A return to home and more pleasant weather conditions today as the Girl's U10s faced another of the Boco teams. With the pitch in perfect playing conditions after the week of rain, the girls set about focusing on a return to winning ways after last weeks draw.
Lining up with the ever dependable Betty in goal, Bella and Amelia started in defence, with Ella, Lulu and Lilly in midfield and Sim arriving just in time to play the 'lone striker' role.
Truth be told, the first 1/4 of the match was not up to usual standards, with several players enthusiastically running out of position, and a lack of passing, together with a Boco team playing with 4 big defenders, meant that there were few chances. The Foxes kept trying to run the ball into the penalty box, and into blind alleys, with Boco able to use the pitch to launch some 'route 1' balls allowing their striker a couple of chances that were well smothered by our keeper.
With better organisation the Foxes started to look more dangerous and after a couple of well taken strikes by Ella, the girls settled and went into the break 2-0 up.
The second half saw Izzy and Bea taking over in defence with Mara coming on to play on the left of mid field.
The foxes were better able to hold their shape, and soon a clinical finish from Mara, wrong footing the keeper to open her Foxes account, put the result beyond doubt. A couple of Simran goals, one deflecting a wicked Lulu strike, rounded off a much better half, with some great passing and movement.
So a return to winning ways and a comprehensive win, but still some work to do on passing and movement.
Captain of the Week - Ella
Girl of the Game - Lulu
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Saturday, 29 September 2012
BSYL - Foxes u12s 5 - 5 Thornbury Town
The Foxes first home game of the season - the sun was out and the grass on the Downs had even been cut.
We took to the field with a squad of 17 and started the stronger, taking the lead after only a couple of minutes after Jack C had hit the bar and Harry played the ball back in for a Thornbury player to turn it into his own net. It continued to be pretty much one way traffic but Thornbury caught us on the break with a well taken goal. Omar put us back in the lead with a penalty before Thornbury scored with an identical goal to their first.
The second half followed much the same pattern. 3-2 up through Harry, 3-3. But Thornbury continued to be a threat on the break and they took the lead for the first time with 10 minutes to go. To their credit the Foxes kept going with Ollie C finishing off a great move to pull the scores level before Danny, with only three minutes left, scored our fifth.
Surely this week we would see out the closing stages to claim three points but lightening does strike twice and, just as against the Sonics, we allowed the opposition to take a point with pretty much the last kick of the game.
Overall it was a mixed performance. Good going forward but a bit muddled in defence. Plenty to work on.
Player of the week was Ollie C for a great performance and a great goal.
We took to the field with a squad of 17 and started the stronger, taking the lead after only a couple of minutes after Jack C had hit the bar and Harry played the ball back in for a Thornbury player to turn it into his own net. It continued to be pretty much one way traffic but Thornbury caught us on the break with a well taken goal. Omar put us back in the lead with a penalty before Thornbury scored with an identical goal to their first.
The second half followed much the same pattern. 3-2 up through Harry, 3-3. But Thornbury continued to be a threat on the break and they took the lead for the first time with 10 minutes to go. To their credit the Foxes kept going with Ollie C finishing off a great move to pull the scores level before Danny, with only three minutes left, scored our fifth.
Surely this week we would see out the closing stages to claim three points but lightening does strike twice and, just as against the Sonics, we allowed the opposition to take a point with pretty much the last kick of the game.
Overall it was a mixed performance. Good going forward but a bit muddled in defence. Plenty to work on.
Player of the week was Ollie C for a great performance and a great goal.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
GFA U12 CUP - Frampton Rangers 2 - 7 Foxes U12s
The first ever Foxes' game in the Gloucester FA Cup was played in driving rain and freezing temperatures. On a Sunday. We were drawn against Frampton Rangers, an Avon Youth League side, and we were delighted to give U12 debuts to Archie and Seb.
