Saxmundham Sports Scorpions

Sax Sports FC will be open today from 12pm so come along and watch England v Panama. Bar will be open ⚽🏆🍻🍸

The clubhouse will be open tonight from 6pm showing the big game England v Tunisia ⚽ 🍻

Scorpions players - do you have any red shirts like the one in this picture. I am trying to make a kit up to hand down to younger teams and only have 9 shirts. Please let me know and i will arrange collection. Cheers Carl

I just wanted to send a big thank you to my footballing family for all these fantastic gifts. I will treasure them all along with all the great memories and friendship we have made. Thank you all for the help and support over the years. I am really proud of all the boys for all there hard work and commitment. I wish them all the very best and hope they continue to play the butifull game. Cheers Richard ⚽️🏆⚽️

Some photos from the Saxmundham Scorpions Final Game, a friendly against the Saxmundham men's reserves. (credit: Abi Eyre)

Massive thank you to Vic for the fantastic cake to celebrate 7 years of the Scorpions. Note all the players names (past and present) on the sides. It must have taken hours!!

Scorpions final match tonight v Sax Reserves ko 6.15pm. There will be guest appearances from some former players. Match will be followed by end of season awards and a celebration of the end of an era. Please come along to support the boys and enjoy the celebrations :-)

Looking forward to the Scorpions presentation evening tomorrow (Friday) starting with a match v the Reserves (ko 6.15pm), followed by end of season awards and celebrating 7 years of Saxmundham Sports Scorpions FC. Please come and support the boys one last time :-)

It was fitting that the Scorpions last ever match was against our friends and neighbours Wickham Market this morning. Before ko James, Tina and the Wickham players kindly gave Richard and Carl a bottle of champagne each to mark the occassion which was a fantastic gesture.

The Scorpions started quickly and in 10 minutes were 2-0 up with both goals from Owen. Wickham pulled a goal back but Isaac soon made it 3-1. Playing some great passing football the Scorpions were 6-1 up at half time with further goals from Owen (hat trick) Witness and Dan (first goal of the season). Mention to Dale for three first half assists from the left side.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with the Scorpions adding a further seven goals from Harry (2), own goal, Graham (penalty and first ever goal), Josh, Jamie and Isaac scoring the last ever goal for the Scorpions. Credit to Wickham who never gave up and scored two more goals of their own to make the final score 13-3.

A great performance from the boys in their last match which was played in a great spirit. Man of the match was Dale in particular for his first half performance.

This is the end of an era. Seven years as Scorpions and two years at Sky before then. It has been a pleasure to coach the boys and see then develop and mature into young adults. We have also had fantastic help and support from parents and grandparents and Saturday mornings will not be the same again.

Note for your diaries the Scorpions presentation evening on Friday 18th May which will include a match v the Reserves.

Thank you to the boys and all the supporters over the years.

Cheers

Carl

The Scorpions penultimate match of the season was at home to champions Wickhambrook. The away fixture saw the Scorpions being the only side to take points off our opponents this season with a 2-2 draw.

We decided to go three at the back with two strikers to take the game to Wickhambrook and we made a good start, more than matching our opponents on possession and territory. However Wickhambrook scored first with a free kick cross from wide which caught the wind and flew into the top corner out of the reach of Kev in goal.

We rallied and playing some good football Owen crossed for Witness who could not connect with his shot. We then drew level from an excellent free kick by Owen which was drilled into the bottom corner. HT 1-1.

The second half was again a tight affair with few chances at either end. The Scorpions were having the better of the play but on a break our opponents won a penalty with around 15 minutes to play which they scored.

We did not stop and forced several free kicks which the linesman flagged for offside every time the ball was kicked. This then became our undoing when in injury time another free kick was fumbled by the keeper for Witness to score. Yet again the linesman had his flag up and having given the goal the ref changed his mind to disallow it.

The match ended in defeat which was a bitter pill as we felt cheated from what would have been a fair and well deserved draw. It is a shame that a good side has to resort to such tactics to ensure they win a match.

On reflection it was a great performance by the Scorpions who stood toe to toe with Wickhambrook and again proved that on our day we are as good as anyone in this league.

Next week will be the Scorpions last match at home to neighbours Wickham Market.

The Scorpions faced Ransomes yesterday in a rearranged home fixture. Although we beat them 3-0 away we expected a tough match as that scoreline did not represent how close that match was.

