Y2 v Sefton Park (H)

Our last game of the Friendly League season against Sefton Park Scorpions.

For a warm-up, the Foxes sprinted round the Sports Relief Mile, perhaps they wouldn't if they knew that they had 90 mins of football to follow...

Three Foxes teams of eight played against a Scorpions squad of 12 - and whilst each game was being played, the 'resting' two Foxes teams played each other.

The first game was tight, with the 'reds' midfield dominating. In a game of few chances (no one got past Jacob), Reggie came very close with a last minute shot that just went the wrong side of the post. The game ended 0-0.

In the second game, the 'yellow' Foxes were more dominant. Alex in goal was untroubled but the Foxes could not turn posession into clear-cut chances. Mid way through the second half, Samuel found room for a shot and dispatched the ball into the top left hand corner. 1-0.

The last of the three games belonged to Sefton Park against a tired 'blues'. Three shots and three good goals by the Scorpions brought the season to a close.

So the end to a fantastic first season, and it's amazing to see how much the Foxes have improved, especially as they are starting to appreciate the benefits of playing as a team. Highlight of the season? - the comeback against a strong Rockleaze Rangers when 1-5 down at half time.

Y2 v Clifton United (A)

After a long journey to Abbot's Leigh (our furthest away fixture), the Foxes took on Clifton United at their ground. We played two eight-a-side games each of 24 minutes.

In the first game, it quickly became clear that United had some good players - the reverse game earlier in the season had been cancelled, so there was an 'unknown' factor. It was clear that the Foxes were a little in awe of some of their opponents - the fact that the tackling was not as strong as usual was a sure sign. Despite that, our defenders had a fine game, especially Tom with some perfectly timed interceptions in his cool collected manner. When the United attackers did get through, Frazer was perfectly placed to deal with any trouble. In attack, Foxes were relying on Kieron bursting through, supported by Leo and Jess.

In the second half, Jamie started to dominate the midfield. About half way through the half, after a spell of Foxes pressure, the ball broke to William who fired in from a tight angle. Keeping the lead was no problem for the Foxes, with some tigerish tackles by Ewan and Sam, and they held out for a 1-0 victory.

In the second game (against the same opponents), United started with their strongest eight and were causing the Foxes's defenders problems with some intelligent running and great distribution. It was soon clear that Ben and Xabi were in for a busy morning. A half chance to Acer after a run down the right - but then United took the lead. A powerful long range shot deflected cruelly off a Foxes defender leaving Alex in goal wrong footed. Foxes were soon level though. Xabi's clever through ball from near the half way line to Samuel eluded a defender, and under pressure, the goalkeeper and ended up in the net. Not quite as good as Beckham's all those years ago, but a close second.

In the second half, United pushed players forward and twice the Foxes defence were left like statues as United broke clear. Both times it was Alex to the rescue with two great blocking saves - his timing in closing the angle on the attacker was fantastic. And then Foxes took the lead. After advancing down the left, Acer spotted a gap between the defenders in a busy penalty area, and the ball was in the back of the net. Then it was three as Acer again found space in the area following good work by the midfield of William and Xabi. The Foxes were now in control, and could have scored several times before Samuel got on the scoresheet with a lovely finish, and then breaking (uphill) from the halfway line he despatched the ball with aplomb into the back of the net past the advancing goalkeeper. The gane ended 5-1.

And so a successful morning and some jubilent young Foxes. Once they had gathered some confidence and ceased being in awe of their opponents, they worked out how to play the game. Well done Foxes!

Y2 v Golden Hill Sonics (H)

Was it a goal or not? That was the question that was the centre of the young Foxes post-match discussions in the Cafe afterwards. Of course it wasn't; the referee's decision is what counts and debates as to whether the whole of the ball crossed the line are irrelevant really.

It was a gloriously warm spring morning and the Foxes were playing Golden Hill Sonics on The Downs in a 9-a-side 40 minute game. The Foxes started strongly and confidently and Jamie, Rajiv and Xabi quickly took control of the midfield. Behind them Ben and Xabi (and later Jacob and Tom) all had fantastic games, maintaining concentration for the entire 40 minutes. They soon found ways to feed the free running Acer, and release the strikers, Kieron, Reggie and Samuel who were tirelessly tracking back to assist the midfield. After five minutes, Jamie showed that he had been taking lessons from Lionel Messi as he weaved through the Sonics defence, forcing the goalkeeper into a smothering save. Sonics did come back into the game, but Alex in goal was well protected by his defenders, and timely interception by Acer who turned defence into a storming counter attack.

