Year 2 Foxes v Rockleaze Rangers

Saturday 14th December dawned bright and dry(ish), it was the day of the long awaited clash with Rockleaze Rangers. Drawn from a number of schools in the area, many of the Rangers players were known to the Foxes and with a reputed but unconfirmed 100% record for the season, this was a big game for our boys.

23 Foxes were "organised" into three teams, Rockleaze Rangers selecting 14 from their large squad for the short journey up on to the Downs from Coombe Dingle. Unsurprisingly, as the first two games kicked off, it was clear that there were no weak links in the Rangers line ups. Yet it was the Foxes that made the better start and within a couple of minutes the Rangers' ref's whistle blew shrilly to announce a penalty to the Foxes. Silence descended, the ball was carefully placed on the spot muddy bit in front of goal. The Foxes coaches were anxious, the keeper looked worried. Unfortunately FA Regulations don't permit me to tell you what happened next! Suffice to say that Foxes gave their all in six hard fought matches and their were superb performances within both teams with some impressive talent on display.

The sixth and final game of the day was the best as two evenly matched sevens went at it hammer and tongs in an end to end battle. Year 2 Foxes made a bit of history by the coaches employing tactics and the boys sticking to it! We had a formation for goodness sake and it was almost recognisable in action - 2-3-1 with Cos under strict instructions to stay up front and act as the outlet ball for the underpressure back five. It almost worked a dream with Foxes star man Charlie finding the net to twice give the Hoops the lead. Pegged back by two superb roof of the net strikes (Jacob C would need to have been twice as tall to have a chance of saving!) Foxes kept going. With seconds left and the Foxes goal under heavy pressure, a long ball upfield found the waiting Cosmo. He took the ball in his stride, the ref checked his watch and decided completely correctly that a few extra seconds were fully justified, Cos headed into the box with just the keeper to beat, defenders trailing in his wake THIS SECTION OF THE REPORT REDACTED and the Ref blew the final whistle on a superb match and a superb morning. For the record, there was a well deserved third goal in as many weeks for Josh to add to the two for Charlie.

It was tough and by the end it was cold, but the boys arrived with smiles, played with smiles and were a credit to the club. Rockleaze Rangers have some excellent players and an impressive strength in depth. More importantly they were polite and very sporting even if their reputed perfect record for the season now has one small Foxes shaped dent!

Player of the Week: Charlie, an all round star performance, body on the line defending and still time to head up the pitch to score twice.

BGL u11 Westbury Park Foxes 4 v 1 Downend Saints

Foxes unbeaten run continues to Christmas!

Today marked the final BGL game of 2013, and the Foxes looked to build on their midweek schools performance to round off the year in style and maintain their lead at the top of the league.

The Foxes started brightly, using the full width of the pitch, and laid siege to the Saints goal. The Foxes forward 3 seemed camped in the opposition penalty box, forcing a string of corners, with clearances rapidly played back in by the Foxes defensive midfielders. The Saints hung on gamely with 4 behind ball, but eventually the pressure told and the Foxes took the lead with Mara timing a run in on goal to smash home.

The bench thought that the floodgates might open, but the Saints had other ideas, and with the Foxes forward line not tracking back, they started to pressure more in midfield.
 Just before half time disaster struck, as Betty's goal kick was intercepted by the Saints forward, she came out of the box to clear, only to see the kick ricochet back off the closing striker and bounce agonisingly back into the goal.

Half-time and 1-1. Discussion revolved around rolling up sleeves and showing the determination that we had witnessed in the midweek tournament.

The second half was one of the best performances of the season. The Foxes flowed forward and were back in front within 5 minutes of the restart as Sim went on an imperious run and hammered the ball past the keeper. The lead was soon doubled as a fine flowing move was again finished in style as the Foxes moved the ball around the pitch with confidence and the striker was there to again blast low into the corner.

With the job done the Foxes striker took her second break of the game and Lily returned to lead the line. With her knack of anticipation she was on the score sheet within a minute as she popped up in the right place to end another Foxes move.

With Milly on and dominating the defensive line, and Molly proving a revelation on the right on midfield the Foxes went close again and forced a series of corners to see out the game.

So a great result, and a fine way to end the year, but it is only December and we will need to keep our feet on the ground to maintain this standard into the New Year!

Captain of the week: Mara
Girl of the Game: Lulu
Moment of the Match: Double 'Cruyff turn' by Molly - Class!

BGL u11 Portishead Town 0 v 1 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes stretch lead at the top with tough away win!

Not a great start to the day, with 'keeper Betty up until 1am vomiting but she was determined to pull on the gloves and make the journey to Portishead!
The home team had been in a rich vein of form recently, taking points from Bradley Stoke and Boco, and had only suffered 1 defeat themselves, in the return fixture at the beginning of the season.
The Foxes new they would be up against it today, with a baptism of fire for the new Foxy numbered kit!

With the advantage of end choice the Foxes had the low sun behind them, and were straight on the offensive pushing the home team back and forcing some early corners. Portishead were a much bigger team, and lined up with 3 big defenders, who looked to release their lively number 5 whenever possible. They clearly looked a danger on the counter, but Lulu, Rhiannon and Amelia did a sterling defensive job, and, set piece aside, the Foxes goal was never really threatened.
Midway through the first half the Foxes took the lead, with a powerful run by Sim down the left crossed with pace. The defender's clearance sliced over the 'keeper's head, and was heading goal wards as Ella arrived at the back post to make sure it hit the back of the net.
With Lily on for Sim the first half continued as a midfield battle, with neither team able to breach the oppositions' defensive lines.

Half time and 1-0. The team talk was all about being aware of the opposition's set pieces, closing down in midfield and keeping the marking tight.
Izzy came on as the Foxes looked to soak up pressure and hit on the break, and the tactic seemed to work, with Rhiannon running the ball out and Sim making strong runs. Molly's introduction took the tactic a step too far, as the front line was overrun and Portishead were able to quickly recycle the ball.
Mindful of their strikers powerful shots from distance the Foxes bench switched things around again to provide a greater midfield presence, and the game started to swing back into the Foxes favour.
So the match ended 1-0, and all agreed that it had been the toughest game of the season so far. But a great defensive display and another clean sheet made for a happy trip back to Bristol.

Captain of the Week: Ella
Girl of the Game: Betty

Year 2 Foxes away at Bishop Road

With illness affecting the U7 army, only 18 of the troops were able to muster at the Bishop Road playing fields for this one. Bishop Road are our oldest rivals (i.e. we played them in our first and only game of last season) so it was a chance to see how far the respective teams had moved on since the sunny days of last spring.

Despite yours truly nearly putting his back out helping to lift the solid steel goalposts (pre-war I would have thought but look good to last another fifty years!), the scene was soon set for the clash.

I'm not sure whether the Foxes were still contemplating their breakfasts or not but half time in the first of the double headers left us with, how shall we delicately say it, a mountain to climb in the second half. We improved and ended up with goals from Cos, Ambrose and Eden.

Swapping over for the second set of matches and swapping notes on the opposition made for a gloomy conversation. The omens did not look good. But the Foxes, now wide awake, were paying no attention to omens. Eden came out flying, denied twice by the heavy duty metalwork, he was first to the rebound on both occassions sending the ball into the back of the net for a brace (that's a football / metalwork joke for those that aren't concentrating!). At the other end, the previously prolific Bishop Roadsters were thwarted time and time again by the brave goalkeeping of Omar. As the morning's mayhem came to a close, both Foxes teams could be proud of their efforts and had earned their two week break before the big one (Rocklease, 14th December).

Player of the Week: Omar "The Cat". Great shot stopping and startling bravery diving at the feet of the oncoming forwards on numerous occassions. Seems we might have two or three goalkeepers after all!

BGL u11 Westbury Park Foxes 9 v 1 Longwell Green Whites

Foxes Stay Top and Unbeaten!

Today saw the second of the double header fixtures with the return meeting against Longwell Green Whites at St Ursluas.
The Foxes welcomed Lulu back to the fold after missing last week, with Bea also a change from last week. Amelia and Molly took a rest.
It was also a chance for some of the girls to run out in the new Foxy kit. I am sure they will grow into it.........

Whilst the score looked like a demolition of the opposition, the great thing about this year's BGL is that there really is not a huge gulf between any of the sides, and Longwell Green competed in the centre of the park all the way to the final whistle, and contributed to an exciting match.
Throughout the game the Foxes hardly put a foot wrong, as they attacked down both flanks and scored many of the goals by following up shots, and getting onto the end of some great crosses.
At the back Izzy and Rhiannon looked great, allowing Lulu to play in a more advanced role.

The only real mishap occurred midway through the first half, and was a rare managerial one, as, with the Foxes 2-0 up, changes were made without sufficient organisational instruction, which led to a defensive mix up and a goal conceded. With swift readjustment the Foxes went straight back down and restored their advantage.
The precise scoring tally was a hat trick for Sim and a brace for Ella, Mara and Lily. It is  great to see that the girls all seem to be increasingly comfortable in taking the shot on, and the tactic is paying dividends.
Next week sees us travel to Portishead to take on one of the form teams, but with the resolute defending and goals from all phases of play, we can go there confident of getting a result.

Captain of the Week : Lulu
Girl of the Game: Bea

Year 2 Foxes v Golden Hill Sonics (Away)

The return clash between these two evenly matched sides was eagerly awaited by the Foxes U7s. Twenty two signed up for the away day at a frosty Golden Hill Sports Ground so yet again it was two Foxes teams facing up to two from the Sonics.

