U12 Girls Win Quedgley Tournament!

THE LONGEST DAY...AND ANOTHER TROPHY

"Three...that's the magic number!" sang laid back 80s hip-hoppers De La Soul. The Westbury Park Foxes U12 Girls would agree, as they continued their astonishing tournament run by clinching a third tournament victory in succession.

 Two strong squads travelled to the well-run and friendly Quedgeley Tournament in Gloucester. The Foxes in the Pitch 4 group (Lulu, Amelia, Emily H, Lauren, Ella B, Izzy and Emily W) got off to a flying start, beating Herefordshire champions Ross Juniors 2-0.

The first was a brilliant opportunistic poacher's goal from Ella B at the near post, while Emily H's debut tournament strike -a 20 yard screamer in the top corner - was the clear goal of the tournament. A frustrating 0-0 draw followed against a tough and stubborn Longwell Green, but they bounced back with an impolite 3-0 win over tournament hosts Quedgeley, featuring a classy hattrick from tournament debutante Lauren.

They were looking good for the semis until a long through ball counter-attack from Dursley Town caught them out in their final group game. Despite battering the opposition goal with numerous chances, the equaliser would just not go in. A draw would have seen them through, but instead the hugely unlucky Foxes finished 3rd on 7 points, behind the top 2 tied on 8. The girls responded well to their setback, with lots of ice lollies, playing on the slides and swings, and roaring on their team-mates on Pitch 5....

The Pitch 5 squad (Betty, Rhiannon, Molly, Ella W, Mara, Zoe and Sim) faced a tough group. First up were a big, strong and skilful side all the way from Dudley. Playing against the stiff breeze, the Foxes withstood the Midlanders' pressure, and clinched the game with a deflected strike from Sim. Again showing no manners to hosts Quedgeley Reds, the Foxes saw them off 2-0, including a Sim free kick which almost burst the net. Next were familiar rivals and County Cup champions Wotton, then a strong Cheltenham Spa side, both edged 1-0 with early strikes, comfortable possession and increasingly elegant passing and movement. Newcomer Zoe was improving in every match, and scored a fine goal. Ella W and Molly made cool and assured defensive contributions whenever called upon. And in a sign of what was to come later, Betty, restored to goal in her sole tournament outing this season, brilliantly saved a Cheltenham penalty to keep the Foxes' sheet clean.

No reasonable parent should have been put through the agony of the semi-final. With their squad mates cheering them on from the 'Big Slide Grandstand' above, the Foxes besieged the Longwell Green goal with six clear cut chances, in ten regular then two extra minutes. It would not go in. No goals, golden or otherwise . Penalties would decide it.

Mara's cool first strike, and Betty's first save, seemed to have put the Foxes in control, but when Sim dragged wide the score was levelled, and LG bravely followed in Zoe's successful blast to force sudden death. What happened next will live long in Foxes legend. First Rhiannon, then Molly, then Betty each missed. After each of those misses, Betty stood in her goal, stood her ground and made brilliant saves to prevent the Foxes being eliminated. Three times. As the rules (and 1970s Scottish disco funksters Average White Band) said, "Let's Go Round Again"..so up stepped Mara to blast in for a second time. Over to Betty...and a fourth incredible save in succession put the Foxes into the final!

Dursley had prevailed over Wotton, in an equally epic penalty shootout, to earn the right to meet the Foxes in the final. Their star player was switched into goal, where she put on a display to (almost) rival the heroics of Betty. Time and again the Foxes swept forward. Mazy dribbler Rhiannon came close to beating a whole team and going 'all the way' on two occasions.

Zoe put on her best performance of the day, powering down the right channel and drawing saves from the feet, hands and everything else of the brilliant Dursley keeper. The chances kept coming but they would not go in. It would take something special to clinch a deserved win...

The last "golden goal" in major competition football was scored by Turkey against Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, before any of our girls were born. It is a dramatic, cruel but undeniably exciting tiebreaker. Once again Rhiannon stole the ball off the striker's toes, glided past opponents down the wing, and fed Zoe on the left. She knocked a higher ball in to Sim. Channelling 1996-vintage Paul Gascoigne, Sim flipped the ball over the defender's head, then ran in at close range to meet her own ball on the half volley. Even the 'Dursley De Gea' was not stopping that one.