Playing on the main pitch for the first time suited our passing game and we soon took control of the match keeping the ball really well. Ransomes defended deep and although we created crosses from Isaac on the left they did not result in goalscoring chances. After around 20 minutes we did open them up with a flowing passing move which ended with Witness having a low shot saved at the near post.

Later in the half we were caught by a Ransomes breakaway which resulted in a long shot just evading Kev in goal and we found ourselves 1-0 down. We continued to dominate but went in at half time losing 1-0.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with the Scorpions dominating possession but finding it difficult to break down a deep and resolute defence. Ransomes were relying on catching us on the break in particular with Harry surging forward out of our defence but Callum and other defenders managed to make blocks to keep them out.

Our best chance came with about 15 minutes to play when a great cross by Jamie was headed straight at the keeper by Owen from 6 yards out. We created some further half chances but could not find the breakthrough. Final score 0-1.

A strange one for a coach to assess because we played some great passing football and were the better team but unfortunately there was no end product this time.

Man of the match was Callum for a great defensive display in particular second half when Ransomes were breaking on us.

Next match is at home to champions elect Wickhambrook on 21st April.

The Scorpions played away at our friends AFC Kesgrave this morning attempting to get back to winning ways after two defeats. The match started slowly with neither team gaining the initiative but within the first 10 minutes Owen latched onto a long goal kick from Charlie scoring a fantastic goal cutting in from the right and curling a left foot shot into the far top corner of the goal.

Instead of pushing home our advantage we let Kesgrave force us back but they didnt really create any real chances. Half time 1-0.

The second half started much the same as the first and soon after Kesgrave scored an equaliser when we failed to clear a free kick.

We suddenly woke up and had a spell of 15 minutes where we took control. Our former keeper Sam made some good saves as we pressed for a second goal and Tom hit the bar with an overhead kick. Witness then won a free kick on the edge of the area which Owen rifled in. Soon after a great move from the back ended with Dan playing a ball to Witness who crossed for Tom to slot the ball home and make it 3-1.

We then stopped playing allowing Kesgrave back into the game and with 10 minutes of normal time remaining they scored from a corner. This buoyed them further as they pressed for an equaliser. The ref remarkably played 11 minutes injury time (no-one could explain where this came from) but we managed to see out the remainder of the game without too much trouble.

So we got the much needed win but it was not a very good performance apart from a 15 minute spell in the second half which ultimately won us the match.

Man of the match was Dan and i would like to give a mention to the 3 subs (Callum, Jamie and Graham) who all made excellent contributions in the second half.

MATCH POSTPONED! Todays match v Ransomes has been called off due to snow covered and frozen pitch and strong icy winds.

The Scorpions suffered back to back defeats for the first time this season with a 3-2 loss to Witnesham Wasps yesterday.

Following a scrappy first 20 minutes the Scorpions took the lead. A great long pass by Josh found Owen on the right who played the ball through for Witness who was taken out by the keeper. Harry calmly dispatched the penalty for 1-0. Shortly after another good move saw Owen cross for Witness but his shot went narrowly wide.

Unfortunately we did not press home our advantage and instead allowed Witnesham back into the game by conceding from two set pieces. Charlie also made a couple of good saves and we ended the half 2-1 down.

The coaches changed things at half time by beinging on the three subs and asking for more controlled possession and general effort. Early in the second half Charlie again made a good save keeping us in the game.

We then started to take control and create chances. Isaac and Dale came close and Jake was narrowly wide with a great shot from distance after a flowing move. Finally we got the equaliser by Josh finishing a near post corner and we had all the momentum. More chances came with the closest being Jake firing over following a rebound off the keeper but the third goal would not come.

We then got caught by a sucker punch as a break by our opponents saw a strong challenge by Callum on the striker who he had kept quiet. The ref saw it as a foul and then decided it was just inside the area. Both of these were debatable but Witnesham scored the penalty to again take the lead.

This took the wind put of our sails and although we pushed for the equaliser it eluded us.

So we have to take the defeat on the chin and move on to next weeks home match v Ransomes.

Man of the match was Josh, with Charlie a close second.

The Scorpions would like to congratulate Saxmundham Sports FC U13s for reaching the Plate final yesterday by beating Bacton. A fantastic achievement and good luck in the final.

After two weeks off the Scorpions were back in action this morning against Laxfield. It was a game of two halves with a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch.

After a scrappy start Witness broke free down the right and just missed the target with his shot. Laxfield played long balls with the wind and a cross from a narrow angle caught the wind and somehow went in. Shortly after they made it 2-0 and we were under pressure and not playing well.

