Year 2 Foxes v Shire Colts

Saturday 18th January was one for the mudlarks. Whilst other more lightweight year groups took the "it's a bit wet, let's call it off" option, the Year 2 Foxes were having none of it. A late change saw the game switched from a soggy Stoke Lodge to a soggy Down and 24 hooped-heros were assembled to take on 17 red-shirts from Shirehampton.

Three Foxes teams were supposed to face off against two from the Colts in six matches. Only four were played (let's just call it organisational issues shall we) but they were all superb. Despite the puddleicious conditions the "crowd" were treated to fast flowing football, shots flying high, tackles higher, shots flying wide and smiles wider.

Opinions were split amongst the coaches, some favoured the "tiki-taka" but with Xavi and Iniesta not eligible for the Under 7's, Foxes once again employed the "Lineker" approach - i.e. leaving one upfront to goal hang recieve the punt exquisite long pass. Josh played the role twice, Josh scored four. I like to think the debate is closed!

For the record there was a strike from Monty, whilst Own Goal, always dangerous at this level, was also on target.

Player of the Week - Monty, increasingly dangerous on the pitch, his progress was deservedly marked by his first goal for the Foxes.

BGL u11 Cadbury Heath 1 v 3 Westbury Park Foxes

Westbury Park extend lead at the top with another good win!

The Foxes made the trip in rare sunshine to Emersons Green to take on Cadbury Heath. With a low sun and a small heavy pitch conditions were not ideal for the free flowing Foxes. The pre match talk reiterated the respect for all teams and the need to concentrate or risk ending the winning streak.

Without width the Foxes elected to sacrifice a winger for a more direct central front 2 with Ella making way for Lily. otherwise the Foxes line up was familiar with Betty, Rhiannon, Amelia, Lulu, Mara and Sim starting.

Straight from the off the Foxes dominated, with several good flowing passing moves. Mara in particular  tied defenders in knots with great penetrating runs down the left, putting balls into the danger area and taking the 'keeper on at the near post.

Sim tested the goalie time after time, with shots reining left, right and one that looped agonisingly over the bar. Ella replaced Lily to exploit the other flank, but it was a great ball from the left that found Sim on the edge of the box, from where she calmly curled the ball beyond the 'keeper into the top left corner of the goal.

Molly came on for Amelia as the Foxes piled on the pressure, and with Heath playing 4 at the back, the Foxes had the run of midfield. As the defenders backed off Sim she let fly from outside the box and nearly took the back off the net as a screamer found the top right.
Ella W came on for Rhiannon as the Foxes finished the half 2-0 up.

The second half started with Lily back on for Sim. The Foxes continued to press and forced a string of corners. Rhiannon was brought back, this time on the left side of midfield, and soon went on a mazy run right into the box, before shooting low past the 'keeper.
A blatant hand ball gave the Foxes a penalty, but the Heath goalie proved to be their player of the match with a fine save to the right. Inspired Heath made a rare break and forced a corner. A great delivery was met by a forward who lost her marker and finished on the half volley from close range. Hats off to a well taken goal.

That was to be the last significant action as the ref blew for full time.
So, again the Foxes were denied a more emphatic victory by a quality opposition 'keeper. Great to see the girls playing with such determination, and enjoying some positional changes!

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

Year 8 BSYL CUP - Foxes 4 - 1 Ashley Down, 18/01

A switch of venue from the Downs to the 3G at Redland Green School saved this cup tie, between the cup holders and the league's form team, falling victim of the weather. The Foxes started with real purpose, moving the ball fast and an early move found Ollie C clear in front of goal but his shot went wide. Further pressure created a string of chances and half chances before the ball fell to Danny on the edge of the box and his shot evaded the Ashley Down keeper. The balance of play continued to be with the home side but Ashley Down threatened on the break and won a penalty for a hand ball. Archie made a great one handed save to allow the 1-0 lead to be taken into half time. The Foxes increased that lead when Danny showed great vision by steering the ball high into the goal following a corner. Ashley Down came back strongly and reduced the lead with a cool finish and for a short period the result looked in doubt but Owen secured the win with two crisp strikes which left the away keeper with no chance. Good performances from all of the Foxes’ squad but the man of the match went to Danny. Onwards to the semi-finals....

