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Academy Match Reports

GOAL SCORING FORM

18th Jan 2024

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL foudation U8 BOYS 7 vs 3 Panitas FC

This was our first game after the holidays, and it was evident after the first 5 minutes. The team were probably still thinking about presents and food as the other team managed to score 3 goals in that time. After a quick talk with some players that already looked like giving up, the team transformed itself in a matter of minutes. Just before the half time whistle, the score was 3-3 thanks to Maxime’s hat-trick.

In the second half everyone was playing their best both offensively and defensively. We had a lot of chances and stopped the opposition on multiple occasions as they didn’t have a clear shot on target in the whole second half. Just minutes away from the end, Nicolas scored the fourth goal and taking advantage of the other team’s search for an equaliser, Maxime scored another hat-trick to make it 7-3 to get the win.

The change of mentality and seeing how the team overcame the adverse situation to come back from 3 goals down and win the game was my highlight of the match. Maxime without a shadow of a doubt was our player of the match. Scoring 6 goals, 4 of them coming from ball recoveries made by himself. Excellent offensive and defensive work. This last week we focused on our speed and driving abilities which came in handy when getting the ball up the field on multiple occasions as some of the goals came from similar situations. To improve we need better positioning and attitude from minute 1.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U8 BOYS 9 vs 0 eurpean fa 

My favourite moment of the game was in the second half, when the boys switched back on again, and found their goal scoring form against a team with an extra player. It was brilliant to see them adapt and realise they needed to change their playstyle, and once they did they found more success! Nathan and  Ryan were our players of the match. Two hattrick scorers today. Both were fantastic in other areas beside scoring too. Ryan was strong and defensively solid. Nathan was physical and retained the ball with skilful dribbling.

We have been working on our 1v1 defending and attacking, and how we can use skills to beat a player. This was seen many times during the game. To improve we need to work on not losing focus. Even when we are up by multiple goals, we still need to keep the pressure on the opposition, and not begin to play too selfishly that we are struggling to attack and score.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U9 BOYS 4 vs 2 Fusion

A great game to watch in the new year! We started off on the front foot and looked smooth even after being off for a few weeks. Two early goals from Rocco gave us the lead but a lapse in concentration allowed them to level it before half time. After a great team talk from the boys we were able to bring home the victory with goals from Ezekiel and Louis.

My favourite moment in this game was when we were able to have a quick counter, driving up the field through Charlie who found a nice clean pass in the middle for Rocco. Rocco then squared it across the box for Ezekiel to smash it into the corner. My player of the match this week is Rocco. He was able to take on instructions well and never dropped his head once even after conceding 2 goals. His leadership and team effort was the main reason why we kept on fighting.

Training looked at playing through the wide areas to attack which has been a big focus for us throughout the year and there were glimpses of this throughout the match. Following on from us looking at the wide areas I want us to be able to recognise how to play through the thirds by switching the play using the middle player. This  linked with our topic last week.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL foundation U9/10 BOYS 0 vs 1 Active FC

We got into our form very quick after the whistle blew, maintaining high quality and pressuring to the opposition. Everyone was keen on running into space to provide options for teammates, which made it easier to build the ball from our own third to the opposite half. The boys dominated the game in both halves. A lot of chances had been created in the final third, but unfortunately, the boys either took too long to finish, which allowed for their shots to be blocked or failed to find the net under pressure. We were finally punished by a mistake and conceded a goal in the very last minute.

My favourite moment was when Laith started a dribble, cutting inside from left, quickly released the ball to right flank finding Maleek who made a pass through the defender to find Max to finish. Excellent ball movement from left to right and then finally into the box. Player of the match goes to Brian. Brian showed great determination on winning every tackle and covering the whole pitch. A lot of chances we created involved him, particularly when he played as a striker.