Slightly smaller pitches and much smaller goals meant that chances and goals were at a premium. It was a morning of resolute defending topped off by goals from Josh and Ambrose. Morgan, Charlie and Elliot were the rocks at the back with Matthew and Toby especially impressive between the sticks.

As the morning came to a close, Foxes tried a new tactic, three subs, warned to get ready to come on, jumped the gun and charged into the midfield melee that masquerades as a Year 2 match. Unfortunately the hoops couldn't press home their three man numerical advantage and order was restored by a much delayed successful conclusion to the substitution ordeal. The Coach's blood pressure may take a while to recover.

It was hearts in mouth's time on two occassions with the clock ticking past full time. Sonics threw everything forward, in one game Toby pulled off a great save and the Foxes goal survived intact in the midst of a ten man scramble. In the other game all looked lost until Charlie appeared from nowhere to block a goal bound effort that would have been harsh on the Foxes battlers.

Player of the week: Charlie - an all round star performance and a goal saving tackle that was out of this world.

BGL u11 Longwell Green Whites 0 v 5 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes Go Top as Unbeaten Run Continues!

Today marked the half way point of the season, and the Foxes headed back over to Longwell Green to take on the Whites.
Without midfield dynamo Lulu, the Foxes were pleased to welcome back Sim to the squad following her rest last week.

With on call commitments, the reins had been handed to Mark 'Statto' Beswetherick, who put the team through a thorough warm up on a cold muddy pitch.
The Foxes lined up with Betty in goal, Amelia and Molly at the back, with Rhiannon pushed into central midfield. Ella, Mara and Lily formed a 3 girl attack.
With the match underway it was clear that we were up against a defensively minded team who were happy to sit back and try and counter. Whilst the Foxes looked good going forward, we were often outnumbered in the final third, and couldn't find a way past the 'keeper.

Midway through the first half Sim made an entrance, and the extra physicality and pace upfront was rapidly rewarded with 2 goals, the second a screamer from the edge of the box. A further shot was well saved onto the post, but the Foxes ended the half in the ascendency.
The second half saw Mille B and Izzy join the fray at the back, providing a solid platform for the Foxes to attack. Three further goals, 2 more for Sim interspaced by 1 for Mara, were all the result of really smooth passing moves, and there could have been more, with quality through balls the order of the day. Even Amelia got in on the action with a looping shot the 'keeper did well to save!
Betty swapped gloves with Mara for a spell up front as the Foxes ran out deserved winners.

So at the turn the girls remain unbeaten, and have now kept 4 clean sheets on the bounce. Whilst it's still a long way to go, the girls have played fantastically well, and this caps off a great week having qualified for the regional schools tournament last Wednesday.

 Captain of the Week: Izzy
Girl of the Game: Sim

BSYL - Year 8 - Shire Colts 2 - 8 Foxes, 23/11

An enjoyable and competitive game, which was played in the right spirit throughout, produced a score line that did not properly reflect the balance of play. Shire started the brighter and dominated the first 15 minutes of the game. Owen made one excellent save low to his right and Alec later stopped a clear goal opportunity with a last ditch challenge. Against the run of play the Foxes broke and Ollie C scored with a cross-cum-shot that drifted over the keeper's head. Further goals followed as Omar was on hand to grab two and Harri scored with a header from a corner. 4-0 to the Foxes at half-time soon became 5-0 as Sonny found Jack who finished well. Shire then grabbed two well-deserved goals, but with 20 minutes left Ollie C scored his second, quickly followed by a strike from Danny, to stop the comeback. There was enough time for Ollie C to complete his hat trick before the final whistle and secure the win that pushes the Foxes into the top three. Good performances from the whole squad but the Foxes struggled, as a team, to get into a rhythm of play. Raul was impressive with his linking play up front, Nick worked very hard in midfield and all of the back four played well with Ollie K being given the man of the match award.

Year 2 Foxes v Golden Hill Sonics

Under FA Regulations, there are no competitive leagues before Under 10s and to stop any series of friendlies (like ours) being turned into on, we have been reminded by the good people at Wembley Stadium not to publish scores or match reports from which the score can be determined. Honest!I'm thinking that the dictat wasn't just aimed at the excelent Westbury Park Foxes blog but to be honest, I don't know for sure!

So, Matt's scorpion kick penalty save followed by Elliot's mazy dribble during which he beat all seven Sonic players before smashing the ball into the top corner for a well-deserved last minute winner may or may not have acutally happened.

In fact we played four games with the Foxes legion split two ways for games against two good Sonics teams. A notable debut for the Foxes came in the shape of Jessica who made her bow alongside the 23 boys for this one. In the first double header it was clear that Sonics had the edge in one game with the Foxes on top in the other. The highlight of these games was the stout defending by the Foxes with hard and fair tackles flying in from the boys (and girl) at the back. When the defence was breached one of the Foxes team's had their very own sweeper-keeper in Matthew. A fantastic effort between the sticks and one clearance became an assist for a Foxes goal at the other end!

The second set of games were much more evenly balanced and both proved an exciting watch. "Best match we've seen this season" a folically challenged fan was heard to exclaim. And Rich Beale wasn't wrong. Where it was tackles first time around it was goals this time. End to end excitement from first minute to last and one aging ref only just had the puff to blow the full time whistle.

Well done to all the Foxes for another great effort. For the record, net bulging was achieved by Eden (2), Andrew, Omar, Sam, Josh and Charlie. Goalkeeper supreme was Matthew.

Player of the day was Toby. Had a hard time in the first half of his second game but showed true character by coming back and re-joining the fray for the second half.

BGL U11 Longwell Green Blue 0 v 3 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes continue unbeaten run!

A rare afternoon kick off and difficult traffic meant a hasty warm up for the Foxes.
Squad rotation had seen Sim take a break this week, with Mille and Ella W joining up. So the Foxes lined up with Betty in goal, Amelia and Molly at the back, with Rhiannon and Lulu pushing into midfield along with Mara. Lily occupied the lone striker role.
Conditions were difficult, with a small pitch that had clearly seen plenty of football, with lots of mud on offer.
The Foxes kicked off, and soon were on the offensive, but it became clear  early on that the Longwell keeper was a class act, confidently claiming the ball, and launching kicks deep into the Foxes half.
Whilst the Foxes goal was rarely threatened, we failed to get forward in sufficient numbers to cause too many problems at the other end, and, whilst set pieces from corners were well delivered, there was little end result.
A formation switch introduced Ella B and allowed Rhiannon back into defence, which seemed to suit as she seemed more confident when running the ball out from deep.

Still no way through and the half finished 0-0.

The team talk focused on early shooting and support from midfield when attacking.

The tactics soon paid off, early in the second half, when some great interplay allowed Mara a run through the centre and this time a low drive from just outside the box found the bottom corner. The goal meant the opposition had to try to push forward, and, as the game opened up, the Foxes counter attacking game came to the fore, with a second for Mara. Millie and Ella joined the fray, putting in some assured tackles as Longwell pushed forward trying to get back into the game. The final goal was superb, as Ella chased down a long Lulu throw, beating the defender to the byline before squaring perfectly to Mara, who had followed into the far post, for a simple tap in to complete a well deserved hat trick!
The Foxes saw out the rest of the game for a well deserved victory.

Next week sees a return to Longwell Green to play their white team. Both Arsene and Jose are away, so it looks like Holloway and Klinsmann will be in charge, with a bit of help from Moyes! (you know who you are!)

Captain of the Week: Rhiannon
Girl of the Game: Millie

Year 8 BSYL - Lockleaze 1 - 12 Foxes, 16/11

Westbury Park Foxes started brightly and four early goals from Raul (from a great Ollie C corner), Omar (a fantastic finish from the edge of the area), Danny (deadly from two yards) and Sonny (a lovely free kick into the top corner) settled the outcome in the first 15 minutes. After that the Foxes continued to play with good discipline, keeping their shape and creating chances. Sam scored from another freekick and Jack added a sixth before half time. The second half followed a similar pattern with Jack completing his hatrick, Ollie C scoring two, Harri from the penalty spot and a first of the season for Max. The whole squad contributed to an impressive performance but Jack deserved the man of the match award.

Year 8 BSYL - Foxes 2 - 2 Ashley Down, 09/11

Despite the driving rain it was good to get the game underway on a soggy but playable pitch. The Foxes started the stronger and dominated the first half with Omar and Danny both scoring impressive goals. Perhaps the home side should have made more of their other chances, but a 2-0 lead at half time seemed comfortable. The second half began in a similar way but Ashley Down are a side that have got better and better over the last two seasons and their trademark is never giving up. With 15 minutes to go they scored a penalty and almost immediately levelled the score as the Foxes stood off their tackles, perhaps fearing a repeat decision. The Foxes came back and created pressure and a series of half chances but Ashley Down stood firm for a well deserved point. Foxes man of the match Raul and a special mention to Sonny, who in the absence of Owen was an uncomplaining and able replacement between the sticks.

BGL u11 Westbury Park Foxes 1 v 0 AEK Boco Blue

Foxes maintain unbeaten run with victory over league leaders!

An early pitch inspection led to an arrival with rake in hand to sweep the pitch of leaves and firework debris. Not sure Jose would put up with that.........still we had a shiny new bag of balls to warm up with and the sun was out. All set up for a cracker!

