The group format led us to play 6 group matches, including Frampton B, Boco B and the stronger BLUs teams. A fine opening match saw us fail to convert numerous chances, but eventually pressure told and the Foxes had 3 points in the bag.
The next 5 games saw us revert to our typical brand of Azzuri style football, soaking up pressure comfortably and attempting to hit on the break, the result 5 nil-nils, admittedly against some strong opposition.
The end of the groups saw the Foxes qualify from the group, (something that BOCO and BLUs Lions failed to do), and head to a quarter final against Portishead. This was the team that had won the other qualifying group by winning every game and not conceding goal.
With 'The Brick Wall' having to go to a drama rehersal, we had to go into the match with a makeshift defence, and a goalie error and a sloppy defensive pass saw us 2-0 down in 4 minutes. Only heroic 'keeping' from Conkers kept the score in single figures as the Foxes were put to the sword. Changes were made and the second half produced some of the best football we have ever seen from the girls. Imi 'The Scythe' moved to a single defensive position, and Jodie, Martha, Marta and Olivia Furey formed an attacking midfield quartet. For 5 minutes the Foxes poured forward and Portishead rarely left their half. Eventually pressure told and Jodie struck from the edge of the box.
The Foxes desperately searched for an equalizer, but to no avail, and we went out to the eventual finalists who were only beaten on penalties, by a strong Frampton A side.
Credit to all the players, but especially to Olivia, playing a year above her age, who gave a (wo)man of the tournament performance.
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