In training last week, I encouraged the boys to use their teammates more often and keep the ball moving instead of just dribbling by themselves. This had a positive impact on the game as they started to make better decisions and we seldom lost possession in our own third. We absolutely need to improve our finishing by taking just one or two touches before shooting.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U11 gold BOYS 1 vs 1 MGA

The girls played very well this game and did not give up even when a goal was conceded. They were 1-0 down until Princess Aiva took an amazing corner which  landed in front of Aniera. Aniera then stuck the ball into the back net in the 12th minute of the second half. Great team work throughout the game! Me and Morgan have both agreed Aniera’s goal was our moment of the game. She came on from being a sub just seconds before she scored. The girls worked so hard to get the ball up the pitch as much as possible showing off their skills which allowed them to get the corner and create a goal from it.

Our player of the match was Piper. Every game Piper shows off how good she is in her defensive role winning every ball back and tracking back to stop the opposition from scoring using her speed and great footwork. This week we have really focused on keeping possession and communication. It was replicated on the pitch but there is still work to do in that area and being more confident to use their voices in order to play even better as a team. We will continue working on possession and communication this week as well as working on their touch and how to move the ball more successfully from one end of the pitch to the other.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U11 gold BOYS 3 vs 2 Harvesters FC

After a win last weekend and in mid week the U11 Gold team came into this game confident of keeping the winning streak going. Harvesters are considered to be a very good team. Highlighted by the fact that they came into this game unbeaten. A big game for two strong teams. The away side started the game stronger in possession – keeping the ball well and getting into some dangerous positions, but not threatening the goal. However, every counter attack Blooms had they threatened, with Joao and Christian having shots early on.

In what was a very keen game the first goal was very important and it came for Bloomsbury.  Joao cut inside from the left wing and powered a shot into the bottom right corner. This goal gave the team a lift and they started to play their football using the width of the pitch to pull the opposition into spaces they did not want to be in. The team were competing really well – making tackles and not giving our opponents time on the ball. Andi, Alex and Jacob all making tackles and blocks to keep the score at 1-0.

After a Harvesters corner, Blooms counter attacked. Santi was through 1v1, went round the keeper and fired the ball into the corner. We got in again following a pass from Edgar sending Kurt through 1v1. With a tighter angle he went round the keeper but just couldn’t quite get it in the corner.

At half time we spoke about how well they played and the attitude they showed – the key was continuing this in the second half. We started the half slow and conceded early on. A brilliant free kick into the top corner meant they were then back in the game. But the team didn’t fret or worry. They continued to play their football. A third goal then came from a great set piece.  Edgar to Alex who headed it back across goal for Yasser to control the ball and then fire into the roof of the net!

The rest of the game was pretty even with both teams getting shots at goals. Blooms pressed the opposition brilliantly winning the ball back numerous times. Harvesters got a second goal with about 8 minutes to go leading to a nervy end but the boys held on through some amazing defending and team work to win the game 3-2! Well done to all! Very proud coaches!

My highlight was when we were defending a corner on the last play of the game – the whole team back defending. Clearing the ball and then driving up the pitch together for a counter attack led by Kurt. Kurt McDermott was our player of the match. Overall a really strong performance, both in defence and attack. Kurt was able to keep hold of the ball and make switches of play regularly. Defensively, from central midfielkd, Kurt tracked back and made crucial blocks. A driving force in the team.

A key feature of training this week was all about passing and moving – how we can keep possession but then make moves off the ball as well. This was clear to see, especially in the second half. To improve we need to improve our concentration. When the ball is out of play we still need to be switched on and make sure we are focused and getting back into position, ready to play.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U12 Gold BOYS 1 vs 1 Rap-Aid (8-7 win on penalties)

Bit of a weird one this. The game started. It then finished. We left. The ref called us back. Penalties ensued. The ball went out, then it went in. We missed in sudden death, then we won it.

