall shared responsibilities, with Henry venturing outfield late in the second half. Although Berrow were not firing on all cylinders, they showed glimpses of their old selves with some great interplay, which bodes well.

Chaz White worked tirelessly up front and Reece McDermott was dangerous from setpieces. Darren Partridge, playing with a new level of fitness, had an excellent game, combining high energy levels with his silky skills.

Overall, a job well done and a platform on which to build for the coming season. Goals came from Chaz 2, Ash 1, Reece 2, Jake 1, Harrison 1.

Berrow Boys are a Chartered Standard Club and our under-11s are still looking to sign on further players. Anyone interested, contact Trevor or Andrea on (01278) 795303 or come to training on Wednesdays at 6pm at Red Road Playing Fields.

Berrow Boys U-12 0, Cheddar Valley Dynamos 2

BERROW’S hopes of cup glory for a second season were ended by first-division runners-up Cheddar Valley. Berrow played with a key player out ill and a number of others going through the pain barrier. But the squad played at a high tempo and held their own.

From the start, Simon Peto controlled midfield, turning on the style and alongside him, Mitch Peckham won every 50/50 challenge, ensuring Berrow a firm passage of play through the middle. Sam Dearsley struggled with injury but pressed on regardless, attacking the goal.

Berrow's centre-back partnership of James Mitchell and Joe Clarke was formidable, with Joe's strength and James's pace restricting Cheddar to just a few shots on target. Man of the match Brandon O'Reilly was spot-on with his goalkeeping, getting on the end of every ball.

Andrew Kidner attacked down the left, breaking through only to have his shots saved. Subs Jack Wadley and Ed Gay both settled in, with Jack showing control under pressure and Ed giving Berrow width. Jamie Ponsford's endless running found him in front of goal on numerous occasions.

Liam Mclauchlan kept the visitors contained at left-back and Sam Day continued his good form, overlapping on the counter from right back. Josh Watkins made searing runs from deep through the defence, only to be cut off in the final third.

Berrow should have capitalised after beating the last man, but could not finish. Matching Cheddar and outplaying them for short periods is all Berrow were able take from the fixture. Cheddar scored twice in the last seven minutes.

Sep 12: Berrow Boys U-12 3, Burnbridge Wanderers 1

IN THEIR first home match, Berrow were desperate not to get off on the wrong foot. The five-man midfield of Sam, Simon, Andrew, Luke and Jamie met their opposition man for man and pressurised them, but Berrow were slow to settle and a defensive mix-up left them trailing.

Burnbridge came at Berrow, forcing them to defend well into their own half. Captain and centre back Mitch Peckham asked for more from his team. Josh Watkins, up front on his own, played well, finding the through ball from midfield. Winning a soft free kick Berrow pulled the scores level before the interval.

In the second half, Berrow started playing some good football. Keeper Brandon O'Reilly deserves credit for his performance, quickly setting Berrow off on the counter-attack, linking up with right back Sam Day who put in his own solid performance.

At left back, Liam Mclauchlan tackled hard and overlapped well. Joe Clarke made positive attacks from his centre-back position, giving Berrow a much-needed lift. A goalmouth scramble saw Luke first to react, putting Berrow ahead.

Jack added his strengths to the squad, first at right back then in the centre as Berrow subs were made. Andrew started a push forward and through determination, got headed home from the tightest of angles. Man of the match awards went to Joe Clarke and Andrew Kidner, who led by example. Goals from Sam, Andrew and Luke.

Burnham Utd U-11 10, Winscombe 0

FOLLOWING a heavy league defeat the previous week, this cup tie against a lower-league team was good for Burnham, as they were able to get a bit of confidence back.

They started very well and took an early lead through Jordan Costello, who slotted the ball into the far corner, making it two goals in as many weeks. The back four of Ben Gates, Kyle Durrant, David Dickson-Bell and Jack Marsh dealt with any Winscombe attacks and this solid platform allowed the team to control the game.

Last term’s top scorer Daniel Rosser opened his account for the season midway through the half, as did strike partner and captain Charlie Hughes, with Burnham going into the break 3-0 up.

Changes were made at half time, as Harry Marks and Jordon Podbury came on and David Beckham, AKA Ben Cherry, moved out on the right of midfield. Cherry played an excellent second half and created many chances for the strikers with his precise through balls.

Strikers Rosser and Hughes shared the next six goals as Burnham began to score at regular intervals. The final goal was scored by “The Joker” George Gardner, a fine solo effort.

Special mention should go to Rosser and Hughes, who scored four goals each, but man of the match and runner-up went to full backs Jack Marsh and Ben Gates, who were both brilliant all game. Cheddar Valley Jets U-11 1, Burnham Athletic 0

THE Athletic team were all fired up and ready to go in their first match of the season. All their hard work in training paid off with an outstanding performance in an even match, with was outstanding match, with chances at both ende.