Previous league encounters had not gone our way, but with a couple of tournament wins over Boco Blue confidence was high that this could be our day.
The pre match formalities included a well observed minutes silence, before captain Betty won the toss, to fortunately keep the low sun out of her eyes in the first half. The Foxes, wary of conceding early, opted to play with 3 defenders, Lulu slotting between Rhiannon and Amelia. That meant a lone striker and 2 wide midfielders would have to cover a lot of the pitch.
The Foxes enjoyed early possession and territory, but the tactics worked as Boco were quick to break and support the lone striker, who did a good job of holding the ball up, but found little space to turn and move. The back 3 held fast and set up numerous attacks down the flanks that Boco were happy to shepard out for throw-ins or corners. This was to be their undoing as they failed to deal with a whipped in corner, that Sim swivelled on to poke home from close range. 1-0 to the Foxes!
Boco tried to come back, but the defence held firm, with Betty not really called to save a shot. Rhiannon looked accomplished as she was able to run the ball out of defence to set up further Foxes attacks. An injury to Mara meant the impressive Lily lining up on the left, where she did a stirling job of tenacious tackling and running with the ball.
Half time and 1-0. We reminded the girls to keep focused, remember to get back and defend as Boco would have to attack in the second half.
Issy started the second half as the Foxes dropped to 3 defenders and 3 midfielders, but the formation didn't seem to suit. Molly came on to run the right wing with Ella switching flank, but Boco were looking more dangerous on the break, and forced Betty into a couple of saves.
The Foxes were forced into more changes when Ella tired from all the running came off for a rest. With the changes, the Foxes shape looked better as Lily again moved out wide and Sim returned upfront.
A string of corners penned Boco back in their own half, but they were able to break, and again the Foxes defence held firm, with their best effort well covered by a diving Betty.
So 1-0 the final score, and a thoroughly well deserved victory, against a strong team.
After the game the management stressed to the girls the importance of the whole squad in contributing to a confidence boosting victory!
Captain of the week : Betty
Girl of the Game: Rhiannon

U11 BGL Bristol Ladies Union 0 v 3 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes maintain the unbeaten run with a tricky away win at Combe Dingle.

On paper this should have been a straight forward match for the Foxes, as the BLUs have suffered with  a small squad following the U10 split from last year. However things are never that easy as the Foxes ran into a determined BLUs side.
The Foxes lined up with an attacking formation, opting to leave the holding midfielder and play with 2 upfront. Part tactical, part Lily's birthday captaincy! The switch looked to have paid dividends, as the Foxes laid siege to the BLU goal, however nobody seemed to have brought their shooting boots, as shots rained wide or straight at the tall Blu's keeper. Committing so many forward left gaps at the back, but the BLU's seemed reluctant to commit bodies forward, and the lone striker was marshalled out of danger by the Foxes defence.
Midway through the first half the break finally came, with Sim converting a chance low to the keepers left. Any thoughts that the floodgates might open came to nought as the Foxes continued to be profligate in front of goal, with some inspired keeping from the BLUs.
Half time, 1-0, and the team talk concentrated on using the width of the pitch and remaining calm in front of goal.
The second half was more open as the BLUs committed more players forward. This suited the Foxes who generally play better on the counter, and soon the pressure told with a further well taken Sim goal. This was rapidly followed by a fine Sim run and square to a waiting Molly who's scuffed shot made its way to Ella for a well taken goal.
Just enough time for Betty to get a quick run out with Rhiannon stepping between the posts before a deluge ended the game. 3- 0.
A good performance, and great practice for the difficult game next week.
Captain of the Day: Lily
Girl of the Game : Ella

U11 Totterdown 5, WPF White 1

Westbury Park Foxes started as underdogs and knew this would be a tough game against the league leaders. WPF White defended well, getting into the tackles while goalie Jude made some great saves. It was well into the first half when Totterdown finally made the breakthrough and then secured another before half time. WPF White didn’t give up, their defence was solid with Eesa and Jack throwing everything in front of the ball to stop the attacks. Unfortunately, Totterdown scored two more before WPF White's Elliot was able to score the goal of the match from a long range free kick. With Foxes heads up they looked like scoring again until Totterdown got their final goal in the last minute. A good win for Totterdown, but a great performance from WPF White. Man of the match was Jude in goal and all the other players walked away with their heads held high - proud of how well they played.

U11 Buccaneers Black 3, WPF Greens 1

A close and exciting match was settled by the Buccaneers superior finishing. They enjoyed a flying start, with Joe dribbling through the Foxes back line to open the scoring. Sidney widened the lead during a spell of Buccaneers pressure, but the Foxes were always in this game and had several good chances themselves. In a pulsating second half, the Foxes came back through Josh, whilst both Ben (Foxes) and Julian (Buccaneers) made brave saves at both ends. The final word went to Joe, whose deflected shot settled the game for the Buccaneers with a few minutes to go.

U11 Girls - Foxes 2 Bradley Stoke 2

The U11 girls had their toughest game of the season today against an unbeaten Bradley Stoke. The girls were in great spirits and started the game full of energy. It soon became apparent this would be a close game with both sides playing good passing football. It was end to end stuff with breaks coming from both sides. Amelia, Rhiannon and Lulu worked well together to repel the early attacks and set up counter attacks of our own. After about 15 minutes one of them paid off with Sim converting a rebounded shot from Mara. Bradley Stoke looked stunned but responded with even more determination. The whole team defended well but a quick counter attack left us out numbered and Betty stood no chance with a well struck Stoke goal. We went into half time 1-1 but feeling confident we could get another goal. With Lily now up front and Sim switched to right wing we bombarded the Stoke goal and won a succession of corners. Lulu struck one of them perfectly with pace and a slight deflection off one of the Stoke defenders saw it in the back of the net. Lulu rightly claimed the goal! We still had over 20 minutes to go but continued to hold firm with fresh legs in the form of Molly and Izzy taking turns in defence. Ella, Mara, Sim and Lily pushed the front line with Rhiannon and Lulu combining to control centre midfield. Betty was her usual confident self in goal and was quick off her line to save a couple of counter attacks. The game could have gone either way at this point but Bradley Stoke pounced on a loose ball and struck well from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Although the girl's were disappointed, a draw was a fair result against a good side that played the game in the right spirit. Girl of the Game went to Amelia for great tackles in defence including a game saving sliding tackle in the final minutes. Well done girls! We still maintain our unbeaten record.

GFA Cup, Year 8 - Yate Utd 3 - 1 Foxes, 20/10

The comparison between this game and the one played the day before could not have been more stark. Played in a great spirit and with both sides looking to play football and the supporters allowing the ref to make the decisions, the result was in the balance until the last 5 minutes. The Foxes, started very brightly and dominated possession with Yate threatening on the break. Owen had to make some good 'sweepers' saves but had little in the way of goal mouth action to deal with until Yate broke through and the forward did well to finish under pressure from Harri. Once again the Foxes came back strongly and on the brink of half time Sam's corner was met by Danny and flicked into the roof of the net. Early in the second half Ollie C had looked as if he had put the Foxes ahead but was judged to be offside. Even so, Yate were restricted to fast breaks and were kept under constant pressure. Chances fell to Sam and Raul who both did well but couldn't quite fine the net and Danny forced a good save from a freekick. However, with 15 minutes to go Yate won possession as the Foxes looked to bring the ball out of defence and broke in numbers to give Owen no chance. A draw, and thus penalties, still seemed a likely outcome but Yate score very late on to seal a good win. A good team display with Danny being selected as man of the match.

BSYL - Yr 8 Wickwar 6 - 2 Foxes, 19/10

A tough and at times quite unpleasant game ended with a scoreline that really did not reflect the balance of play over 70 minutes. The Foxes misjudged the time it would take to travel to Wickwar and arrived with little time for a warm up. It was no surprise, therefore, that the home side grabbed a lead in the first couple of minutes with the Foxes still half asleep. Reassuringly the Foxes bounced back and Ollie C scored with a fine left footed shot that the keeper could only parry into the net. The game ebbed and flowed and Wickwar edged ahead for a second time before Danny blasted a cracking goal into the top corner. 2-2 at half time, during which the ref rightly spoke to both sides about the way the game was being played. The second half followed a similar pattern and remained scoreless for 20 minutes. The Foxes had the chance to seize the game but Sam's effort came back off the bar, allowing the home team to beat the offside trap and take the advantage. Even at 3-2 the Foxes were in with a strong chance of equalising for the third time but with five minutes left Wickwar stretched the lead to 4-2. There was no way back for the Foxes and the last five minutes were hard work. Thankfully, for a whole host of reasons, the final whistle finally blew and we were glad to be on the way home. A good, solid performance from the team without much in the way of luck. Jacob was man of the match for a great first half performance before injury forced him off.

BSYL Yr 8 - Foxes 8 - 3 Lockleaze, 06/10/13

A sunny day and return to winning ways as the Foxes entertained 'new boys' Lockleaze. The Foxes started brightly but just could not quite find the back of the net. Seemingly out of nowhere Lockleaze grabbed a good goal and suddenly the home side woke up a little. Harry got the scores level before Danny took us into the lead. Lockleaze bounced back with another breakaway goal and it took a great strike from Danny and a goal from Sonny to give the half time score a comfortable look. The first 10 minutes of the second half carried on in the same way with Harry adding his second and the Foxes' fifth before Lockleaze scored a third and would have added a fourth but for a missed penalty. Pretty much straightaway Harry completed his hatrick and Danny his, with a left foot strike, before Sonny rounded it off with a long shot. A good win but a patchy performance with Alec standing out as man of the match at centre back.

