BSYL - Year 10. Thornbury Town Youth 1 - 9 Foxes. 26/09/15

A gorgeous sunny morning and a lovely playing surface in Thornbury proved to be the perfect backdrop for a great display from the Foxes. With injuries (Sam's ankle and Harri's shoulder) and other commitments taking their toll on the squad, added to the fact that Thornbury had inflicted a heavy defeat on the away side last season, the game promised to offer a real threat to the Foxes promising start to the league season. As it transpired the Foxes dominated the game from start to finish, mixing high quality passing with great discipline and great finishing.

From the first whistle, the Foxes kept the ball on the floor and look to work gaps in the opposition's formation. With Sam missing, Jack dropped inside alongside Joe and the pair provided a great rhythm for the side. Omar's work rate and vision caused constant problems and Ed and Dom provided a real threat on the flanks. It was Danny who broke the deficit after 15 mins, finishing a great team move and he doubled the lead 5 mins later. In between, and after, the Thornbury keeper made a succession of very good saves which kept his side in touch. This proved important as the home side took their first real chance to bring the score to 1-2 and to raise their hopes. For 10 mins or so the game became a real contest and showed what could have been if the Foxes had not been in such good form. A switch on the left saw Henry enter the fray and restore the lead with a fine, driving run and crisp finish.

1-3 at half time.

The half time talk was pretty straightforward, focusing on more of the same and the importance of the next goal. The team responded brilliantly and within 5 mins Omar had increased the lead. Impressively, the Foxes retained their intensity and further goals followed with Henry and Danny completing their hatricks, Ollie S and Jack, with the keeper making further good saves.

A clean sheet in the second-half was equally impressive, although Thornbury should have made more of a penalty awarded for a push in the box. Once again Owen, Fin, Alec, Dom, Nick and Tom provided the basis for the play ahead of them.

The icing on the cake were the ref's highly complimentary comments about the quality of the performance.

Man of the match - Jack. A captain's performance in a new role - capped with a goal!