Our last game of the Friendly League season against Sefton Park Scorpions.
For a warm-up, the Foxes sprinted round the Sports Relief Mile, perhaps they wouldn't if they knew that they had 90 mins of football to follow...
Three Foxes teams of eight played against a Scorpions squad of 12 - and whilst each game was being played, the 'resting' two Foxes teams played each other.
The first game was tight, with the 'reds' midfield dominating. In a game of few chances (no one got past Jacob), Reggie came very close with a last minute shot that just went the wrong side of the post. The game ended 0-0.
In the second game, the 'yellow' Foxes were more dominant. Alex in goal was untroubled but the Foxes could not turn posession into clear-cut chances. Mid way through the second half, Samuel found room for a shot and dispatched the ball into the top left hand corner. 1-0.
The last of the three games belonged to Sefton Park against a tired 'blues'. Three shots and three good goals by the Scorpions brought the season to a close.
So the end to a fantastic first season, and it's amazing to see how much the Foxes have improved, especially as they are starting to appreciate the benefits of playing as a team. Highlight of the season? - the comeback against a strong Rockleaze Rangers when 1-5 down at half time.
Saturday 24 March 2012
Friday 23 March 2012
BSYL - Yr 6 - 17th March
The Greens hosted Shirehampton in the first part of a double-header and it was the home side who came out of the blocks quickest. Omar opened the scoring with a fine strike from a tight angle and grabbed another when his shot was turned in by a Shirehampton defender. The Foxes third came when Danny's shot took a deflection and nestled low into the corner of the goal. In the second half Shirehampton found their feet putting the Foxes under pressure with some good passing football but were unlucky when the Greens broke quickly down the right, a good cross from Joseph McMurchie and Max Thrasher hit a fine volley over the keeper to make it four. Shirehampton then got the goal they deserved and the game ended 4-1.
The second part of Saturdays double-header also ended 4-1 to the Foxes but the game was tighter than the scoreline suggests. Shirehampton played this match a man down due to an injury but despite the disparity of numbers opened the scoring with a great run and super finish. As half-time approached the Foxes started to make the extra man count and Omar grabbed a brace to send the Foxes in 2-1 up. In the second half Shirehampton battled on and created several good chances and the Foxes were thankful to Archie for a number of good saves. The Greens sealed victory late on when Joseph McMurchie crossed for Henry Sweet to score and Henry grabbed a second near the end with another well taken goal.
The Whites eventually gained a comfortable victory, after a tough first half and a spirited start from Ingleside. It was goalless for the first 15 minutes, with both teams coming close, until Joey's header broke the deadlock, and he then added another before the break, as well as providing the cross for a close range finish from Sonny. In the second half Ingleside tired and faded slightly in the face of some excellent Foxes passing and the individual skill of Sonny . Both Sonny and Joey completed their hat tricks, to which were added beautifully taken goals from Jacob and Raul , Sam L and a rare strike from usual keeper Owen . Ingleside battled hard and forced a well deserved goal midway through the half. 10-1 to the Foxes
The second part of Saturdays double-header also ended 4-1 to the Foxes but the game was tighter than the scoreline suggests. Shirehampton played this match a man down due to an injury but despite the disparity of numbers opened the scoring with a great run and super finish. As half-time approached the Foxes started to make the extra man count and Omar grabbed a brace to send the Foxes in 2-1 up. In the second half Shirehampton battled on and created several good chances and the Foxes were thankful to Archie for a number of good saves. The Greens sealed victory late on when Joseph McMurchie crossed for Henry Sweet to score and Henry grabbed a second near the end with another well taken goal.
