Battling
Boco Bested By Fantastic Foxes
in Festive Five Goal F(Th)-riller
U14
Girls end the year on a 'Perfect 10'
 |
| The tactics board (Rhiannon and Betty 'The Cat' also pictured) |
AEK Boco 2 Westbury
Park Foxes 3
Well, nobody
said it would be easy. The high flying girl Foxes overcame their toughest
challenge yet, falling behind for the first time this season before storming back to overcome a spirited
and tough Boco side.
This
fixture has a rich history. Some of these girls' first ever Foxes match was a
friendly at Boco, when they were only sweet little U9s (ah, remember those
days?). The following year Boco pipped Westbury Park to the title in the first
BGL season. Then the Foxes clinched the 2014 league at Boco amid popping
Schloer corks and wild celebrations. Since then, the games have always been tight
and eagerly fought.
Despite
a heavy Saturday rainfall, the match was on, and the sun was shining on a
decent Tennis Court Road pitch. The hosts got off to a strong start, and in the
early stages looked like they 'wanted it' a little more, after an
unlucky cup defeat last week. They opened the scoring when a slightly miscued
goal kick was returned with interest by their headbanded star No. 9. The slightly
rattled Foxes gradually got into their game and began to exploit their pace on
the wings. Zoe, forced unusually wide to the left, then cut in, skipped around
the defender's lunge and finished with aplomb from an almost 'Vardy-esque'
narrow angle.
Boco
continued to press and harry, making good use of the aerial ball through the
middle and at times forcing the Foxes to respond in kind rather than settle
into their passing game. Midway into the half, the skilful no. 9 was not closed
down on the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom
corner. When some slight timekeeping confusion caused the ref to blow early,
the Foxes found themselves 2-1 down at half time.
This is
when the coaches earn their corn. With 'Doc Martin' absent on call to deal with
trivial matters such as NHS heart surgery (but still responding to regular
WhatsApp updates - perhaps even from theatre?), it was down to Graham and Mark
to gee up the girls, and dispel any signs of panic or frustration. They also had
the vital magnetic 'tactics board' (pictured above), and of course Mara's lucky
piggies on the sidelines. Boco were
playing a physical game, mostly within the rules, and had been first to most
balls. The Foxes would have to 'up their intensity', ride the challenges and
trust their ability in the second half.
And so
they did. There was a gradual but perceptible shift in momentum, as the defence
(with Abby outstanding as always) dealt with the aerial threat, and the mighty Olivia and Lulu
began to win more 50:50s and spread the play wide and forward. Boco couldn't
sustain their first half tempo and struggled to create much, although Betty had
to be on her toes to take some awkward high catches and a well struck direct
free kick.
The
goals, when they came, were a little unusual, but certainly well deserved on
the balance of play. Zoe sped on to a through ball, went past her central
defender and struck a distinctly stoppable shot straight at the keeper - only
to see it squirm through the unfortunate goalie's legs and in. At 2-2 the Foxes
were playing a lot of football in the opposition half, and winning several
corners, but the decisive break came on the counter attack. Rhiannon played the
ball out of right defence, then combined neatly with Ella on the wing before
crossing. When Mara controlled, turned and took aim, the resulting shot may just possibly have been slightly
mishit, but it bobbled almost apologetically into the bottom right corner. No,
actually, she meant it..of course.
From
there on in, the Foxes managed the game coolly, keeping the play mostly in the opposing half by winning a succession of throw ins and corners as Boco were frequently
turned and forced to clear their lines. The coaches kept the bench active, and
as in all the best performances, everyone played their part. Amelia W No. 2 was
always a lively and pacy presence, while the original Amelia W slotted calmly in
to the back four. As the game wore on Emily H felt freer to make her trademark
barnstorming runs forward, and Mara and Ella's trickery out wide kept the
pressure on the home team.
The final whistle arrived without too many
major scares, for what could be a priceless away win in the Foxes' league
challenge. They end the year halfway through their fixtures, with a perfect 10
wins out of 10 and (in real terms) top of the league, although rivals Wotton
have played one more. Not a bad year, on top of the multiple tournament glory
in the summer. So 2016 hasn't been all grim news..
The Foxes
go into the Christmas break looking forward to a trip to Mojo Active then plenty
of nice food, presents and lie-ins (in moderation, of course). Training will
resume at 6am on Boxing Day...no, only kidding, on the first Saturday in January.
A tough run of fixtures then starts from the 15th, weather permitting . Let's
hope for no postponements, more of the same football, and of course world peace
in 2017.
Merry
Christmas one and all!
Girl of
the Game: Olivia
Captain
of the Game: Millie