Later in the half we started to find our passing game and Isaac came close with a right foot curling shot that just went past the post. Just before half time poor marking from a corner allowed Laxfield to make it 3-0.

At half time we still felt we were in the game as we would have the wind advantage in the second half. We changed things around bring Dan and Jake on to get hold of the ball and pass.

Around 10 minutes into the half a good move down the left saw Isaac cross and Jake finished with a low shot. Another 10 minutes later Witness outpaced the defenders to latch onto a long through ball by Tom and cooly finished to make it 3-2.

We then pressed for the equaliser and with 10 munutes left, having thrown bodies forward, Laxfield caught us on the break but hit the post.

In injury time Owen latched onto a big goal kick by Kev which had been flicked on and was bearing down on goal only for the linesman flag to go up apparently for Witness who was nowhere near the ball. This ultimately cost us the final chance to find the equaliser and the game ended 3-2 to Laxfield.

It was a poor game spoilt by the strong wind and although we had a shocking first half we probably deserved a point in the second half.

This result now means that first place has gone and we are now in a close battle for second position with Laxfield who move within a point of us.

No match again next week.

The Scorpions travelled to Capel this morning on a very sticky pitch. The game started very even and Capel had the better early chances with Owen clearing a header off the line from a corner.

It took half an hour before the deadlock was broken when, after some good passing, Tom played a cross field ball to Jack whose forward pass to Owen saw him beat his man and cross for Witness to slot home. 1-0.

Two minutes later Jamie was taken down by the keeper for a penalty. Jamie picked himself up to convert the penalty to make it 2-0.

Towards the end of the half Kev saved a long shot and Capel almost scored from the corner but half time saw us 2-0 up.

The second half saw us on top but Capel were still dangerous on the break. However Harry and Callum defended brilliantly against the leagues top goalscorer to keep him at bay.

Witness hit the bar from a low free kick by Owen but after 66 minutes a good interchange between Jake and Jamie saw Witness header his second from Jamie's cross. 3-0.

Owen then had a shot cleared off the line and Jake a shot blocked after a one two with Witness.

After 68 minutes good work by Josh and Owen left Isaac with the ball 20 yards out and he chipped the ball over the keeper with his weaker right foot. 4-0.

Witness then had a header disallowed for offside after a good flick by Dale.

In injury time it finally happened - Tom scored his long awaited first goal for the Scorpions! A short free kick in our own half by Harry to Isaac was followed by Isaac playing a through ball to Tom who ran through and shot through the keepers legs. It got the loudest cheer of the morning and it was a great way to finish the game 5-0.

Overall it was a fantastic performance on a difficult pitch against one of our closest rivals for a top two finish. Everyone played their part and it was a difficult decision for man of the match but Josh just shaded it with a dominant midfield performance.

Two weeks off now for the Scorpions before another big game at home to Laxfield.

Sax Scorpions travelled to Capel St Mary this morning and played one of the best team performances I have see this season against a physical Capel side. Everyone of the boys played their part including subs Jamie & Jake who came on and added even more to the over all performance. Goal scorers were Witness 2, Isaac 1, Jamie came on and won a pen and slotted it home himself and finally Tom scored his first goal for the scorpions. MoM was a really tough call but for his hard work and great link up play was Josh. So proud of all you lot !!!!!!
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After the postponed match last week the Scorpions were back in action this morning at Trimley. Richard asked for a quick start and we were on top from the first minute. It took about 5 minutes to create the first clear chance when a cross from Isaac was headed wide by Witness.

After 8 minutes a deep corner was played back across the goal by Ryan and Isaac rifled the ball into the top of the net after his initial effort was blocked. 1-0. Ten minutes later a through ball by Dan was calmly finished by Witness 2-0.

A minute later after a one-two with Tom, Dale crossed for Witness to lay the ball back to Owen who scored with a low left foot shot 3-0. After 37 minutes Owen scored his second with a low shot. 4-0. Jamie was unluckly with a shot that rebounded off the post. In injury time Isaac and Jack won the ball back for the ball to fall to Isaac outside the area and he hit a high shot over the keeper. Half time 5-0.

Early in the second half Isaac was brought down for a penalty. The ball was handed to Tom to give him the chance of his first goal for the Scorpions but unfortunately the wait goes on as the keeper saved his spot kick. After 53 minutes Isaac clipped the ball through to Jake who rifled it past the keeper 6-0.

Trimley pulled a goal back when a clearance from Charlie was put back over his head 6-1. We continued to dominate and after 65 minutes good move on the right between Isaac and Josh resulted in a cross by Josh to Ryan who hit a low drive in off the far post 7-1.