It was trophy number three in 36 days. The wild celebrations were joined by the other squad, and there were handshakes all round for brave Dursley. It was now very late in the (Longest) day, with the trophy not handed over until after 6 pm, but as the victorious girls posed for more jubilant photos with trophies and ice lollies, no-one cared.

Once again, we take part, win, lose and draw as one big squad. Everyone played their part in a thrilling day. So many highlights... Emily's H's long range screamer..Lauren's hat trick...super stopper Betty's penalty heroics..Mara's ice cool penalties..Molly's spirited performances and clever use of the knee for clearances...Zoe's tireless efforts right to the end...Rhiannon's mesmerising runs...and Sim's goals, from blasts to tap ins, but above all her glorious winner.

So some alternative awards (as chosen by Mara's piggies):

Goal of the Tournament: Emily H

Save(s - plural - lots of them) of the Tournament - Betty 'the real De Gea' P

Best newcomer award: Lauren

Most kilometres covered: Zoe

Supporter of the Tournament: Daisy, who came along in her plaster cast to cheer on her team mates.

Girls u12's Retain Carterton Tournament Title!

FOXES PLAY THEIR SOCKS OFF IN OXON

65 miles from Bristol, deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, Carterton Town FC host a lovely girls' tournament. Visitors like the Foxes U12s are welcome, but if they keep taking away the trophies, that may change...

On a classic British summer's day - leaden skies and steady drizzle - the mighty Foxes retained the trophy they won so dramatically last year (*see blog 9/6/14). Strictly speaking, they won the U12s trophy after winning the U11s last year, but you get the idea. After a total of 84 minutes of football, and a start which even local slugs were calling sluggish, the "trophy cabinet" was further crammed with another shiny cup and winners' shields for everyone.

A strong 8-Fox squad travelled across the Cotswolds. Very welcome debutante Zoe was joined by Amelia, Ella B, Sim, Lulu, Rhiannon, Molly and Mara. They were accompanied by a vital ninth member of the squad, "Big Gaz" Gazebo, signed from Argos for £35. Some said she was "too green" for this level, but others thought that she could "do a job" for the Foxes and stand up to everything the elements might throw at her. So it proved, as she combined well with the Beswetherick tent to keep everyone (and Mara's lucky piggies) warm and dry between games.

Coaches Graham and Mark emphasised the importance of flying out of the blocks, getting shots on target and landing the first blow in the fleeting nine minute group games. So the first three were drawn 0-0. "To be fair", as the pundits say when damning with faint praise, this was down to a combination of bad luck, comedy finishing and over-complication in the final third. In one game keeper Lulu didn't touch the ball, or even see it enter her half. In others, shots were snatched at, scuffed into keepers' arms or blasted over. Would it be one of those days?

Lift-off, in the manner of the fighter jets roaring above nearby RAF Brize Norton, was achieved in game 4, against a decent Ashton Keynes side. Only Ella B knows whether her medium-paced ball from outside the box was intended as a through pass, but through it rolled into the corner of the net. Sim added a second to clinch the game and the Foxes were in business. Surely the goals would start flowing now?

Two more 0-0s followed.

 "To be fair", the Foxes were now playing some strong teams and some attractive  football to boot. Rhiannon's hypnotic mazy dribbles were tormenting the finest of the Oxfordshire league. Lulu had resumed her controlling outfield presence, unleashing the occasional screamer. Stand-in goalie Amelia looked a natural for the role, and the mighty minis Mara and Ella were dancing down the wings. Molly, shrugging off her pre-tournament sleepiness, was wide awake and moving the ball well with boot and throw- ins. Zoe was blending seamlessly with her new team mates.

The last of seven group games had to be won to ensure easy qualification for the semis. The Foxes saved their best for it, winning 3-1 after shrugging off a surprise equaliser and first goal conceded. Zoe had earlier burst through on a Rhiannon through ball to blast in her first Foxes goal, and later Mara finished beautifully "mit dem linken Fuß*!" (*left peg), as Christoph might have said. Sim added a clinically struck third and the Foxes were through as no. 2 seeds.