BSYL Yr 8 - Foxes 2 - 5 Golden Hill Sonics, 28/09/13

A difficult day for the Foxes ended in a disappointing performance and a second defeat of the season. Only 12 of the the squad were available for the game and the lack of fresh 'legs' showed as the game went on. The first half was pretty even with the Sonics being good value for their 2-1 half-time lead, their first goal a volley from the edge of the area that left Owen with no hope. The Foxes goal was just as good as Sonny swivelled to bury a chance following a corner. As the second half started it was clear that the next goal would be crucial. Unlike the game against Wickwar the Foxes were unable to grab it as the Sonics extended their lead with a well judged lob. What followed was 15 minutes of the Sonics being completely on top as the Foxes struggled to keep their shape and their heads up. Owen, Ollie K and Alec were exceptional in keeping the score down but even so with five minutes left we trailed 5-1. The game finished on a high note as Harri scored his first of the season but even that did not quite make up for a very a-typical Foxes performance. Ollie K was man of the match for sticking to his task on a difficult day.

BGL U11 Whitchurch Sports 0 v 4 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes maintain unbeaten run in the rain.

The Foxes travelled to league newcomers Whitchurch, for a lunchtime kick off in the cold driving rain.
On a smallish, but flat, and thankfully, well drained pitch, Mara lost the toss, and the Foxes kicked off the first half into the rain.

It soon became clear that despite their league inexperience the opposition were well drilled and able to pass the ball and looked to get forward whenever possible. Once again, in the early stages, the Foxes were too happy to give their opponent's time on the ball, and needed Lulu, Rhiannon and Amelia to sweep up before the lone Whitchurch striker could react.

Slowly the Foxes started to use the width of the pitch and test the excellent away keeper. With encouragement not to try to walk the ball into the goal, Mara reacted to a parried shot to steer the ball into the corner.

Half time and a slender lead 1-0.

A quick turn around and with the rain on their backs, the Foxes looked a better team in the second half, as Whitchurch tried to push forward, and the Foxes countered. Lulu and Rhiannon drove the ball out from the back, and with the 3 front players getting used to interchanging, the passing improved.
Two goals for Sim, and a further goal for Mara, as well as a host of other chances well dealt with by the opposition goalie meant a deserved reward for the girls, who have often not had the rub of the green in matches so far this season.

 4-0 the final result. Good to see Sim back firing and a first clean sheet for Betty. Well done girls!

Next up Bradley Stoke at home, who beat Boco Blues today. Should be a cracker!

Captain of the Week Mara
Girl of the Game Molly (again?!)

BSYL U11 Westbury Park Greens 3 - 2 Sefton Park

Westbury Park scraped a narrow 3-2 victory in a match that went right to the wire. Goals from Jacob and Ben gave the Foxes the lead twice in the first half, but Finlay levelled shortly after on each occasion for Sefton Park. SamD scored a third for the Foxes, and despite several agonising chances late on, Sefton Park could not find the third equaliser.

BSYL U11 Buccaneers Black 1, Westbury Park Foxes White 4

The game started with both teams tackling and defending well until WPF White got the break through with a goal from TomC on 10 minutes, Foxes extended their lead with a goal from Eliot before half time. The second half saw Buccaneers Black having the advantage of the hill and after 10 minutes pulled one back. Then WPF White rallied and scored 2 quick goals from Eliot and Joe to seal the game.

BGL U11 Westbury Park Foxes 3 V 1 Cadbury Heath

A return to winning ways for the Foxes! A somewhat depleted Foxes team took on another league new team, with an afternoon kick off requested by the opposition, due to player availability. Ironically the visitors arrived with a full squad, whilst the Foxes had only 1 sub! The absences required a formation change for the Foxes, with captain of the day Sim moving to left midfield, Mara switching flanks, Lily going upfront and Molly partnering Lulu at the back. Playing down the slope the Foxes started brightly, although constant instructions were required as players got used to their new roles. Good link up play in midfield resulted in a few early chances for the Foxes, but the recent profligacy in front of goal returned and the efforts failed to hit the target. The Foxes finally took the lead as Mara cut in from the right and buried a right foot shot, beating the keeper at the near post. Heath came back and the Foxes were glad of some fantastic long range defensive clearances from Molly, but Betty was rarely troubled in the Foxes goal. The lead was doubled as Lily finished off a neat passing play. She really is developing a Lineker like skill for knowing exactly where to go to get on the end of chances! The second half saw Heath come back into the match, using the slope to advantage, playing long balls over the top and hoping to catch the Foxes who were sometimes slow at getting back. It was one such ball that passed 2 Foxes and allowed the Heath striker to shoot past Betty. Credit to the Foxes who went straight back at the opposition, with Sim running from a deeper midfield position to cross to 2 waiting foxes. The ball bounced past Lily, but fell to Mara at the far post who slotted home. The Foxes soaked up more pressure, with Betty taking the ball off the head of the striker from a corner, and the clock ran down for a well earned victory. Great play and adaptation to the new formation. Good covering back from Rhiannon and Lulu, overall a very good performance. Captain of the Week : Sim Girl of the Game : Mara

BGL U11 Wooton Rovers 1 v 1 Westbury Park Foxes

Sorry sports fans for the delayed report. Now 2 for the price of 1! Last week the Foxes went on an away day to Wooton, a new league tam, who had already run some of the more competitive league teams close this season. On a fantastic, (if a little small), 3G pitch, in bright sunlight the game got underway. What followed was a great game with 2 well matched teams. The Foxes had the better of the opening play, but Wooton battled well and were quick to close down. When the Foxes did get forward, the huge Wooton central defender was on hand to clear the danger. With no way through Lily was sent on, and within a minute the Foxes were in front as the pint sized striker ghosted in at the back post to slot home a Sim square ball. Half time and a 1-0 lead. Changes in personnel at half time meant Izzy, Molly joined the action. Wooton started brightly but never really looked threatening until the central defender went on a run from the halfway line through 5 Foxes before lashing an unstoppable shot from outside the box. 1-1. Sim was restored to the Foxes line as they desperately sought a winner, but 3 shots agonisingly wide meant that we would have to settle for a draw against very good opposition. Captain of the week : Ella Girl of the Game : Lulu

BSYL U11 WPF greens 2, Totterdown 11

Totterdown were convincing winners thanks to goals from Callum, 4, Harry, 3, Jack, 2, and Alfie, 2. Totterdown showed discipline and creativity in equal measure and created a number of well-worked chances from both wings. Consolation goals for the Foxes in the second half came from Josh and Ayman.

BSYL U11 Sefton Park 2, Westbury Park Foxes White 1

On a compact pitch the match started with both teams battling hard for the ball, Sefton Park got the first break through half way into the half to lead at half time. Westbury Park Foxes White battled hard and hit the cross bar, then equalised with a well worked goal from Eliot Smith. The rest of the game was end to end stuff with both teams have chances, but Sefton Park scored the winner.

BSYL Yr 8 - Foxes 3 -1 Wickwar FC, 21/09

Last season's league champions, Wickwar, visited the cup winners in an early season test of form. It was the year 8's first home game of the season and encouraged by familiar surroundings, we started the brighter and much of the first 15 minutes was played in the Wickwar half. An early shout for a hand ball in the penalty box was turned down, the only reason possible being that the referee was unsighted, and other half chances came and went.

It was, however,the visitors who came closest to scoring with a free kick hitting the bar before their forward skied the rebound before, with 10 minutes of the half to go, they seized on a long ball and scored with a well taken break away goal. Having been behind in the last two games the Foxes knew they could get back into the game and that the first gaol of the second half was going to be crucial. So it proved as Omar delicately lobbed the advancing Wickwar keeper to bring the teams level within the first two minutes. After that the Foxes seized the initiative and dominated the game. Several more half chances came and a great reflex save by the Wickwar keeper kept a great shot from Sam at bay. The tension built but eventually a well-deserved second goal came for the Foxes as Jack reacted quickest from an Ollie C corner and headed the ball home. The game was wrapped up as Jack, again, scored this time with a lovely left foot shot.

An exciting game ended 3-1 with the all the Foxes players making significant contributions but Harri was singled out as the man of the match.

