19 June 2015
I thought i needed to update the website on the happenings of Blackwater FC since the last update.
We went to the AGM and picked up the division 4 championship shield which delighted Mick and myself but more importantly, the players, who did the hard work of winning the division. We are very proud of the players and our club and this is echoed by the excellent sponsors that we have helping to run our club. We all hope to cement ourselves in division 3 next year and push on for promotion and more cups after that. Check out the gallery page for pictures of the lads with the shield and the awards afternoon in the sun at our sponsors Pat and Keith at the Heybridge Inn. The award winners, sponsored by iPC Solutions, were:
Players Player: Andy Nicholls
Managers Player: Sam Page
Goal of the Season: Connor Seabright
Clubman of the year: Ben Gribble
Most improved players players: Gary Pipe
Managers most improved player: Luke Hylands
Top Goalscorer: Andy Potts
Retirement award: Dave Marsh
The chairman, Marcus Staines from DS Engineering kindly presented the awards for us, thankyou Marcus!
Our first President!
Yes, you read that right, we have our very first president of our club. Blackwater fan Les Osborn has been a supporter of our club since it's inception and he was keen to be more involved, he's watch several games including both cup finals and has been pleased with the players mentality and attitude and sportsmanship towards each other and thinks the club is on the up. We welcome any involvement and it shows the direction we want to travel in and how well established we are in our infancy. I welcome Les to our committee and directorship and look forward to your input.
Our current directorship looks like this:
President:
Les Osborn
Hon. Vice Presidents:
Pat and Keith
Frank Burridge
Jay Alum
Chairman:
Marcus Staines
Manager:
Mick Lappage
Assistant manager:
Ollie Webster
Secretary/Treasurer:
Ian Harden
Sponsors:
The Heybridge Inn
DS Engineering
The Balti Bhujon
London Iron
iPC Solutions
Squad news:
We have some very big news. Veteran defender and retiree Dave Marsh has decided (with MASSIVE pressure from the squad) to not hang up his boots and help us for one more season. This was followed by Andy O'Connor who decided to leave to play Saturdays, has decided to stay with us as well and play Saturdays and Sundays. This is excellent news for the squad and we're glad they are staying.
We have also received some very sad news. Will Mant, our old first team goalkeeper and this season midfielder and defender, has been offered his dream job with Angling Direct as assistant manager and he will unfortunately have to work all weekend. This means he is not signing on next year with us. We wish you every success in your job Will and we al will miss you. We hope you can come down to training and see the boys and come out for nights out. Good luck and well done.
We have a few new signings coming in as well. A well established midfielder from a rival club is reportedly very keen to join out club and will sign pre-season. We also have 2 other excellent propects that may well be coming as well and all three players would add to our excellent squad and make it a nightmare for Mick and Ollie to pick there squads! Let's hope they all come. We also have Alex Fieldings brother coming to join us too and he will replace his brother who goes travelling the world. Greg is a excellent player and both footed so he's flexible. With everyone else staying, it's going to be a very, very good squad.
31st May 2015
I would like to say a big thankyou to the following players that will leave the squad for various reasons this season. we appreciate your effort, comittment and application and wish you all the best for your future endeavours:
Luke Hylands
Alex Fielding
Andrew O'Connor
David Marsh
They have been true, great servants to our club.
31st May 2015
CCCCCHHHHHAAAAMMMMMPPPIIIIOOOOONNNNEEEOOOOSSSSS
Well, it was a final day game that had MASSIVE implications on the division 4 title and it was 2 very good teams going against each other. Tulip started the brighter and dominated the early posession but couldn't get through the resiliant back 3 of BFC. After 20 minutes we got a grip on the game and good play ended up with Alex Fielding shielding the ball to Matt Willis who rifiled the ball into the net to make it 1-0. Shortly after, further good play, set up Luke Hylands on his last game for the team before heading off the the army, to make it 2-0 with a composed finish. tulip fought back but we defended well and poor finishing from Tulip didn't make it a tough first half, leading 2-0 at the break.
2nd half was equally as good as the first with a mano e mano face off, but we really started to play well and a cracking teammove ended with Alex and Andy linking up for a delicious 1-2 for Andy to put Alex Through to slot home for 3-0 and a great fairwell to Alex who leaves at the seasons end.
Both teams played really well and the on slaught came from Tulip but they found no way through until the 85th minute, when from 30 yds out, the number 17 struck a stunning strike that nestled in the stancions to make it 3-1. No keeper in the world would have saved it!! they had a set play 3 minutes later and poor defending and a free header made it 3-2. The whistle went shortly after which makes us champions even though Tulip have a game in hand as they cannot play it and we'd still be 2 pts clear if they won it.
Celebrations commensed and a fitting end to the season, a season we have achieved much but have further to go.
COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Video or the celebration is here;
https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/y4/r/-PAXP-deijE.gif
18th May 2015
WE ARE GOING UP, SAY WE ARE GOING UP!!!!!!!
After a week with no game, we reached the biggest game for sometime as we went away to Mannox MR in a promotion game - a win saw us promoted to divsion 3 for next year.
The manager decided to stick to the formation he used 2 weeks ago, but it didn't work as well. Lot''s of squad rotation and the lack of direction at times meant it was a scrappy afair which saw us concede the 1st goal. A screamer from outside the box it was to, 25 yard into the top corner. We picked ourselves up and attacked for pretty much the rest of the half, chance after chance went begging and it looked like one of those days. Luckily, Andy Potts was on the end of a good move to control, turn and shoot into the top corner to level the game. 5 minutes later heading for half time, Matt Willis scored inside the 6 yard box with a cheeky backheel to put us 2-1 up and settle the nerves. Massive changes at half time saw Matt Franks join on the wing and he scored a brace in the 2nd half, the last of his too a fluke from the corner post which flew into the far corner. Matt Willis scored his 2nd of the game and saw us relax a bit which encouraged our opposition. poor defending cost us a 2nd goal which was deserved and we had some other chances to go further ahead, but out of a poor performance we gained promotion which is fantastic and a great achievement from the lads. we have 2 games left and a possibility of winning the title if we win them; Woodham Town next week and Tulip Springfield the week after!! We need Tulip to lose some of their remianing games to stand a chance. COYB!!!