Next up were last year's finalists, Witney's Tower Hill Vixens. A close and sporting contest was settled when Lulu launched a high looping shot goalwards, only for the keeper' parry to be met by a vicious Sim volley straight past her.

The final was against a strong Bishop's Cleeve side from the Gloucester league, who had won most of their group games and always looked likely finalists. Playing against the wind in the first of two six minute halves, the Foxes settled to their task quickly, moving the ball well and withstanding the dangerous Cleeve set pieces. They got their reward soon afterwards, when Sim latched on to a swift midfield one-two to drive the ball low into the bottom right corner.

Changing ends for the second half, the Foxes controlled the rest of the game, with tireless chasing and forward pressure, and Rhiannon clearing or dribbling the ball out of defence when any danger threatened. Zoe was a constant presence and menace in the opposition half, and the Foxes could have sealed it when a Sim shot hit off the post, then the keeper, then fell to Ella who narrowly missed. But it didn't matter. Amelia "The Rock" was not troubled further in goal, and the RAF ref blew for full time. Cue wild celebrations, hugs and smiles all round. The rain had even stopped too.

So it was a happy return to Carterton, and a second trophy of the season. It would be invidious to pick one 'girl of the tournament'. Every single Fox was at her best and made a huge contribution, on the field and off the bench. Not one grumble was heard about the weather. We shall return, and go for the "three-peat" next year...

Captain of the Day: Sim

Player of the Tournament: The Gazebo/Mara's Piggies (jointly)

u12 Foxes Girls Win at St Nicks!

UNDER 12 GIRLS SLICK AT ST. NICK'S

Such is the depth of the U12 girl Foxes that even while missing Betty and new recruits Zoe and Lauren, they could still field two strong sides for the annual St. Nicholas YFC tournament at Chipping Sodbury. On a breezy and sunny day, we had sunburn, sherbet-coated ice cream, a valuable and brave effort by the Whites, and the Greens carrying off the trophy without conceding a goal.

There were Foxes debuts for new recruits Emily H And Millie T, and extended runouts for everyone in squads of 7 for 6-a-side games. The Whites, lacking a little experience in playing together, nevertheless battled heroically. Amelia was simply outstanding in goal, while both Millies (B and T) impressed with many skilful touches and turns. Molly, Izzy and Emily W ran, chased and tackled hard, and Lily came close on a number of occasions. The highlight was their final play-off match against eventual finalists (and Gloucestershire Cup winners) Wotton Rovers, which they narrowly lost 1-0 after pushing their strong opponents all the way.

Meanwhile, the Greens got off to the typical slow Foxes tournament start, perhaps forgetting that the matches were only 12 minutes long. Both the opener against Cheltenham, and the next match against familiar rivals Bradley Stoke, finished goalless, although by the second game the pressure and the chances on goal were beginning to build up. Lift-off came in the third game against Wotton, when Rhiannon's long shot rattled off the crossbar and fell for Mara to sweep in to secure the win. After the Greens prevailed in a friendly inter-Foxes encounter, it was on to the semi-finals.

Facing Bradley Stoke once again, the Foxes Greens finally hit their stride. Early on Rhiannon dribbled to the edge of the box to play in Sim, who looked certain to score, but then unselfishly squared for Mara to finish low in the bottom corner. There were further chances at both ends, but the Foxes looked likely to add their total, including one superb flowing four-pass counter attack begun from deep, ending with Sim hitting Ella's perfect cross against the bar. With ex-B Stokers Daisy and Emily powerful in defence and on the counter, one of several assured and flawless displays in goal from Lulu, and good skill and touches all over the pitch, the Foxes ran out the deserving winners of a sporting encounter.

