21 Foxes braved a bitterly cold winter’s morning to take on Bishop Road at their ice-hardened ground. With only 1 pitch available, and engagements elsewhere pressing, we decided to split into 3 equal teams.
Match 1
Team: Brody, William LP, Billy, Ludo, Rohan, Isaac and Joseph
The Foxes started the game with a very strong defence of William LP, Brody and Isaac, which allowed the mid-field (Joseph and Rohan) and forwards (Ludo and Billy) to attack straight from the kick-off. Ludo and Joseph immediately started to create chances and the Foxes went close to scoring on several occasions. The deadlock was broken by Ludo who deservedly put the Foxes in front. This was followed shortly afterwards by a fine goal from Billy. Half time brought a change of goalkeeper with Brody replacing William LP. Based on the Foxes’ first-half display the spectators were anticipating further goals but a little bit over-confidence seemed to creep in with all players eager to push forward, resulting in the team loosing shape and the mid-field becoming very crowded. However, any threat from Bishop Road was dealt with before becoming a significant danger to the Foxes’ goal. Well done to the players from both sides who braved the very cold conditions and who played the game in a real sporting spirit.
Result: Bishop Road 0: Foxes 2
Match 2
Team: Jamie, William W, Jack, Sam, Tee-Jay, Benji and Henry
A strong Foxes team was up against a resurgent Bishop Road side. The Foxes were on fire in this match, eager to show their coaches lessons learnt from training on the Downs. Jamie started in goal, William and Jack providing a strong defensive line. Benji, Tee-Jay and Sam providing a flowing midfield with Henry our target man up front. From the ref’s first whistle it became apparent that Bishop Road were no match for the intricate passing and vision of the Foxes. Tee-Jay's first goal came quickly following a sublime pass from Henry. Great moves and strong defence didn't allow Bishop Road to threaten our goal and soon Tee-Jay showed great strength as he added 2 more goals to his tally – a Foxes hat-trick! In the second half Tee-Jay's shooting boots were rested with a turn in goal, Jamie slotting in nicely to provide strength and depth in midfield. Henry soon added a 4th goal with the keeper standing no chance. The Foxes 5th and final goal was a thing of beauty. Jack, spotting the Bishop Road keeper off his line, expertly lobbed the ball from the halfway line to drop into the net. Beckham couldn't have done it any better! A dominant, well deserved result. Every single player should be proud of the way they played in this match: great positional sense: passing when needed, and shooting when the opportunity arose. Well done lads!
Man of the match: Tee-Jay - not just for the hat trick but also his all round play.
Result: Bishop Road 0: Foxes 5
Match 3
Team: Matthew Y, Oskar, Matthew-Jaye, Josh, Ewan, Stanley and Harrison
Despite hanging around in the cold for the best part of an hour and a half, the last Foxes team was like caged tigers, waiting to get on with the match. An outbreak of extreme fair play saw Harrison in goal and several other players trying their hand (should that be boots?) in different positions. Nonetheless, the result was never in doubt. We opened our account within seconds – Stanley latching onto a killer pass from Josh to score his first goal. Oskar, both Matthews and Ewan gave us a solid defence and midfield, allowing Stanley and Josh to combine beautifully going forward. Despite crowding their own goal area, Bishop Road could not keep the Foxes out. Josh lifted a great lobbed cross over their heads to Stanley, whose deft first touch enabled him to score his second. In the second half, Harrison emerged from goal and was soon terrifying the Bishop Road defence. A wonderful cross from Oskar on the right wing was met by Harrison in full flow with only one outcome – goal number 3. Josh made it 4 after he and Harrison combine in midfield. With over-confidence again creeping in, Bishop Road scored a breakaway consolation goal as we stood and watched. However, the Foxes continued to pepper their goal – any of 4 shots against the post and crossbar could have gone in - and only a good keeping display from Bishop Road kept the score down.
Result: Bishop Road 1: Foxes 4
Man of the match; Matthew-Jaye for his tenacious midfield performance and sublime passing.
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