Year 3 Foxes on top form against Ashley Down 28 Nov

19 eager little Foxes arrived on a water-logged Downs to play against Ashley Down. Unfortunately the opposition could only muster one team of 7 players so we had no choice but to split into 2 squads and use a lot of substitutes. Despite the disruption, everyone played really well.

Match 1
Team- Billy, Teya, Eddie, William LP, Ludo, Sam, Henry, Ewan, Caleb

Ashley Down took an early lead in the first half through a jinxing run by their best player. For the rest of the first half it then became pretty much one-way traffic from the Foxes. In spite of the constant pressure it looked like one of the days when the Foxes wouldn't score. Several good chances either went the wrong side of the post or were stopped by Ashley Down's goalkeeper on the line. At half time Sam and William LP were replaced by Ewan and Caleb.

The second half started brightly again for the Foxes. Ludo scored a superb goal after cool control in front of goal. That was soon followed by a second when the Foxes won a free kick wide on the right. Henry's powerful shot sailed into the left hand corner of the goal through a crowded penalty box. Ashley Down equalised virtually straight from the kick off to make it 2-2. The game was now rather more evenly balanced with Ashley Down quite dangerous on the break. Eddie and Teya were very solid at the back breaking up most of Ashley Down's chances. Final score 2-2. Player of the Match awards were given to Billy, for a solid performance in goal, and although it was difficult to choose between Teya and Eddie for the second award, Teya just shaded it. Congratulations to the Foxes.

Match 2
Team – Jack, Caston, Matthew, Isaac, Jago, Josh, TJ, Stanley, William W and Harrison.

The Foxes became caged tigers whilst waiting to play and when their chance came they produced an exceptional performance! From the first whistle they dominated the game completely against some intimidating play. Matthew and Isaac shored up the defence and Caston and Jack took turns in goal but barely touched the ball. But today was all about attacking football. Josh scored our first after a lovely passing move that started from the back. William played well up front and soon we had two after Jago and Josh combined in midfield for TJ to finish.

In the second half we played without a striker but with 4 across midfield – Harrison, Jago, Stanley and Josh. Breaking forward at pace and creating space we always looked dangerous and it wasn’t long before Jago added our third after pressuring their keeper. Stanley ran into space to finish a pass from Jago for the fourth. Stanley then topped off a superb performance with a fifth goal after more pressure on their defence. The only thing that stopped the Foxes from scoring more was the puddles and sticky mud that held up the ball. On a drier pitch we could easily have had 10 goals, but were very pleased to settle for the 5-0 win. A brilliant performance.

Players of the week – William W for tenacity up front and Stanley for overcoming a whack in the face to score two great goals.

Well done to all the Foxes for playing so superbly!