BGL u13 Emersons Green 1 v 3 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes roar back into the buffet zone!

A couple of weeks ago it seemed as if the Foxes season would peter out into a first year without a trophy. However with results elsewhere going our way, it looked like we might still have the runners up spot to play for on the final day of the season away at Portishead.
All that stood between us was the small matter of overcoming a double weekend of footy against Boco Blue and Emerson's Green. Without a full team.

A quick flick through the cards and a couple of calls meant that we would have 9 for each game, although 2 players would be making their seasons league debuts!

Sadly Boco Blue were fairing less well and were forced to concede the game with only 5 players available. So just the small matter of taking on Emerson's Green in their final match of the season.

Emersons' have proved to be the Foxes bogey team this year, inflicting a defeat in the reverse game and beating us in the group stage of the county cup. All achieved by their skilful use of the set piece, with a number of well rehearsed corner routines.

So, without a recognised striker to call on, the Foxes opted for a 4-4 formation, with Lauren, Amelia, Lulu and Rhiannon providing the defensive cover. With Ella and Mara on the wings it was left for Emily H and debutant Millie B to occupy the centre of the park.

From the start the Foxes looked to press their bigger opposition. On a dry surface the ball bounced and ran, making control difficult. Emersons' looked to go route 1 with long balls over the top, but the Foxes back line were able to get the ball down and control it, and were soon looking to spread the play.
The Foxes front 4, realising that Emerson had gone with 3 defenders, used the extra space to pass the ball wide, and from one such move the opening goal came as Ella fired in a cross, which was spilt by the keeper. Emily H, following up, was able to collect the ball, round the keeper and slot home.

Further pressure delighted the away crowd, as the Foxes won a corner and gave Emersons' a taste of their own medicine as Emily sent a glancing header agonisingly wide.
At the other end, Betty was 'sweeper keeper',  coming out and claiming the ball or booting to safety when the long ball approached the penalty area.
When the home side did force a corner the Foxes defended in numbers and got bodies in the way to disrupt the set piece that has been our Achilles heel all season.

So 1-0 at the break. With no subs to worry about it was 'more of the same' from the management team!

The second half came alive almost immediately as the first meaningful attack had Emily H rattling the crossbar with a vicious strike. The rebounding ball was skied by the defence and Mille B was on hand to ensure that it was bundled over the line. A fine reward for all her harrying in the centre of the pitch.

Complacency set in though as Emersons' came straight back and the defence failed to clear a through ball. The striker calmly rounded the advancing Foxes keeper to slot home and put the home side back in the game.
Emersons' enjoyed their best spell of the game as they went in search of an equaliser, but were soon made to pay. Giving them a taste of their own medicine, a Lulu corner was met, Titanic style, by Mara timing a back post run to perfection to restore the Foxes 2 goal lead.

The Foxes were able to see out the remainder of the game, to take a 5 point lead in the race for runners up.

So a great team performance in a good spirited game (helped by a really jolly referee!). The Foxes demonstrated what a resilient team they can be, and, with some fine passing football, how they can win whatever side is available for selection!

Captain of the Week: Emily H

Girl of the Game: Millie B