Frampton were clearly a well-drilled, counter attacking team with real pace and capable of scoring goals. They started the brighter and for the first five minutes the Foxes looked slightly over-awed. However, we gradually started winning tackles, making passes and creating pressure. Suddenly, Danny, from a throw by Sonny, wriggled past two defenders and slotted the ball into the net. Next up, a cross from Anna was headed in by Sonny, then Danny again from distance before Max was on hand to finish after the Frampton keeper spilled the wet ball. 4-0.
Too good to be true? Well, a bit. Frampton had been caught off-side on a couple of occasions and finally sprung our defence for their striker to take his goal well. The game could have turned here, but more pressure put us 5-1 up through an own goal. Right at the end of the half Frampton grabbed a second as we failed to clear the ball. 5-2 at half time.
The squad huddled in the rain as we talked about keeping it tight for the second half and that's just what we did, until the last 10 minutes when everyone got a bit excited and wanted to score....nevertheless goals by Danny (his second hatrick of the weekend) and a cool penalty by Captain Lawes left us a worth winners, 7-2.
Overall the coaches were delighted with the effort. It was impressive that we able to field a team on a Sunday when everyone has so many other commitments but even more pleasing was the teamwork and control that the Foxes showed. With only one substitute we kept going for the full hour and were the stronger team at the end. Great performances all round - Alec outstanding at right back, Sam P slotting in at centre back, Anna on the right and Max and Sonny upfront. It was great to have Watts and Vickerman along and despite the efforts of Ollie K, Sam L, Jack C and Nick man-of-the-match had to go to Danny for a strong display and plenty of goals.
Well done all.
Frampton were clearly a well-drilled, counter attacking team with real pace and capable of scoring goals. They started the brighter and for the first five minutes the Foxes looked slightly over-awed. However, we gradually started winning tackles, making passes and creating pressure. Suddenly, Danny, from a throw by Sonny, wriggled past two defenders and slotted the ball into the net. Next up, a cross from Anna was headed in by Sonny, then Danny again from distance before Max was on hand to finish after the Frampton keeper spilled the wet ball. 4-0.
Too good to be true? Well, a bit. Frampton had been caught off-side on a couple of occasions and finally sprung our defence for their striker to take his goal well. The game could have turned here, but more pressure put us 5-1 up through an own goal. Right at the end of the half Frampton grabbed a second as we failed to clear the ball. 5-2 at half time.
The squad huddled in the rain as we talked about keeping it tight for the second half and that's just what we did, until the last 10 minutes when everyone got a bit excited and wanted to score....nevertheless goals by Danny (his second hatrick of the weekend) and a cool penalty by Captain Lawes left us a worth winners, 7-2.
Overall the coaches were delighted with the effort. It was impressive that we able to field a team on a Sunday when everyone has so many other commitments but even more pleasing was the teamwork and control that the Foxes showed. With only one substitute we kept going for the full hour and were the stronger team at the end. Great performances all round - Alec outstanding at right back, Sam P slotting in at centre back, Anna on the right and Max and Sonny upfront. It was great to have Watts and Vickerman along and despite the efforts of Ollie K, Sam L, Jack C and Nick man-of-the-match had to go to Danny for a strong display and plenty of goals.
Well done all.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
AEK BOCO White 1 V 1 Westbury Park Foxes
Autumn arrived with a bang today for the 'top of the table' clash away at AEK Boco. Heavy rain and plummeting temperatures served up a timely reminder of regular season football.
A squad of 10 made the trip (eventually) to Hanham for our first encounter of the season against one of the 3 Boco teams. Having played in friendlies last year we knew they were a team on the up and we would face a real test.
Betty captained from goal, with Bella and Molly in defence, Lulu formed a new midfield partnership with Mara making her Foxes debut. Lily and Sim once again led the line.
The first half got underway at a frantic pace and the match went end to end repeatedly with both defences able to break down opposition attacks. It soon became clear that the Foxes were vulnerable to the through ball, and, despite Izzy reinforcing the defence, it was just such a ball that led to a mix up in the Foxes box and a close range goal for BOCO. An injury to Mara meant Ella, dosed up with Calpol, took to the right.
So for the first time the Foxes went into the break a goal down, a new experience. A half time team talk concentrated on heads not dropping, and convincing Betty that the rain on her back would be better than coming into her face, (her lips really were blue!).
