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