With 8 minutes left a good move on the left ended with Isaac crossing for Callum to slide in a score his first competitive goal for the Scorpions in 7 seasons!!

The match ended 8-1 and it was an excellent display by the boys with some great passing football. Mentions were given to Dale, Tom and Isaac and man of the match was Dan for a great midfield performance.

This win keeps us top and we have a tough away match at Capel next week.

MATCH POSTPONED. The Scorpions match v Wickham Market this morning (Sat 20th Jan) has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The Scorpions faced the Wasps this morning on a very heavy pitch at Northgate Sports Centre. Changes to the line up were necessary with both Harry and Josh (last weeks centre back pairing) missing. Callum came back into the starting line up and Witness was asked to partner him at centre back.

The match was very even with few clear chances for either team. Witnesham played a physical game and closed us down very quickly as we tried to get out passing game going on a sticky pitch. With around 10 minutes of the half remaining Witnesham took the lead from a corner and the scoreline remained 1-0 at half time.

The Scorpions stepped it up in the second half but could not get the equaliser. Dale and Owen came close as we dominated the play. With 10 minutes to go we went 3 at the back to push Witness forward as both Jack and Graham came on from the bench.

With 5 minutes remaining the ref gave us a lifeline spotting a push in the area from a corner. It was unclear who was going to take the penalty but Ryan bravely stepped forward and put the ball into the net. We tried to force a winner but it was not to be. Final score 1-1.

The result keeps us top of the league for the time being but teams below us have games in hand. Man of the match was Dale with mentions for Witness, Tom and Isaac for their efforts.

Next week sees us at home to local rivals Wickham Market.

The Scorpions returned to action this morning after the Xmas break with a home match versus AFC Kesgrave who include in their team former Scorpions keeper Sam Corneby.

A few changes were made to the line up following the defeat to Sporting before Xmas with Jake being recalled and Josh moving to defence.

The Scorpions started well soon settling into good possession football. After a couple of missed chances the first goal came after around10 minutes when a through ball from Dan was tucked away by Owen. A second goal followed soon after with Isaac finding Witness who slotted the ball home.

Half way through the first half a flowing move ended with Jake and Witness playing a one two on the edge of the box and Jake converting for a third goal. The half ended 3-0 and the Scorpions had played some great football.

Inevitably the second half started slowly and Kesgrave put us under pressure which resulted in them pulling a goal back. Soon after they hit the bar which seemed to then sting us back into action and we again took control.

The Scorpions dominated the rest of the match running out 7-1 winners with Owen firing in three more goals, one in particular from long range stood out, and Witness his second goal of the day from a free kick. Jamie had a goal disallowed and Sam in the opponents goal made an excellent double save.

So in the end a fantastic performance and result but with a shaky spell at the start of the second half when Kesgrave could have pulled it back to 3-2 if it wasnt for the width of the cross bar.

Jake was deservedly given man of the match for an excellent performance, particularly first half, capped by a great goal.

We now look forward to an away match with Witnesham next week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all involved with the Scorpions. The 2017/18 season is the last in youth football for the Scorpions so lets all enjoy the final 10 matches starting with the home match v AFC Kesgrave on Saturday :-)

Celtic have just had their unbeaten run of 69 matches ended with a 4-0 defeat. Makes me feel a bit better about the Scorpions defeat yesterday knowing that it happens to the best of teams!

The Scorpions unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt today on a frosty pitch in Bury St Edmunds as Sporting 87 beat us 5-1.

The match was littered with individual errors (i will not name names) starting from the first minute when a short back pass was punished, and after 3 minutes when we found ourselves 2-0 down after a long ball over the top caught us out.

We struggled to cope with the shock of such a poor start but were given a golden opportunity to get back in the game when awarded a penalty after around 15 minutes. However the keeper saved it onto the post.

Sportings third goal came after their striker caught our keeper on the ball and we were 3-0 down at half time.

A change in formation was made at half time to try to get the ball wide on a very small pitch and after a couple of minutes we hit the bar. If that had gone in we may have been able to gain some momentum but nothing was going for us. Also the Sporting keeper was very secure and proving difficult to beat. Sporting also had chances on the break as we pushed forward and Kev made some good saves.

The killer fourth goal came after we gave a silly free kick away on the edge of the area. However we immediately went up the other end and Witness scored with a deflected shot. With 15 minutes to go we felt we might still get something out of the game.