3rd May 2015
With a league fixture back on the cards, it was an away trip to Woodham Town in the first of our 2 fixtures against them in as many weeks. We have a number of injuries to contend with and a few players that stayed up to watch the big boxing match, but that didn't seem to matter, we produced a fantastic performance in which the gaffer and a number of players made comments saying it was the best we'd played in ages. a 3-1-4-2 formation was played with in a bold decision by the gaffer - we hadn't used this all season! A good performance and 3 pts would see us go top and needing just 1 win from the remaining 3 games to guarantee promotion so a lot rested and the lads DELIVERED! 5-2 winners we finished. Goals from Andy Potts with a brace on his league return to the team, and further goals from recent goal machines Luke Hylands, Matt Willis and Andy O'Connor to complete the rout.
Well done boys and a win against Mannox MR on the 17th will ensure promotion that is thoroughly desired after this fantastic season!!! COYB!!
28th April 2015
Disappointment in the cup again as we were out played by a very good tulip side and a different team to that played in the semi of the county cup! never mind, on to league business with 4 games left and needing to win the fixtures to guarantee promotion. 1st up is woodham town away on sunday followed by mannox MR away on the 17th and the home tie against woodham town on the 24th at the plume astro - TBC. our final game of the season will be against tulip springfield at home if it is required and can be fitted in.
We want all the lads to focus on the task ahead and lets gain promotion as you all really deserve it after an excellent season.
Can you all text me (players only) or message me on here, your nominations for the following awards please:
Players player of the season
goal of the season
most improved player of the season
performance of the season in a single match
clubman of the year - this means the person that best represents the club
thanks and good luck for sunday.
ian
19th April 2015
Back to league business with an away game to Woodham Radars Res and to get our loss in the EJT out of our systems and get our promotion quest back on trail. A good performance and some great football played ended with a 6-0 win for BFC. Goals from Luke Hylands and OC with 2 each, Matt willis and an OG finished the game off. Gives us great confidence for next weeks League cup final in division 4. Run in fixtures on the fixture page.
12th April 2015
The big game in the Essex Junior Trophy saw us travel with a full coach load to Saffron Walden football club to play Boreham Reserves from the Invitation league.
It was a blustery day which didn;t help with the game and the pitch slopped and was in bad condition but a good game of football was played by both teams and in good spirit. The first half belonged to blackwater as we dominated but coudn't score. We had chances but no clear cut ones. The 2nd half saw a much better display from Boreham and they got the elusive goal with a deflected effort. Andy Nicholls produced 2 class saves but we couldn't find the net and it ended a 1-0 nil loss. A good day out and the lads did us proud.
5th April 2015
Back to league duties today with a tricky away tie at Marconi Leisure Reserves in Gt Baddow. A win would see us top the table by 3 points, a position we haven't held all season.
The team, in preperation for next weeks county cup final, was not at there best and a number of changes in the team saw some disruption whilst the manager was trying to find his starting 11 for next sundays final. It took a while to get going, but we did find some quality play and ended with a 5-0 win to take us clear at the top. The goals were scored by Connor Seabright, Luke Hylands, Matt Franks and Nick Lappage and the 5th an OG. Whilst not at our best, we can still win games comfortably which is a great sign.
29th March 2015
It was back to league duties last week and our first double header of the season as we welcomed Margaretting Sports and Social Club reserves to Plantation Hall. Thyey are a much improved outfit this season and two tough games were played. Our nervousness showed and we had to be patient, but an OG from a Connor Seabright throw in calmed the nerves. We went on to win the game 2 nil thanks to a goal from Matt Willis.
The 2nd game, played straight after saw the same result and another 2 nil win to take us to the top of the league on goal difference. Connor seabright from the penalty spot and a first goal for returning player Jack Donahoe sealed the win.
This sunday saw the first of our matches against league promotion rivals Woodham Town in the semi final of the league cup. A cracking game which saw 10 goals and another penalty shoot out!
The match was good tempo and both teams played well and we went 1 nil up. Poor refereeing decisions and a sending off for Lee SMith reduced us to 10 men in the second half. However, we were in command and were 4-2 up, Goals from Connor Seabright, Matt Willis, Nick Lappage and Luke Hylands put us in control. The red card and 2 set plays saw a 4-4 score line and woodham then went 5-4 up! We battled hard and Connor Seabright equalised with the last kick of the game. Extra time saw no further goals and then penalties. Blackwater showed the class and our goalkeeper performed amazingly between the posts and saved 3. We won 4-2 on penalties to reach our 2nd final of the season. Superb. Next week we face Mannox MR away.
16th March 2015
It was back to another cup competition yesterday when we travelled to 2nd division side Woodham Athletic Res in the Gillott Trophy. In a match the gaffer said we never played well, we were 1 up thanks to Matt Willis. However, poor play and 3 sloopy bits of play enabled woodham to end the game 3-1 winners. The gaffer said if we'd have played well, we would have won without issue.
8th March 2015
It brings me great pleasure in saying the Marcus Staines, a director from DS Engineering, is officially our new club Chairman. Marcus told our manager that he really enjoys supporting grass roots football and is delighted to be the Chairman of Blackwater Football Club. Thank you Marcus for your kind support up to now and look forward to you becoming more involved with the team. He has also brought us new rain jackets for the squad. Thankyou!
8th March 2015
I have to apologise again for the lack of updates, it's been a busy time in my private life but a even better time for BFC. Where to start!
We last played a league fixture on the 22nd February and we entertained Woodham Radar Res at the Plantation hall for the third time this season. We played well and ended with a 6 nil win to put of promotion chase back on schedule with some tough games to come. Goals came from Connor Seabright who bagged himself a hat trick, Luke Hylands banged in a brace and Matt Willis helped himself to one as well. a good win and a good team performance which set us up nicely for our Gillott Trophy match the following week which was unfortunately cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. That's the second time so the fixture will be reversed and played at the planny instead, giving us home advantage and a good playing surface.
