Without a training session before the game and after a long break, the team came into this game looking to pick up their first win of the season. The team started strong pressing the ball high up trying to get some shots at goal. With a bobbly pitch the team were struggling to get their passing rhythm going. The first time the team got their passes moving they scored with Santi getting past the defender and curling a shot into the corner of the goal.
The second goal came through Kurt picking the ball up on the edge, cutting inside and putting the ball into the bottom corner. More pressure came but our passing game was struggling to come to fruition. They started to pose more of a threat getting some shots on goal which Rex either saved or were blocked. We got our third goal after Deniro’s free kick was saved and Bastian tapped home the rebound. Any time we passed the ball around we got chances at goal. The best of these was a move including Rex, Andi and Christian who found Deniro to get a shot on goal saved by the keeper.
At half time we spoke about our standards, how we can be better in possession and more clinical in front of goal. Even so, we were very sloppy in and out of possession to start the second half, struggling to put them under pressure and allowing them to get shots off at goal. As a result, they missed many chances and we were lucky to still be 3-0 up. We then put together our best move of the match for Santi to score his second goal. The game then became ragged with the pitch only adding to this. Both teams had chances to score more goals but finished poorly- albeit Rex making several 1v1 saves. They then got a very dubious penalty (still not sure what it was awarded for) that was missed. In the last couple of minutes they scored a break away goal and the game ended 4-1. Positive to win the game after a long break but disappointing to concede so many chances.
Easily our best goal in the game was our fourth goal! A counter attack led by Deniro, he then played it out right to Santi. First time pass back to Deniro – who then drove forward with the ball and played Santi in again to finish into the bottom corner. Rex Robinson was our player of the match. Rex had to make so many more saves than was necessary in the game. Deserved to keep a clean sheet with the amount of saves he made! Excellent start to the year amplified by the fact that there was no training. There were too many gaps between the defence and midfield which led to too much space in behind and not enough pressure on their players. This is something we need to fix quickly.
Having played this team last season, losing heavily, and drawing with them earlier this season this was a chance to get that win against a fierce opposition. The first 5 minutes of the game both teams were growing in the game, RPY keeping possession better and creating a few chances. But Blooms grew into the game and once they got their passing going created a few chances of their own with Bastian and Kurt coming close with shots on goal. Substitutions were huge in this game and after about 10 minutes changes were made – Jacob and Deniro in particular coming on with specific instructions which they were able to expertly execute. With Jacob helping numb the threat they had on the left wing we started to have more authority in the game.
The first goal came and it was for Bloomsbury – Edgar drove into space from defence and got a shot at goal. An RPY defender stuck out a leg and deflected the ball into the bottom corner. Bloomsbury were on top and got a second soon after, Deniro driving with the ball into the box then getting fouled from behind to win a rare market road penalty. He stepped up and powered the ball into the roof of the net to double the advantage. Frustratingly RPY won a free kick just outside the area and with the last kick of the half scored. Both myself and Matias praised the display so far and urged the boys to continue with the hard work and effort so far.
Again, the start of the second half was very even. Alex and Andi did a solid job at the back, putting lots of blocks and tackles in to ease the pressure being put onto us. The pressure told though, with RPY scoring after a cross into the box. What was most pleasing though is the boys stayed positive and went up another gear. They regained the lead quickly after – Joao cutting in and taking a shot which the keeper saved, but Deniro tapped home the rebound to make it 3-2. Only a goal line deflection prevented it from going 4-2 and Deniro getting a hattrick!The boys held on with some excellent defending and deservedly won the game. This only happened because they played together like a team! Really proud of the performance and of the back to back wins so far in 2024!
My highlight was after conceding the second goal. There was no moaning, no frustration. Just focus on getting the next goal in the game. So proud of the effort shown and the determination to win the game. Deniro Elleston was our player of the match. Deniro pressed from the front really well and caused the opposition problems all game long. He also won and converted a penalty and then scored the winner to cap it off! All round excellent game. Again no training before the game but big improvement defensively from our game on Sunday!
Another frustrating match where the score line doesn’t accurately reflect the day’s play. For much of it, Panthera and Bloomsbury fought fiercely for the three points. However, a late flurry of goals saw Panthera run away with it after we had some great opportunities at 1-1 to go ahead. Unfortunately, conceding 4 goals in the last 20 minutes. It appears the mass consumption of Christmas pies finally took its toll.
