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