Win or Learn
Bloomsbury 1st Team 3-2 vs Kent United (H)
The Bloomsbury First Team took centre stage on Sunday in the National Futsal Cup Last 16 fixture at Aldenham School Sports Centre, delivering a match that did not disappoint. From the first whistle, Bloomsbury seized control, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances. However, against the run of play, Kent capitalised on a transition moment. A long throw from the Kent goalkeeper led to a contentious penalty call, with Bloomsbury’s Sam Meisel seemingly making a clean challenge. Unfortunately, the referee saw it differently, awarding Kent a penalty, which they converted to take a 1-0 lead.
Undeterred, Bloomsbury pressed on. Calvin Dickson struck both the upright and the crossbar, while Aran Carter, released by a beautiful defence-splitting pass from Charlie Kuehn, saw his chipped effort comfortably saved by the keeper. Then, disaster struck again—a well-executed set-piece allowed Kent’s captain, Hector Duppre, to slot home their second goal, leaving Bloomsbury 2-0 down at the half.
The second half was a different story, one of resilience and character. Bloomsbury came out roaring, launching an all-out assault on the Kent defence. The fightback began with the relentless Sam Perre pulling one back with 12 minutes remaining. The momentum continued to build, and it was Declan Starrs who brought the teams level with just six minutes to play.
The drama didn’t end there. In the dying moments, Aran Carter weaved through the Kent defence with skilful footwork, delivering a perfect cross across the face of goal. Igor Batista was there at the back post to coolly tap in the winner, sealing an exhilarating 3-2 comeback victory for Bloomsbury.
First team gaffer Sam Masterson was proud, saying, “The team came together and was galvanised to win in tough circumstances. It’s a new group, but it felt like we trusted our approach to get the win.”
Jamie Brooker, a young Bloomsbury graduate, was named Player of the Match for his commanding performance from the fix position, controlling the game throughout.
All eyes now turn to the Quarter-Final clash against Genesis as Bloomsbury continues their cup run!
Igor Batista with the winner!
Bloomsbury U8 & U9 Boys – Youth Futsal League
Pause for a moment—how adorable! The U8 & U9 boys had their first competitive games of the season, and it couldn’t have been more heartwarming.
The boys delivered some very impressive performances, including fantastic goals. Manager Glenn Swain praised their out-of-possession work, particularly their ability to win 1v1 duels high up the court, putting the team in excellent attacking positions after recovering the ball.
Areas for improvement include adjusting angles of support to offer better options for teammates, but this will come with more games and experience.
George was named Player of the Day for his exemplary energy and tenacity out of possession, consistently winning the ball back and creating chances for the team.
Try not to smile!
Bloomsbury U15/16 Boys
(3 Wins from 3 Against A Star, Berkhamsted, and Bishop Stortford)
This experienced group of players has just hit their stride. With three wins from three matches and goals coming from all over the court, the U15/16 boys are serious contenders in the Youth Futsal League.
Sam Masterson was particularly impressed with the team’s brilliant 1v1 defending when pressing high up the court to win the ball back. This focus has been a key area of development since the start of the season.
Moving forward, we need to continue developing our pivot connections. While we found the pivot well, we need to work on our movement off the pivot to create more shooting opportunities.
Player of the Day was Yaseen, whose energy without the ball has improved significantly. His skill in 1v1 duels was a nightmare for the defence to handle!
Yaseen with a wizardy performance! 🧙♂️
Bloomsbury U14 Gold Girls – GFSL
(L: 10-5 vs. MK Dons, W: 11-3 vs. Cambridge)
Our Gold team had some great experiences this weekend. Manager Glenn Swain was particularly impressed by a special moment in the match against Cambridge, where the girls built up play through the court, creating a 2v1 against the goalkeeper. They calmly played around her, allowing Anna to tap into an empty net—a mature and well-executed piece of decision-making in front of goal.
Areas for improvement include attacking with confidence and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
Players of the day were Niamh, who excelled in all positions around the court, winning all her 1v1s and maintaining a positive attitude throughout, and Aimee, who ran the game from the fix position with her composure under pressure.
Aimee doing what Aimee does best, using her control under pressure to make things happen!
Bloomsbury U14 Black Girls – GFSL
(L: 0-4 vs. Blooms Purple, L: 5-4 vs. A Star)
After a tough loss to Bloomsbury Purple, the Black team narrowly lost their second game to S A Star. Their pressing from the front caused havoc for the opposition, creating numerous 1v1 and 2v1 chances but the finish was found wanting.
In the all-Bloomsbury encounter, areas for improvement included decision-making and finishing, as the Black team created plenty of chances but couldn’t find the right finishing touch.
Player of the day was Eden, who was relentless out of possession and a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.
Players analysing how to torture her opposition before coming on
Bloomsbury U14 Purple Girls – GFSL
(W: 7-3 vs. COPFC, W: 4-0 vs. Blooms Black)
The Purple team triumphed over COPFC and followed that with a win in the all-Bloomsbury battle against the Black team. Manager Glenn Swain was in a buoyant mood, especially after witnessing Annice shrug off the COPFC pivot—who had been persistently pulling her shirt and leaving late challenges—before rifling a shot into the top right corner with her left foot. Sometimes, it’s just sweeter that way!
COPFC’s half-court press presented a new challenge, and recognising and reacting to it quicker could have prevented going 2-0 down early on. This experience adds another layer to the team’s growing tactical armoury.
Player of the day was Megan, who led from the front with relentless pressure and precise finishing, excelling in her newfound pivot role.
Team of the week