At half time, the Foxes pushed Samuel into a more advanced role to try to create more space in midfield, and the plan worked. After a spell of Foxes pressure, a clever shot from Reggie through a crowded goal mouth unluckily hit the far post. Both defences held firm, but eventually an opportunity arose. A break from the halfway line by Reggie and Samuel forced the Sonic's goalkeeper into a fantastic save from Samuel's well-struck shot, probably the best save we've seen this season. And then with 10 minutes to go, the Foxes thought they'd scored. After a goalmouth scramble, Samuel's shot eluded the goalkeeper and the celebrations started. But with the referee unsure as to whether the whole ball had crossed the line, the 'goal' was chalked off. The game finished with the Colts in the ascendancy, and they could quite easily have nicked a winner but for some great defending by Ben and Jacob.

And so it finished 0-0. One of the most thrilling nil-nils you could imagine. The Foxes showed, however, that once they get their shooting boots on (and play to the referee's whistle), that they can take on anyone.

Y2 v Shirehampton Colts (H)

It was won one, lost three against Shirehampton Colts. The Foxes put up some battling performances and were unlucky to come away on the wrong side of the results.

The 'reds' found their first game difficult but some excellent defending kept the game tight. However, shirehampton squeezed in a goal and came away with a 1-0 win.

In the other game, the 'blues' immediately found their rythme and after only a few minutes took the lead when Samuel fired home. Minutes later and it was 2-0 as Rajiv got on the scoresheet with a lovely goal from the edge of the area that gave the Colt's goalkeeper no chance; and it would have been three had Acer's penalty not struck the post, awarded after he was brought down when through on goal. The Colts pulled a goal back and it looked as though it would be a nervy last ten minutes until Samuel's persistence was rewarded with a third goal.

The teams swapped opponents and played another 20 minute game. This time the 'reds' took control of the game and just could not find a way to score, despite a fantastic midfield performance, lead by Jamie. They went behind to a penalty awarded for handball, and in the dying minutes, the Colts scored a second with a breakaway goal and arguably the best goal scored against the Foxes this season with a wonderful shot from the right into the top left hand corner. A goal worthy of winning any game, but you couldn't fault the Foxes performance.

The 'blues' also found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline, this time in a very even game. Two clinical finishes gave the Colts a victory they probably just deserved. Despite the results though, the Foxes should be proud of their performance against a strong Colts squad.

Y2 v Bishop Road (H)

A return fixture against Bishop Road, on a blustery Saturday morning. We split the squad into two teams, and played two matches.

The 'reds' found it tough going in the first half with the wind against them. The two teams were fairly evenly matched and creating chances was difficult. Just before half time, though, Bishop Road took the lead with a fine shot into the far corner. In the second half, the game flowed from end to end with outstanding contributions from Jacob and Jess. Bishop Road added a second goal with a few minutes to go when their striker was in the right place at the right time following a fine save by Alex, for what was a well-deserved victory.

In the 'blues' game, both teams also found the conditions made fluid football dificult. In the second half, with the wind behind them, the Foxes took the lead when Samuel broke free of the defence and dispatched the ball into the top corner giving the goalkeeper no chance. Mid-way through the half, Acer made it 2-0 after a Messi-like run and the Foxes ran out comfortable and happy winners.

So, despite the conditions, two enjoyable and rewarding games, and it was fitting that the day would end with the honours even.

Y2 v Rockleaze Rangers (A)

Goodison Park (1966), Istanbul (2005), and now Coombe Dingle (2012). Classic games featuring a great comeback - and our draw against Rockleaze Rangers topped the lot. To come back from 3-0, and 5-1 down to force a draw eclipses the other games (they only featured 0-3 combacks) and was a truely memorable performance.

The Foxes travelled to Rockleaze Rangers with some trepidation, as we had lost to them in December. The 'red' team started well but the strong Rangers team soon took control and by half time had built up the 5-1 lead through some outstanding finishing, with Acer scoring the only Foxes goal.