Abnormalities aside, it was a gritty performance from Blooms against a physically strong Rap-Aid side, who maximised their qualities on their monstrosity of a pitch. Experimenting with a new 431, we adapted well. A central midfield trident of Yilli, Zizou and Yacine provided control of the middle. They looked to release wing-backs Zac LH and Elijah on the wings. The two wing-backs provided gutsy performances and were key to the game-plan as outlets. Indeed, our best moments came from intricate midfield play before releasing Zac and Elijah, with the former racking up his best performance of the season to date and a player of the match award! Keep up the work fella! Let’s see the same ferocity and application in training to take your game to the next level. At the back, Archie Blu and Chris look set to forge a calm partnership. Dealing with everything sent their way.

At half-time, we spoke about moving as a unit to keep our spaces compact defensively and providing options on the ball via our diamonds in possession. A miracle goal saw us go 1-0 down before Elijah calmly slotted away for the equaliser. Rap-Aid pressed hard to force turnovers but we were then able to settle into the game. Given the monstrosity of a pitch, we were forced to go longer but were not always successful. In the future, we must look to hit the wide areas to avoid dangerous transitions.

The full-time whistle was then blown for what we thought was the end of the match but around 10 minutes later we were called back for penalties. Maxi’s opener hit the top of the crossbar. Blooms sighed a long disappointing groan, in which time the ball came back and bounced over the keeper. Scenes. Sudden death then followed and having missed the penalty at 7-7, it seemed as though it was all over. Cometh the man, cometh the occasion. Up steps Filipe: saving the 16th and 18th penalties to keep us in it and then win it.

Based off of recent training, we discussed hitting the channels to play our football in their half. Specifically, we wanted width from our full-backs to pin their full-backs before making diagonal runs in behind. Going forward, the next challenge will be to improve decision-making regarding timing and triggers: is our positioning wide enough? Is there space to run into (is the full-back marking tightly)? Has the ball-carrier seen our run and is he able to make the pass? Still more work to do, but a well deserved win and exceptional memory created. Well done, lads!

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U13 Girls 0 vs 5 Regents Park youth

A very, very cold night at Market Road. The team had some good moments playing out from the back. We have been working on this in training and it worked a number of times. The final pass into the striker is something we need to continue to work on. Unfortunately we were out played by a good quality team but the score line does not reflect the incredible effort from our defence and our keepers.

My favourite moment was when kitty threw herself in front of a shot and managed to come away with the ball to start an attack. Kitty received players player and Abi received coaches player. Abi has been listening and engaging very well in training and it was evident in this match. Shout outs go to Emma who played one of her best games in defence as well as trying out playing on the wing. Also shout out to Annabel who played out of position on the wing too. Moving forward we need good team energy from the start and the team stuck together throughout.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U13 gold BOYS BFA 11 vs 1 Enfield Town

Our first Spring Cup fixture of the season, our 4th time playing Enfield Town this season and, thanks to a superb performance by the boys, our fourth win against them. We took an early lead through our beast of a striker Philip after a great assist in behind the defence from creative midfielder Tristan. Enfield equalised from a corner soon after.
After that it was all Bloomsbury. Once again Tristan put through another ball for Philip who finished off his opportunity and puts the team back in the lead. Just before half time, Adam runs through with support from Rupert who ends up finishing the attack and extending the lead to 3-1.

At half time a change of formation from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 was put in place to take advantage of our dominance, getting more attacking players in dangerous areas. It worked wonders and the boys went on a scoring rout in the second half. Within 15 minutes Archie and Adam scored two goals each taking the score to 7-1. Adam’s second goal was a great strike from the edge of the box, firing the ball into the top corner with his right foot leaving the keeper no chance. Philip completed his hat trick soon after, rounding off a fantastic game. Rabah scored an overhead kick which the whole team enjoyed and celebrated. Rupert added another and to finish off the scoring Noah made a great late run into the box seen by Tristan who picked out a perfect pass over the top, right in Noah’s path for him to control and finish calmly. Overall an incredible and dominant performance from the U13 Gold Boys.

