Back in action after a month without a fixture, the boys showed up with a lot of energy and were very close to getting the win on multiple occasions. Maxime equalised the game with 2 goals halfway through the second half, but the other team was able to score with 4 minutes left on the clock for the win. I loved seeing the energy that the players showed despite having no substitutes.
Maxime was our player of the match. Not only for the goals but the energy and effort in both attacking and defending to help out the team. This week we worked on defending. It is clear to see the results of this as aspects of their game have improved a lot. To improve we need to practice our reactions and keep training on how to use space effectively.
A tough game which did not start well as we struggled to get a hold of the ball, the opponents taking a one goal lead into the break. After half time, we managed to get a good counter attacking goal by Ezekial to get us to one 1-1. Unfortunately, we conceded three more goals to take it to 4-1. My favourite moment was when Ezekial volunteered to go in goal and after a few mistakes came back with an unbelievable save to stop them scoring!
My player of the match was Henry. Henry’s impact at centre back and leadership was fantastic and his effort in training has helped him develop into a great player! Training has been hard as behaviour wasn’t great. The players knew this and looked to improve this in the future. We can be better defending 1v1, looking to delay opposition players when transitioning into defence.
The game started fast paced, with BFA pressing high to win the ball. A successful interception by Maisie, followed by a wonderfully struck shot put BFA a goal ahead only 4 minutes in. Princess Aiva made a real impact when coming on, with successive shots saved by the MGA keeper and a penalty missing narrowly wide. Her presence kept the team on the front foot. The second half saw a much more tactile and defensive set up from BFA. Some fantastic tackles made by Emily allowed us to keep a hold of the lead and see out the win.
My favourite moment was Emily tracking back to help her defenders in the final minutes of the match, to make 3 match winning tackles. Player of the match was Maisie for her match winning goals. It was lovely to see the confidence she had when striking the ball. I would also like to give a special mention to Emily for solidifying our win with some great defensive last ditch tackles.
In training last week we worked on positioning on throw ins (something which we usually struggle with). This really showed. The girls were much more alert and each player knew their role when taking them. It was clear to see the improvements from previous weeks. Next week we can work on progressing out from the defensive third, making sure we control the ball and playing safe passes instead of rushing our clearances.
One of our best games in possession games all season! Lovely to see one-twos all over the pitch as well as great decision making. Knowing when to pass and when to dribble makes a big difference. We dominated the whole game with bravery on the ball. Goal scorers: Kingsley, Pax, Ayan, Teo . My highlight of the match was a lovely sweeping move starting from our CBs which included more than 5 passes moving the ball from channel to channel until Kingsley found himself through on goal and slotted it in with a wonderful finish.
Teo was our player of the match. Unreal technical ability to beat players and create chances for himself and others. His decision making was fantastic. This week in training we worked on ideas on how to break the press with different types of combinations. This worked well as the one-twos became a prominent feature of our success. Moving forward we need to stay switched on in key moments of the game. Conceding should be taken as seriously as scoring a goal.
Our first fixture after the half-term after a long lay-off. A very entertaining game which saw us score a lot of goals and maintain our run of good performances. We capitalised on our build-up play and pressing to create lots of good scoring opportunities, by being defensively compact. Starting our own attacks when the opponents were disorganised. Our goal scorers were Louay and Nathan, with 3, Nico and Jake, with 2, and Elias and Noah chipping with one each as well. My favourite moment of the game was our build-up for the second goal as we produced slick passing to get through the press and it resulted in Jake scoring with a really good finish. My Player of the Match was Noah as he played in a goal; a position he was unfamiliar with and performed excellently. When he played outfield as a winger he was always the first to start our press which lead to a lot of goal scoring opportunities.
This week in training we looked at our shape and how to progress the ball. I feel this impacted the game as we found it much easier to find our teammates in space in our half. We need to focus on our ball retention when we win the ball back, keeping our head up to find our teammates and recycle it when necessary. This will allow us to improve and get to the next level.