That leads me on to be biggest game of our short existance and the semi final against league promotion rivals and good team, Tulip Springfield. In what turned out to be a nervous start for both sides, we went a goal down and came in 1-0 down at half time. A more settled 2nd half for both teams allowing the good football to be played and an equaliser followed from Craig Nice after a good header down from a corner from Nick Lappage, Craig tapping in from close range. Luke Hylands could have won it for us but hit the crossbar from a good move inside the box.
Paul Wade was the hero of the day, the game went to penalties but Paul made some excellent saves in the normal time before he got between the sticks and saved the crucial penalty to make it 5-4 in sudden death penalty time. the penalties were 4-4 after the regulation 5 a piece, and we won it in sudden death prompting wild celebrations in the changing room as shown below.
We thank the support we had chearing us on and our sponsors DS Engineering, Balti Bhujon and the Heybridge Inn for there continued support! Marcus from DSE was there to cheer us on.
Well done lads, great team performance and a proud day for Blackwater Football Club.
15th February 2015
A lot has happened at BFC in the last 3 weeks. The week after the hatfield game we were away at Daen Ingas Res. we Drew 2-2 thanks to soime bad referering but none the less, we still gifted them 2 sloppy goals. Our goal scorers that day were Andrew O'Connor and Sam Page.
The week after we were supposed to be at woodham athletic res for our 4th round Gillott trophy match, but the ref on the day deemed the pitch unplayable so no game.
Today, we travelled to Tollesbury in the Essex Junior Trophy quarter final and it turned out to be a good performance from the lads resulting in a 2-0 win for BFC to put us in the semi finals. A spirited display from the boys and the scorers were OC and Matt Willis. Well done boys!!!
Squad news:
We have a great squad of players, one the gaffer is keen to enhance all the time but some players didn't get the game time they sort or agreed with the gaffers transfer policy. We say fairwell to the following players and wish them well in there future teams:
Andy Potts
Simon Clark
Jake Harvey
Jack Donohue
However, we welcomed 2 new lads to training and they look very good additions to the squad and the plans for next season are already underway with rumours of some quality players coming to BFC.
23rd January 2015
We welcomed Hatfield Swann Inn res to plantation hall in a reverse fixture that should have been at their ground. We had a few players out, both top scorers, but a horrid pitch and a average performance saw us loose 2-1. We were one up at half time thanks to a lovely move ending with a precision cross by OC and a deft finish to Sam Page. Hoever, shortly after itting the post for 2 nil, 2 sloppy bits of defending saw 2 goals from Hatfield in 3 minutes and ended ur unbeaten run since the first game of the season. Mick was dissapointed and dealt with the players afterwards but serves a reminder that we need to play at our best in every game.
11th January 2015
A blustery last 16 tie in the junior trophy greated us today at St Cleres U21 in Stanford Le Hope. A good young side were faced and a great game of football was had by all, even better if the winds were not so bad!
However, we started brightly and could have scored a few by the 20 minute mark but for some poor finishing and bad misses :)
However, we ended up 2-0 to the good thanks to goals from Connor Seabright in the first half. Great build up play before helped Connor score his goals with cool finishing to round the moves off. Andy Potts missed his first penalty of the season too blasting wide from the penalty spot which would have seen us end the half 3-0 up.
We started the 2nd half brightly and looked dangerous but couldn't get the killer ball or finish to really finish them off. However, they produced some good attacking play and some good saves from Andy Nicholls in the BFC goal kept them out. A free kick, assisted by the wind, from Andy Potts saw us 3-0 up. A good flowing move by St Cleres ended up with a good finish to make it 3-1 and some squeeky bum times for BFC. From a corner kick, Matt Willis floated the ball over and the wind assisted it into the top corner to make it 4-1. We came under mounted pressure from St Cleres after that and they missed some good chances but we ended with a 4-1 win and into the hat for the quarter final draw on Monday. Well done BFC!
4th January 2015
Today started the 2015 part of the season with a tough match at home in the Gillott Trophy against unbeaten 2nd division side Writtle Manor Reserves. A very good side was put out against us but we played some exceptional football and ended with a convincing 6-1 win for Blackwater FC.
The manager said he was delighted with the performance from every player and the team played as one! Goals were scored by Peter Adam, Connor Seabright and Andy Potts who all scored a brace each.
A fantastic start to 2015 and next week see's us away to St Cleres U21 in the Essex Junior Trophy which should be a great game.
23rd December 2014
I do apologise for the lack of updates recently, it's been a crazy time moving house etc.
Anyway, a couple of results to bring you up to speed on, the first on the 7th December against Queens Park. Having played Queens park away at the beginning of the season and beating them 5-1, we knew the home match would be a tight affair as they are a good side and have been playing ok. The manager stated that it was a very even game and Queens should have scored 1 or 2 but didn't find the net. However, we kept going and ended with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Andrew O'Connor and a screamer from inside our own half from Craig Nice. These goals are flucks but great flucks when they happen and a celebratory pitch invasion happended shortly after. This resulted in 2 silly bookings from the ref which he didn't need to give and one player ended with a red card because of it. A good win and a good game of football.
The second was the quarter final of the league cup away to Marconi Leisure Res on the 21st December. This had the makings of a good game as Marconi's first team recently folded and a number of division 1 players would ply their trade in division 4 with the res team. However, this turned into a dominatory performance in which saw a 5-1 win. Luke Hylands scored his first hat trick for the club and Andy Potts scored the other 2. A great win for the boys.
With the programme now finished till January the 4th, it leaves me to wish you all a very merry christmas and a very happy new year from all at Blackwater Football Club.
Merry Christmas!!
23rd November 2014
We welcomed Stifford Clays to Plantation Hall today for the third round of the Essex Junior Trophy, in what turned out to be a game full of mixed emotion. I must first say that we suffered a bad injury to squad member Alex Fielding who had to leave the field of play after scoring the first goal which turns out to be a broken shoulder blade and this means he'll be out for 1-2 months at least. Sad times but we wish Alex a very speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him supporting the boys on the touchline!!!