BGL U11 Westbury Park Foxes 2 v 1 AEK Boco Red

A squad reduced by illness to 8 lined up for the third match of the season at home to Boco Red. The Foxes were without leading striker Sim, and elected to move Lulu to the back, with Rhiannon slotting into central midfield. Lily took on the striker role with usual wingers Ella and Mara. It was apparent before kick off that the Boco Reds were going to be a significant physical threat, with our front line looking dwarfed by the opposition! The Foxes started brightly, and the tactical formation seemed to work as the girls started to pass the ball better, and use the width of the pitch. Most of the play was in the opposition half, but when the ball made it into the box the tall Boco defence were quick to use their physical advantage to clear, and the away 'keeper was quick to pounce on any loose balls. Eventually the Foxes territorial possession told and the goal predictabley came from a Lulu corner that Mara did well to bundle in at the far post. This spurred the opposition, who, with the benefit of multiple rolling subs, were able to keep a high tempo, and managed to hit the Foxes on the break, calling Betty into a fine double save. The green and whites were able to resume control, and ended the half unlucky not to be further ahead, as Lulu sent a free kick just wide, and then had a stone wall penalty appeal turned down. The second half started in disaster, for the home team, as a speculative punt from the opposition goalie was followed by a lone striker who was able to run through 4 Foxes without challenge to slot cooly past the advancing Betty. The Foxes rolled up their sleeves, and, with Lily returning for Bea, the Foxes went straight on the attack, with great linkup play from the front 4 seeing Mara claim a second goal. This time the Foxes held their concentration, tracking back when needed and making great forward runs that could have seen the lead extended. So the match finished 2-1. Another hard fought victory, when, on another day, we could have scored a hat full. All deserve great credit for the way they battled much bigger opposition and kept running for 60 minutes. Captain of the Day: Amelia Girl of the Game: Ella

BGL U11 Downend Saints 1 v 2 Westbury Park Foxes Girls

The Foxes consolidated 3 place in the BGL with a hard fought victory over Downend. Miserable conditions, especially for a coach who forgot his waterproofs, and a small pitch, did not make for great football. The foxes gave a debut to Millie, who as tradition dictates, took the captains armband for the day. The early exchanges saw the foxes being harried, often over hitting passes and not spreading the play effectively. Nerves were calmed when a good move was rounded off by a blistering shot from Lily who had started off up front. The Saints were restricted to the middle of the pitch with Amelia and Millie providing excellent defensive cover. Sim came on for Lily and the Foxes soon doubled the lead as she calmly slotted home after more good passing play. Downend were not out of it though, and with the Foxes committing too many forward, they were undone as the foxes goal was undone by sheer numbers. Downend pressed again and were denied by a fine save from Betty. The half finished 2-1, and with conditions rapidly deteriorating, the foxes went after the killer goal. Despite hitting the post twice and having a shot tipped over, there were no additions to the score and the Foxes ran out winners. Better passing and covering by the midfield will be required, but results are going our way,and everyone continues to improve. Next week will be a tough test against Boco Reds. Captain of the Week and Girl of the Game both went to Millie. Well done!

GFA Cup Year 8 - Pucklechurch Youth FC 2 – 2 Foxes (1-3 on penalties), 15/09/13

Sunday saw another fixture, this time in the GFA Cup. For the second time in two days the Foxes started the game playing up a slope and into the wind and for the second time entered half time 2-0 down. Both goals were well taken and resulted from long through balls to the home team’s strikers. The score line could have been worse but for great work from Jacob, Harri, Ollie K and Nick at the back and Owen, restored to goal in the absence of Archie, having a blinder which included a couple of one-on-one blocks and a brilliant penalty save. Even against the slope the Foxes created pressure and chances but were kept out through a combination of brave keeping and defending.

The wind picked up in the second half and this helped the Foxes pen the home side in their own half. Great strikes from Sonny (a left foot lob) and Omar levelled the score. Danny drew a fine save from their keeper, who then almost handed us a win as an Ollie C cross slipped through his hands but rolled the wrong side of the post.

So to penalties.

Sam won the toss and decided that we would take the first one. Danny coolly slotted his, before Owen saved yet again. 1-0 to the Foxes. Sonny missed. Owen saved. Still 1-0. Omar missed and Pucklechurch finally beat Owen. 1-1. Ollie C had no problems with his and when Pucklechurch lifted their fourth penalty over the bar it was left to Captain Lawes to seal the win with a well taken spot-kick. 3-1 to the Foxes. So the weekend ended on a high.

Two good performances in which the Foxes refused to give up and continued to compete to the final whistle. The cup game saw a squad full of great performances with Jacob being selected as man of the match for a faultless display at full-back.

BSYL Year 8 - Bishopston Utd 2 – 0 Foxes, 14/09/13

The start of a tough weekend for the U13s, with a league game on Saturday followed by a GFA game on the Sunday, ended in frustration at the hands of Bishopston. The game was played on a lovely surface and with the sun on the players’ backs.

As with the corresponding fixture last season, the game was even throughout with the Foxes creating just as much pressure and just as many chances as the home side but coming away with no reward for their efforts. Bishopston took the lead early in first half when a well struck corner carried to the far post and was met on the half volley for a very well taken goal. The Foxes pressed and perhaps the best chance fell to Jack whose shot hit the keeper and bounced wide of the post. Just before the break the Foxes were guilty of standing off their tackles which allowed the Bishopston striker a jinking run and a good shot to leave Archie with no chance.

Perhaps the critical moment of the game came early in the second half when playing with the slope and a slight breeze the Foxes won a penalty, which Danny struck well on to the underside of the bar but when the ball came down it bounced out rather than in and Sam could not put the rebound away. The second half saw the Foxes pressing and the home side restricted to breakaways which the defence and Archie dealt with comfortably. However, despite the pressure the score line remained unchanged.

Sam was man of the match for tireless performance leading the attack.

BSYL Yr 8 - Ashley Down 1 - 3 Westbury Park Foxes, 07/09/13

The U13s started their season with a hard fought win against a competitive Ashley Down. Both sides looked a little rusty in the first half but the Foxes led through a scrambled goal by Omar. The game was pretty even throughout with the Foxes defence, in particular Harri on his birthday, keeping the home side at bay. An Ashley Down handball on the goal line led to a penalty which was well saved and cleared, but only for Nick to score from distance. Ashley Down kept pressing and a breakaway goal brought them back into it before Omar crowned a man of the match performance to seal the win for the Foxes. Thanks to Maggs and Allen for their sponsorship of the year 8's kit.

WPF Girls u11 3 v 1 Portishead Town

The BGL got underway this morning with the girls facing a tricky home tie to Portishead.
Freshly armed with our new 'Respect' barrier, (although unable to get it into the unusually dry ground), we set up on the slightly enlarged pitch.
The Foxes gave a debut to Rhiannon, who rejoined from the academy this year, slotting into the defence allowing Lulu to sit at the base of the diamond. The Foxes were otherwise familiar with Amelia in front of Betty between the sticks, Ella and Mara on the wings and Sim upfront. Ruby, Molly and Lily started on the bench.
It would be fair to say that the Foxes looked a little rusty after only 1 training session since the summer tournaments, and Portishead clearly had a plan to stop Sim, and to counter attack with a lively looking number 15 on the wing.
The Foxes had the better of the early exchanges with Sim going close. Then a Foxes corner was well worked short enabling Lulu to curl a wonder goal into the top corner from outside the box.
More good work by the Foxes forced another corner which was whipped in by Lulu beating the 'keeper at the near post. Lily replaced Ella, and soon the Foxes were 3-0 up as again Portishead failed to deal with a corner with a defender deflecting into the net. Portishead responded with a couple of good attacks forcing fine saves from Betty.
Half time meant changes, with Molly replacing Rhiannon. Playing up the slope meant more possession conceded, although it looked like it would take something to breech the Foxes, but that's what happened as the Foxes allowed the lively 15 to run unopposed to the edge of the box before letting fly into the far corner. Ruby came on a right back and showed determination in breaking up several Portishead attacks.
Rhiannon returned onto the left side of midfield, and showed some fine skills on the ball, threading a pass to Ella that was well saved by the away goalie.
No further goals meant the game finished 3-1 to the Foxes. A good result and I am sure that the passing game will improve with regular practice.

Captain of the week: Rhiannon
Girl of the Game: Lulu

Girls Claim Runners Up at Quedgeley Tournament

The U10 Foxes claimed more silverware as they made the trip to Gloucester for the Quedgeley Tournament.
9 girls made the trip, Ella W and Ella B, Molly, Lulu, Betty, Mara, Izzy, Lily and Amelia.
The format saw 6 teams play in a league, with the top 4 progressing to semi finals. The opposition consisted of Boco Blues and Whites, Downend Flyers, Tewksbury Town and Cheltenham Spa.
First up for the Foxes was Boco Blue, who narrowly pipped us to the BGL title. A tense end to end game saw the Foxes start slowly before getting into the game. A thundering Lulu free kick from 20 yards smashed into the post, before, with almost the last kick of the game, she curled a corner to the near post that the 'keeper could only parry into the net. 1-0, and a moral boosting first win over our bogy team!
Next up Tewksbury Town, who provided little opposition allowing the Foxes to run riot and get in some much needed shot practice. 7-0.
Boco Whites were up next, and whilst the Foxes had their chances, neither team could find a way through and the game finished scoreless. 0-0.
The impressive looking Cheltenham Spa were the next opposition, which prompted the Foxes into a more defensive set up with Izzy bolstering the defence and Lulu pushing up in the middle behind a front 2. Again the well matched sides both created chances but with the competition's 2 best goalies, ( Betty and Betsy!), on the pitch neither could find a way through. 0-0.
The final game against the ever improving Flyers was again a close game. The Foxes took the lead only for Downend to come straight back and fire an equaliser, causing some nerves on the sideline. Happily the Foxes showed their spirit and started to dominate, forcing a winner to ensure we qualified top of the group. 2-1.
Downend then played out a winner takes all against Boco Whites for the last semi final place, and deservedly went through 1-0.
The semi final format was 1v3 and 2v4, meaning that we would face Boco Blues again in the first semi final.
Sticking with our defensive line up the opening half was cagey with few clear chances for either side. Midway through the second half the game came to life as the Boco striker hit a pile driver towards the top corner from inside the box, only to see Betty pull off save of the century, as she pushed it over the bar! Not wanting a penalty shootout the Foxes coaches decided to go for it and replaced Izzy at the back for Lily upfront, and the change brought instant success as the diminutive striker lashed a shot against the 'keeper that rebounded into the net. The girls played out the game, all dropping deep to prevent any further Boco attack, and we were in the Final. 1-0.
Cheltenham Spa were the other finalists. The Foxes tactic was again to try to win in normal time, starting defensively and then adding forwards towards the end. Betty again made a great triple save, and dived bravely at the feet of the striker, and whilst the introduction of another Foxes forward pushed Spa back, this time we were hit on the break, and despite a couple of chances late on it was not to be on this occasion. 0-1.
Overall a great success, topping the group, making the final and putting our BOCO Blue demons to rest!
Well done to all the squad who all made fantastic contributions to another successful tournament!