Wow what a match this was – neither team really deserved to lose. Coming up against an unbeaten team in the top league the U11’s put in a much stronger performance compared to last Sunday. The start was very poor though – the team didn’t wake up at all and were 3-0 down within the first 10 minutes. This was very disappointing considering the big win we had on Tuesday and the level we had in training. However, once we pulled one goal back through Edgar’s edge of the box strike, the team found a belief that they could get back into the game. And that’s just what they did.
A brilliant lobbed shot from Kurt, on his long awaited return to the team from injury, and a goal from Deniro after some excellent pressing meant that the boys had pulled back level after no time. The momentum was with us and we then grabbed the fourth with Edgar scoring an excellent curled effort with his left foot. We were in the lead, but couldn’t hold it for long, conceding a goal from a corner to equalise. Bastian then hit the post right before half time which meant it was 4-4 at the break.
The second half wasn’t as frantic as the first with both teams having efforts at goal. Unfortunately, the boys then conceded again from a scramble in the box after a corner which fell to one of their players on the edge to finish. The team continued to work hard without getting the rewards. With 2minutes to go a BFA corner was worked out to Christian whose left footed shot struck the underside of the bar, bounced (definitely) over the line and out. The goal wasn’t given and the game finished 5-4. A valiant effort from the team to come back to get in front in the game. Just couldn’t get that equaliser.
My favourite moment was how the team came back from behind in the first half to be at a stage of winning the game 4-3. This showed heart and determination. Edgar White was our player of the match. Edgar scored two goals and was a constant driving force in the game. He always tried to give his best and works very hard for the team both offensively and defensively. In training we worked on how we can play through the thirds. We tried to do this with varying levels of success, especially in the first half. We found that this did work well, however, we need to make sure we are timing our runs better as we were caught offside a few too many times. To improve we need to make sure that we start every game strong and that we don’t give the opposition a head start.
After a disappointing training session on Thursday, expectations were high for the Bloomsbury Boys on Sunday. Thankfully they were able to deliver! BFA typically struggle on muddy grass pitches away from home resembling more quick sand than a football pitch. But not today. Having spent the last few weeks on receiving ahead of the ball and their support play, it was particularly pleasing seeing our ability to slice through their centre and up the tempo after breaking lines of pressure. Recent Gold team acquisition, Eduardo VD, was particularly impressive in his quality. Breaking the press and always willing to support the attack. What an engine. If only he had a normal laugh.
Goals from returning Oli DB, who finally came to his senses to represent the Gold & Black of Bloomsbury, adding another vital string to the attack, and Zac LH, fresh off the naughty step and with a point to prove, saw us take a deserved 2-0 lead. For the rest of the first half, we rode our luck with some less-than-satisfactory 1v1 defending – something to definitely work on in future training sessions.
At half-time, the mission was clear: raise our level to what it was previously and show greater desire in duels; get the next goal – game over. Despite missing a penalty early in the half (taking our record this season to be a staggering 0/5, I hope we don’t have any penalty shootouts any time soon), the boys obliged. A crucial third goal saw the flood gates open resulting in a 6-0 final score. Our ruthlessness to keep striving for more was particularly pleasing in terms of instilling the culture Coach Milo wants set – always pushing, never content, always playing at our max level.
Speaking of Max, congratulations again to Maxi for another 2 goals. Man is on fire and delivered a terrific performance across the park, including at LW, ST, CM & LB. He showed great quality in the final third and a penchant for linkup play, whilst demonstrating impressive press-resistance from deep at LB. He was another one of many standouts performances. These included a tenacious Yacine in CM with some exceptional trash-talking; a rock-solid Filipe in goal with another well-earned clean-sheet; and Zac LH, who scored 2 goals and terrorised their left-flank. If only he showed the same willingness to work in the other direction!!! But Maxi pips POTM for today. My highlight was the final 10 mins or so where we scored 4 goals. Not just because of the goals, but our ruthlessness and mentality. Those are now the standards, lads.
This week we worked on our willingness and attitude to support the progressive receiver. This enabled us to play through the thirds after beating lines of pressure. We did this well. Moving forward we want to create conflict on the wings and our desire in duels (‘dooooels’ as Camden Snakes’ son’s father/Arsenal Coach, Mikel Arteta, would say).
