RECEPTION FOOTBALL STARTS THIS SATURDAY

Yes! The time has eventually arrived for the launch of Reception football.

All Reception boys and girls are invited to join in the fun this Saturday (Nov6).

Find us near the cafe on the Downs at 10am sharp.

Please dress your child prepared for cold winds and rain, with suitable boots, shin pads and a drink.

Come on the Foxes!

Year 5 vs Shire Colts, 16th October

An unusually depleted (by a Cub trip) Y5 Boys squad, numbering just two teams of six with no subs, faced a squad of 18 from Shire Colts in two rounds of six-a-side matches.

Ewan's team had a truly international flavour, being one-third Finnish with the inclusion of both Ian and his friend Leevi. Joined by Joey, Sonny, Owen and Jack C, this team came storming out of the blocks in their first game, with impenetrable defence, quick passing and devastating finishing generating a 5-0 lead at half time. Debutant Leevi bagged two close range finishes, adding to a brace for Sonny and Joey's spectacular "triple-keepy-up-then-volley" finish from 20 yards. The Foxes eased off a little in the second half, and Shire Colts battled hard to earn a well-deserved late consolation from a long range shot to make it 5-1.

The second game looked set to to go the way of the first, after the Foxes took the lead through Sonny then proceeded to generate chances at such a rate that one admiring Shire parent compared it to watching Chelsea. But after a succession of almost comical Foxes' missed chances from extremely close range (including a miss from half a yard out), Shire Colts blasted an equaliser close to half time when the ref (Ewan) controversially called 'play on' after a collision in the box. The second half then ebbed and flowed. Sonny put the Foxes back in the lead, but then tiredness (with no subs to provide relief), lack of shape, too much individual effort at the expense of teamwork and occasionally flaring tempers saw the game shift Shire's way. The ref/coach had his hands full, facing criticism from both sets of supporters (including the Foxes' Chairwoman), and could only watch as the Foxes' defence went AWOL as Shire scored twice on the break. There were further chances for both sides as play became increasingly ragged, but Shire held on for a 3-2 win.

Player of the week for this team was: Ian

Dave's team consisted of Archie, Seb, Ollie K, Ollie C, Nick and Omar.

With no subs on the bench the boys faced a morning of hard work but this made life easy for the coach in deciding on the starting line-up: Archie in goal, with Seb and Ollie K at the back and a midfield diamond with Ollie C on the right, Nick on the left.and Omar in the middle playing just ahead of the other two.

The first game ended 5 - 0 in our favour. The boys were asked to let the ball do the work and for the most part that is exactly what they did, with a fine display of passing football. Our first goal was a route-oner, with Archie's long clearance clearing everyone except Omar who took his chance well. Two of the other goals stood out. One was a corner taken by Omar which fell for Nick who gave it back to Omar who passed it to Ollie K - and from the edge of the box he thumped it through the crowd and into the far corner. The second was a passing move involving all of the outfield players, Ollie K won the ball in our box gave it to Seb, who passed to Nick on the left, who gave it to Omar, who spread it to Ollie C on the right who gave it back to Omar who scored. Despite the score line, and the fact that their keeper made a string of good saves, Shire Colts were always dangerous on the counter but we can be pleased the by the style of football we played.

Match two was a far closer affair. We started a touch tired and could have gone behind in the first couple of minutes but for Archie's alert display in goal. The Foxes scored against the run of play and this settled the boys, who got stuck in and worked hard. A second goal followed but again the Colts passed the ball well and worked a few openings and we should be pleased by keeping a clean sheet.

Player of the week for this team being Ollie K.

Overall, the play of both teams was excellent, and with the addition of some subs, Cubs and more passing in the final third, the Y5 Foxes will continue to improve and surpass even last season's achievements.

HALF TERM UPDATE

Foxes football will continue over the half term break.

Join us on the Downs for informal training/kickabouts - at the usual time and place.

See you there.

Yr 5 vs Rockleaze

Another two games into the season and still unbeaten. As always we had loads of keen and eager and talented boys to pick from. As is increasingly common the opposition turned up with one team - so we split into two squads and, while one lot trained, the others took on Rockleaze Rangers.