Back to match action, we ended the match with a 4-1 win against a new team but what i viewed, had potential and it was a good even first half, although we had plenty of chances to score!!!
Goals from Alex Fielding, Andrew O'Connor, Sam Page and Luke Hylands saw us comfortably through to round 4. We should have scored more with some good one on one's but overall on a very boggy pitch and awful weather, it was a composed performance.
Week off next week due to other teams postponed county cup games, so no action for 2 weeks now. see you on the touchline!
16th November 2014
We welcomed Mannox MR to PLantation hall this morning and it turned into a good day for Blackwater. I have always seen this as a tricky tie as we always face a good Mannox team that is full or committment and passion for the shirt, but we brushed them aside today. We ended with an 8-1 win in which saw Andrew O'Connor return to the bench since his bad ankle injury a few weeks ago, and Connor Seabright getting back of the mark for Blackwater with a haul of 5 goals after coming off the bench.
Further goals scored by Matt Willis, Will Mant and Sam Page saw us confortable winners. This win should put some confidence in to us as we welcome Slifford Clays in the county cup next sunday in the Junior Trophy which will be a tough match!
9th November 2014
Back to league action this week as Tulip Springfield welcomed us to Melbourne Park for a 'top of the table' clash with 1st playing 3rd. The teams are well matched and play very good football, Tulips form has been good as has Blackwaters, but the game ended in a stalemate; 0-0!
We had our chances but couldn't find the finishing touch in a frustrating game that could have seen us get another 2 pts, but the point away from home is a welcome one.
2nd November 2014
Todays fisture saw us entertain Woodham Radars Res again only this time in the Gillott Trophy forst round. The first half was a little poor but we ended up with a 3-2 advantage and a stern talking to and wholesale changes saw us romp home in the 2nd half with 5 more goals for and 0 against ending up 8-2 the victors. Continuing his prolific start to the season was Andy Pott's who scored another 4 goals to take his seasons tally to 12 goals in 9 games which is a great return. The other goals were comtributed by Luke Hylands, Nick Lappage, Chris Sweeney and a cracking free kick from Craig Nice. The good form is continuing and we need it too as the next 2 games see us take on top of the table Tulip Springfield and Woodham Town. The manager warned against complacency and said that although the win was good today, the play was far from the best he's seen us play and wanted everyone to raise there game!
30th October 2014
As we look forward to the first Gillott Trophy cup this weekend against Woodham Radar Res, we would like to welcome back JACK DONAGHUE to the BFC fold. He went away for a while and trained with a premiership club over the summer, but decided his roots lay with Blackwater and asked the gaffer if he could rejoin which he was only too happy to do. Welcome back Jack and we look forward to some solid performances in the team!
Also available for the first time this weekend is Ollie who has been sidelined with baby responsibilities and has been Micks assistant manager, but he is now fit, able and allowed to play. Good luck Ollie!
22nd October 2014
It was back to league duties on Sunday as we welcomed Springfield Reserves to the planny. It was a good performance, certainly not our best by any stretch, but we ended up victors with a 3-1 win. Goals from Alex Fielding, Luke Hylands on his return from injury and a stunning free kick from Dan Gage.
However, this was overshadowed by a bad injury to Andrew O'Connor. He went up for a fair challenge and landed awkwardly on his foot and a crack and a seeming broken ankle/torn ligaments seemed the result. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery!
Another bad injury was also suffered by Simon Clarke who has injured his knee. This is a reoccurance of a previous injury and is likely to sideline him for a number of weeks/months, but we really hope he recovers quickly too.
Squad news:
Following several conversations over the past 2-3 weeks, the manager, with the backing of the team, has decided to resign Connor Seabright from Goldhanger Argyle who has struggled to settle with his new team. Connor was last seasons top goal scorer and we welcome his fire power back to the team. Following OC and Simon's badly timed injuries, will be a welcome addition to our frontline. Good luck Connor!
5th October 2014
The start of 2014/15's county cup campaign started today as we welcomed Woodham Radar Res from our very own pope and smith division 4 to Plantation Hall. We went into the match in very good form and continued where we left off. We ended up with a 9-1 win with there goal being gifted in the dieing moments of the game.
Good performances from Andy Potts and Matt Willis ended with them both scoring hat tricks. Will Mant was on the score sheet again and Andrew O'Connor got off the mark too. Matt Franks helped with the 8th goal which he shot towards the corner flag only to see if deflected into the net. the dubious goals committee said Oggy all the way!!
Great performance and let it continue.
28 September 2014
We welcomed Hatfield Swann Inn Res to Plantation hall today in what was going to be a very tricky tie; Hatfield have been in good form and always offered us a tough fixture.
Todays result was a lot different and before the off, Mick warned against complacency and to treat the opposition with respect and play our A game - passing football. Well, we certainly did just that and dominated from start to finish and went 4 nil up within 20 minutes with good finishes from Will Mant(2), Andy Potts and David Marsh with the opener. We continued to press and Andy soon scored his 2nd to make it 5 nil before half time. Alex fielding came on as a half time sub and soon announced himself with a 35 yard lob over the keeper for the goal of the game! Andy completed his hattrick with a vote from the dubious goals committee as some say it was an OGGIE! however, we continued to press and a home debut goal from Matthew Franks made the final score 8-0. We subjected Hatfield to 3 shots on target the whole game. Fantastic display from the river boys and let's hope we can continue in the same vein in the county cup next week.
We finish september with 3 wins from 4 and top of the league table.
21st September 2014
We visited Queens Park Hannakins today in the first of our seasons away games and one would say it was against a very good side that are looking for promotion like us. The lads did the club proud and played some lovely passing football as quoted by the opposition manager and saw usget a confortable 5-2 win. Goals from Simon clarke, Luke Hylands for the 2nd time in as many games and 2 from Andy Potts starting his first league game of the season following his 2 match ban from last season and new signing Matt Franks with the 5th.
