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!
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Saturday, 10 March 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Yr 6 - BSYL - 3rd March
For the second time this season, the rival Foxes teams fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw at St. Ursula's. The Greens took the early initiative, with Jack and Danny firing in from close range. As the first half drew to a close, the Whites forced their way back into the game and drew level, with Joey scoring one fine solo effort and making another for Harri to finish. In the second half, Alec gave the Whites the lead, only for Danny to equalise for the Greens with five minutes to go, firing a fine long range effort into the top corner. Both teams chased a winner and had their chances, but with both keepers and defences outstanding - Aidan for the Whites and Nick for the Greens stood out - 3-3 was a fair final score.
Yr 6 - BSYL - 25th February
As strong first half performance from the Whites saw them wrap up a comfortable win against Shirehampton. All of the goals came in the first half with the Foxes taking a 2-0 lead through Joey and Raul before Shirehampton pulled one back with a fine shot from the edge of the area. Two more goals from the Foxes, Joey - again - and Sonny, settled the outcome as the Foxes raced to a 4-1 lead.
Shirehampton kept battling and created more chances in the second half, only to be denied by some great defending from Harri and Seb and excellent keeping from Owen Paton. Harri won the captain's armband not least for a splendid goal-line clearance.
Well played all.
Shirehampton kept battling and created more chances in the second half, only to be denied by some great defending from Harri and Seb and excellent keeping from Owen Paton. Harri won the captain's armband not least for a splendid goal-line clearance.
Well played all.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Oscars all round for Y6 Girls at Thornbury
Have you noticed?
Silence is cool again.
They reckon a silent film - The Artist - will win a hatful of prizes at the Oscars tonight.
And we've got our own Silent Star to reward.
Jo "The Motivator" Davis demonstrated a steely new resolve at Thornbury as she kept the encouragement up but the decibels down on the sidelines.
It's all part of a cunning new plan, and it paid off.
The idea is that if the coaches shout, the players don't. So silent coaches leave space for Foxes to call for the ball, urge each other on, spot the danger girls on the other side.
It worked, kind of.
Against our toughest opponents, the Foxes played their best team football yet.
Sophie M led out a strong team of Anna D, Phoebe, Bryony, Ella T, Emily C, and Emily B in goal. For the first half, they held their own. Nearly scored, and apart from one miskick which was clinically punished, kept the Falcons out. Some lovely moves, often three or four passes strung together with intent, and all bossed from the midfield by Sophie. (Don't worry, Soph, 'bossing' is good on a pitch!)
Special mention to Phoebe for a beautiful header which turned the game around.
Then it was t'other Sophie's turn, Sophie HR. Her team had Marielle in goal, Ella C, Paige, Molly R, Abby, Sophie C, and Erin. This lot played way above themselves.
Some brilliant moments: Molly R taking a through ball on her thigh, controlling it, passing it on to Sophie C who nearly scored. Abby intercepting a high ball with the back of her neck, turning and - oh yes - volleying back. And in the final game, some astonishing goalkeeping by Marielle who threw herself on the ground and saved unfeasibly often.
A great morning's football, albeit ultimately unrewarded by points. Sophie Ms team went down by a few goals, Sophie HRs team came home with a 0-0 draw.
So to our Oscars.
Bravest Fox - for literally putting her body on the line: Marielle
Coolest New Move: Abby for the 'necker'
Most Improved Fox: Molly R
Most Impregnable Defender: Ella T, never missed a tackle.
Most Dogged Fox: Anna D and Sophie M combined - ran till the last whistle, and beyond. Great work guys
Girl of the Game : Phoebe, for that epic header
And of course, the Self Control Award, for astonishing restraint: Jo "The Quiet One" Davis.
Silence is cool again.
They reckon a silent film - The Artist - will win a hatful of prizes at the Oscars tonight.
And we've got our own Silent Star to reward.
Jo "The Motivator" Davis demonstrated a steely new resolve at Thornbury as she kept the encouragement up but the decibels down on the sidelines.
It's all part of a cunning new plan, and it paid off.
The idea is that if the coaches shout, the players don't. So silent coaches leave space for Foxes to call for the ball, urge each other on, spot the danger girls on the other side.
It worked, kind of.
Against our toughest opponents, the Foxes played their best team football yet.