We started strongly. Chris – the man mountain stepping up from the Black team (who is quite literally smashing the door down for a Gold team call-up) – was calm and composed at the back. Regularly breaking lines with his passing into central-midfield. However, being one of the strongest sides in the division, Panthera came back with gusto. Visibly in awe of such a slick passing outfit, they began pressing like rabid dogs, providing new tactical challenges for our build up play. Something we need to work on. We spoke at half-time about how to counter the high-press: playing it fast, playing away from pressure, and – if necessary – going direct into our forwards. However, it was a bloomin’ corner that broke the deadlock. If you’re reading this lads, at corners, mark your men, yeah? Stay with them and – if possible – don’t let them score? Yeah?
The Bloomsbury Boys were undeterred, however. We equalised courtesy of a lovely move involving Kezza at right-back breaking lines with his passing into Zizou; Zizou then slipped in Oli, whose deflected shot perfectly arrived at Elijah’s feet for a tap in. 1-1; bosh. On that note, it was really gratifying seeing Elijah deliver a really top performance. He seems to have really arrived at this level after great performances and commitment in training. The Elijah-shimmy was particularly impactful, whilst Kez at right-back delivered one of his best performances to date.
Obviously rattled by our fluid, champagne football, Panthera opted to change shape to a 233 (for any u12 reading, wondering if you noticed this when playing?), making it a straight shoot-out for the win. With +1 advantage on their back-line, Blooms looked threatening every time we went forward. Zac LH, who also had a really strong performance at right-wing, was incredibly unfortunate not to score from a few yards out, leaving Coach Milo sprawled on the floor in agony at what could have been. Oli was typically aggressive in the counter-press, winning the ball up high to create several dangerous attacking scenarios. Unfortunately, however, we paid for our profligacy. Panthera scored as soon as the big boys, Chris and Zizou came off (note to self – don’t do that again), followed by a couple more sloppy goals.
However, as I said to the lads, a frustrating one that on another day we really could have ended up winning. Feel like we’re 80% of the way there, with an extra 10% in terms of what we can do tactically and another 10% on managing the game better and fighting for each other. For their opposition gaffer to come up to me at the end and praise our style of football made me a really proud coach. Still, I remain confident in our trajectory and our ability to compete with the best in the division. Up the Blooms, always.
Our start was my highlight of the match. To come to one of the division’s strongest side’s ground and be that imposing was really gratifying. Kudos to the lads for their bravery. Chris was our player of the match. Seamlessly stepped up to the Gold team and looked right at home. Took out their female striker (some player, by the way) when she was through on goal. Bosh.
A cold Sunday morning and our first match for this year. We knew it was going to be tough since we were playing without a goalkeeper and against one of the strongest teams in the league, but we were willing to try and our team’s efforts did not go unnoticed. The match started off on time and the opposition already showed what they were capable of. They had a lot of chances and they scored a goal early in the match.
Our team then reacted and after a few minutes and Mickey managed to score the equaliser from a corner kick. The whole team celebrated and this goal gave us a small confidence boost which unfortunately did not last for long. The opposition fought back, creating many chances, kept the pressure on and found open spaces in our defence. Scoring 2 goals back to back, the half-time score 3-1.
During the break the players seemed to lose their confidence but they were encouraged not to do so. Many times in the past we have turned matches in our favour when losing. Even if we failed to do that, it did not matter, because our attitude and our efforts were really good.
In the second half our team came out strong, scoring quickly. Mickey took a free kick from the half-way line and Eben, who was in the opposition’s area controlled the ball and scored with a beautiful finish. This goal proved our point that we never give up no matter the opposition, score, or any other obstacle we might face. After that, we created many chances but the opposition was excellent in counter-attacks, and they managed to score 2 more goals making it 5-2 at full-time. Overall, a good performance from our team given the circumstances and we should not be disappointed as we always look forward, trying to find ways to improve and progress.
I do not have a favourite moment. I believe the efforts and performances of our players were great most of the time during the match, so I would not choose one particular moment from this game. If one player should be named player of the match from our team, it should be Mickey. An excellent performance once again from our captain and centre-back with a goal and an assist.
The last training before Christmas break was all about patience and playing from the back. We tried to establish that philosophy in our gameplay but it did not go our way some of the times. There are a lot of positive things that we can get from this match as well as negative. We could focus more on our playstyle, patience and confidence when we are losing. We should not lose focus or get frustrated. Our team has high potential and that is why the standards are high during training and in matches. We know that we can be one of the strongest teams with the right attitude and mindset.