Squad one (Danny, Archie, Sonny, Ollie K, Ollie C, Aidan, Ian, Jacob, Max, Jack T and Alec) started well and maintained a high level of passing throughout. How we slipped two goals behind remains a bit of a mystery. Both Rockleaze goals were well taken, the first by their stand-out player, but both were against the run of play. Never daunted the Foxes kept going and managed to pull back to level pegging by half time courtesy of a Sonny double - one from short range following yet another great Danny-corner and the second that could best described as high-class route one football. Second half the Foxes were never threatened, with the exception of one counter attack when Archie had to be brave and alert, and with Sonny completing his hatrick we ran out worthy winners.

Man of the match - Sonny


Squad two (Owen, Seb, Harri, Harry, Joey, Nick, Sam L, Sam P, Raul, Omar) dominated their game, creating chance, after chance, after chance. One goal was disallowed, several chances were cleared off the line and several more were wasted as we passed, tackled, moved and created. All of the team played their part - to the extent were Owen (in goal) touched the ball on only three occasions. While the 0-0 result was frustrating - and the atmosphere the game was played in niggly at best - the Foxy coaches were delighted by the quality of our play and the sense of team spirit. The whole team deserved praise.

Man of the match - Sam P

Promising Start for Y4 v Rockleaze 2 Oct

16 spirited Foxes emerged from their rain-battered dens to take on the full might of Rockleaze in a testing start to the season.

The Foxes were split into 2 squads to play 3 matches each at Stoke Lodge against one of our toughest opponents.

Squad 1: Brody, Eddie, Ewan, Jamie, Stanley, Josh, William L P, Matthew.

The first game was end to end with Rockleaze going one-up early. The Foxes quickly hit back. A lovely through-ball from Matthew allowing Stanley to find Josh perfectly positioned to tap in from close-range. A fantastic performance from Brody in goal kept the scores even going into half-time. The second half saw Rockleaze use the sloping pitch to their advantage adding to their score-line quickly. Stanley’s running and shooting game was rewarded only by resonating woodwork (or should that be plastic?) and a spectacular overhead kick from Josh was unlucky not to hit the back of the net. The Foxes were within snapping distance until the last few minutes when Rockleaze added two late goals. The 1-4 final score line not a true reflection of the game.

The second also game started brightly. Great defensive work by Jamie stopped some strong attacking moves by Rockleaze; Brody and Ewan combined well as they tried to get the ball up to our strikers, and Eddie’s superb diving save was not quite enough to stop a penalty. Our defence played with great resilience, but legs began to tire and the game finished 0-3.

The final game was a real tester as 3 matches on the trot started to take their toll. The Foxes played with great passion: Eddie and Ewan making some great runs down the wings; William LP coming alive to trouble the Rockleaze defence, and Matthew supplying pinpoint passes to Josh and Stanley, with Brody and Jamie keeping them out at the back. But once again, Rockleaze’s well-drilled attack and organised defence thwarted the Foxes. Final score 0-4. Despite the losses, these were 3 great performances on a large pitch against fresher opposition who had already had a fixture to get them into the groove.

Man of the Match - Brody for his brilliant performance in goal and his solid defending.

Squad 2: Rohan, William W, Jack, Billy, Tee-Jay, Henry, Harrison and Joseph

Match 1. The long, wet grass and large pitch took some time to get used to and the Foxes went a goal down before they really started to click. Jack, Billy and William then repelled the Rockleaze attack, marshaled by some great keeping by Tee-Jay. Soon our strike force got going with Henry and Rohan securing the middle of the park allowing Joseph and Harrison to terrify their defence. The pressure told. Harrison supplied the ball to Joseph whose skills bemused the opposition before he opened our account. Some half time tactical adjustments gave us better balance and soon Joseph supplied a sublime cross for Harrison to finish. A thoroughly deserved 2-1 win.

Match 2. On a sloping pitch, the team maintained their winning momentum. Close marking and some superb defending by Jack and William neutralized Rockleaze’s most dangerous players. Meanwhile, Billy and Rohan powered through the midfield and Joseph continued to terrify all in front of him. A fantastic performance by Henry included a cross for Tee-Jay to hammer home and a powerful strike after Harrison’s endless determination had won the ball in the tackle. A peerless 2-0 win that left the opposition looking shell-shocked.