My highlight of the match was seeing the boys handle the change in formation so positively and look like they enjoyed playing with it. It was a new challenge that they embraced and thrived in. Player of the match was Philip Hewage Thalahagama. Phillip was menacing all game. 6 goal involvements, a hat trick of goals and a hat trick of assists.

In training we worked on building the attack through the midfield. The first half it did not work well but the second half they did everything they were asked. It will be very hard to be better next week. But maybe start exactly how we did in the second half.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U14 BOYS 6 vs 1 HGS Vipers

An all-around dominant display. From the first whistle, the team looked composed and aggressive, willing to work hard on and off the ball. Every player on the pitch put in no less than an 8/10 performance. The goal keeper, Alex Dhoot, was fantastic with his distribution building possession in our defensive third and allowing our defenders to become more comfortable on the ball. He made a crucial save to stop the game from going to 2-2 in the last minutes of the first half. Truly a game-changer.

The Defence, Gavin Donkor, Levi Falade, Vinnie Maguire and Emmanuel Vita, were excellent in all departments. Our centre backs, Gavin and Levi were extremely solid, and excellent in all their duels, intercepting, tackling, and winning all their headers. They were brilliant in progressing the ball from the goal keeper and allowing our midfielders to receive the ball in important areas. Our Fullbacks, Vinny and Manny were excellent in their 1v1 battles, patient and composed. They worked all game to protect their keeper and support their wide midfielders. They provided excellent support to their wide attackers with some fantastic overlapping runs.

The midfield, Seb Darnell, Jake Davies, Strahinja Zizic, Jack Orbell and John Ribeiro, were well and truly dominant. Our central midfielders, Seb and Jake, were combative, but more impressively, excellent in their ball-playing abilities. Often, they were able to string together several passes, breaking lines, and starting attacks. They were effective in receiving the ball from defenders and beating the opposition press. Wide midfielders, Jack, Straz, and John, were tireless in their efforts to protect their fullbacks. But also tireless in their work rate to support our attack. Combining with midfielders and defenders, but also able to find the killer pass forward.

Our attackers, Yacine Gharouz, and Rubens Baron, Were excellent in pressing high up the pitch, able to stretch the defence and created numerous opportunities as they shared four goals between them. They were extremely tough to play against with their quality, relentless energy and were fantastic throughout the game in our best-attacking display. This was our best performance of the season. A season in which we’ve had our fair share of struggles. To see the team continue to battle and give everything in the way they have, made this performance feel even sweeter. Now to push on!

Yacine’s hattrick goal was the highlight of the match. At halftime, we discussed a specific way to expose the opposition, with Jack receiving the ball in the wide area, Rubens Making the run in between the centre back and full back, and then squaring the ball into Yacine who had an open net to score into. The celebration after was the wholesome moment the team deserved.  To see all outfield players run over to Yacine, and for the team to celebrate their effort and quality in one moment was fantastic to witness.

Yacine Gharouz was also our player of the match. It was a tough vote as several players could’ve won it. However, for his clinical quality and all-round play, Yacine is our winner. Going from strength to strength each week, Yacine is proving his quality to our team and the players are extremely appreciative of the effort, well done!

We had a great week of training. High levels of focus, lots of time on the ball, and great application from all involved. Working on our ability to play under pressure, the team were fantastic in applying our training out on the pitch!. To improve we need to develop our consistency as we have started 2024 fantastically. We want to push on and have a great second half of the season.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U15 BOYS 0 vs 5 HMH Hawks

An illness-hampered 10-man BFA U15 Academy side put in a battling performance against a strong HMH Hawks side as they looked to continue their recent surge of positive results.
Although playing with a one man deficit, BFA looked to play the brand of football that has been established over the last few weeks and did so very well, creating chances via movement of the ball from back to front and defending resolutely when called upon. It was within central areas where the struggle was evident as HMH looked to create overloads that caused both Ebenezer and Leo to have to take care of an extra player. A goal on both 15 minutes and 30 minutes via central areas gave HMH a half-time lead. However, the game still very much felt in the balance.