Sophie M led out a strong team of Anna D, Phoebe, Bryony, Ella T, Emily C, and Emily B in goal. For the first half, they held their own. Nearly scored, and apart from one miskick which was clinically punished, kept the Falcons out. Some lovely moves, often three or four passes strung together with intent, and all bossed from the midfield by Sophie. (Don't worry, Soph, 'bossing' is good on a pitch!)
Special mention to Phoebe for a beautiful header which turned the game around.
Then it was t'other Sophie's turn, Sophie HR. Her team had Marielle in goal, Ella C, Paige, Molly R, Abby, Sophie C, and Erin. This lot played way above themselves.
Some brilliant moments: Molly R taking a through ball on her thigh, controlling it, passing it on to Sophie C who nearly scored. Abby intercepting a high ball with the back of her neck, turning and - oh yes - volleying back. And in the final game, some astonishing goalkeeping by Marielle who threw herself on the ground and saved unfeasibly often.
A great morning's football, albeit ultimately unrewarded by points. Sophie Ms team went down by a few goals, Sophie HRs team came home with a 0-0 draw.
So to our Oscars.
Bravest Fox - for literally putting her body on the line: Marielle
Coolest New Move: Abby for the 'necker'
Most Improved Fox: Molly R
Most Impregnable Defender: Ella T, never missed a tackle.
Most Dogged Fox: Anna D and Sophie M combined - ran till the last whistle, and beyond. Great work guys
Girl of the Game : Phoebe, for that epic header
And of course, the Self Control Award, for astonishing restraint: Jo "The Quiet One" Davis.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Year 6 - BSYL, 18th February
The Greens faced a tough game against the Golden Hill Sonics - and missing half the squad because of half-term made that challenge even stiffer. Once again we were thankful for the arrival of the cavalry in the shape of Henry, Harrison and Joseph, but on this occasion not even the year 5's could save us.
The Sonics started the stronger and within 10 minutes we found ourselves 3-0 down. As the first half progressed the Greens found their feet and managed a good goal scored by Harrison to give us hope. Spurred on we created another very good chance when the Sonics keeper saved a shot from Danny with his legs but we failed to close the gap further. Second half, and once more the Sonics took control scoring another three goals to seal a well deserved victory.
The game was a sad way to say goodbye to Ian who has gone from strength to strength this season and will be sorely missed by Foxes - Green and White alike.
The Whites went into the weekend looking relatively comfortable in terms of numbers but a last minute injury and an unforeseen diary clash left us with just enough for what was always going to be a tough game away against a good Stoke Lane side. In the end we managed to get an even share of 8 goals in a thrilling and evenly matched contest.
Stoke Lane started the better with the wind at their backs and were 2 up within 15 minutes. Joey burst through the middle to pull one back for the Foxes, before a third goal put the home side 3-1 up at the break. The second half saw the Foxes create more pressure and more chances and a well taken brace from Raul Gibson drew us level. Stoke Lane took the lead again before Owen tipped over the bar to prevent the home team going further ahead and then Sam crashed the ball home in the dying seconds to capture a point.
Special mention, and the captain's armband, must go to Jacob who played the whole game at the back, curtailing his desire to join attack and putting the team's needs first in a great performance.
The Sonics started the stronger and within 10 minutes we found ourselves 3-0 down. As the first half progressed the Greens found their feet and managed a good goal scored by Harrison to give us hope. Spurred on we created another very good chance when the Sonics keeper saved a shot from Danny with his legs but we failed to close the gap further. Second half, and once more the Sonics took control scoring another three goals to seal a well deserved victory.
The game was a sad way to say goodbye to Ian who has gone from strength to strength this season and will be sorely missed by Foxes - Green and White alike.
The Whites went into the weekend looking relatively comfortable in terms of numbers but a last minute injury and an unforeseen diary clash left us with just enough for what was always going to be a tough game away against a good Stoke Lane side. In the end we managed to get an even share of 8 goals in a thrilling and evenly matched contest.
Stoke Lane started the better with the wind at their backs and were 2 up within 15 minutes. Joey burst through the middle to pull one back for the Foxes, before a third goal put the home side 3-1 up at the break. The second half saw the Foxes create more pressure and more chances and a well taken brace from Raul Gibson drew us level. Stoke Lane took the lead again before Owen tipped over the bar to prevent the home team going further ahead and then Sam crashed the ball home in the dying seconds to capture a point.
Special mention, and the captain's armband, must go to Jacob who played the whole game at the back, curtailing his desire to join attack and putting the team's needs first in a great performance.
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