However we were again caught by a long ball where a header was missed and their striker ran through and scored making it 5-1.

To be fair we kept plugging away but by now we knew it simply was not our day.

We need to learn from this but put it behind us. It has been a fantastic start to the season seeing us sitting in second place after 10 matches (half way point).

Our next match will be in the new year so i would like to wish all the players, parents and supporters a very happy xmas and look forward to getting back to winning ways in the new year.

Cheers

Carl

The Scorpions made the trip to Ransomes this morning in expectation of a tough match as our opponents were in division 1 last season. Our opponents had the better of the opening exchanges and were guilty of missing two good chances. The Scorpions then started to get a foothold in the game and Witness fired over from close range. We broke the deadlock later in the half when a freekick from Owen was headed in by Harry past the outcoming keeper. It remained 1-0 until half time.

We dominated most of the second half but Ransomes were still dangerous on the break. The crucial second goal was a spectacular volley from outside the box by Owen after a great cross from Callum.

We continued to press and after a few more chances Owen scored our third after running onto a ball down the line by Isaac, cutting inside the defender and the ball dribbled in after the keeper got a hand to his shot.

Ransomes lost their heads a bit towards the end but we played the game out for a hard fought 3-0 win which makes it nine games unbeaten and keeps us top of the table.

Mom was Owen for his hard working performance capped by his wonderful volleyed goal.

The Scorpions made it 8 matches unbeaten this morning with a very mature performance at third placed Laxfield resulting in a 4-0 win.

The first 20 minutes were very even with the Scorpions going close twice with Owen, and then Tom hitting the post.

After 22 minutes Owen scored with a fantastic shot after cutting in from the left. Laxfield pressed but failed to create any clear cut chances and the half ended 1-0.

10 minutes into the second half Josh made the score 2-0 after good pressure from the Scorpions. After this we controlled the match with Owen adding two more goals to claim his hat-trick.

The match ended 4-0 and our opponents manager accepted that they were beaten by the better team.

Mom was Dan for a great midfield performance and mention was given to Owen for his hat-trick and Tom for a high energy first half at right wing back.

The Scorpions remain top of the table but Wickhambrook continue to win and are also unbeaten.

After a long break the Scorpions were back in league action this morning v Ipswich Wanderers. After a slow start we began to click into gear and Owen was brought down for a penalty. Unfortunately the keeper saved Witness' spot kick and isaac's shot from the rebound.

A spell of pressure then resulted in Josh scoring from close range, 1-0. Charlie had to be quick off his line to block the striker after a short back pass and soon after a mix up at the back resulted in a scrappy goal for the visitors as Isaac failed to stop the ball crossing the line, 1-1.

We then got well on top and started to play good passing football. A good moved ended with Isaac playing a great through ball to Owen who slotted home past the keeper, 2-1.

Several chances came and went with Isaac hitting the bar the closest we came to adding a third. Just before the half time whistle Wanderers broke away and hit the post. HT 2-1.

The second half saw most of the play in our opponents half as we dominated play. An own goal from Wanderers made it 3-1 and with about 15 minutes left Witness found the top corner with a great strike, 4-1.

The final minutes were played out with us creating more chances but the game ended 4-1.

Mom was Dale for a solid performance at the back and the Scorpions remain unbeaten at the top of the league :-)

Just returned from a very soggy Carlton Park with the Scorpions having played Framlingham in a friendly. The final result was a 4-0 defeat to our first division opponents but that does not reflect the match where we had the better of the play for large parts of the game.

Fram scored their first goal early on from a corner but once we settled we put them under pressure having two goals disallowed for offside. The match was very even and remained 1-0 at half time.

The Scorpions came out strong in the second half and most of the play was in our opponents half with Fram relying on a long ball to break on us. Despite the pressure, chances were hard to come by and when we did break through their defence the Fram keeper made good saves.

With about 15 minutes to go we were caught again from a set piece with a free kick making it 2-0.

Again we attacked and the Fram keeper made a save one on one with Witness, and Fram immediately broke making it 3-0. Soon after it was 4-0 after some miscommunication at the back.

The final minutes saw us push for a consolation goal with Jake coming closest with a close range shot which was again saved.

Overall a disappointing result but a good performance where we out passed and out played Fram for most of the game. They were simply more clinical at both ends if the pitch which made the difference.

A good run out for the boys as we wait two more weeks before we return to league action.

Thanks to Guy and Mark for taking the team this morning.

Saturday 14th October v Sporting 87. MOM Owen Pierce subs Jake and Graham