The Whites eventually gained a comfortable victory, after a tough first half and a spirited start from Ingleside. It was goalless for the first 15 minutes, with both teams coming close, until Joey's header broke the deadlock, and he then added another before the break, as well as providing the cross for a close range finish from Sonny. In the second half Ingleside tired and faded slightly in the face of some excellent Foxes passing and the individual skill of Sonny . Both Sonny and Joey completed their hat tricks, to which were added beautifully taken goals from Jacob and Raul , Sam L and a rare strike from usual keeper Owen . Ingleside battled hard and forced a well deserved goal midway through the half. 10-1 to the Foxes
BSYL - Yr6 - 10th March
On a beautiful early spring morning Stoke Lane travelled to St. Ursula's to take on the Greens and it was the hosts who started the brighter. After 10 minutes of sustained pressure Danny opened the scoring for the Foxes with a crisp finish from the edge of the box. The second came quickly with Omar scoring from a tight angle before Danny was on hand again minutes later to grab his second to make it 3-0.
After a slow start Stoke Lane started to find their feet and put the Foxes under pressure as half time approached. A good passing move released their striker who finished well. 3-1 half time, game on.
The first goal in the second half was crucial and once again the Foxes started brighter with Danny completing his hat-trick soon after the break. Stoke Lane then hit back through a fine strike but Danny grabbed his fourth soon after. The last 15 minutes it was all Stoke Lane and they were rewarded with another good goal but the home side held on and were by far the most grateful to hear the final whistle to win 5-3.
The Whites were also at St Ursula's but as the away team against the Buccaneers Whites. These local rivals fought out a spirited game with the Foxes took the lead with a smart close range finish by Raul from a well placed corner. The Buccaneers drew level before the break with a superb strike from outside the box into the top corner.
The Foxes took the lead again early in the second half when Sonny got the final touch on another excellent Sam L corner, but once again the lead didn't last long as the Buccaneers scored from yet another long ball.
Then controversy. The Foxes scored, when a goal kick was charged down, a goalmouth scramble ensued, and Sonny was on hand again to finish. Confusion reigned and eventually, after much conversation, the decision was reversed and the referee decided that the goal would not stand. Things got worse as the Buccaneers then grabbed a late winner from yet another long ball up the middle to their top striker. An unfortunate way to finish a competitive game.
After a slow start Stoke Lane started to find their feet and put the Foxes under pressure as half time approached. A good passing move released their striker who finished well. 3-1 half time, game on.
The first goal in the second half was crucial and once again the Foxes started brighter with Danny completing his hat-trick soon after the break. Stoke Lane then hit back through a fine strike but Danny grabbed his fourth soon after. The last 15 minutes it was all Stoke Lane and they were rewarded with another good goal but the home side held on and were by far the most grateful to hear the final whistle to win 5-3.
The Whites were also at St Ursula's but as the away team against the Buccaneers Whites. These local rivals fought out a spirited game with the Foxes took the lead with a smart close range finish by Raul from a well placed corner. The Buccaneers drew level before the break with a superb strike from outside the box into the top corner.
The Foxes took the lead again early in the second half when Sonny got the final touch on another excellent Sam L corner, but once again the lead didn't last long as the Buccaneers scored from yet another long ball.
Then controversy. The Foxes scored, when a goal kick was charged down, a goalmouth scramble ensued, and Sonny was on hand again to finish. Confusion reigned and eventually, after much conversation, the decision was reversed and the referee decided that the goal would not stand. Things got worse as the Buccaneers then grabbed a late winner from yet another long ball up the middle to their top striker. An unfortunate way to finish a competitive game.
Saturday 17 March 2012
Y2 v Clifton United (A)
After a long journey to Abbot's Leigh (our furthest away fixture), the Foxes took on Clifton United at their ground. We played two eight-a-side games each of 24 minutes.
In the first game, it quickly became clear that United had some good players - the reverse game earlier in the season had been cancelled, so there was an 'unknown' factor. It was clear that the Foxes were a little in awe of some of their opponents - the fact that the tackling was not as strong as usual was a sure sign. Despite that, our defenders had a fine game, especially Tom with some perfectly timed interceptions in his cool collected manner. When the United attackers did get through, Frazer was perfectly placed to deal with any trouble. In attack, Foxes were relying on Kieron bursting through, supported by Leo and Jess.
