Y4 canter to victory away against Clifton United 5 Feb

A howling gale greeted the 18 Foxes who found their way to Clifton United’s ground at the Clifton College Sports Centre. This was the first time Clifton had enough players in our year group to fulfill a fixture, so it was a voyage into the unknown. A late start and some confusion about how many games we would play was eventually sorted and we split into two squads to play one 30-minute 8-a-side match each. On a large, sloping pitch, the wind threatened to take control of both games.

Match 1

Team: Brody, William LP, Eddie, Oskar, Stanley, Henry, Ewan, Sam and William W.

Playing downhill with the wind seemed like a good idea to begin with but it was soon obvious that the ball would run away if not kept under control. Playing against unfamiliar opposition, the Foxes were a little tentative to start but soon got into their stride. William LP began in goal with a strong defence and solid midfield in front of him. Soon Henry and Stanley were combining well up front – passing accurately to each other to create great chances. One move found Henry perfectly positioned in front of goal but he unselfishly laid it on and we were crowded out. Minutes later, William W began a lovely passing move, finding Eddie who in turn found Stanley in space out wide. Stanley slotted a pass to Henry and this time he took his chance to give us the lead.

In the second half, Oskar accepted the goalkeeping duties and produced a match-winning performance. Clifton continued to play well and as we pushed defence we were caught several times on the counter attack. Despite being outnumbered, Oskar pulled of some great saves, including one tip-over from a strong strike. Eventually continued pressure paid off. Eddie raced down the wing and delivered a lovely cross. Stanley met the ball but hit the post. He controlled the rebound to smash it beyond the keeper. Sam, William LP and Brody all troubled the opposition and Ewan came very close to scoring a third goal after finding space and latching on to a fine cross from Stanley.

Result: Foxes 2: Clifton United 0

Match 2

Team: Matthew Y, Isaac, Matthew-Jaye, Jack, Ludo, Tee-Jay, Josh, Joseph and Harrison.

A long wait in the cold, wet and windy conditions could not dampen the spirits of the second Foxes team as they took to the field. Again we began playing down hill and despite our pace, the wind and slope combined to rob us of several chances. Tee-Jay took the first stint in goal; Jack and Isaac defended with skill and determination (aided by an extraordinary defensive header from Harrison); Matthew-Jaye, Matthew Y and Josh worked tirelessly in midfield pressing forward and Harrison and Joseph gave us pace and width on both wings. Ludo was a revelation. His midfield control was all consuming – snuffing out attacks before they could develop and using his awesome ball control to round the opposition before setting our attack on its way. Our first goal originated in midfield – Matthew Jaye fed Joseph wide on the right. Harrison held his position and was rewarded with the Foxes first goal. Many more chances followed but Clifton United had their largest and best player in goal who made save after save to keep them in the game.

The second half saw Clifton change their goalkeeper - a fatal mistake. With the ball now at their feet, every one of the Foxes played attractive flowing football. Tee-Jay swapped with Matthew Y and soon established himself on the left of midfield. Cutting in, Tee-Jay hit a magnificent strike that took a deflection off a Clifton head to wrong foot the keeper. Josh got on the end of a cross from Harrison to touch it over the line for our third. Harrison then showed great individual skill to bamboozle 2 defenders before adding the fourth. Jack remained all-powerful in defence and Ludo, Tee-Jay and Matthew-Jaye were ever skillful in midfield. In a rare attack, Clifton won a corner that we failed to clear properly. Despite stopping the save, Matthew Y spilled the ball and in the scramble Clifton pounced for a consolation goal. But the Foxes were far from done. As we threatened their goal again, Harrison was brought down and awarded a free kick within range of the goal. This is Harrison’s killing zone and he did not disappoint. Going uphill and over the top of some big players, his strike hit the roof of the net - a fabulous hat trick! It was a tremendous team performance.

Result: Foxes 5: Clifton United 1

Everyone played brilliantly in extremely difficult conditions against unknown opposition and their sportsmanship was a credit to them. Fantastic stuff!