Cheddar managed to break through the solid defence of Callum Smith, captain Liam Phillips and the rock-solid Rhys Bertinshaw, scoring in the first half.

Athletic stood strong, with Kieran Moores, Scott Fouracre and Liam Foweraker creating chance after chance but great keeping stopped the Athletic team from getting a well-deserved goal in the first half.

The second half was much the same and Dan “The Man” Ashdown gave an excellent performance in his first appearance in goal. A lovely one-two saw Scott power the ball against the post and at this stage, Cheddar never really got a look-in.

Midfielders Bradley Sweeting and Ellis Searle worked hard in feeding the ball and once again a shot by Ellis was just off-target. With five minutes to go, Bradley played a corner short to Nathan Low, who blasted it just over. A great game and man of the match went to the whole team, who all gave 110%.

Burnham Utd A U-10 A 4, Clevedon Town A 0

TWO goals from Ryan Stiles and one each by Josh Hughes and Thomas Miller-Kear gave Burnham A their first win of the season. Keeper Ben Evans had to make two fine saves as Burnham found themselves under pressure early on but once they settled, they never looked likely to lose.

Luke Shapter pushed forward and set up a chance for Morgan Rose who shot just wide. Joe Wilkinson and Finlay Paul combined well to create chances for Ryan and Josh, who came close. Sebastian Edwards was solid in defence and Josh was named man of the match.

Burnham Utd U-10 B 4, Clevedon Town B 1

AFTER a very even first ten minutes, with chances at both ends, Harry Ratcliffe put Burnham B ahead with a penalty after Adam Millward’s shot had been handled by a defender. Burnham took contro, with Thomas Mynett, Adam, Harry and Jack Manlow all spurning chances to take them further ahead before the break.

Harry scored his second early in the second half and Burnham relaxed a little, but Clevedon got one back, which brought United back to life. A superb goal from Brandon Wood, after great work down the right by Thomas, restored the two-goal lead.

Then Harry capped a fine performance by completing his hat-trick. Jack Parfitt, Daniel Clark, Connor Manlow and Kieran Martin gave solid defensive performances and Adam was named man of the match.

Congresbury U-14, 4 Burnbridge Wanderers 0

THIS was a frustrating morning for Burnbridge, with the scoreline not really reflecting the match and how it was played. There were outstanding performances by Will Jones and man of the match George Gay.

Debutant Ed Lupton played with great enthusiasm and his effort made up for those players who were absent. Liam Brewer and Charlie Cooksley defended well in front of keeper Stewart Klimartin,who pulled off some fine saves.

At times, James Benoy, Tom Brown, Jack Smith, Tom Holder and Jamie Hughes attacked in waves and knocked the ball around well. In the end, the team had little to show for their efforts.

The boys now need to start grabbing hold of these games and turning all of their possession and chances into goals. Praise should also be given to subs Lewis Delphin, Chris Davies and Oliver Woolacott.

Special thanks go to Larry at Berrow News and Andy Hughes. Their help is really appreciated.

Burnham Utd U-13 1, Banwell 1

A GREAT performance at Cassis Close saw Burnham pick up their first point of the season. They started strongly, with Nathan Giblett and Luke McClean dominated centre midfield. Burnham created chance after chance, with Luke, Nathan, Kieran Redwood, Nathan Smith, Jake Callaghan and Conner Gardner all going close.

Ashley Cann came on and threatened the Banwell goal, but despite dominating the whole half, Burnham could not find the net.

The second half started the same and great work down the left by Conner and Ashley left Kieran with a tap-in on the line. The rest of the game was much more even, with Banwell being kept in check by Burnham’s back five of Charlie Marks, Dan Giblett, Alex Plume, Adam Stringer and goalie Joe Petch.

Burnham continued to press and against the run of play, Banwell broke away to equalise. Despite constant pressure, Burnham could not get the winner and only a fine, goal-line tackle by Alex prevented a late Banwell winner.

It was a great performance by the whole team and man of the match was awarded to Adam Stringer.

Berrow Boys U-10 A 3, Portishead A 1

THIS was a very good start to the season by Berrow A with just seven players. They controlled much of the first half, with lots of great passing and movement. Three good goals were scored, one by Toby running from the halfway line down the left past two defenders. Jack G scored two good goals from the right wing.

In the second half, Berrow came under pressure, but defended well, with Jack S and Kieran working well together. Portishead got a goal back from the left wing, having to work hard. Man of the match: Jack S.

Berrow Boys U-10 B 0, Portishead B 7

WITH only seven players and four new ones who have not played league football before, Berrow B did well. George D and Jacob F worked hard up front, with Nathan S on the left and Jordan on right working hard.

Tyler and Bradley, with a year under their belts, worked hard, as did Joseph in goal. There would have been more goals without these three. With hard work and parent help and backing, Berrow B will get there. Man of the match: Joseph.