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