A great game all round where we started strong from the first whistle. It didn’t take us long to get a foothold in the game with us going into half time with a 4-0 lead. Throughout the game we showed that on our day, we can beat anyone. Zak Dalvi showed his quality, bagging himself 4 goals all while absolutely terrifying the opposition every time he went forward. Beating multiple markers every time he had the ball at his feet. Overall a performance I am extremely proud of with Zak D and Yarsolav getting the goals.
Zak D beating multiple players running through the opposition defence and scoring over and over again was my highlight of the match. Zak D was also our player of the match for being an absolute baller and scoring 4 goals. This weeks training impacted the game by us once again implementing our diamonds and triangles in our passing patterns up the pitch, as well as us taking onto account what we learnt in training by varying our tempos well after we beat the opposition press. Next week we can be better by responding with professionalism when a team scores against us even if we are 4-0 up at the time.
BFA U13’s are yet to win at Market Road and we came so so close on Friday. A few moments out of our control meant Marylebone scored two goals in the dying minutes to equalise… spoilers! The game was a very fast paced, competitive match with both teams building well from the back and creating lots of chances. From our kick off 30 seconds into the first half Jet finishes off a great team goal and a couple minutes later Emily scores! We were on top but Marylebone get back in it after a lapse of concentration out of possession and its 2-2 with 10 minutes of the fist half to go. We react well to this and Jet firers in another. Later, Jet plays a through ball in to Ela on the left. Ela cuts in onto her right from the left and drives a hard shot to make it 4-2. Just before half time Marylebone send us a message that they are not out of this game and it is 4-3 going into the break.
Second half and it stays 4-3 for a long time. Kitty scores a great goal from the left to make it 5-3. The last 10 minutes of the game we did not stop working and tracking back and it was purely luck and some confusion from the ref how Marylebone managed to nick the draw. Onida came so close to her first goal on her debut match before they equalised! Onida received players player and coaches player on the match for excellent defensive work too! Ela also received players player of the match for great attacking play. Shout out to Emily and Kitty for a great defensive duo in the third quarter and to Emma who even played a few moments on the wing! My favourite moment was when Kitty tracked back from playing wing to block a shot that was surely going in for a goal. Ghada also worked incredibly hard in midfield, dictating our press beautifully. We deserved the 3 points today but we will take the 1. Well done all.
We have been working on shooting this week and it was clear to see as we had lots of shots, we just need more practice in game situations to really hone down on our accuracy of shot. To improve we need to keep encouraging each other as a team when a goal goes in! Communication really helps.
It was a thrilling top of the table Super Sunday encounter at the scenic Ark Elvin Academy . What a great game to watch for the neutral and what a great game to be filmed by the Bloomsbury analysis team. The last time these two teams played Panthera came out on top in a 4-2 victory. BFA were out for revenge and that’s exactly why the boys started the game the way they did. High energy from the first whistle, BFBA pressed and harassed Panthera into mistakes early on leading to some great early opportunities. The first goal came from some great pressure in the midfield from Zeid that led to Panthera playing back to their keeper, who played a loose pass. The pressing demon Freddie Littner was there to pounce and play to Tristan who calmly dispatched his chance and put us 1-0 up early on.
The pressure didn’t stop there and we remained in their half until the next goal, which was created superbly by Zeid, dribbling past a few players on the left side line and putting in a laser cross straight to Freddie, who volleys first time through the keepers legs. Just before the 20 minute mark we managed to get our third through more great pressing from the front. The ball was won back and some superb wing play from Rupert led to a simple chance right in front of goal for Tristan to grab his second of the game. In the 31st minute, juts before half time, Panthera grabbed a goal back from a long shot. If it wasn’t for our goalkeeper Alex we would probably be 4-3 down at half time. He made three incredible saves to keep us in the position we were in.
The second half was crazy and both teams had many chances. Panthera made it 3-2 with a tense final 17 minutes on the cards. We defended diligently and Alex made some more great saves. 5 minutes left and our pressure in their half once again led to us gaining possession as Archie was fouled on the edge of the box. The boys had a conversation before the free kick and their plan worked wonders. Tristan played the ball into the box to Freddie who played the ball across to Zeid who taps in the fourth goal of the game. Proving to be the game winner!