In the second half, Jamie started to dominate the midfield. About half way through the half, after a spell of Foxes pressure, the ball broke to William who fired in from a tight angle. Keeping the lead was no problem for the Foxes, with some tigerish tackles by Ewan and Sam, and they held out for a 1-0 victory.
In the second game (against the same opponents), United started with their strongest eight and were causing the Foxes's defenders problems with some intelligent running and great distribution. It was soon clear that Ben and Xabi were in for a busy morning. A half chance to Acer after a run down the right - but then United took the lead. A powerful long range shot deflected cruelly off a Foxes defender leaving Alex in goal wrong footed. Foxes were soon level though. Xabi's clever through ball from near the half way line to Samuel eluded a defender, and under pressure, the goalkeeper and ended up in the net. Not quite as good as Beckham's all those years ago, but a close second.
In the second half, United pushed players forward and twice the Foxes defence were left like statues as United broke clear. Both times it was Alex to the rescue with two great blocking saves - his timing in closing the angle on the attacker was fantastic. And then Foxes took the lead. After advancing down the left, Acer spotted a gap between the defenders in a busy penalty area, and the ball was in the back of the net. Then it was three as Acer again found space in the area following good work by the midfield of William and Xabi. The Foxes were now in control, and could have scored several times before Samuel got on the scoresheet with a lovely finish, and then breaking (uphill) from the halfway line he despatched the ball with aplomb into the back of the net past the advancing goalkeeper. The gane ended 5-1.
And so a successful morning and some jubilent young Foxes. Once they had gathered some confidence and ceased being in awe of their opponents, they worked out how to play the game. Well done Foxes!
In the first game, it quickly became clear that United had some good players - the reverse game earlier in the season had been cancelled, so there was an 'unknown' factor. It was clear that the Foxes were a little in awe of some of their opponents - the fact that the tackling was not as strong as usual was a sure sign. Despite that, our defenders had a fine game, especially Tom with some perfectly timed interceptions in his cool collected manner. When the United attackers did get through, Frazer was perfectly placed to deal with any trouble. In attack, Foxes were relying on Kieron bursting through, supported by Leo and Jess.
In the second half, Jamie started to dominate the midfield. About half way through the half, after a spell of Foxes pressure, the ball broke to William who fired in from a tight angle. Keeping the lead was no problem for the Foxes, with some tigerish tackles by Ewan and Sam, and they held out for a 1-0 victory.
In the second game (against the same opponents), United started with their strongest eight and were causing the Foxes's defenders problems with some intelligent running and great distribution. It was soon clear that Ben and Xabi were in for a busy morning. A half chance to Acer after a run down the right - but then United took the lead. A powerful long range shot deflected cruelly off a Foxes defender leaving Alex in goal wrong footed. Foxes were soon level though. Xabi's clever through ball from near the half way line to Samuel eluded a defender, and under pressure, the goalkeeper and ended up in the net. Not quite as good as Beckham's all those years ago, but a close second.
In the second half, United pushed players forward and twice the Foxes defence were left like statues as United broke clear. Both times it was Alex to the rescue with two great blocking saves - his timing in closing the angle on the attacker was fantastic. And then Foxes took the lead. After advancing down the left, Acer spotted a gap between the defenders in a busy penalty area, and the ball was in the back of the net. Then it was three as Acer again found space in the area following good work by the midfield of William and Xabi. The Foxes were now in control, and could have scored several times before Samuel got on the scoresheet with a lovely finish, and then breaking (uphill) from the halfway line he despatched the ball with aplomb into the back of the net past the advancing goalkeeper. The gane ended 5-1.
And so a successful morning and some jubilent young Foxes. Once they had gathered some confidence and ceased being in awe of their opponents, they worked out how to play the game. Well done Foxes!