Energy levels dropped in the second half which coupled with frustrations towards one another led to a disappointing drop in levels after the hour-mark. HMH took advantage of this, going on to score 3 more goals to finish the game with a 5-0 win. However, this score line largely flattered them as BFA still continued to create chances and play in a positive way.

Simon Dancquah led the line very well despite being isolated throughout the game. He created clever runs looking for the ball over the top as well as dropping deeper to collect and link up play. Build up from the back was completed very well and invited pressure from HMH. From here, we were able to play line-breaking balls that further advanced play. To take us to the next level we can’t give up when the going gets tough.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U16 girls 0 vs 2 London Football School

A classic winter fixture on the hills of Colindale beckoned for the Under 16 Girls, coming up against an opponent who had beaten us handsomely the last time we met them (2 days prior). The task, from the outside looking in, would be herculean, and if the first 5 minutes were anything to go off, it would be. BFA were under the cosh from the off as LFS moved the ball swiftly from side to side in an attempt to disorganise and isolate our two wide defenders. Unluckily for LFS, they were to come up against two behemoths in Toni and Tori. I’m still amazed that they were able to play a 50 minute match with a semi grown human in their pockets. Our players of the match.

After sustaining a period of pressure without conceding a shot on target thanks to some last ditch defending, Carla launched a goal kick down the right for Karina to latch on to with impressive athleticism. She displayed good technique to put her defender on her hip, but just could not find the finish that her effort deserved. From there, we were unlucky to concede the first goal. LFS took a free kick from the right side of the box which Carla saved on to the post but was unfortunately followed in. I think this was a touch disheartening for the girls as we then conceded straight from the ensuing kick off. LFS pressed us to win the ball back, playing a through ball for their striker to poke home.

The second half saw both chaos and control from a Bloomsbury perspective. Malaika shifted into goal with Carla stepping into midfield which firmed us up significantly. However, we were clearly fatigued and with no subs, I was not able to give the girls a rest. Malaika made saves which were akin to a prime David De Gea, using her arms and legs to keep the ball out. Although we came away with a loss there are a lot of positives to take from the game as we improve week to week.

In training we worked on making sure our shape was correct when off the ball. Too many times in the past, opponents have been able to run through the middle of the pitch straight at our defence. This did not happen once in this game as we forced them to go around us. It will take a few weeks for the girls to understand what I want from them, but that is to be expected. I demand a lot of off ball work which they may not be accustomed to. To improve we need to make use of our good work off the ball. More often than not when we won the ball, we gave it away almost instantly. Mentally this can be draining (not just for me), as well as problematic for us as we gave the ball away in dangerous areas. I’m confident in moulding this group into a force in the coming months.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U16 boys 7 vs 0 AFC Finchley South

The most complete performance I’ve seen from this team in my time coaching them. Granted, we were playing a team a division below, but the quality of performance was next-level. It took us a while to break down a very organised low-block. We moved the ball and kept it well, but never really looked like finding that incisive killer pass. Midway through the first half, we began to unlock their defence, finding runners effectively, increasing the tempo and moving the ball with a little more energy. After three disallowed goals (2x offside, 1x foul), the scoring began, and we took a strong lead into the break.

At half-time, we discussed ways to break down a low-block more effectively. We spoke about how to invite pressure, overloading wide areas to create crossing opportunities, switching the play more effectively and attacking the weak side at speed. The lads took all of the instruction we gave them and delivered as near a perfect performance as we could have asked for at this stage of the season. They moved the ball with a real purpose, rotated well, switched the play with extreme speed and accuracy, won nearly every 1v1 battle, supported each other effectively, and were so dynamic in possession.

Out of possession, they were aggressive and disciplined, supporting each other with positioning and reading the play well. This was the best they have played since I began coaching them and quite simply, it was a delight to watch. Very pleased and proud of that performance today.