With a couple minutes left Panthera scored again but Bloomsbury saw the game out superbly well, grabbing an important 3 points to keep us top of the table.
My highlight of the match was when our left back Rabah went to pass the ball back to Alex but left it short and the opposition picked it up. Rabah’s work rate and determination was incredible. He sprinted about 60 yards from the left to the right side of the pitch, to get across and block a shot that was destined for the goal. It was a very close one but Zeid Mehareb was the player of the match. His work rate and attitude in that first 20 minutes is why we were 3-0 up. Constantly winning the ball back in midfield and starting attacks. Not only that, he also picked up an assist and the key goal in the game. Alex Crocombe a close second with some absolutely super saves. Without him we do not win that game. After analysing the game it’s easy to notice some faults and some tweaks we need to make to be better, so some reflection time for everyone will make us better next week.
The opposition managed to score 2 goals in the first half and had more chances to expand that. In the second half we came on strong found a quick goal. Kente unleashing a terrific effort to halve the deficit. We had a lot of chances and played great football but unfortunately we could not score. In the last 10 minutes of the match the opposition scored twice making the final score, 4-1. My favourite moment was Kente’s goal, because it boosted our confidence and everyone tried their best to get a good result. Alas, we were unlucky. Alfie was the player of the match. Top performance from him today. A lot of saves, even one on one, good decision making as a goalkeeper and great attitude.
This week’s training impacted the game positively because we focused on our attitude and our mentality in game. During half-time the players were reminded of that and showed great confidence during the second half and their hard work increased as well as their performance. We can focus on our mistakes and improve them as always. There is need for more communication between the players during the match, not wasting any clear goal scoring opportunities and we need to be more accurate when we receive or pass the ball.
A game which keeps the momentum going for us after a resounding win last week. Yacine Gharouz, with two, John Ribeiro and Emmanuel Vita sealed the points for BFA with some clinical finishing. My highlight was John Ribeiro’s free kick. A fantastic effort which nestled in the top right corner. John deserved this moment with his consistency in attendance and application. He’s made great strides in pushing himself to improve and deserved his first goal of the season. Another moment was a Luca Dawber last-ditch challenge in the box. To see it celebrated by his teammates showcases how the team has gelled and how the players appreciate what they all bring to the team. To see the team celebrate together showcases the change in morale, unity, and belief as we’ve become more of a team as the season continues.
Yacine Gharouz was our player of the match. Yacine led the attack superbly, with great recognition of when to dribble and when to combine. His progress over the season has been fantastic, and not only is he making more of an impact, but his endurance and stamina have also improved significantly. This week we worked on beating a high press. As our game usually consists of sitting deep in a compact shape, we expect teams to push up high against us. We were extremely effective in beating all forms of pressure, knowing when to dribble or pass through. We will be working on our defensive shape, and how to become even tougher to beat when we do not have the ball next week!
A feisty competition between fiery competitors, we brought a mix of BFA U15 and U16 girls to the party. The first half was a well contested battle by both teams, ending 0 – 1 to Youngs but a valiant display from the BFA girls. Yas’s silky feet and penetrating runs caused havoc right from the first minute. Laura filled in on the left side of our defence and performed excellently, winning the majority of her duels. She played line breaking passes as well as some great first time passes. Hannah commanded the middle of our defence, putting out fires at almost every given opportunity and proved incredibly difficult to get past. As always.
Two of our U16 special guests, Promise and Tori, displayed an outstanding partnership on the right hand side, showcasing great synergy and understanding of each others game. Interchanging their roles in defence and attack, working hard and covering for one another. Our other U16 special guest Rebecca was in involved in every phase of the game, making tackles outside the box, contesting high balls, driving through the middle and latching onto balls into the opposition area. Caroline played alongside her in the middle and was a force to be reckoned with. We also welcome our striker Tabs back into the side after being out with an injury for the past month, and it was great watching her back in action. We conceded against the run of play, as a ball over the top was met by their striker who slid the ball past our stand-in keeper, Zoe, who was brilliant all half. Zoe made plenty of vital saves and distributed the ball really well from hand.