The second half started with Amelia replacing the excellent Bella in defence, and the Foxes quickly pushed forward in search of the equalizer. We didn't have to wait long as, with the first attack of the half, Ella ghosted into the box unmarked to meet a cross with a clinical finish.
From then it was game on as both teams went in search of a winner, with Sim going close and the post denying Lily. At the other end Betty made a couple of important stops when one on one with the Boco striker.
All in all a fair result, and a taste of how difficult the league can be.
Once again many thanks for all the parental support on such a miserable day.
Captain of the Week - Betty
Girl of the Game - Ella
A squad of 10 made the trip (eventually) to Hanham for our first encounter of the season against one of the 3 Boco teams. Having played in friendlies last year we knew they were a team on the up and we would face a real test.
Betty captained from goal, with Bella and Molly in defence, Lulu formed a new midfield partnership with Mara making her Foxes debut. Lily and Sim once again led the line.
The first half got underway at a frantic pace and the match went end to end repeatedly with both defences able to break down opposition attacks. It soon became clear that the Foxes were vulnerable to the through ball, and, despite Izzy reinforcing the defence, it was just such a ball that led to a mix up in the Foxes box and a close range goal for BOCO. An injury to Mara meant Ella, dosed up with Calpol, took to the right.
So for the first time the Foxes went into the break a goal down, a new experience. A half time team talk concentrated on heads not dropping, and convincing Betty that the rain on her back would be better than coming into her face, (her lips really were blue!).
The second half started with Amelia replacing the excellent Bella in defence, and the Foxes quickly pushed forward in search of the equalizer. We didn't have to wait long as, with the first attack of the half, Ella ghosted into the box unmarked to meet a cross with a clinical finish.
From then it was game on as both teams went in search of a winner, with Sim going close and the post denying Lily. At the other end Betty made a couple of important stops when one on one with the Boco striker.
All in all a fair result, and a taste of how difficult the league can be.
Once again many thanks for all the parental support on such a miserable day.
Captain of the Week - Betty
Girl of the Game - Ella
Saturday, 22 September 2012
BSYL - Golden Hill Sonics 4 - 4 Foxes U12s
What a morning. What a game. What a shame about the final result.
The Foxes travelled, not too far, to play the Sonics and from the start played some lovely football, with pace on the wings, control in the centre and some quality defending. Playing slightly up hill the Foxes had the best of possession but the Sonics scored with a break away goal that the Foxes, for once, failed to deal with.
Captain Lawes rallied his side and Sonny took his goal with a beautiful chip over the keeper. 1-1 and game on. Another Sonics foray up field led to a penalty. 2-1. Almost immediately Anna scored a great goal only for the linesman to give an off-side decision.
Half time and the team were positive about getting back into the game and within two minutes Danny won a penalty and, after being asked to re-take it, he did, even more emphatically. 2-2. Then perhaps the best goal of the game as Danny wriggled into the box and finish in the corner. 2-3. Once again the Sonics broke to equalise before Danny completed his hat-trick. 3-4. The Foxes were still dominating possession and created two or three good chances but with seconds to go the Sonics took a final chance to equalise. 4-4.
The Foxes should be proud. Owen was, yet again, great in goal, the back four (Alec, Ollie, Sam P and Nick) played the whole game and all did really well. The midfield, with skill and pace wide (Jack, Harry and Anna) and Danny and Sam, working hard, controlled the game and upfront (Sonny, Raul, Max and Jacob) the Foxes created and took their chances.
Player of the week was Ollie K for an outstanding performance, leading the defence by example.
The Foxes travelled, not too far, to play the Sonics and from the start played some lovely football, with pace on the wings, control in the centre and some quality defending. Playing slightly up hill the Foxes had the best of possession but the Sonics scored with a break away goal that the Foxes, for once, failed to deal with.
Captain Lawes rallied his side and Sonny took his goal with a beautiful chip over the keeper. 1-1 and game on. Another Sonics foray up field led to a penalty. 2-1. Almost immediately Anna scored a great goal only for the linesman to give an off-side decision.