There were some fantastic individual and collective moments throughout the game. A special mention to Ellis and Beckett for combining with one of the best cross-field diagonals and take-downs I’ve seen at this level of football (some pass and some touch btw). But the best moment of the game has to be Ellis’ goal just before half-time. After winning a free kick just outside the area, Ellis makes a wide run from CB, Benny sees him, chips the ball over the right-hand side of the box and Ellis, on the volley, side foots the ball into the opposite corner. I’m talking passing the ball on the volley into the postage stamp, top bins. Was it meant to be a cross? Did he mean it? He’s definitely claimed it as intentional…Either way, an incredible finish and a superb celebration from the lads in the corner. We’ll never hear the end of that goal.

Ellis Irish is our player of the match for this game. This was Ellis’ best game for us this season. He was composed on the ball, made great decisions on when to play short and when to find a longer pass. His technical consistency in this game was superb and the quality of his line-breaking passes and switches of play were high-level. He was also a fantastic option when his teammates had the ball, supporting the play from deep, remaining calm and making consistently correct decisions. He also had a stint in goal and looked like a prime Ederson, which was an entertaining 20 minutes for us all. A real leader’s performance all round today.

For the first few weeks of this block, we’re looking at our build-up principles. This week we explored an overview of our build-up in each of the three build-up phases: low, medium, and high. We spoke about our positioning from GK restarts and how this evolves as we enter the mid pitch and so on. We explored our principles and how we prioritise each of these in each phase.

Considering we have only spent a week on these principles this block, the lads excellently demonstrated how we want to play in each of these build-up phases. They were composed and intentional with where they wanted to play, looked to invite pressure and play through, prioritised the centre, recycled the ball with speed where needed, and supported the ball carrier excellently throughout the build phases. They took instruction well at half-time and improved upon their already solid first half performance, considering their speed of play even more and how we need to change tempo in different moments of build-up. I was thoroughly impressed with their engagement with the learning this week and it was an excellent performance to kick off the year and send us through to the semi-finals.

There are still some tweaks and improvements we can make to our build-up over the next few weeks. Centrally, we need to consider how we use our pivot a little more effectively, how our midfielders collectively position themselves to provide the best vertical passing options, and how we provide the best options to increase the speed of play once we’ve beaten the first line of pressure. In wide areas, we need to get across and support the full back a little quicker to avoid isolating them. We also still need to engage our counter-press a little quicker in those transition moments. It needs to be even more immediate!

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL academy U16 boys 6 vs 2 Somers Town

A really solid performance from the lads again tonight. Although we conceded a couple of fairly simple goals, the bulk of the performance was top drawer. We moved the ball well and with purpose, looking to draw in a press, play through central areas and then attack the wide spaces at speed. The lads took information on board well, in-particular, they really focused on their speed of play and making sure that we had enough potential progression options in a variety of areas.

The centre backs looked confident on the ball, providing options deep and showing good composure in recycling the play to attack the weak side. Our forward players looked to vary their movements, dropping in and out of spaces effectively and providing options ahead and outside of the ball-carrier. Off the ball, the lads needed to engage their counter press a little quicker, but were very effective in getting behind the ball and preventing progression. Overall, a very positive and dynamic performance.

I have a few favourite moments from this match. First of all, I’m absolutely over the moon for Bailey to get a goal on his debut; he’s been a superb addition to the squad and has set the tone in training and games so far. Also for Charlie, who scored on his return to the team after injury. It was gutting for Charlie to get an injury last year that kept him out for a number of months and it’s great to see him back in action and getting a goal. Aside from these two goals, our goalkeeper, Elisha, sent one of their forwards for a hot dog with an insane little piece of skill in his box. Always great to see a keeper mug off an opposition striker every now and again.