Saturday 10 March 2012
Y2 v Golden Hill Sonics (H)
Was it a goal or not? That was the question that was the centre of the young Foxes post-match discussions in the Cafe afterwards. Of course it wasn't; the referee's decision is what counts and debates as to whether the whole of the ball crossed the line are irrelevant really.
It was a gloriously warm spring morning and the Foxes were playing Golden Hill Sonics on The Downs in a 9-a-side 40 minute game. The Foxes started strongly and confidently and Jamie, Rajiv and Xabi quickly took control of the midfield. Behind them Ben and Xabi (and later Jacob and Tom) all had fantastic games, maintaining concentration for the entire 40 minutes. They soon found ways to feed the free running Acer, and release the strikers, Kieron, Reggie and Samuel who were tirelessly tracking back to assist the midfield. After five minutes, Jamie showed that he had been taking lessons from Lionel Messi as he weaved through the Sonics defence, forcing the goalkeeper into a smothering save. Sonics did come back into the game, but Alex in goal was well protected by his defenders, and timely interception by Acer who turned defence into a storming counter attack.
At half time, the Foxes pushed Samuel into a more advanced role to try to create more space in midfield, and the plan worked. After a spell of Foxes pressure, a clever shot from Reggie through a crowded goal mouth unluckily hit the far post. Both defences held firm, but eventually an opportunity arose. A break from the halfway line by Reggie and Samuel forced the Sonic's goalkeeper into a fantastic save from Samuel's well-struck shot, probably the best save we've seen this season. And then with 10 minutes to go, the Foxes thought they'd scored. After a goalmouth scramble, Samuel's shot eluded the goalkeeper and the celebrations started. But with the referee unsure as to whether the whole ball had crossed the line, the 'goal' was chalked off. The game finished with the Colts in the ascendancy, and they could quite easily have nicked a winner but for some great defending by Ben and Jacob.
And so it finished 0-0. One of the most thrilling nil-nils you could imagine. The Foxes showed, however, that once they get their shooting boots on (and play to the referee's whistle), that they can take on anyone.
It was a gloriously warm spring morning and the Foxes were playing Golden Hill Sonics on The Downs in a 9-a-side 40 minute game. The Foxes started strongly and confidently and Jamie, Rajiv and Xabi quickly took control of the midfield. Behind them Ben and Xabi (and later Jacob and Tom) all had fantastic games, maintaining concentration for the entire 40 minutes. They soon found ways to feed the free running Acer, and release the strikers, Kieron, Reggie and Samuel who were tirelessly tracking back to assist the midfield. After five minutes, Jamie showed that he had been taking lessons from Lionel Messi as he weaved through the Sonics defence, forcing the goalkeeper into a smothering save. Sonics did come back into the game, but Alex in goal was well protected by his defenders, and timely interception by Acer who turned defence into a storming counter attack.
At half time, the Foxes pushed Samuel into a more advanced role to try to create more space in midfield, and the plan worked. After a spell of Foxes pressure, a clever shot from Reggie through a crowded goal mouth unluckily hit the far post. Both defences held firm, but eventually an opportunity arose. A break from the halfway line by Reggie and Samuel forced the Sonic's goalkeeper into a fantastic save from Samuel's well-struck shot, probably the best save we've seen this season. And then with 10 minutes to go, the Foxes thought they'd scored. After a goalmouth scramble, Samuel's shot eluded the goalkeeper and the celebrations started. But with the referee unsure as to whether the whole ball had crossed the line, the 'goal' was chalked off. The game finished with the Colts in the ascendancy, and they could quite easily have nicked a winner but for some great defending by Ben and Jacob.
And so it finished 0-0. One of the most thrilling nil-nils you could imagine. The Foxes showed, however, that once they get their shooting boots on (and play to the referee's whistle), that they can take on anyone.
