With no league action for nearly a month, and with a tough league split to come, the Foxes lined up a friendly fixture against the Gloucester league champions, FC Highnam Devils.
The opposition, who are unbeaten in their league, were also in need of a competitive game ahead of a cup tie against fellow BGL side Wotton, and made the long trip from Highnam in time for a 10am kickoff at BAWA.
The Foxes' coaches had been working on a plan to make us harder to break down, and today provided the perfect opportunity to try different players in a slightly changed formation.
With Millie B joining the regulars, the Foxes kicked off with the sun on their backs.
From the kick off the Foxes went on the offensive, using both wings effectively and enjoying the lions share of possession and territory.
As the half drew on Highnam started to get their passing game going, and pressed forwards but found themselves caught out offside too often for their coaches liking, as the new look Foxes back line started to gel.
Midway through the first half the deadlock was broken as Lily found the back of the net. The Foxes looked more relaxed, and soon doubled the lead as a delightful diagonal ball from Lulu split the defence, for Sim to run on and score.
A 2-0 half time lead and the Foxes looked impressive, but, with a chance for some tactical words from their coach, Highnam came out in the second half and really contested well, exploiting the wings with some neat passing, and really testing the Foxes defence.
The away side pulled a goal back from a fantastic near post volley from a corner that Betty could do nothing about. From there on in the game opened up with the Foxes pressing and unlucky not to add to their tally, and Highnam hitting hard on the break. It looked like they might get something from the game, but the Foxes 'keeper was off her line to block the imposing strikers shot.
So 2-1 at the end. A really competitive game against a strong side, which was just what was needed to blow away the cobwebs after Christmas.
All the girls played exceptionally well, and the side looked much better balanced, thanks to Graham Mourinho's tactical masterstroke!
So a tough game next week at BLU, with a chance to start the new league format all square!
Captain of the Week: Lily
Girl of the Game: Rhiannon
Girl of the Game (as voted by FC Highnam): Sim
Many thanks to Mark BW for being today's man in black!
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