Sunday 22 January 2012

BSYL - Yr 6 - 21st January

This weekend saw the fabulous year 5's ride to the rescue of an under-strength year 6 squad.

The Greens won an end-to-end clash with Brislington JFC, with the result in doubt until the final whistle. Brislington took an early lead when a good passing move was well finished but the the Foxes struck back almost immediately with a flowing break-away goal, expertly finished by Omar. The Foxes extended their lead before half-time through Henry and Joseph. In the second half Brislington came into the game as we tired and created a number of good chances. The Foxes were indebted to their Danny who pulled off a string of good saves, allowing the home team to hold on for a hard fought 3-1 victory.


The Whites played the Buccaneers Reds and an exciting game with chances at both ends saw the Buccaneers come out on top. We started slowly and the Reds created and took two early chances to put them in front. When we began to settle, Sonny was unlucky on at three occasions to hit the post or crossbar. The Reds extended their lead just before half-time when a fine long range shot came down off the bar to be stabbed over the line. The second half saw both teams play good attacking football, forcing both keepers into fine saves. Another Reds' goal, after a fine save from Owen again rebounded kindly for the Reds, took the score to 4-0. The Foxes never gave up and scored two great late goals from Sonny and Raul, with a brilliant header.

Year 6 Fountains Trophy Cup - 14th Jan

On a frosty pitch, Westbury Park Foxes Greens edged past Buccaneers FC Whites in the preliminary round of the U11s Fountains Trophies Cup. With both sides coping well with the conditions and playing some good passing football the match remained 0-0, until with ten minutes to go Danny fired a shot in from the left which wriggled past the unlucky Buccaneers' keeper and took the Foxes into the lead. The Buccaneers kept pushing hard for the equaliser but stout defending from the Foxes saw them through to the final whistle for a deserved victory.

Saturday 21 January 2012

Y2 v Bishop Road (H)

A return fixture against Bishop Road, on a blustery Saturday morning. We split the squad into two teams, and played two matches.

The 'reds' found it tough going in the first half with the wind against them. The two teams were fairly evenly matched and creating chances was difficult. Just before half time, though, Bishop Road took the lead with a fine shot into the far corner. In the second half, the game flowed from end to end with outstanding contributions from Jacob and Jess. Bishop Road added a second goal with a few minutes to go when their striker was in the right place at the right time following a fine save by Alex, for what was a well-deserved victory.

In the 'blues' game, both teams also found the conditions made fluid football dificult. In the second half, with the wind behind them, the Foxes took the lead when Samuel broke free of the defence and dispatched the ball into the top corner giving the goalkeeper no chance. Mid-way through the half, Acer made it 2-0 after a Messi-like run and the Foxes ran out comfortable and happy winners.

So, despite the conditions, two enjoyable and rewarding games, and it was fitting that the day would end with the honours even.

Saturday 14 January 2012

Y2 v Rockleaze Rangers (A)

Goodison Park (1966), Istanbul (2005), and now Coombe Dingle (2012). Classic games featuring a great comeback - and our draw against Rockleaze Rangers topped the lot. To come back from 3-0, and 5-1 down to force a draw eclipses the other games (they only featured 0-3 combacks) and was a truely memorable performance.

The Foxes travelled to Rockleaze Rangers with some trepidation, as we had lost to them in December. The 'red' team started well but the strong Rangers team soon took control and by half time had built up the 5-1 lead through some outstanding finishing, with Acer scoring the only Foxes goal.

At the turn-around, a change in tactics to strengthen the midfield saw the Foxes wrestle back control. An early goal by Samuel restored confidence and was quickly followed with a second by Acer. Samuel scored again and it was all Foxes. Rajiv and Tom were winning everything in midfield and Xabi, Danny and Leo confidently dealing with everything in defence . Samuel scored the fourth, and unbelievably with the last kick of the game, Acer smashed home a well-deserved equaliser - a fantastic game, with a great ending. The most pleasing aspect was the way the whole team just didn't give up - just like 1966 (look it up) and 2005 (you probably know this one).

The 'blue' team gave an equally spirited performance, again against a very strong team. Despite a mainly rear-guard performance, they managed to contain Rockleaze with fantastic defending by Ben (as always), Louis and Jamie, with Noah playing the game of his life in goal - always in the right place and safe handling of the ball. Midfield dynamos Jess and Bonnie ran their hearts out and Kieron played a fairly lonely but battling game up front. A goal in each half settled the game for Rockleaze, but it was a truely commendable performance.

Monday 9 January 2012

Year 6 - BSYL 7th January

Both the Greens and the Whites were back on the hallowed turf of the Downs as St Ursula's was under water.

The Greens hosted Buccaneers FC Reds and sadly the Buccaneers edged a thrilling encounter 5-4. In an end to end match the Buccaneers opened the scoring with a well taken goal but within minutes the Foxes struck back. The match carried on in the same vein until with 5 minutes to go the Buccaneers scored on the break what proved to be the winning goal. Our goals came from Omar (2), Jack C and Danny.

Captain's armband - Archie for a string of fine saves.

The coaches were pleased with the effort and delighted with some of our attacking football. The result left something to be desired and some of our tackling gives us something to work on.

The Whites were away against Rockleaze Rangers but ended up on the Downs, with the Foxes prevailing 6-2. It was 2-2 at half time, as close range efforts brought Rockleaze level in response to first half Foxes strikes from Joey Tulloch-Martin and Jacob Gibson. In the second half the Foxes upped their game, passed the ball well and took full advantage of the conditions. Joey Tulloch-Martin completed a hat trick including a spectacular long range free kick, while both Sophie McConnell and Alec Millward finished powerfully after good passing build ups. Rockleaze battled until the end but could not find a way back.

Once the team came to terms with the pitch and the opposition, the Whites played some good stuff in the second half. The big difference was the speed with which we moved the ball and made use of the space available. The whole squad played well and its was a pleasure again to have Sophie and Anna taking part.

Captain's armband for next game - Owen for a great second half let loose on the pitch.