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