It was Wotton in the final, with their star player Amy bravely playing on while hurt, yet still a powerful threat and presence all over the pitch. Once again the Foxes made the early breakthrough. Rhiannon charged down an attempted pass on the right wing, shimmied inside and launched another shot at goal. It was yet another woodwork (or Samba goal) assist, with the ball dropping off the post and bar junction, stranding the keeper and leaving Sim with a tap-in. The rest of the game was tight, but the Foxes kept the ball  mostly up at the Wotton end. With parents repeatedly asking unofficial timekeeper Mark how much time was left, Wotton produced a final heart-stopping moment, with a shot hitting the post and the rebound in front of goal being pulled inches wide. Time was up a few moments later and the Foxes had their first trophy of the season.

Special thanks to all girls in both teams, who played their hearts out and all produced great moments of skill at various times. Extra special mentions to distinguished debutants Millie T and Emily H, who looked very much at home in the green and white hoops.

Only one team could win, but this was a victory for the whole squad and club. The summer tour continues at Carterton and Quedgeley...

AEK BOCO Red 1 v 1 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes Rally to earn a point in the final fixture!

The Foxes finished another strong league season with a battling draw against a committed and physically imposing Boco side. 2nd place in the League was secured by last month’s away win at Wotton, then confirmed when Portishead clinched the title with a 7-0 away win at Bradley Stoke.

The girls and their entourage travelled to a windswept and bumpy Page Park for the first time. Most, but not all, found it successfully and on time. With Martin on call, Graham away biking and coach Mark delayed, John and Christoph kindly took the reins, with Ewan persuaded out of his camping chair to be a linesman.
The high wind and fast surface made for challenging conditions, with particular danger from long balls and throw ins. The Foxes struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, despite having the wind at their back and the slight slope in their favour. Boco were breaking up most Foxes attacks and winning the second balls, although Sim and Lulu came close with long range shots. A slight defensive hesitation on a through ball then let Boco in to open the scoring midway through the half.

Things got tough for the Foxes as poor Mara limped off injured, although by this time Ella had arrived and could take her place. It got even tougher shortly afterwards, as close to half time Betty was injured making a typically brave 50:50 challenge at the feet of a striker. She had to leave the field in pain, leaving Lulu to don the magic gloves and silver shirt. That left the Foxes down to just 10 girls, with a Lulu-shaped gap in midfield.

Thankfully, in the second half the rest of the squad responded magnificently to the challenge. Daisy broke down the left, then turned and lofted a speculative shot into the wind. The opposition coach said (very generously) "that's in" as soon as it was struck, and he was right - top corner!

Young 'uns Millie, Ella W and Lily were all thrown into the fray for long periods, and battled their hearts out, sometimes tenaciously winning challenges against players who towered over them. Boco stepped up the pressure and forced a number of defensive clearances from through balls and well-taken set pieces, but the Foxes were equal to the task.  Gradually, they began to get their passing game together, and threaten down the right wing with the mazy running of Rhiannon and Ella.

The Foxes withstood further Boco pressure, and a high number of corners (most of which were repelled by the head of Daisy), to force further chances in the final minutes, culminating in a brilliant through ball to Sim. She expertly rounded the keeper but was forced agonisingly wide of the goal. The whistle blew and it was a hard-earned but fair draw, with both teams reasonably happy. The Foxes then got even happier with the help of a) ice creams from the van at Page Park (thanks Martin!) and b) end of season pizza at Amici later on...

Girl of the game: Daisy (for her wonder goal, and many headers!)

Captain of the week: Lulu (and for taking over in goal)

14/03 - BSYL Year 9 - Golden Hill Sonics 0 - 4 Foxes,

The Foxes travelled the short distance to play Golden Hill Sonics and came home with a deserved three points. For the second league fixture in a row it was a second versus third clash and while both sides were determined and committed, it was the Foxes that dominated the day. Mixing up their style of play, passing with accuracy and defending with discipline it was a very good performance from the away side, with only their finishing letting them down, as they should have had more to show at half time than two goals from in-form Omar and one from Dom.

The Sonics had the slight slope at their backs in the second half and although they had more possession than in the first half they struggled to find the right final ball. Owen  in the Foxes goal made one great save and a couple of brave interventions to snuff out the rare threats on his goal. Throughout the Foxes continued to impress going forward and Rauf completed a well deserved hatrick with a minute to go. 

