After an uncharacteristic performance a week ago, the Foxes spent their training time this week on a change of attitude as they got to grips with the reality of competative football, starting with heading practice and moving on to defending the set pieces that had proved so decisive a week ago.
Too often the 'nice' team of the BGL, the focus changed to combativeness, assertiveness and improved communication, all of which would be required in spades against Boco Red, a big physical team that had taken points from Portishead a week ago.
With Rhiannon away, the Foxes opted on a formation change, with Ella W joining the back line. With Sim restored at the front, Lauren returned to left midfield with a plan to rapidly rotate the attack on a huge pitch.
What followed was one of the finest Foxes performances we have witnessed.
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| Emily charges forward |
Betty commanded the box and launched the ball into the opposition half, the back line held against anything thrown at it and the midfield ran the opposition ragged, while up front Sim threatened with genuine pace.
All over the park the Foxes bullied their bigger opposition, flying into tackles and recycling the ball effectively.
The goals came, firstly a Reds defensive mix up, under pressure from Sim, which saw the defender turn the ball into her own net. This was rapidly followed by a low strike by the pacy forward into the corner. In the second half Mara was upended in the box whilst through on goal to enable Sim to lash home from the spot.
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| Penalty! |
So a memorable performance and one that will need to be maintained to get the season back on track, starting with the North Bristol Classico next weekend.
Neither coach was able to pick an individual performance for girl of the game this week such was the contribution from all 11 girls, although Ella B should get a special mention for her improving photography skills!
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| Lauren strikes from distance |
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