At the turn-around, a change in tactics to strengthen the midfield saw the Foxes wrestle back control. An early goal by Samuel restored confidence and was quickly followed with a second by Acer. Samuel scored again and it was all Foxes. Rajiv and Tom were winning everything in midfield and Xabi, Danny and Leo confidently dealing with everything in defence . Samuel scored the fourth, and unbelievably with the last kick of the game, Acer smashed home a well-deserved equaliser - a fantastic game, with a great ending. The most pleasing aspect was the way the whole team just didn't give up - just like 1966 (look it up) and 2005 (you probably know this one).

The 'blue' team gave an equally spirited performance, again against a very strong team. Despite a mainly rear-guard performance, they managed to contain Rockleaze with fantastic defending by Ben (as always), Louis and Jamie, with Noah playing the game of his life in goal - always in the right place and safe handling of the ball. Midfield dynamos Jess and Bonnie ran their hearts out and Kieron played a fairly lonely but battling game up front. A goal in each half settled the game for Rockleaze, but it was a truely commendable performance.

Y2 v Rockleaze Rangers (H)

A home game to Rockleaze and the first real lesson in organisation and passing given to the young Foxes. Despite this, they didn't stop running and battling for the entire morning.

It was a cold icy morning, with the pitch only being passed fit minutes before kick-off - the puddles on the Downs were still frozen We decided to keep people moving and play two long games of 20 minutes each way.

The 'red' game was one of the most extraordinary that we have played this year. Rockleaze started strongly and should have scored - and would have but for Xabi's heroics in goal. After five minutes, a break on the right by Acer, a perfect cross and a wonderful first-time finish by Samuel gave the excited Foxes the lead. It got better - after another five minutes, Acer again broke free and a cool finish doubled the lead. If only it was 10 minutes a half... Rockleaze came back strongly, and at the half time point had reveresed to two goal deficit to lead 4-2.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Rockleaze passing the ball well, and increased their lead to 7-2, but back came the Foxes! In a 10 minute period, first Acer, then Samuel, and then Xabi got the score back to 7-5. But the comeback of comebacks was not to be and Rockleaze extended their lead to a deserved 11-5 win.

The 'blue' game was run in parallel against an equally strong Rockleaze team. The fact that they played for 40 minutes gave the scoreline a rather inflated feel, but to their credit, the Foxes didn't give up and battled to the end with some strong midfield and defensive performances.

Y2 v Ashley Down (H)

Our first ever home game and we were very pleased to host Ashley Down. We managed to squeeze in four games, and the fact that only seven goals were scored all morning, showed how tight the games were.

With twenty players in our squad, we split into 'red' and 'blue' teams. Ashley Down had a squad of ten, and so played rolling substitutions.

The Foxes red team started well with Frazer and William dominating midfield. It was Ashley Down's goalkeeper who was by far the busier, but managed to keep the Foxes out and the game goal-less at half time. In the second half, Ashley Down took the lead with a fine shot, but the Foxes came back strongly and Acer gained a draw with a fine run and cool finish.

In the second game, the blues again battled well with a strong midfield battle led by Rajiv and Ben, and would have taken the lead had Samuel's 'goal' from a tight angle which hit the far post and bounced back along the line been awarded. Again it took a fine shot from Ashley Down to secure a 1-0 win.

Ashley Down were by now playing very well with some neat midfield passing (take note, Foxes and Foxes coaches) and were deservedly 2-0 up by half time. A Foxes substitution and change of tactics at half time saw a reversal of the play in the second half. Xabi and Acer took control of the midfield, and after hitting a post (again!), Samuel pulled a goal back after being unleashed by a great through-ball by Acer and as the goalkeeper advanced, a clinical finish. The Foxes were now well on top, but could not quite eek out an equaliser.

In the final match, it was back to a tight tactical game. A great shot from the right winger gave Ashley Down the only goal, but it could have gone either way. Danny made a fine save to keep the Foxes in the game throughout, but it ended 1-0.

Overall Ashley Down were deserved winners with some strong players and good teamwork. The Foxes showed their fighting spirit as always, and with a bit of luck and a more generous referee would have got more in terms of the results. In the Cafe afterwards, the talk amongst the young Foxes was of blind referess and the call for the introduction of goal-line technology...

Y2 v Shire Colts (A)

It was honours shared after two matches with Shirehampton Colts, both matches ending 2-1.

In the 'Reds' game, the Foxs conceded two early goals against a well-organised Colts team. It took some great defensive work by Ben and a confident and dominent performance by Frazer in goal to keep the Foxes in the game.