Next week see's us at home yet again to Hatfield Swann Inn reserves, kick off 10.30 am at Plantation Hall.
14th September 2014
Todays game against Marconi Leisure Res saw us return to some form of normality and performance wise, a good team effort. Far from perfect according to the gaffer, but the first half saw us playing dominant flowing football and ended with us 3 nil up. The 2nd half saw us resting on our laurels and the team not playing half as good, but adding to the goals to make it 4 nil at the end. Goals from Chris Sweeney, Luke Hylands and a brace from Will Many saw us comfortable winners. The gaffer wants us to play for the full 90 minutes and is expecting better things against next weeks harder opponents.
Non the less, a great result.
7th September 2014
The first game of the new season left us with a 1-0 loss to Daen Ingas Res in a farily even game. We didn't create enough and didn;t play like pre-season but it's only the first match. Hopefully we can make amends next week against Marconi Leisure Res.
1st September 2014
Well, the final pre-season game against Redstones was a thrill packed fun ride not unlike Everton v Chelsea on Saturday. 3-6 was the final score with some poor play from BFC gifting the visitors 4 goals in the opening 20 minutes. That said, they played some great football and deserved the lead at half time. Before the break, new striker Dan Gage scored an absolute peach from 30 yards. Collecting the ball outside the dee and shrougging off a challenge, turned and shot first time and powered the ball over the top of the keeper into the net. Wonderful hit. 4-1 at half time.
Stern words and a change in formation saw a much better performance from BFC in the second half and we matched Redstones well. The redstones goal was peppered and Simon raced through the defense and Di Canio esc blasted a half volley into the far corner of the net from the left side of the penalty box, great finish. OC got our third after more pressure and some good foot work to disposses the keeper saw him turn and shot into an empty net.
Some pictures of the game are on the gallery page.
The season proper kicks off next week against Daen Ingas res at Plantation Hall. Kick off 10.30am.
24th August 2014
With pre-season well under way, we have a number of new players that have joined the team. We have played 4 pre-season friendlies so far and have played great in all 4, winning the last two 5-3 and 4-1 respectively.
The first friendly was against new comers in division 1, Runwell Hospital, and they were an excellent tea,, playing some great football. However, we also played with a number of new players and played very well ourselves considering the newness of the Team, but ended on the end of a 4 nil loss, which wasn't a true refelction of the game. We hit the woodwork twice and had no goalkeeper and a patched up team with trialists, but still a great game.
Next up saw us against one our perenial pre-season friendly teams Mundon Vics Res which saw a cracking open game. Vics deservedly went in 3-1 to the good, but in the second half, the lads kept playing the good football and were rewarded with 2 goals to see the match end 3 a piece.
The following week we were due to play Hannigfield whom we played and were beaten well last pre-season, but they were unable to fullfill the fixture as the groundsman didn;t mark the pitch up!!
Our next match saw us play a mid week match against last seasons pre-season team Exciles FC. Last year they played us off the park and convincinly beat us 5-1. This season though, especially in the first half, we dominated and came in at half time 1 nil up thanks to Simon Clark's first half poachers goal from a rebound. To be fair, we were camped in their half and if it's wasn't for some wayward finishing and some fantastic saves from their keeper, we would have been 5 or 6 nil up. The second half saw them playing the way they did last year, they were first to the balls and equallised through a set piece. shortly after, they had a penalty which they blasted against the bar. After 15 minutes of this onslaught the the penalty miss a wake up call, we started to dominate again and Andy Potts chipped in with an excellent hat-trick including a 20 yard screamer of a free kick, and a goal from Chris Sweeney saw us lead 5-1. We then took our foot off the ball and they started playing again and scored 2 goals from sloopy corners to make the score 5-3. A well deserved victory and it see's the team really coming together.
Today saw us play our first home pre-season friendly and we welcomed 3rd division M & G to Plantation Hall. The good football contionued and goals from OC (2), Mark Bloyce and Simon Clark saw us confortable winners at 4-1.
We have one final Pre-season friendly next week at plantation hall, kick off 10.30am.
New Season
The first lot of fixtures are out for the new season ahead and our first 4 matches see's us at home for 3 of them:
7th September Daen Ingas Res - home
14th September Marconi Reserves - home
21st September Queens park hannikans - Away
28th September Hatfield Swann Inn Res - Home
Club News
We welcome new club sponsor and chairman John Bunkell, owner of Sim Connect. We welcome John's input and contributions for the club to move onwards and upwards.
We are also delighted to announce that our post match drinks and food will be kindly provided by Pat and Keith and the Heybridge Inn again this year. We are grateful for Pat and Keith's kind support of Blackwater FC.
Training
Having secured a spot back on the 3G astro turf at the Plume School maldon, training will now take place each Wednesday night at 9pm till 10pm.
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26th May 2014
The league season is well and truely over for us, the league table still not finalised as the result from Queens park v Tulip is still not in, but we will end 4th unless it ends a draw and we pip 3rd.
Exciting times ahead with the manager Mick already recruiting for next year, a new chairman potentially coming in and a new assistant manager with proven pedigree is also coming along. New investment too and the long term developement of a club and not just a team is also being discussed.
Squad news:
The following players have now left the team and will be playing and managing a premiership team next year and we wish them all well and thank them for their contributions to the team this year.
Scott Harber
Paul Wade
Connor Seabright
John Crispin
Accounts:
I am finalising the clubs finances and remind all players that owe match fee's and fine monies to clear them by tomorrow as the letter will be sent in to the FA for debt recovery. We are in a ok financial position but thanks to Pat at the heybridge inn for paying our ref fee's this year, we wouldn't have anything left at all. The cost of training facilities and pitch fee's are constantly going up and it's becoming tougher on teams to stay financially afloat - a large number of teams in the Pope and Smith have folded due to player shortage and high costs of playing. With our new sponsor coming in, we will hopefully be in a position to keep the players match fee's to a minimum next year.
Players:
We are actively seeking players for all positions to improve and push on from this year. In what has been a difficult season off the pitch, Mick and I feel it's been a successful year in many ways as we are a brand new team. If you want to join us, please contact us using the form on the contact page.