GIRLS WIN ST NICK'S TOURNAMENT!

The U10 girls rounded off a tremendous season by winning the St Nicks tournament.

 Betty, Lulu, Amelia, Ella B, Izzy, Molly, Mara and Sim, were the 8 girl squad for this 6-a-side tournament.

A round robin league format pitched us against 5 other teams. Our first match was against unknown opposition in Frome Town. Our concerns about being 'slow starters' were put to rest as Sim scored after 53 seconds, and added 5 more in a one sided game that ended 7-0, with Mara also getting a goal.

Next up were another unknown, Clevedon Utd, who were a tougher test. They held out gamely until the first Foxes goal but then rapidly conceded a further 2 to end the match 3-0 to the Foxes. Again Sim and Mara scoring for the Foxes.

The next game proved a much tougher challenge, with Downend Flyers turning the BGL form book upside down to produce a thrilling test for the Foxes, before they too fell victim to 2 late Sim goals which keep the Foxes unbeaten without a goal conceded.

Up next Bradley Stoke, also unbeaten to this stage, and well known from our league encounters. Whilst Betty was called into action a couple of times, the Foxes dominated and ran out 3-0 winners, a Sim hat trick adding to her impressive goal tally.

Resting the wingers ahead of the final, our last group match resulted in a 1-0 victory over Team Mendip, with Molly and Izzy slotting in seamlessly to ensure that the Foxes qualified for the final, unbeaten and without conceding a goal.

A 6 o'clock final kick off had already put paid to most of Lulu's Hawks Gym birthday party, but it was great to see so many former Foxy coaches on the sidelines as the girls took to the pitch with a steely determination that I haven't seen before. Bradley Stoke were the opposition again, this time over 20 minutes. The only goal of the game came in the first half as Betty spotted Mara free on the left and threw out to her. Mara then cut inside the midfielder before rounding the defender to slot home at the near post. The Foxes were again in the ascendency as they looked for a second, but had to settle for a 1-0 half time lead. The second half predictably saw Stoke trying to press, but they were harried in midfield and the Foxes continued to look dangerous going forward. When Stoke did find their loan striker Amelia was on hand to perfectly time the challenge. An injury to Sim, accompanied by some disappointing barracking from the Stoke support, brought Izzy into the action. With Sim restored, the whole team was now fired up and a determined Foxes forced a string of corners to see out the game.
Lulu collected the trophy, and the party could start at last!

Captain of the Day : Lulu
Girls of the Game : The lot of them!

Foxes Thornbury U11 Winners

Thornbury U11's Plate Winners 2013

Westbury Park Foxes U11's squad's first tournament of the season at Thornbury got off to a good start. Two teams were entered in a competition made up of sixteen teams. Foxes Whites team included Billy, Caston, Jarnell, John, Joseph, Josh, Oskar and Rohan. The Foxes Green team included Caleb, Eddie, Ewan, Jack, Luis, Stanley, TJ and William LP.

The competition consisted of four mini leagues of four teams in each league; each match five minutes each way. The Plate was competed for by the teams who finished third and fourth  in each league, in a straight knock out competition consisting of quarter, semi and final.

Apologies to the Whites but I only took note of the Foxes Green scores. 

In the mini league the Greens lost their first two matches against Windsor Drive Clarets 0-1 and Stoke Lane 1-2. Stanley scored the Foxes Greens first goal of the tournament. To be fair both games could have gone the Foxes way but with only five minutes each half the clock was unforgiving. In the third game against Bristol Utd B the Foxes Greens finally found  goal scoring  much easier winning 4-0, Luis (2) Eddie (1) and Stanley (1).

Having finished 3rd in the mini league the Foxes Greens went on to the quarter final of the Plate competition against one of the two Thornbury U11 sides. I think we beat Thornbury 1-0 with Louis scoring.

In the semi final the Foxes Greens came up against the Foxes Whites. It was a shame we didn't meet in the final so both teams of players could go away with silverware.The first half belonged to the Greens who went 2-0 up through goals from Eddie and Louis. But the Whites responded to  Fergie'ish team talk at half time from Mark and Adriane and scored within 30 seconds of the second half starting. The Green's managed to  hang on for a 2-1 victory. A great performance from  both teams!!

In the final the Green's were up against Thornbury B. On paper it looked like a difficult task but the Greens were unfazed and went 1-0 up in the first half from a goal by Stanley. In the second half the Greens extended their dominance and scored two more goals from Eddie and Stanley; the game ending in a 3-0 victory. The Greens were mobbed at the final whistle by the remaining Foxes Whites who had stayed to watch the final and by parents.

It was a fantastic result for the Foxes. Both teams were a magnificent credit to their coaches and parents. Well done boys, you played bootiful football :)

BSYL Cup Final, Yr 7 - Foxes Win!

The year 7 Foxes are gaining a reputation as Cup specialists as they triumphed over Rockleaze Rangers in an exciting final of the BSYL's Fountains Trophies U12 Cup held at Brislington FC. On a sunny evening, and on a perfect playing surface, both sides played their part in an absorbing game.

The Foxes started brightly. An early shot by captain Sam L was cleared off the Rockleaze line and Ollie C and Jack C, on the right and left of midfield, were a constant threat. The deadlock was broken when Joey, having hit the post with a powerful shot, tucked the ball into the Rockleaze goal. Within two minutes the Foxes lead was doubled as a corner from Ollie C was met at the near post by Danny who flicked his header into the roof of the net. Yup - Danny scored a header....

The first half ended with the Foxes on top but Rockleaze came out after the break determined to get back in the game. For 10 minutes the Foxes defence of Harri, Ollie, Seb and Nick, with Owen playing just in front, stopped any clear cut chances and when one came a brilliant one handed save by Archie protected the lead and turned the tide.

The Foxes picked up their game and again attacked using the full width of the pitch, this time through the excellent Anna and Harry. The Rockleaze keeper had the be alert on three or four occasions to snuff out chances. The whole Foxes' squad were on hand to support and to offer fresh legs and, at various times they all made a real impact.

All of the players on both sides, even those that didn't make it on to the pitch, contributed to a memorable evening.

BSYL Yr 7 - Foxes 3 - 2 Ashley Down, 27/04

A scrappy end to the League season saw the Foxes edge out Ashley Down to end an encouraging first year in 11 a-side football.

The weather was once again a factor as the wind and blustery rain made controlling the ball difficult. The Foxes started indifferently and never really got going. The first half ended 1-0 to the home side as Ollie C's shot cum cross deflected off an Ashley Down defender. The away side had the wind at their backs in the second half and their equaliser roused the Foxes to some extent as first Omar, taken his goal very well, and then Jack C from a corner, put the Foxes out of reach.

Ashley Down kept going until the end and after Owen had saved a penalty they scored direct from the resulting corner as the wind whipped the ball into the net.   

BSYL CUP Yr7 - Semi-Final - Foxes 2 - Bishopston Utd 1, 17/04

A very exciting cup semi-final ended with the Foxes as the winners due to a great, late strike from Joey as her drove a free kick into the next from outside the box.

Both sides started brightly but could not convert the chances that came at both ends. The deadlock was broken in the first half when Joey scored with a long-range shot after good work from Jack C and Anna. Bishopston's best moments came on the break but Owen, well supported by his defence, kept them at bay.

The second half saw the Foxes have the lion's share of possession and the best chances but it took that late freekick from Joey to seal the victory. There was still time for the Bishopston keeper to save a penalty and for his side to mount a few attacks but the Foxes held firm.

Y6 Foxes do the Double!

Westbury Park Foxes Whites completed the U11 BSYL league and couple double today with a stunning Cup Final win against an impressive Ingleside team. 

Nerves were set on edge when, for the first 10 minutes, Ingleside controlled the match and the Foxes were on the back foot. The Foxes' midfield need to be bolstered and after a tactical substitution, a long-range strike from sweeper Jack Harvey gave the Foxes the lead and they then started to dominate the match. A second followed soon after when Joseph McMurchie pounced on a parried save by the Ingleside keeper.  Stanley McCormick added a third before the man of the match, Harrison Nash, grabbed a brace of goals, the first a superb volley from 20m. Stanley McCormick added a sixth just before half time to give the Foxes a 6:0 lead at the break. Every one of the Foxes was playing their hearts out and despite the lead, they remained focussed on the task in hand.