After half time though, it was a different story. A change in tactics, to pressurise the Colts and more running with the ball to make use of the big pitch saw Foxes dominate. The free running Kieron and combative Louis in attack created attack after attack, and it was no surprise when Kieron pulled back a much-deserved goal with a fine run and shot. But the Foxes ran out of time, and couldn't quite force the equaliser.

The 'Blues' had learnt from the fine second half performance of the Reds and immediately took control of the game in the same manner. After five minutes, Acer ran free and cooly slotted the ball home. Strong midfield performances by Rajiv and Sam continued to release Acer and Samuel, and it was no surprise when Acer's fine cross from the right was despatched into the corner by Samuel. Soon after, Samuel hit the post; 3-0, at that point would have given them a comfort zone that they deserved. Colts did came back into the game, and a fantastic tackle by Oliver at the end of the first half kept the half kept the score at 2-0.

In the second half, the Foxes kept the Colts at bay. Acer withdrew to midfield to take control of the game, and the defence were magnificently marshalled by Xabi, restricting the Colts to long range shooting. Alex in goal had a great game, always looking comfortable and making some fine blocks, and it took a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area to beat him. The Foxes, however, held on comfortably to win, and it was the Colts' goalkeeper who was the busier at the end.

So a great day. The big pitch suited our game and it was especially pleasing to see some fine passing to players in space. A superb team effort in both games.

Y2 v Sefton Park (A)

A great performance saw the strong Year 2 Foxes squad dominate Sefton Park Scorpions and come away with a win and a draw.

In the first match, the 'blue' Foxes quickly dictated the game. The key was a strong midfield marshalled by Alex, Rajiv and Frazer, in front of the fine defensive duo of Xabi and Louis. It wasn't long before Samuel capitalised on a hesitant Scorpions defence to rifle home the Foxes' first goal. The free running skills of Acer soon created a second, and the Foxes could have gone further ahead.

After half time, it was more of the same. It took a great save by the Scorpion's goalkeeper to deny Acer a second, but Samuel was on hand to skip over the goalie and tap in his second from six inches. This typified a Foxes' performance where they were first to everything - the Scorpions did not have a clear cut opportunity and the Foxes ended up winning 3-0.

In the second game, the 'red' Foxes continued in the same vein, with strong midfield performances from Tom, Oliver and the ever-tigerish Ben. They deservedly went ahead with a star goal, Sam bambouzling the Scorpion's defence and giving the goalkeeper no chance with a great shot.

The Scorpions were a match for the Foxes midfield and despite a number of great runs from Kieron which could have added to the Foxes' lead, the Scorpions drew level with a
shot from Max giving William no chance in goal. Even so, the Foxes could have won the game, and Jess nearly capped a fine performance with a winner.

Y2 v Ashley Down (A)

A second game, and away (again) at Ashley Down. Our opponents couldn't quite field two teams, so the Foxes appeared to be playing against Ashley Down's strongest players in every game!

Despite this, the Foxes produced four great performances. The first game was extremely close, with Ashley Down edging a 1-2 win. It was clear that the coaches appeared to have learnt from the previous week, with shrewd tactical advice like 'Give it to Acer!' That's because in the second game the Foxes stormed to a two goal lead in as many minutes. The final score in that game was comfortable 2-1 win to the Foxes (our first win!), although we had to thank Ben's fantastic double tackle to deny Ashley Down's star striker a late equaliser.

In the third game, Samuel's clinical finish was the only goal of the game, although the Foxes would have scored a hatful but for the heroics of the Ashley Down goalie. The final game looked like a goal-less draw until a late Ashley Down penalty gave them a win.

So, a very enjoyable morning and the sharing of the points with an equally matched team. Some great teamwork today, and fantastic support. We look forward to many more exciting encounters.

Y2 v Bishop Road (A) - Our First Game!

Our first ever league game, and a tricky away fixture at Bishop Road.

A sunny morning produced two close games and two not-so-close ones. Our two evenly matched teams produced valiant displays against a strong and well-organised squad of Buccaneers who eventually won all four games.

The loudest cheer of the day though was reserved for the moment in Match 3 where Acer's goal took the Foxes into a lead, but we eventually lost 3-4, despite a second from Acer and a net-bursting free kick from Jamie.

We all learned a lot, especially the coaches. Possibly our tactics were not quite spot on, and we shouldn't have been so lenient in pre-season training. But despite the scoreline, we all enjoyed ourselves - the first of many.