Monday 5 March 2012
Yr 6 - BSYL - 3rd March
For the second time this season, the rival Foxes teams fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St. Ursula's. The Greens took the early initiative, with Jack and Danny firing in from close range. As the first half drew to a close, the Whites forced their way back into the game and drew level, with Joey scoring one fine solo effort and making another for Harri to finish. In the second half, Alec gave the Whites the lead, only for Danny to equalise for the Greens with five minutes to go, firing a fine long range effort into the top corner. Both teams chased a winner and had their chances, but with both keepers and defences outstanding - Aidan for the Whites and Nick for the Greens stood out - 3-3 was a fair final score.
Yr 6 - BSYL - 25th February
As strong first half performance from the Whites saw them wrap up a comfortable win against Shirehampton. All of the goals came in the first half with the Foxes taking a 2-0 lead through Joey and Raul before Shirehampton pulled one back with a fine shot from the edge of the area. Two more goals from the Foxes, Joey - again - and Sonny, settled the outcome as the Foxes raced to a 4-1 lead.
Shirehampton kept battling and created more chances in the second half, only to be denied by some great defending from Harri and Seb and excellent keeping from Owen Paton. Harri won the captain's armband not least for a splendid goal-line clearance.
Well played all.
Shirehampton kept battling and created more chances in the second half, only to be denied by some great defending from Harri and Seb and excellent keeping from Owen Paton. Harri won the captain's armband not least for a splendid goal-line clearance.
Well played all.
Saturday 3 March 2012
Y2 v Shirehampton Colts (H)
It was won one, lost three against Shirehampton Colts. The Foxes put up some battling performances and were unlucky to come away on the wrong side of the results.
The 'reds' found their first game difficult but some excellent defending kept the game tight. However, shirehampton squeezed in a goal and came away with a 1-0 win.
In the other game, the 'blues' immediately found their rythme and after only a few minutes took the lead when Samuel fired home. Minutes later and it was 2-0 as Rajiv got on the scoresheet with a lovely goal from the edge of the area that gave the Colt's goalkeeper no chance; and it would have been three had Acer's penalty not struck the post, awarded after he was brought down when through on goal. The Colts pulled a goal back and it looked as though it would be a nervy last ten minutes until Samuel's persistence was rewarded with a third goal.
The teams swapped opponents and played another 20 minute game. This time the 'reds' took control of the game and just could not find a way to score, despite a fantastic midfield performance, lead by Jamie. They went behind to a penalty awarded for handball, and in the dying minutes, the Colts scored a second with a breakaway goal and arguably the best goal scored against the Foxes this season with a wonderful shot from the right into the top left hand corner. A goal worthy of winning any game, but you couldn't fault the Foxes performance.
The 'blues' also found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline, this time in a very even game. Two clinical finishes gave the Colts a victory they probably just deserved. Despite the results though, the Foxes should be proud of their performance against a strong Colts squad.
The 'reds' found their first game difficult but some excellent defending kept the game tight. However, shirehampton squeezed in a goal and came away with a 1-0 win.
In the other game, the 'blues' immediately found their rythme and after only a few minutes took the lead when Samuel fired home. Minutes later and it was 2-0 as Rajiv got on the scoresheet with a lovely goal from the edge of the area that gave the Colt's goalkeeper no chance; and it would have been three had Acer's penalty not struck the post, awarded after he was brought down when through on goal. The Colts pulled a goal back and it looked as though it would be a nervy last ten minutes until Samuel's persistence was rewarded with a third goal.
The teams swapped opponents and played another 20 minute game. This time the 'reds' took control of the game and just could not find a way to score, despite a fantastic midfield performance, lead by Jamie. They went behind to a penalty awarded for handball, and in the dying minutes, the Colts scored a second with a breakaway goal and arguably the best goal scored against the Foxes this season with a wonderful shot from the right into the top left hand corner. A goal worthy of winning any game, but you couldn't fault the Foxes performance.
The 'blues' also found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline, this time in a very even game. Two clinical finishes gave the Colts a victory they probably just deserved. Despite the results though, the Foxes should be proud of their performance against a strong Colts squad.
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