4th May 2014
Well the final game of the season ended with a dissapointing loss in what was a fairly even game. The final score was 5-2 to Tulip but until te last 10 minutes it was 2-2. Two good team goals converted by the head of Andy Potts saw us battle back from a 2-1 deficit at half time. We played some good football in the 2nd half but it wasn't enough and a couple of mistakes and good counter attacking football saw tulip score 3 late goals.
It was also Scott Harbers last game as a player today in what was an emotional fairwell. We thank Scott for his efforts this season and wish him well for the start of his managerial career with Goldhanger Argyle next season. With John Crispin assisting him we wish them both well with their new team and Paul Wade who also joins the premiership club.
We also bid fairwell to Connor Seabright the club and the leagues top scorer who has decided to journey off to pastures new and we wish him well and thank him for his goals and contribution this season.
It's been a mixed first year for Blackwater, I think it's been a fairly successful year and we have achieved some good results and sit 3rd in the league at this time. Teams below us have games in hand so we could end up 5th. With a quarter final appearance in the Essex Junior Trophy and Gillot Cup, it's been a pretty good start for our new club. With new investment, players and staff joining us in pre-season, it's going to go from strength to strength next year.
I would like to thank all our sponsors for this year, the heybridge inn for hosting us post match and feeding and watering us, for your support enabled us to make a good start in our first year and for next.
Have a happy summer and we will start back in pre-season the 2nd week of July.
Kind regards
Ian Harden
Secretary
1st May 2014
Sorry for the delay in updates, we have not played many games.
Anyway, the game after the Woodham Radars double header was on the 30th April away to Queens Park hannakins. in what transpired to be a shocking display by the ref and a very bias view, we ended the game 3-1 losers with a player sent off for 2 bookable offences and 6 more go in the book. Penalties should have been awarded but the game ended in a loss.
On the 13th April we played a very weak team away to Hanningfield in the Gillott Trophy. With players leaving and poor atitudes by some, we lost 9-0 and ended our participation at the quarter final stage.
The 27th we had an away trip to hatfield swann inn reserves with 11 players and ended the match 2-1 victors. This will add us ending the season third which will be a good result for our new team.
Our final match sees us welcome Tulip Springfield to the Plantation Hall on the 4th May. A win sees us 3rd for sure. Kick off 10.30am.
Squad News:
Top scorer Connor Seabright's season ended with a thigh injury in March and Paul Wade and Scott Harber will leave to play and manage Goldhanger Argyle in the Premier next season. We wish them well.
23rd March 2014
The second of our double headers see's us go up against Woodham Radar Reserves. The first game was a scrappy afairand ended 1 a peice with our goal coming from Connor Seabright. We had the chances but never put it to bed.
The second game saw us get back to some form of normality and saw a fine hatrick from Connor Seabright to end the match a 3-1 win. This saw us climb to 2nd in the league but 3rd place compasses have a game in hand.
Next week see's us go away to Queens park hannikans which will be a very tough game following their 8-3 win against Compasses this week.
16th March 2014
The first double header of the season see's us welcome Mannox MR to plantation hall. The first game ended 1-1 with us playing very badly, Will Mant banging in the goal for Blackwater from outside the box in one of the best moves of the game. We failed to really get a grip for the rest of the match and Mannox had a goal ruled out for offside which could have cost us dear.
The second game saw a change in formation to our preferred 4-4-2 and we started playing some football. We cruised to a 3 nil half time lead from Goals by Will Mant, Andy Potts and Connor seabright. Further domination insued in the 2nd and Will Mant added 2 more to complete his hattrick and our good 5-0 win.
Next up at Plantation hall is another double header against Woodham Radars Reserves. Kick off 10.30am and two 1 hour matches will be played.
9th March 2014
A vital home match against 2nd placed Compasses ended with a narrow 2-1 defeat in what turned out to be a very even game with both teams playing well. A flukey goal put compasses 1 up in the first half and another flukey goal from Tom Pitt in the 2nd evened things up. Blackwater pressed and Andy Potts almost scored a cracker but the post saved the day. With the time ticking away, in the 88th minute, a sweet move by Compasses left winger saw a floated cross headed in the top corner by an unmarked striker. Dissapointment for us but 2nd place is still possible, although looking unlikely unless results go for us.
2nd March 2014
well, we put the last few weeks behind us and we got back to winning ways today. a comfortable 9-0 win over margaretting sports and social club reserves. We played with composure and vigure and could and should have scored more. Goals from Connor seabright(3), Andy potts and sam page with 2 each, Scott harber and paul wade with 1 each rounded a comfortable day for us. Hopefully this will start another winning run in the league and hopefully carry over into the cup with some tough fixtures coming up in the Gillott Trophy. Next week we welcome Marconi Leisure Res to Plantation hall for the league 4 match. Kick off 10.30am.
Squad News:
We have had a few new faces at training the past few weeks on trial. Several possible new recruits to help give competition at the back and in midfield. We have until the 31st March to sign players on so hopefully Mick will ask those he feels can bring some freshness and competition to the team.
23rd February 2014
A difficult two weeks for the club in which we were beaten in the county cup 5-1 away to AFC Colchester albeit with a depleated squad. They played the better football and deserved the win but we can be proud at reaching the quarter finals in our first ever foreit into the competition. Will Mant with the consulation goal.
Today we welcomed Compasses to plantation hall. A scruffy first half goal from compasses after a spill by the keeper and a tangle of legs and feet ended with the compasses striker toe poking the ball home. We used the roll on roll off subs today and it didn't work as well but showed us a lot more of some players we won't have seen much of. A spirited 2nd half showing showed Tom Pitt get equally as much luck and a miss judgement from the keeper saw him net from 30 yards out. But with two minutes of the match left, a good move down the left by compasses saw a floated cross headed in cleanly by the compasses number 7. A dissapointing result that results in us being 9 pts off second with a game in hand. Let's hope we start to get our results back and performances and cement 3rd and hope they start losing!