We conceded the first goal 10 minutes into the game from a well constructed team play down the left hand side of the pitch. In recent matches, we have had difficulty reacting to negative situations. However, the boys showed an excellent reaction, starting to move the ball around the pitch with quality and intent and never letting their heads drop.
We scored an equalising goal towards the end of the first half through a fantastic counter attack started by Yacine Gharouz. Yacine beat his man inside our own half and played a through ball through the heart of the opposition defence for Rubens Baron to run onto. Rubens’ fantastic speed and direct running to latch onto the pass allowed him to finish calmly through the goalkeeper’s legs.
With the scores level at half time, the team were confident and eager to put in a good display in the second half and they certainly didn’t disappoint, scoring 3 goals and keeping a clean sheet to win the game 4-1. It was the best half of football from this team so far this season. Showing our quality of play keeping possession and playing forwards as well as our desire to compete, win duels and be difficult to play against.
Great goals from Yacine Gharouz, Rubens Baron and a last minute freekick, which was put into the top corner from 25 yards out by Strahinja Zizic, sealed the victory. Brilliant start to the new year for the U14 as we aim to build some momentum and put a good run of results together in 2024.
Gavin Donkor played his first competitive game for the U14s since his successful trial at the end of last term before the Christmas holidays. Gavin came onto the pitch as the team trailed 1-0. His physicality and superb reading of the game helped to stop the opposition scoring any more goals and we managed to keep a clean sheet for 55 minutes while he was on the pitch. A brilliant debut and great start to life with the team!
Shout out to Ayal Schwartz as well. Brilliant all round performance, displaying more confidence on the ball and willingness to join in the attacks from full back. He won all of his tackles and headers and was always defending on the front foot, looking to intercept opposition passes and start attacks of our own.
The Under 15 Boys Academy carried on their late 2023 form to make it 3 wins on the bounce after Sunday’s 9-1 success vs. Harrow Stars in the WFL.
2 goals in the first 5 minutes from Mark and Simon set the tone for the match, with BFA looking to use their pace and directness via the front 3 early on. All 3 said forward players involved in both goals. Joe continued his scoring run to make it 3 on 14 minutes via a long-range lobbed effort before a long break in play was required due to an unfortunate injury suffered by the Harrow Stars goalkeeper. The break in play disrupted BFA’s rhythm with Harrow clawing a goal back after some sloppy play in their defensive third, and they were unfortunate not to at least score another before half-time.
3 goals in 2 minutes blew Harrow away in the early stages of the second half, with the pick of the treble coming from Mark on 43 minutes via a long range rocket into the top right hand corner. This was added to by Aaron and Simon to make the score 6-1. BFA were made to remain patient in the pursuit of further goals, which was coupled with minor signs of both greed and a lack of professionalism to see the game through in a respectful manner. But Aaron’s 17th goal of the season in 10 games, followed by Mark completing his hat-trick and Joe making it 4 goals in 2 games with a trademark edge of the box strike completed the rout for BFA.
Although under increased pressure from 30 to 40 minutes, BFA looked to build attacks in the right way by playing out from the back. The lack of a recognised goalkeeper made this ever more impressive due to the reduced knowledge in where to actively show for the ball, however, even though mistakes were made, the boys remained persistent in playing out. Leo Duran was our player of the match. For the second game in a row, Leo showed maturity beyond his years in marshalling the defensive elements of this performance as well as looking to do the right things consistently on the ball, even if this consisted mainly of more basic and simple passes that meant possession was retained. No matter how much the score line may be in our favour, we have to show respect to the opposition. We ourselves have been on the receiving end of some poor score lines earlier in the season so we know how it feels.
The score line doesn’t really show how we have improved over the months there was really good football being played especially knowing that there was a couple key players missing. There were moments in the games where we could easily have given up like previous games and let the score run away. I saw moments where we tried to play football positively and showed some resilience. We played really good football that was attractive to the eye and received the praises of the referee and opposition coach. We won a penalty because we started to play forward and run at our opposition. It was dispatched excellently by Sammy. The second goal came from a good pass to Kyri.
We definitely need to be more organised in defence, especially when we lose the ball we need to get bodies behind it quickly. We still have like tendency to let the opposition push us around and dominate us physically. We need to be more organised on set pieces and corners. Three goals came from the near post when the goalkeeper got blocked. I would like to see more direct passing with a drive to go forward. Overall it was a progression from previous games and that’s really good to see. The score line doesn’t really reflect our development this season so far. I would like to see majority of these boys challenging for a spot in the Gold team in the coming months.