The second half saw Yas start in goal, Caroline move to the left and Zoe come into midfield. After a well fought 12 minutes in which neither side could break the other, Yas came back on the right and Caroline went between the sticks. We went 0 – 2 down but not for long, as Yas picked up the ball on the left, displaying her fancy feet once more, beating two or three players, cut in on her right foot, and wrapped the ball low and hard into the bottom right corner to make it BFA 1-2 Youngs in the 41st minute. Despite plenty of chances, including a shot from Yas which deflected off the keeper and onto the post, and was almost turned in by Rebecca before the keeper managed to gather the ball, we were unable to find a late equaliser. The momentum swung in favour of Youngs, who capitalised and scored two late quick-fire goals in the dying embers of the game, as the game ended 1-4.
My favourite moment was Yas’s mazy run in the first half which put her through through on goal, only to be tactically brought down by a Youngs player, who received the first card I’ve seen in this competition. Yasmin was the player of the match for me; her goal was the result of direct and decisive dribbling and she was millimetres from scoring her second as well as the equaliser. Denied by a small deflection off the keeper and the post.
Training was impacted slightly by the change in location and time of our Monday training session, which meant that a few of us, including myself, struggled to get to the session on time. We didn’t have the usual numbers we would have at both sessions, meaning the things we worked on through the week didn’t come to light in the match the way we’d hope. However this was understandable as we had a few U16’s joining us, meaning the chemistry and understanding between players wasn’t what we’re used to. Sasha and I will be working diligently to address the areas we feel are the most important in training this week, so it’s imperative as many people attend as possible to maximise improvement to our game as a team. Other than that small but important details, such as urgency on and off the ball, awareness of space and anticipating danger and staying switched on throughout the entire match, will make a world of difference in the future.
Another Aaron Connor goal fest would not prove enough to take home all 3 points in a very frustrating reverse fixture vs. North West London Jets in Hatfield. Starting extremely brightly, with some fantastic combinations on display, BFA were able to break the midfield and defensive lines expertly to create chance after chance, but it took a sublime Rayane Tajiri effort to put us 1 goal to the good. Two carbon copy defensive mishaps enabled North West London Jets back into the game. However, a trademark Aaron goal from the left hand side bought things level at the break.
BFA started the second half fast, with Aaron completing his hat-trick via two fantastic assists on the right from Zac Silverstone. We would continue to get joy via our front three of Simon, Aaron and Zac with the opposition struggling to deal with their pace. But it wasn’t to be as two further defensive mishaps led to the end score line of 4-4. Rayane Tajiri was our player of the match. Rayane was pulling the strings in midfield, demonstrating a great range of passing which ultimately gave us the control to score.
Once again BFA U17 and BFA U18 were ready to do battle. This was the third match up of the season between the two. The first being a draw and the second being a win for the U18’s. Could it be third time lucky for the U17’s? The game started at a frantic pace, it was flowing end to end but with no real clear cut chances for either team. Midway into the 1st half BFA U18 start to gain control. A ball is played through but Ash is there to clear for a corner. Corner whipped in and there’s a great clearance from Saul on the line. We go in at half time 0-0.
The second half begins with both teams trying to take control. BFA U18 have the ball, great through ball played and Elliot finishes to make it 1-0 BFA U18. U17 remain composed and begin to play. A ball gets hit over the top and Lamin is through. Lobbing the keeper to make it 1-1. The U17’s win a free kick just outside the area. Oscar steps up and whips it in top corner 2-1 U17. The U17’s are in the ascendency now and a penalty is given after a foul on Flint. He takes it and makes it 3-1 U17.
The U18’s seem shocked at how the games turned, while the U17 want to score more. The ball is played through and breaks to Bilal and he hits the post. The U18’s start to go direct now. A ball is played over the top, crossed in by the winger and finds Luca who finishes with a delicate header. 3-2! Game on!! The tackles are flying in, can the U17’s hold on? A ball is whipped in, missed by Tom and catches Ben on the hand! Penalty U18! The midfielder steps up and slots home 3-3. The game ends a draw after a brilliant second half from both teams!!!