Ingleside never gave in and continued to press in the second half. Only some stout defence by Tee-Jay O'Donoghue and Foxes' Captain William Wilkinson kept them out.  Henry Sweet added two more for the Foxes but Ingleside continued to try for a goal.  The Foxes' keeper, Caston Williamson, made some fabulous saves to keep a clean sheet and only some superb play by the Ingleside keeper kept the Foxes' John Elderton from scoring late in the game after a couple of wonderful runs.  The final score of 8:0 to the Foxes did not reflect the effort and skill of the Ingleside team.

Congratulations to both sides for a fantastic match played in a wonderful and thoroughly sporting manner.

The Foxes played some outstanding football and put in a superb performance.  Everyone associated with the Y6 Foxes should be very proud of what the club has achieved today.

BGL u10 Westbury Park Foxes 7-0 Downend Flyers

Foxes sign off in style!

The final game of the season saw the Foxes take on Downend, and whilst second place was secure everyone wanted to end the season on a high note.
Changes were rung to the starting line up with Bea partnering Amelia in defence, with Lulu moving into midfield with Izzy and Mara, and Lily the sole striker.
Birthday girl Mara won the toss and wisely played down the slope. The Foxes were dominant from the off, with no sign of rustiness after the Easter break, and were quickly into their stride. Lulu and Izzy were winning the ball  in midfield allowing Mara and Lily to break, and a goal for Mara and a Lily hat-trick meant a 4-0 first half lead for the home team.
Changes for the second half brought Ruby, Ella B and Sim off the bench, and saw Lulu and Betty swap goalie and midfield duties, as the Foxes played up the hill. Again great determination and swift passing put the Foxes on top, and a goal for Betty, and a couple for Sim meant the score reflected the dominance of the Foxes.

A great way to end a fine debut season for the Foxes girls in the BGL!

Captain of the week: Mara
Girl of the Game: Lulu

BSYL - YR 7 - Foxes 2 - 1 Shirehampton, 13/04/13

A game dominated by the weather ended in a win for the Westbury Park Foxes. Playing with the wind and the slope in the first half, the home side should have made more of their pressure and possession. Danny hit the bar with a strong shot before Joey scored with a shot that wriggled under the Shire keeper. Other chances came and went before Dannytucked in a near post effort.

2-0 at half time. Shire came out with real determination and reduced the deficit early on.  The second half saw action at both ends and either side could have added to their total, the closest being when Seb made a vital goal line clearance for the Foxes which, with the rest of his performance, made him the man of the match.

BSYL - Yr 7 Foxes 4 - 2 Golden Hill Sonics, 10/04

A cracking game on a wet and cold night saw the Foxes deserve to come out on top.

The Sonics came with a strong 11 while the Foxes made full use of  a squad of 18. The rain started to sweep across Redland Green just as the game started and the speed of the ball off the surface meant that both sides took a while to settle.

The first 15 minutes were relatively uneventful before Nick picked the ball up just inside the Sonics half, carried it 30 metres and coolly slotted it in. This seemed to fire the away side into action and the Sonics enjoyed their best spell of the game, scoring one lovely goal and having the bulk of possession.

The Foxes, however, never give up and having weathered the storm won the game with two quick goals either side of half time. First through Nick, again, as he rounded the keeper and coolly rolled the ball in to the open net and then, within 15 seconds of the second half starting, Sam L played a great ball to Harry who outpaced the defence to score. 3-1 and the Foxes finally had control of the game. Several half chances came and went, with Sam L bring a good save from the keeper and Ollie C hitting the post, but Danny didn't miss as he jinked into the area and beat the keeper with a great finish.

The Sonics kept going until the end and scored with very little time left with a good volley from a free kick.

Overall, the Foxes should be please with our performance against a skillful side. All of the squad played and made a contribution. The conditions didn't encourage pretty football but even so we managed some good moments and took our goals very well.

Man of the match was Danny for a hard working performance in central midfield which was crowned by a very good goal. 

Yr 7 BSYL - Foxes 4 - 4 Wickwar, 23/03

A game that defied the rain and the cold and a performance from the Foxes that has thrown open the pursuit of the u12s league title. Wickwar now need Bishopston to drop points if they are to end up on top and it was clear quite how much this game meant to the visitors.

With the Downs again being unplayable a series of late-Friday-evening calls secured a pitch (RGS astro thanks to Bishopston Utd U14s), a referee and a later kick off time. The Easter break reduced the number of players available but we were still able to field a squad of 13 with Seb and Joey making rare appearances.

Despite the coaches asking the team to start strong, a combination of the changed start time and the cold left the Foxes on the back foot and only inspirational goalkeeping from Owen and brave defending from Alec, Ollie, Seb and Harri kept us in the game. As the half wore on the Foxes started to edge back into the game and took the lead through Sam. Wickwar struck back immediately, almost straight from the restart, before Sam restored the Foxes lead just before half time after good work down the left from Nick and Jack.

Unfortunately, the second half began with a bang as Wickwar drew level once again straight from the kick off, but the Foxes held their nerve, defended well and used the ball increasingly well going forward. Goals from Joey and Danny gave the Foxes a two goal lead that Wickwar always looked capable of clawing back - and so it proved. A free kick that was saved onto the post by Owen before rolling along, and just crossing, the line and a deflected shot brought the away side level. With the league title at stake emotions ran high but neither side could find the decisive goal.

A good, strong performance from the Foxes against a tough opposition. Two of their goals came quickly after restarts, something we thought had been ironed out, but we were never behind and caused Wickwar problems throughout. Well played all.

BGL u10 Westbury Park Foxes 3 v 1 AEK Boco White

Foxes secure league runners up spot!

A bitterly cold morning at St Ursulas and a pitch still drying out meant conditions for today's game would be as tricky as they had been for the reverse game, when we had been held to a 1-1 draw in driving rain.
With 3 subs to keep warm we knew that squad rotation would be important today.
Kicking off down the hill a familiar pattern emerged with the Foxes making the running and having plenty of possession, but the opposition doing a good job of closing down and looking sharp of the break.  Relief came midway through the half when Lily was rewarded for some good work on the edge of the box with a shot low down to the corner to beat the White's 'keeper.
The Foxes made a change with Bella came off the bench to replace Ella B, however, with Boco starting to come back into the game and winning too many of the 50:50 challenges, Izzy came on for Lily to add some steel to midfield. This enabled the Foxes to see out the half without further problems.
Playing up the slope the Foxes aimed for a more defensive set up with Ella W coming on to play 3 at the back with Lulu and Amelia, leaving Izzy in the middle with Mara and Sim a lone striker. The move seemed to work as a great run and through ball from Izzy allowed Sim to slot passed the impressive Whites 'keeper. The confidence going forward, however, lead to us getting caught out on the break as the Foxes failed to clear and get back in sufficient numbers to prevent Boco pulling a goal back with a well taken shot to the corner. This seemed to give the opposition belief and they gambled, putting the goalie up front in an attempt to salvage the game. It was the Foxes, however, who benefitted as more great skill from Lily beating 3 on the edge of the box before a fine 1-2 with Sim allowed her to slot home a second!
A fine performance by all 10 players and a result that puts us second on goal difference with a game to go.
Well done to all for a fantastic debut season!

Captain of the Week: Lily
Girl of the Game: Izzy

BGL u10 Westbury Park Foxes 5 v 1 BLU Yellows

Hard earned win in tricky conditions!

An early pitch inspection (lucky me), and a lack of further rain enabled the game to go ahead as scheduled,  preventing the Watts from getting a lie-in in Dorchester!
Betty donned the captain's armband and lost the toss, so we started down the slope. It was clear from early on that the pitch would cut up, and the heavy conditions seemed to nullify the pace that our game is built on.
Whilst the Foxes made most of the early running, it seemed difficult to weight passes correctly and on a few occasions the ball seemed to arrived before the player.
Slowly things improved, and a well taken shot from Lily was spilled into the net by the BLUs 'keeper. As so often the early goal spurred on the Foxes, and pressure from set pieces soon had us 2 up as Sim converted from a Lulu corner. Bea replaced Ella on the right of midfield as the Foxes looked to consolidate. We didn't  have it all our own way though, as a good run and shot tested Betty's positional play. The BLUs were allowed too often to break 2 on 2 as the midfield struggled to track back up the slope.
The second half was much more open as the BLUs used the slope to quickly recycle the ball to their 2 forwards requiring more stops from Betty.
A further goal from Sim made things safe before another BLU attack wasn't cleared and Betty was left stranded after coming for a cross that fell kindly to an opposition striker who prodded home.
The BLUs looked to capitalise and the Foxes reorganised with Lily coming off to leave Sim upfront alone. With Bea dropping back and the wingers restored the shape returned and further goals from Lulu (from nearly half way) and Ella sealed the win for the Foxes. Lily replaced Sim and made some fine runs and was unlucky not to add to her tally.
Another good performance in tricky conditions. Victory next week will see us secure the runners up spot with a game in hand!

Captain of the week: Betty
Girl of the Game: Betty

BGL u10 Westbury Park Foxes 1 v 0 Bradley Stoke

Football the winner as Foxes edge Stoke in a thriller!