With two regular defenders missing, the Foxes keeping a clean sheet was a great achievement with the back four of Jacob, Alec, Tom and man of the match Nick deserving great praise.

BGL u12 Wotton Rovers 3 v 4 Westbury Park Foxes

Foxes survive late scare to secure runners up spot!

A drizzly day and sloping pitch awaited the Foxes as they made the trip up the M5 to Wotton, knowing that a win was required to ensure there would be trophies on the mantlepiece at the end of the year!

With squad withdrawals, and players carrying knocks, the depleted Foxes called on India to make her seasons debut, and she took her place on the bench with Ella W as the Foxes kicked off up the slope.

Wotton had the best of the early running, as the Foxes afford them too much time and space, culminating in a pile driver from Amy that was well wide, but struck from 30 meters out!

Soon though the Foxes had the lead as Molly broke on the right before sliding a perfectly weighted pass around the oncoming midfielder that Sim took off the toes of the defender to lash home.

Sim opens the Scoring!

1-0 was soon 2-0 as the Foxes worked it well on the left and Lulu fired in to beat the keeper at the near post.

With the 2 goal advantage, India replaced Ella B and picked up where she left off last year, with strong tackling, pacy running and quick closing down!

Lulu plays India in!

The Foxes were in the ascendency, although Mara had to be withdrawn following a knee injury, with Ella returning and India switching wings. A series of corners to the away team just before the half ended saw Lulu add to her tally as she picked up a failed clearance to rifle the ball into the far corner.

Lulu fires in number 3!

So 3-0 at half time and the benefit of the slope to come. Surely this was in the bag…..

Wotton had different ideas as they looked sharp from the off and recycled the second phase ball well, catching the Foxes defence. As the cross came over it skidded awkwardly in the difficult conditions under Betty's arm, and as the keeper turner to reclaim 2 Wotton players were there to bundle the ball home.

The Foxes were spurred on and went straight back from the kick off to restore the 3 goal cushion, with Sim blasting in.

That how to beat the offside trap!

From there it was a pulsating end to end contest. The only difference being Wooton's chances went in whilst the Foxes hit the woodwork twice and then narrowly missed past the post, as the home keeper made some great saves.
So relief when the whistle went at 4-3, knowing that the Foxes would finish in the top 2 for the third successive year!

Captain of the Week: Sim

Girl of the game : India

BGL U12 Westbury Park Foxes 2 v 0 Bradley Stoke

Wonder Goals fire Foxes back into the Buffet Places!

The return leg of the North Bristol Classico saw the Foxes gain the advantage over Bradley Stoke, following a thrilling away match, earlier in the season, when we had managed to claw back 3 goals to salvage a point.
There was a steely determination that, this time, we would not allow the opposition the time and space to play.
The plan was to simply pass the ball well and get the ball early to Sim to use her pace behind the defence.

The game started well with the Foxes quickly on the offence. Good wing play from Mara and Ella, mixing up running wide with early infield passing set up a couple of early chances which were well dealt with by the away keeper.
Soon though Bradley Stoke started to fire and gain some territorial advantage, forcing a couple of corners and testing Betty in the home goal with some long range shots.
The first half ebbed and flowed, with the Foxes forced into a change as Izzy took over from Ella B, who was carrying an injury into the game.
 0-0 at the break, and a confident Foxes team talk, meant the girls started the second half feeling that a break through would come.
With Ella B pulling up again, Ella W came on in defence and Rhiannon pushed into midfield. The Foxes went on the offensive, and a delightful through ball was well taken by Sim who beat the defender and unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that flew into the net. 1-0 to the Foxes!
With the breakthrough the home coaches reinforced the need to close down the opposition quickly as we knew that Stoke would come back at us. Sure enough, the away team pushed up and again were caught by a through ball from Lulu, which Sim dispatched in a similar fashion to the first goal, this time with the help of the far post.
From there on the Foxes did a magnificent job of harrying and closing down Stoke to prevent any danger.
So 2-0 at the end and a fine result that pushes the Foxes back up to second in the table.

With only 2 games left it is tight at the top, and the season is still far from over!

Captain of the Week: Rhiannon

Girl of the Game: Sim