My highlight was changing formation to a 4231. We caused a lot of problems as we overloaded them in midfield. Oscar was our player of the match. He recovered from a knock and was outstanding in the game. This week we worked on combinations and we did them in the game. To improve we need to build our composure.
After drawing against the BFA U18’s last week, BFA U17’s came into this game as a must win. We were up against Crown and Manor who were 7th placed in our league. 15 mins in we go 3-0 up, with 2 goals from debutant Bilal and 1 goal from Felix. We were in control of the game, passing and moving well. Crown and Manor’s best chance came from a poor back pass with their striker rattling the post. They started to have a spell of dominance but created very little. We countered them with a lovely break from Ash who beat four players to make it
4-0.
Into the second half we grew our lead with goals from Ash and Bilal making the score 6-0. Oscar felt his ankle and had to come off, bringing us down to six players as we have no subs!! Crown and Manor take advantage and pull 1 back with their striker cutting in and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. We respond immediately with Naison scoring to finish the game 7-1.
Bilal scoring a Hattrick on his Market road debut was my highlight of the match. A well earned player of the match award as well. This week we worked on combinations and was good to see that in the game. We need to be more clinical with the chances we create.
We went into this match looking to maintain our 100% record at the top of the table. In what was a physically fought contest, we struggled to gain the momentum that we know we are capable of. BFA took the lead through a deflected effort from Jayden Irish, however this lead to complacency. Some sloppy errors in possession allowed Chapel Youth to find an equaliser. We regrouped at half time, coming out much more disciplined and organised in the second half. We made use of our substitutes and kept the team fresh. The superior fitness and quality finally shone through as Luke found the back of the net following some good build up play in the middle third. Alexey scored on his return from injury before a last minute penalty, won and coolly converted by Jayden Irish for his second of the match sealed the victory.
Welcoming some players (Alexey and David) back to the side was the highlight for me. Jayden was our player of the match for his all-round display of determination! Disciplined in defence and a real desire to score goals! In training we focused on some passing patterns despite many players missing as they were nursing knocks from what has been a gruelling season thus far. To improve we need to focus on shape in order to be less penetrable out of possession and to be more effective in possession.
Another top of the table clash between the Bloomsbury boys and although the result was a tough one to take, the match itself did not disappoint with many positives to take away from the game. A first half that was more akin to a chess match saw very few chances between the sides. Some positive pressing all over the park gave the U18s a fair deal of control throughout although we went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Minutes into the second half, our dominance paid off as Elliot was played through on goal by a pinpoint pass from Luca and he slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The under 17s started to grow into the game and began applying pressure as they chased a goal. Long balls over the top of our centre backs caused problems which Coach Steve failed to react to quickly enough, leading to the under 17s finding an equaliser against the run of play. Our substitutes at this point disturbed the momentum of the team and two crucial refereeing decisions went against us. First a free kick was awarded just outside the box. The resulting effort went soaring into our top right corner before a dubious penalty moments later was converted and we found ourselves 3-1 down with around 20 minutes to play.
We rallied together as a team and threw the kitchen sink at the under 17s. A wonderful ball down the right hand side found Mohammed in space, whose pinpoint cross found Luca unmarked in the opposition box to head home. 3-2. Up we went again, and in a moment of justice, were awarded a penalty of our own in the dying moments. Seyi stepped up as he did in the reverse fixture and levelled the scores with an emphatic strike. We could have even gone on and scored a winner if the referee hadn’t blown for full time despite being through on goal for a final counter attack. A game with so much pressure to win but a game we didn’t deserve to lose. A hard fought and well deserved point!
My highlight was how the team never stopped believing we could get a result despite all the odds being stacked against us! Shows the determination of this team to succeed! My player of the match was a tough one to call but it has to go to Luca. A goal and an assist from midfield, not to mention the battering he took as he constantly put his body on the line for his team and teammates! A real warrior! This week we focused on passing combinations despite many players missing nursing injuries! To improve we need to look at controlling possession better, being more effective in the final third and working on defensive shape to be less penetrable out of possession.
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