10th February 2014
Back to business hopefully on Sunday in the County Cup quarter final away to AFC Colchester. The toughest challenge so far with them going well in the league. We have Andy Potts suspended and Andy Nicholls cup tied, so we have a tough match ahead. I'm sure the squad can cope and we wish them well - if the weather holds that is!
The week after see's the 2nd place crunch match against Compasses at the plantation hall. A must win for us to hopefully catch them and overtake them for the 2nd automatic promotion spot.
The sportmanship marks are on the Pope and Smith website , and in our league we are 3rd bottom and 24th overall. This needs to improve and let's hope we can go higher and get a better average mark of 7.80(7.93 last year)
2nd February 2014
We were the only fixture on this week out of the whole of the pope and smith sunday league and we had hoped for a good performance and result. We played well but lost 3-1 to league leaders Willvale Rangers. Set pieces were our downfall and not converting enough chances at the other end. Still, we will play on for promotion and get back to winning ways at Mannow MR next week.
26th January 2014
The first league game of the 2nd half of the season was at PLantation Hall were we welcomed Hatfield Swann Inn Reserves on a misrable day with rain for most of the match. The game was far from dreary with a 5-0 nil win that puts us 3rd in division 4. Thew game included a superb debut from new goalkeeper Andy Nicholls who kept a clean sheet and another good debut from Maz Alum who had his fiurst run out in red. Full report on the results page.
Our next game pits us against Willvale Rangers next sunday who currently sit unbeaten on top of the league. We lost 4-1 away at the start of the season when we played them in a game where we didn't perform. Can we reap revenge in the return leg????? Why not come along and find out. Plantation Hall at 10.30am.
19th January 2014
I must apologise for the lack of updates, i had a winter break. Anyway, back to the latest news and match news.
The first game of the new year was the last 16 of the County Cup and we welcomed Costa Del Rainham to the Plantation Hall. And what a feast it was for the blackwater fans. we ended up with a monsterous 11-0 win!!
In a totally dominant performance, in which Costa had 2 players sent of from the field of play, we out played and out scored our visitors. We lead 3 nil before the first of their players saw red and 7-0 when the next was excluded. 4 goals from Alex Fielding, 2 each from Top scorer Connor Seabright and Andy Potts, 1 from Luke Hylands to end his scoring drout and 1 each from Sam Page and Jake Harvey who is on a good run at scoring from midfield at the moment, made for pleasant viewing last week. Well done lad's and hopefully we can get back to league duties next week at home to Hatfield Swann Inn Res and get 3 valuable points.
Transfer news:
We have a new goalkeeper signing on with us from Maldon and Tiptree Utd in the next week or two. He comes with a good reputation and should be a great full time replacement for Will Mant who can no longer play in goal due to his broken finger he sustained in a match last year. More details to follow when he signs on!
Squad news:
John Crispin has decided that he cannot play for us anymore and will be leaving football alone for a while. We wish John well for the future.
Dave Little has decided that he will be leaving the immediate sunday team selection due to lack of playing time and the increase of sunday working. He will still train with the lad's and we're glad to have him around the club. He will become a back up player and we hope he features in the future.
Gary Pipe and Jack Donaghue has taken up the positions of assistant managers to assist Mick. Jack has sustained a serious ACL injury and is rulled out for the season and Gary will be player/asst manager.
5th January 2014
Happy New Year to all our sponsors, players and supporters.
Todays game against Woodham Radars Res was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Our first action of 2014 is against Costa Del Rainham in the county cup next week.
10.30 am kick off at plantation hall.
24th December 2013
This is probably the final words of 2013 on the website and it comes from Mick Lappage our manager who has given us his first blog and summary of the season to date.
Mick's message is available under the league table
22nd December 2013
The final update of 2013 and see's us end the year with a very unconvincing 5-4 win away to Daen Ingas Res. The pitch and the ref played it's part but we were poor and gave away 4 goals through bad defending and set pieces. However, good goals by Connor and Will (2 a piece) and Jake harvey saw us hold out for the win with a late on slaught from Daen Ingas who played well in the 2nd half and were unlucky not to win but for a great save from Gary Pipe.
We would like to wish everyone, our team, sponsors and friends a very merry christmas and a very happy new year!
Our first fisture of 2014 is on the 5th away to Woodham Radar res.
15th December 2013
An eventful friday night saw the first Balti Bhujon Blackwater FC christmas do take place. 14 of the lads joined Mick and i for a really good night out. We send our apologise for the noise towards the end of the meal!
The match today was postponed as Queens Park could not muster a team together to travel to Plantation hall. An easy 3 points but we would have liked to have played the match to keep our momentum going.
Transfer news
We welcome Mirzual Alam to the playing ranks of the Blackwater FC following his transfer from premier division club and friends of BFC, Goldhanger Argyle. Mirzaul is a nippy winger and is sure to add competition and quailty to our squad.
Next week see the away trip and last match before Christmas to Daen Ingas Reserves where the gaffer is hopeful of another 3 points and has set the team that target. We want to finish 2013 with a good solid finish and then await Costa Del Rainham to Plantation hall on the 12th January for our last 16 match in the county cup.
11th December 2013
We travelled to Marconi Leisure Reserves on sunday for the league fixture. Following our league cup exit against them a few weeks ago, the team were excited and pumped up for the rematch. Pumped up we were; 9-0 was the final score!
A fantastic win saw us 4 up in twenty minutes and the first half saw us leading 5 nil. We continued to dominate even when we rotated the team and used the subs we had available, and scored a further 4 goals. This shows the strength in depth we now have. Goals scorers were Connor Seabright with 5, Will Mant with 2, Jake Harvey with 1and an own goal made it a comfortable 3 pts.
We have 2 very important matches coming up. This week we entertain Queens Park (Hannakins) who are currently 2nd in division 4 on the 15th December and our final game of this year see's an away trip to Daen Ingas Res on the 22nd. Hopefully we can get 6 more points to leave us in a good league position to start the new year with. Our first match in 2014 is a last 16 county cup match at Plantation hall that see's us welcome Costa del Rainham to Heybridge.