BGL u11 Westbury Park Foxes 1 v 0 Wotton Rovers

Fantastic Foxes remain unbeaten, winning with the last kick of the game!

After a prolonged Christmas break the Foxes finally returned to league action. The opponents were second in the BGL form guide, having won their previous 6 matches, and had held the Foxes to a draw in the reverse fixture. Fortunately most of the girls had had a midweek run out winning the GFA schools championship in a match that had gone to extra time and penalties, so were not short of competitive match action.
With St Ursula's still deemed unplayable the match was switched to BAWA; a large but immaculate surface. In view of the size both teams agreed to a reduced 25 minute half as per BGL rules.

With Betty in goal, Rhiannon and Amelia in defence, Lulu, Mara and Ella in midfield and Sim upfront it was a strong Foxes lineup. The Foxes started brightly with some lovely interplay, and were soon knocking the ball around and making use of the space. It became clear that Wotton possessed a tall quick and skilful defender who was going to keep Sim company for the rest of the game!
Most of the first half was a midfield battle as both teams looked to close down early. Increasingly Wotton looked to sit back and attempt to catch the Foxes on the break. A string of Foxes corners, combined with territorial advantage, could not be converted to meaningful shots, and the half ended goalless.

With Betty rewarmed during the interval she went out for the second half armed with a series of exercises to stave off the cold. Good job as she didn't get to touch the ball at all in the second half!
The Foxes continued to dominate territory, and slowly started to wear down the Wotton defence. Sim, who had been putting in a shift all game, went close with a couple of well timed runs and strikes. The bench was emptied as Molly and Lily replaced Amelia and Ella, and the freshen up seemed  to work as Lily drifted in off the wing to provide more central support in attack. Whenever Wotton broke Rhiannon and Molly were there to recycle the ball from half way and allow the Foxes to go again.
Just as it seemed that time was running out Sim collected the ball in the right channel and whipped in a cross that evaded the defence to find Lily and Mara unmarked in the box, with the latter taking charge of dispatching the ball into the back of the net!
Without time even for the restart it was heartbreak for Wotton who had held out valiantly for so long, but in the end the Foxes ran out deserved winners.

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

BSYL, 11/01/14 - Year 8. Thornbury FC 1 - 2 Foxes

The Foxes were indebted to Owen, as his fine late save secured all three points from a very enjoyable game played in a great spirit. Both sides had their chances but Thornbury had the the best with Owen making a couple of other eye catching saves, as well as the woodwork coming to the away side's rescue. It was the Foxes, however, that took the lead as a fine cross by Omar was met by Jack, coming in off the left wing, to bundle the ball home. The home side drew level but the goal of the game proved to be the winner as the Foxes played out of defence with Harri, Ollie C, Danny and Omar all being involved before Raul's clinical finish. For the second game on the trot the Foxes man of the match was Owen, last time it was for his role in centre midfield, but there were eye catching performances throughout the team.

BSYL, 07/12/13 - Year 8 - Stoke Lane AFC 2 - 2 Foxes

An exciting game of football ended in a draw with Stoke Lane pushing for a winner after coming back from two goals down. The home side started the game the stronger as the Foxes struggled to find any rhythm in the opening 10 minutes. However a strong run from Owen, released from goal by Archie's availability, started to turn the tide as he was brought down in the Stoke Lane area. Although we missed the penalty the balance of the game had shifted and the Foxes started to create chances, two of which were taken by Omar and Sam. The Stoke Lane keeper also made one great save to deny Omar. The second half was more evenly contested but with 15 minutes to go Stoke Lane pulled one back and always looked capable of levelling the scores, which they did from a scramble following a corner. As the clock ticked down, the home side had a good shout for a penalty waved away by the referee and the final whistle sounded soon after. The Foxes man of the match was Owen.