New Year Cheer As Foxes Go Clear!

Westbury Park Foxes U14 Girls 11

Fry's Club FC 0

 

Club Record 19th Consecutive League Win Puts U14 Girls Top

 

Would the Christmas break have slowed down the Bristol Girls League U14 pacesetters? Would they stroll out complacently, still bloated on turkey (or its vegetarian equivalent) and chocolate selection boxes, and slip up against Fry's Club FC in an awkward looking 2017 opening fixture?

 

Would they heck. On a mild and pleasant morning at BAWA, Bristol's finest came tearing out of the blocks, stunning their visitors with seven unanswered first half goals. Spraying passes around, breaking with devastating speed down the flanks and combining beautifully, it was perhaps the best half they have played all season. There was a bit of everything - a slaloming Rhiannon dribble to play in Ella to finish, an incisive strike from Mara after a strong run in from the left, then a truly stunning solo effort from "mini-Messi" Ella, who danced in from the right, beat three players then buried it in the far corner. Zoe was fouled and felled twice in the box, for what even experienced bricklayers would term a 'stone wall penalty', and she duly converted from the spot. In a tasteful tribute to the late and much respected Watford and England boss Graham Taylor, there was even a 'route one' goal from Zoe, courtesy of Betty's powerful goal kick (but Sim's neat flick-on header denied our keeper the 'assist' - sorry Betty). The Foxes used the full squad of 14 before the break, and sub Amelia was rewarded with a close range goal as the Foxes eased into half time fully in control.

Fry's Club kept battling and never let their heads drop, playing the game in a good spirit throughout. They created some breaks in the second half, but as many teams have found this season, there is almost no way past the 'line of steel' at the back. Whenever danger threatens, or even briefly clears its throat, a Foxy foot is usually on the ball, calmly regaining possession and spreading the play to the flanks. If it wasn't Abby (and it usually was), it was Lauren or Emily and a swift counter-attack was usually the result. If an opposing player ever beat a defender, Rhiannon or Millie would hare  back to snuff the threat out.

As the second half wore on more goals were added. Georgia and Olivia had extended run outs and both made impressive and assured contributions. As well as Zoe's five goals, a special mention must also go to Own Goal, who bagged a couple, one courtesy of a particularly vicious inswinging corner from Lulu. 

It was a tough day for Fry's, who are a good team and showed some nice touches at times. They just ran into an unstoppable green and white force. This was the Foxes' 19th consecutive league win, ending last season with eight in a row and now beginning this one with eleven - a team and club record. Not that we study the table with great care or anything, and we know that goal difference is ultimately irrelevant, but.... this victory put the Foxes officially top of the table for the first time this season, with a game in hand over Wotton.

Next up is 'Super Sunday'  - the Foxes travel to the dangerous and skilful 3rd place Keynsham at their lovely state-of-the-art stadium and 4G pitch. Don't forget your carpet slippers. Meanwhile, across the county line, Boco and Wotton contest the 'South Gloucestershire Classico' . The outcome of these games could go a long way to deciding the 'buffet bragging rights' in July....

Captain of the Week: Millie T

Girl of the Game : Lulu Watts