Match 3. The efforts of the previous matches began to tell as the Foxes lost a little concentration and went behind to fresher opposition. The whole team upped its game with some brilliant tackles from Jack and tireless running by Harrison, and were always a danger up front. Concerted team pressure brought a thoroughly deserved equaliser from Henry before the Foxes gave away some soft goals. The third Rockleaze team adopted the little seen “let’s put a player on your goal-line” tactic. Without offside, this led to two scrambled goals. A brilliant run and cross by Joseph found 3 Foxes in front of goal, but sadly we could not finish it. Result: a 1-3 loss against the run of play.

Man of the Match – Henry for a fabulous midfield and attacking display including 2 great goals.

Overall, some tactical lessons to be learnt, but all-round a hugely impressive and encouraging first performance – strong, organized defence, determined midfield and a selfless and skillful attack to challenge any team. Foxes to be proud of. Well done all!!

THORNBURY FALCONS ROUTED BY Y5 FOXES!

A sunny day on the Downs.

Another massive turnout from Y4 and Y5 girls.

And FOURTEEN GOALS FOR THE FOXES!

Two teams took on the Thornbury falcons, a strong team who have beaten us in the past.

And let's not beat around the bush, everyone played their green and white socks off. Several girls even played their boots off. There wasn't a passenger on the pitch, and the scoreline tells it all.

With Jo "its not that I'm competitive but I WANT TO WIN" Davis were Marielle, Sophie HR & Molly H in defence, Phoebe, Emily T and Anna D in midfield, Sophie M up front. This was a game where pressure told. Every Thornbury attack was neatly tackled at the back, and - what's this? - passed calmly up to the midfield where - blow me down! - shots were fired at the Thornbury goal. Their goalie was actually very good, and loads were saved.

You'd have thought our defence might have got bored, but actually they were busy too. Molly H had to come off with a brave injury, giving ELLA CLARKE her first ever taste of Foxy Action. She rose to the challenge, making some vital blocks and tackles. Sophie HR has really got the hang of reading the attacks, intercepting and feeding the hungry foxes in midfield.

After half time, Emily C and Anna R had a go, and frankly we might as well have built a brick wall across the foxy goalmouth. Never forget, the impressive part of this 9-0 ( oh yes) victory is the NIL bit.

Phoebe, Emily T, Anna D and Sophie M were everywhere. Several times I counted our players, it seemed like we had more than them! But no. And when Molly H came back from injury, she harried and ran amok too.

So to the well deserved score-sheet. 

GOALS TO MOLLY H, SOPHIE M, EMILY T and a Hatrick to Anna D ( well, 4 in fact!)

Sally Silky Skills started with Emily B in goal, Abby and Molly R in defence, Tia, Megan and Ella W in midfield and Sophie C up front. Now these Foxy Stars have been seriously improving, but have struggled to find the killer kicks that actually score goals. 

I have one thing to report:

5-2. Yes, that's FIVE GOALS TO US and 2 to them.

Again, a fast exciting game with plenty of action, which the Foxes deserved to win. At the back, Emily B had her first taste of goalie action, and made some great saves. Molly "clearly been on a soccer course" R had really stepped up her game. Several Falcons attacks came towards her, 2 or 3 players running fast and passing dangerously. Calmly, decisively, she picks her moment and the Falcons are downed. Abby and Megan had good games too, Abby taking a turn in goal to make some brave nick-of-time saves.

At half time, Sophie HR and Phoebe came on in midfield, showing little sign of tiring from the other non-stop match. Both used the space nicely, dribbling out of tackles and passing accurately to Sophie C and Ella in the attack.

And up front, what a transformation. Passing. Running with the ball. Running on to the ball. The sheer hunger of the Foxy attack left the crowd breathless.  When Thornbury attacked, Tia tackled, turned, ran and passed to Sophie C, perfectly placed for a goal. 

"Wow, they've got better!" gasped one. 

"Look at Ella run" admired another. 

"Is that a hatrick for Sophie Cliff?" roared a third, "she's amazing!"

OK, it was Sophie's mum, but she was right. Three goals for Sophie C, two for Ella W, but to be honest, they had everyone's name on them. Tia and Sophie HR set up a couple, Phoebe nearly scored.

But today the Foxes weren't content with nearly. Today, they pressed and pressed - and believed.

And if there was a word for the day, I'll go with Belief. Last week we told these girls that if they could convert enthusiasm into belief, they would win. Being obedient foxes, they did just that.