Bailey Gauntlett takes our POTM for this game. Bailey has been fantastic since joining us. He has trained with incredible intensity and has been a great addition to the squad. He was aggressive and dynamic both on and off the ball in this game and deserved his goal. I’m excited to see him progress further with us.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL Academy U17 BOYS 5 vs 3 Enfield Town

We travelled to Enfield for our semi-final against Enfield Town U18’s. It started out as a cagey affair, with both teams knowing the importance of the game. We slowly begin to take control, with Enfield looking to catch us on the break. The ball falls to Oscar deep inside their half, he finds Flint, who plays a ball to Bilal. Bilal cuts inside and whips the ball top corner,  the moment of the match. 1-0 Blooms!! We continue to press! Bilal receives the ball inside their half. He plays a lovely back heel to flint who powers forward with the ball and slots bottom corner. 2-0 blooms!! Half an hour in we win a free kick just by the corner. Bilal steps up, whips it in and its loops into the goal. 3-0 Blooms!!!

The second half begins. Enfield come out strong as they know that there is a final at stake. 10 minutes into the second half, Enfield’s striker plays a lovely through ball to their winger, he slots it bottom corner to make it 3-1!! Game on. Immediately from the kick off, Oscar finds Felix, he drives forward with the ball, crosses and finds Naison, who is unmarked in the box and heads home to make it 4-1 Blooms!!! It’s a great semi final and Enfield continue to push.

Enfield win a corner, the winger steps up and curls it in the box. It falls to the number 9 who heads home. Its 4-2 Blooms!!! The momentum is starting to shift. All of a sudden the Enfield winger is put through. A shot saved by Tom, but its followed up and the rebound is netted. 4-3 Blooms. What a game!! There’s 10 mins to go, we win a freekick deep into their half, ball is whipped in by Oscar. He finds Markus who heads home!! 5-3 Blooms!! We are into the final!!

In training we worked a lot on combination play, which pleasingly came out in the game. To improve we need to be better defensively. I don’t believe this is a technical or tactical issue, rather a mental one.

BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL Academy U17 BOYS 7 vs 1 Crown and Manor

7-1 BFA We kicked off our first market road game of 2024 on Friday night. We were up against Crown and Manor who looked up for the match. We started off strong, keeping the ball well and dominating the game. Early into the first half Naison picks up the ball, he beats three players but shoots over the bar. 10 mins in Felix drives down their right, he squares it to Marcus who shoots to make it 1-0 Blooms!! We continue to pressure our opponents. Willem wins the ball midway in our half, he finds Marcus with a great ball, who then sets up Felix who smashes home!! 2-0 Blooms!!

We are well on top in this game but we must not be complacent. Crown and Manor win a freekick inside our half. Their striker steps up but hits high over the bar. 30 mins in Dillon and Naison play a lovely one two with each other, ball falls to Willem who shoots high over the bar.
The second half begins, Crown and Manor kicking off. Felix pressures their keeper, winning the ball and tees up Bilal for a tap in. 3-0 Blooms!! Once again from the Crown and Manor kick off, Felix wins the ball, this time its off their defender, Felix shoots but this time the keeper saves.

Its constant attack after attack by us. 10 minutes into the second half we continue to keep the ball. Willem finds Dillon with a neat through ball, he cuts inside and shoots, but its high over the bar. Crown and Manor break with an incisive counter, their winger crosses for their no.9 who shoots bottom corner 3-1 Blooms!! Goals from Naison and Markus then take us into a 5-1 lead. 15 mins to go, we have a 4 on 2 counter attack, the ball breaks to Markus but he shoots wide.

Later on, Oscar finds Markus, he drives down the wing, their keeper comes out all of a sudden and Markus slots home. 6-1 Blooms! Last 5 mins of the game, great build up play by us. Dillon puts through Felix who finishes bottom corner!! 7-1 Blooms!! It’s a good win on our return to market road.

The way we kept the ball as a team was my highlight of the match. Felix was our player of the match for his hard work and pressuring from the front. We worked on combinations and it was good to see them come out in the matches. To improve we need to concentrate well during games. 

LETS KEEP THE BALL ROLLING!