1st December 2013
Today saw us travel to Writtle to play Mannox MR in the 3rd round of the Gillott Trophy. We played very well and dominated the game but only came away with a 3 nil win. 2 goals from top striker Connor Seabright and another from Alex Fielding saw us safely into round 3. Well done Blackwater!
24th November 2013
We welcomed West Horndon Utd to plantation hall this morning in what turned out to be a comfortable victory against the newly formed brentwood team. A quick goal after 1 min by Dave Marsh, set up a good game in which we didn't really get out of 2nd gear. Full details on the results page.
Squad news:
We welcomed back Dave Ardley and John Crispin to the Blackwater ranks after their recent spells with another local team didn't quite go as they planned. The grass isn't always greener and they realise that the best club to be at is Blackwater.
Some good news on the injury front, Jack Donoghue may feature after Christmas once again. he is due to have a scan on his knee in the coming weeks and hopes to be back after Christmas.
Bad news is that Will Mant will no longer be able to play in goal due to his broken finger. He is playing very well on pitch so hopefully another full time keeper can be found to replace him although Paul Wade is doing an excellent job between the sticks at this time.
17th November 2013
After the inclement weather made us miss our away trip to Hatfield Swann Inn, we were able to play our away game today against 2nd placed Tulip Springfield. They have been winning convincinly of late and this was going to be a tough game. With a number of our regular first team squad injured and unavailable, we played with a number of our quality back up players. The game was a good battle but we were the better side wining 3-1. Goals from Connor Seabright, Nicholas Lappage and Will Mant secured the 3 points that we desperately wanted.
Next week see's us welcoming West Horndon United to PLantation Hall in the 3rd round of the county cup. kick off is at 10.30 am and all supporters are welcomed.
4th November 2013
A good couple of results saw us win 2-1 away at romford flyers after a poorly arranged game. We were trailing 1-0 till 80 mins and then a thunderbolt from Alex Fielding started the turn around. A finish in the 85th minute secured another county cup victory.
on the 3rd November, we entertained Margeretting Sports and Social club reserves at PLantation Hall. We dominated from start to finish and a 3 goal win see's us through to round 2 of the Gillott Trophy. Goals from Connor Seabright, Ben Gribble and Luke Hylands won the game for Blackwater. We hit the bar twice, post once and squandered numerous other chances.
Next week on remembrance sunday see's a tricky away league fixture at Hatfield Swann Inn. Kick off 10.30am in Hatfield Peveral.
Another bit of dissapointing news is that our first team coach John Crispin has left the team. We wish him all the best in the future.
20 October 2013
A breaking bit of squad news. Our goalkeeper, Will Mant, suffered a double finger break in last Sundays match and has been rulled out until at least Christmas time by the doctors. He may never have full use of his finger again. Our thoughts go out to Will for a speedy recovery.
A new member has joined the ranks, Nick Lappage has Joined the playing staff at Blackwater, transferring in from premier side Goldhanger Argyle. Nick brings a defensive midfield style of play with him and we wish him well!
20 October 2013
Another cup match this week in the division 4 cup match. We played some good football in the first half and led with a comfortable 3-1 lead. But a spirited comback from Marconi Leisure Reserves saw a final score of 3-3. It stayed the same during extra time and the dreaded penalty shoot out left us with a 5-4 defeat on penalties. The lad's are dissapointed as we could have easily won this cup, but that's football. We created umpteen chances but if you don't score you won't win.
Next week see us travel to Romford for the county cup second round against Romford Flyers.
13 October 2013
After a break from football for 2 weeks, we welcomed Colchester Sunday League side Newtown Rovers to Plantation Hall. Blackwater dominated from start to finish and ended up 9-0 winners on the day. 4 goals from Connor Seabright and 2 each for Paul Wage and Alex Fielding with Tom Pitt completing the rout. it could and should have been a lot more but were happy with the win.
16 September 2013:
A dissapointment away to Wilvale and we ended up losing 4-1 thanks to some poor overall play from Blackwater for a majority of the game. A cracking team goal finished by Connor Seabright was a mear consulation.
8 September 2013:
Our first home game of the season resulted in a 3-1 win for Blackwater FC. Goals coming from Alex Fielding, Andy Potts and David Ardley. A poor first half resulted in a stalemate, but the team stepped up a gear in the 2nd half to dominate the rest of the Match with Connor missing several good chances and we also had a goal disallowed.
A sterner test awaits next week against Wilvale which promises to be a tough game if their first 2 sets of results are anything to go by!
If you need any engineering work done or fancy a curry, don't forget to visit our sponsors!
4 September 2013:
Our first league game of the season ended with a 5-2 victory for Blackwater away to Margaretting Sports and Social Club reserves. New signing, Connor Seabright scored 4 on his debut. Alex Fielding scored the other goal.
28 August 2013:
With a hectic pre-season coming to a close, we have had a mixture of results and performances that have given the management a tough choice when it comes to kick off this Sunday against Margaretting sports and social club reserves. The results have been as follows:
25/8/13: Blackwater 0 - Priory Sports 5
18/8/13: Blackwater 2 - Goldhanger Argyle 1
11/8/13: Blackwater 2 - Mundon Vics Res 2
21/7/13: Blackwater 3 - Exiles FC 5
14/7/13: Blackwater 1 - Hannigfield 4
The results didn't always match the performances!
29 July 13:
We are very proud and delighted to welcome the sponsorship or two local businesses as our team sponsors. The Balti Bhujon Indian Restaurant and takeaway in Maldon and D S Engineering based in Witham.
We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership in the coming season and beyond. Please visit there websites to book a table or any engineering work you need taken care of.
Balti Bhujon: www.baltibhujon.co.uk
D S Engineering: www.dse-ltd.co.uk
We also welcome support from other local businesses and they include iPC Solutions, a computer new build and upgrade specialist. Contact them for computer advice, virus removals and upgrades and refurbished laptops.
iPC Solutions: www.ipcsolutions.org.uk