The largest crowd of the season so far gathered at St Ursulas to cheer on the teams as the Foxes welcomed Bradley Stoke, the current league leaders, for a game that will probably determine second and third place in this year's league.
The Foxes had won the reverse fixture but were aware that Stoke are a good passing side and had made additions to their squad since we last met.
Captain Ella won the toss and, for a change, the Foxes started playing down the slope, in an effort not to get caught napping again in the early encounters.
A terrific open first half saw both teams attempt to move the ball about the pitch, with some fine passing and movement. Betty was called into some early action, with a couple of routine saves and a fine tip round the post. Great team defending stopped most of the Stoke attacks, although Amelia did some fine work in clearing, after Betty had saved with her knee against 2 Stoke forwards.
Increasing pressure from Sim forced the Stoke keeper into a fine low down save, but she was powerless to prevent the Foxes taking the lead after a training ground move saw Lulu send a bullet throw to the near post, which Sim ghosted onto and volleyed past the stranded 'keeper.
The Foxes controlled the remainder of the half to take a 1-0 halftime lead.
Playing up the slope, the Foxes reorganised with Bella coming on to replace the hard running Lily, mindful of a need not to get caught on the break. The more defensive set-up meant that we would concede territory but look to attack on the break. Midway through the half , Betty pulled off a fine save, diving at the feet of two Stoke players. Molly replaced Mara on the left, as the Foxes pushed forward, but rode their luck as a fantastic run to the byline and cross by the Stoke number 5 had too much on it and went out for a goal kick.
1-0 at the end to the Foxes. A really great game between two well-matched sides, who both try to play football! Next season should be a cracker.

Captain of the Week: Ella
Girl of the Game: Amelia

BGL u10 Westbury Park Foxes 0 v 1 AEK Boco Blue

Foxes go down in difficult circumstances.

We knew that this would be tough game, but we were all still surprised at the level of physicality that the oppositions game was based around.
A sloppy start from the Foxes meant that we were chasing the game, as a Boco player was allowed to run into the box and beat Betty at the near post with barely 5 minutes gone.
The Foxes quickly woke up and started to play. Most of the remainder of the first half saw the Foxes camped in the Boco half as corner after corner rained into the Boco box. Sim's fine run ended with a shot rattling the post, before a cynical tackle on the edge of the box allowed a Lulu pile driver which a desperate Boco defender managed to get a boot on to defect round the post.
Confidence remained high that the breakthrough would come in the the second half as the Foxes continued to dominate posession and territory. Sadly the only break it seemed we were likely to get was one to the ankle as Lily's game ended early after another heavy challenge. More corners followed including an agonising ball that rolled along the goal line but wouldn't cross. Another cynical edge of the area challange sent Sim sprawling but again the free kick was deflected behind.
Boco were content to play with 5 behind the ball and see out the remainder of the game.
Great credit must go to all the girls who kept going and kept trying to play football in difficult circumstances.

Captain of the Day: Amelia
Girl of the Game: Lily ( as voted for by her fellow professionals)

Year 7 BSYL Cup Rockleaze 1 - 3 Foxes, 02/03

The Foxes eased into the semi finals of the cup with a comfortable win over Rockleaze. From word go the Foxes, playing up hill in the first half, saw the majority of the ball and used their possession well. The new formation seemed to suit the team with Nick busy in midfield, Jack T untroubled at left back and Sam L causing the Rockleaze defenders constant trouble

The pressure paid off as Nick scored a deserved first from the edge of the area with a well struck first-time shot. The lead was soon extended when Anna won the ball on the Foxes right, fed it to Danny who's cross-cum-shot flew in at the far post.

The second half saw more pressure from the Foxes: Ollie C made a great run into the box but couldn't keep his shot down,  Raul hit the bar with a bicycle kick, Harri hit the post from a free kick and the Rockleaze keeper making a number of saves. A third goal finally came when Omar, under strict instructions to test the keeper, scored expertly from 20 yards. Rockleaze looked to score on the break and Harri had to make one fantastic, last-ditch goal line tackled before the home side pulled one back through a well taken penalty.   The Foxes were strong throughout with the back four as hard working as ever, Sonny fitting in well to midfield and threat, and goals, coming from all round the pitch.

Yr 7 BSYL Bishopston Utd 2 - 0 Foxes, 23/02

On a freezing day the Foxes lost out to Bishopston in a game where we dominated possession but just couldn't score. Bishopston scored a goal in both halves, both well taken, the first stabbed in from outside the area as three players chased for a loose ball and the second as the ball bounced around the area before falling to the Bishopston player's feet. 

The Foxes played some lovely passing football, using the large playing area to good effect but just couldn't get the goals their performance deserved.

Yr 7 BSYL Cup - Foxes 6 - 0 Golden Hill Sonics

The final score line flattered the Foxes as for 40 minutes the game could have gone either way. Both teams were missing key players but still managed to create good passages of football. Despite the Sonics starting the brighter, the Foxes went in 2-0 up at half time with both goals resulting from Ollie C corners, the first from Raul  and the second from Nick . Throughout the first half the Foxes owed a lot to their back five, Owen in goal and Nick, Harri, Harry and Alec who kept the Sonics at bay.

The second half started with the Sonics camped in the Foxes half with Owen making some brave saves and the ball being cleared off the goal line by Nick. Another Ollie C corner, however, leading to a goal from Omar changed the balance of play and the Foxes went on to score three more, with Omar completing his hatrick and Danny converting a penalty. Omar also hit the post and Harri, after a run from deep in his own half, rattled the bar.

Yr 7 - GFA Cup - Rockleaze 2 - 1 Foxes

So our run in the Sunday County Cup came to an agonising end. Having been 1-0 up through a lovely finish by Omar, we ended up conceding the decisive goal with the last kick of the game.

The Foxes should be really proud of the way the boys played. Injuries, rugby and hockey tournaments and the fact that we play on Saturdays, so that the squad usually do other things on a Sunday, left us with some key players missing. As it was we played some lovely stuff in the first half, creating some good chances and deserved to go into the break in the lead. As it was Rockleaze scored with a rare shot late on in the half.

The second half was scrappy, with Rockleaze having the majority of possession but Archie in goal and Nick, Owen, Harri and Jacob in front of him stopped any really clear chaccnes being created. We struggled to get forward, although Ollie C did hit the bar and with an injury to Omar, and with Anna having to leave early, we ended with barely 11 fit players and were unable to take it to penalties. 

The coaches could have asked for nothing more from the squad.

BGL u10's Portishead Town 0 v 7 Westbury Park Foxes

Girls Stay Top With Commanding Performance!

The result belies the fact that Portishead are a good side, with some strong attacking players who have achieved some noticeable results this season, including a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture and a win against Boco Blues.
With this in mind the Foxes opted to drop Lulu back to defend with Amelia, regular wingers Mara and Ella starting on the flanks with Sim upfront and Lily occupying the hole. Betty took up her usual position between the sticks.

The first half was sublime. Regular coaching with Raph has meant that all of the girls are comfortable with the ball, can change direction, and increasingly are seeing passes to teammates. This, combined with some tough tackling against bigger players, and the great pace throughout the team makes them a joy to watch.
Five goals came in the first half. I cannot remember which order Lily and Sim scored them, which is partly due to the fact I am getting old, but mainly due to the fact that they were team goals with many players involved. Molly came on for Lily in the centre and played out the rest of the first half, really imposing herself and playing some great passes.

The second half saw a change around with Sim making way for Lily to return, Molly move to right wing, Lulu to centre mid and Ella B taking a rest to give Ella W her Foxes debut in defence.
A more even start to the second half saw the Foxes repel some determined Portishead attacks, but Amelia marshalled the defence like a pro. With Ella B back on for Mara the Foxes added a sixth as Ella slotted home a pass after Lily beat 3 defenders. Lulu took over in goal, allowed Betty a run out in midfield and soon Lily scored a goal of the season contender picking up the ball on half way to run through Portishead, take a rebound from the 'keeper then vaulting the grounded goalie to slot home. Magic!

Over all another great team performance!

Captain of the week: Simran
Girl of the Game: Molly

U10 Bristol Ladies Yellows 0 v 5 Westbury Park Foxes

Second win of the year sees the Foxes top the league.
A playable Coombe Dingle enabled us to reverse the fixture and get some much needed football after the recent bad weather.
A bout of illness meant Ella missing out with Betty and Amelia both needing Calpol to make it on to the pitch! This meant some reorganising with Sim moving to the right and Lily starting up front. Mara took up the left midfield and Amelia and Captain Molly took on the defensive duties. Lulu played the holding role that she has made her own.
The Foxes started brightly against a packed BLU Yellow defence. Whilst there was some adjusting to new positions, the Foxes were soon passing the ball and making decisive runs into the box. We spent most of the time in opposition territory, but the Yellows had an effective front 2 who were more than capable of hitting us on the break. Their tactics worked for the first 10 minutes or so, but eventually the pressure told and the Foxes took the lead. There followed a further 3 goals in quick succession, the last one a sublime 5 pass move from Betty in our goal to the back of the BLUs net!
The second half was a similar pattern with the Foxes dominant and the Yellows looking to hit on the break, but great defensive work from Ruby snuffed out their best attacking chance.
The BLUs defiant defence held out until the final seconds of the game when a great run and unselfish square ball from Lily to Sim allowed a close range tap in.
Clearly the great coaching from Raph has started to pay dividends with the girls getting better at seeing and executing passes, not being selfish with the ball, and all looking to control the ball with authority!
Captain of the Week: Molly
Girl of the Game: Lily
International Kung Fu Gold Medal Winner of the Week: Izzy!