Half time and the team were positive about getting back into the game and within two minutes Danny won a penalty and, after being asked to re-take it, he did, even more emphatically. 2-2. Then perhaps the best goal of the game as Danny wriggled into the box and finish in the corner. 2-3. Once again the Sonics broke to equalise before Danny completed his hat-trick. 3-4. The Foxes were still dominating possession and created two or three good chances but with seconds to go the Sonics took a final chance to equalise. 4-4.
The Foxes should be proud. Owen was, yet again, great in goal, the back four (Alec, Ollie, Sam P and Nick) played the whole game and all did really well. The midfield, with skill and pace wide (Jack, Harry and Anna) and Danny and Sam, working hard, controlled the game and upfront (Sonny, Raul, Max and Jacob) the Foxes created and took their chances.
Player of the week was Ollie K for an outstanding performance, leading the defence by example.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
WPF 3-0 BLU Red. u10 Foxes Girls Win At Home
The u10 Girls continued their fine start to life in the Bristol Girl's League, with a convincing home win in the 'top of the table' clash with Bristol Ladies Union Reds.
Limited to 7 players, we knew that fitness would be tested this week, against a well organised BLU team. Betty reverted back to goalie, with captain Bea and Molly in defence. Lulu returned to midfield partnering Ella, who was making her first start of the season. Regular strike partners Sim and Lily completed the line up.
With Bea winning the toss, we had the advantage of playing up the slope in the first half, and whilst tiring, the Foxes made the best of the early chances, with good midfield closing down and quick breaks in attack. We were clearly up against a good team who were able to defend with some resilience, and on occasions put pressure on the Foxes goal. The breakthrough finally came in the latter part of the first half, with Sim netting, allowing the Foxes to take a 1-0 half time lead.
Playing down the slope in the second half allowed Lulu to take a more defensive sweeper role. The BLU's came back into the match, but were always vulnerable to the swift counter attack of the Foxes. Lily went close before a couple of goals by Sim, including one from a delightful through ball from Lulu, put the result beyond doubt. With the exception of a scrambled effort against the post, the Foxes goal was rarely threatened and a tired set of Foxes held out for a well deserved 3 points.
Many thanks to Andy, Ben and all the parents for showing such great support, (not to mention popping to Costa!)
Foxes Captain of the Week - Bea
Girl of the Game - Betty
Limited to 7 players, we knew that fitness would be tested this week, against a well organised BLU team. Betty reverted back to goalie, with captain Bea and Molly in defence. Lulu returned to midfield partnering Ella, who was making her first start of the season. Regular strike partners Sim and Lily completed the line up.
With Bea winning the toss, we had the advantage of playing up the slope in the first half, and whilst tiring, the Foxes made the best of the early chances, with good midfield closing down and quick breaks in attack. We were clearly up against a good team who were able to defend with some resilience, and on occasions put pressure on the Foxes goal. The breakthrough finally came in the latter part of the first half, with Sim netting, allowing the Foxes to take a 1-0 half time lead.
Playing down the slope in the second half allowed Lulu to take a more defensive sweeper role. The BLU's came back into the match, but were always vulnerable to the swift counter attack of the Foxes. Lily went close before a couple of goals by Sim, including one from a delightful through ball from Lulu, put the result beyond doubt. With the exception of a scrambled effort against the post, the Foxes goal was rarely threatened and a tired set of Foxes held out for a well deserved 3 points.
Many thanks to Andy, Ben and all the parents for showing such great support, (not to mention popping to Costa!)
Foxes Captain of the Week - Bea
Girl of the Game - Betty
Sunday, 9 September 2012
BSYL U12 - Wickwar Wanderers 3 - 2 Foxes U12s
A brand new venture for the Foxes got underway as we fielded our first ever U12s side. To make it even more noteworthy this was the first ever competitive 11 a-side game a Foxes team has ever played.
Blimey.
The result may have gone against us but the performance was full of promise and some great passages of Foxy play. With several key players missing this was always going to be a tough encounter but we never stopped playing or let our heads drop. Owen proved that he is just as good in an 11 a-side goal as the smaller ones we used last year. Harri and Ollie K coped well with their forwards and Jacob had a storming game at right-back until he twisted his ankle and had to be subbed.
Wickwar went in 1-0 up at half-time and stretched that lead to two before Danny took a free kick and Nick forced the ball home. 2-1. Game on. The next goal would be crucial and sadly it fell to Wickwar. 3-1. If anything the Foxes played even better after this and Danny won and (no surprise really) took a penalty. 3-2. We kept pressing but could not force an equaliser.
Well done to all.
Captain's armband next game to Sam L who led the team by example this time round.
Blimey.
The result may have gone against us but the performance was full of promise and some great passages of Foxy play. With several key players missing this was always going to be a tough encounter but we never stopped playing or let our heads drop. Owen proved that he is just as good in an 11 a-side goal as the smaller ones we used last year. Harri and Ollie K coped well with their forwards and Jacob had a storming game at right-back until he twisted his ankle and had to be subbed.
Wickwar went in 1-0 up at half-time and stretched that lead to two before Danny took a free kick and Nick forced the ball home. 2-1. Game on. The next goal would be crucial and sadly it fell to Wickwar. 3-1. If anything the Foxes played even better after this and Danny won and (no surprise really) took a penalty. 3-2. We kept pressing but could not force an equaliser.
Well done to all.
Captain's armband next game to Sam L who led the team by example this time round.
Foxes Shine In Bristol Girls League u10 Debut
The first competitive league match in Foxes girls football history took place today as the U10's (Y5 and Y4) travelled to Longwell Green to play in the Bristol Girls League.
A prematch ankle injury picked up by Lulu meant an immediate change in starting personnel. Lulu took over the 'keepers gloves from Betty, and the Foxes reverted from 3/3 to a more conventional 2/2/2 line up with Bea and Bella in front of Lulu, Isabelle and Amelia in midfield and Simran and Lily upfront. After FA respect handshakes the qualified referee got the match underway.
It wasn't long before the Foxes were back into their stride, with sound midfield tackling enabling Simran and Lily to stretch the opposition. On a big pitch the gaps started to open and soon the Foxes took the lead via Simran.
Further goals followed as the Foxes dominated the early part of the match, with more goals from Sim, as well as Lily and Isabelle, to ensure a 5-0 first half lead.
The comfortable gap meant that the second half gave an opportunity for some players to move around the pitch and play different positions, as well as rest our 'front 2'. A 4th from Simran and a first Foxes goal for usual 'keeper Betty, playing in midfield, meant a fine 7-0 finish and a more competitive second half, although the Foxes goal was never really threatened.
Next week sees the first 'home' game at the new Foxes lair (St Ursula's school), Sunday 11am.
This Week's Captain: Amelia
Girls of the Game: Bella
Come on the Foxes!
A prematch ankle injury picked up by Lulu meant an immediate change in starting personnel. Lulu took over the 'keepers gloves from Betty, and the Foxes reverted from 3/3 to a more conventional 2/2/2 line up with Bea and Bella in front of Lulu, Isabelle and Amelia in midfield and Simran and Lily upfront. After FA respect handshakes the qualified referee got the match underway.
It wasn't long before the Foxes were back into their stride, with sound midfield tackling enabling Simran and Lily to stretch the opposition. On a big pitch the gaps started to open and soon the Foxes took the lead via Simran.
Further goals followed as the Foxes dominated the early part of the match, with more goals from Sim, as well as Lily and Isabelle, to ensure a 5-0 first half lead.
The comfortable gap meant that the second half gave an opportunity for some players to move around the pitch and play different positions, as well as rest our 'front 2'. A 4th from Simran and a first Foxes goal for usual 'keeper Betty, playing in midfield, meant a fine 7-0 finish and a more competitive second half, although the Foxes goal was never really threatened.
Next week sees the first 'home' game at the new Foxes lair (St Ursula's school), Sunday 11am.
This Week's Captain: Amelia
Girls of the Game: Bella
Come on the Foxes!
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