Player of the match for me is Louie because I asked him to play three different positions in the game and he showed really good attitude and effort. I want us to play thinking that we can get the next goal and to play forward when possible and to be more organised from the corners.
The conditions for this game can only be classified by one word: miserable. When the weather is like this, I envy the players as they have the opportunity to move around. Sadly, on this instance, I was merely a spectator. It was my first opportunity to see my new team and my first thought was that these girls are warriors. Not only in the sense that 8 of them showed up to the bowels of Colindale, battling the relentless wind. Moreso in the sense that we are a physically impressive team.
Romoya, the smallest player on the pitch, was a blur. The fastest 15 year-old I have seen. In her own words she was “jogging”. Promise, Rebecca and Carla were giants in physical stature and in their understanding of dangerous space. Promise notching an outrageous 100% tackle success rate. Acacia and Rebecca showed their handy ability to cause trouble on the wings. I’m almost certain that Georgia has nerves of steel since she was wearing shorts and a t-shirt on the coldest day of the still young year. And finally, Tori who will most definitely pass her driving test considering the amount of times she spent checking her blind spots. Based on watching this lot, I am excited to see what the other 10 can do.
At this stage, the result is meaningless to me. Much like the majority of practices, it is about sensation, not destination. I’m optimistic about creating an environment where the girls can feel comfortable enough to reach the top of their potential ladders. Ultimately, my job is to be a fan. With that understanding, here’s to a great season ahead!
Our first home game of 2024 sees us face off against AC Finchley U18’s. The game started at a slow pace, you could tell the Christmas break had a lot to do with it. 10 mins in, long goal kick by Tom falls to Felix who strikes the ball and hits the post. The ball breaks to Markus who wins a corner off the defender. Dillion takes the resulting corner, hits it low across the floor which reaches Oscar who slots home bottom corner. 1-0 Blooms!! AC Finchley look to respond. They have a throw deep in our half, they take it quickly which catches us off guard. Their striker receives the ball and shoots, his shot trickles underneath Tom. 1-1!!!
AC Finchley’s tails are up. Their striker is causing us problems with his pace and power. 20 mins in, AC Finchley’s midfielder receives the ball in the centre circle, he combines with the winger who places a through ball to their striker. He shoots first time and scores!! 2-1 AC Finchley!! We need to respond. Bilal drives down the wing with the ball, he shoots but his shot is blocked for a corner. Naison drives the corner in, Saul connects but hits the bar, the ball breaks loose for Oscar who quickly heads the ball over the line. 2-2!!! There’s only a few minutes left until the half draws to a close. Tom kicks the ball up field, ball is bouncing in the box, Markus taps in from close range. 3-2 blooms!! We win an indirect free kick in their box. Dillon rolls to Oscar, who curls home for his hattrick!! 4 – 2 Blooms!! We go in up at the break!!
The second half begins. AC Finchley start fast by winning a corner. Their winger takes the corner but its headed over by their centre back. 15 mins in we win a free kick, whipped in by Oscar. It falls to Felix who shoots but it’s cleared off the line. 2 quick fire goals from Bilal and Joe take us into a 6-2 lead!! Naison races down the wing he crosses and Saul heads over the line. 7-2 Blooms!! Great comeback!!
My highlight was Oscars free kick as it was from such a tight angle. Deservedly our player of the match. To improve we need to stop conceding sloppy goals.
Our first game back in the new year saw us head to Highgate for the Challenge Cup quarterfinal. A great turnout and a full squad with everyone eager to play their part and make their mark! We started off sluggishly, with many simple passes going astray, often the timing of the runs or the passes letting us down. We found the breakthrough midway through the first half as Lukas fired us in front with a well taken finish. Our captain, Tristan, made it 2-0 not long after as he was on hand to tap home a rebounded shot into an empty net.
The rest of the half saw BFA begin to find our groove and assert our dominance. The 5 minutes preceding half-time turned into the Eliot Hyseni show, netting a 4 minute hat trick, including 2 near identical finishes. These consisted of build-up down our right channel which ended with a cut back from Lukas to Eliot, who turned his defender to fire home into the far corner. 5-0 at the break.
We made use of our subs in the second half, and the fresh legs on our flanks proved to be effective. Jayden Irish made it 6-0 as he started and finished the move, capping it off with a fine goal from our marauding centre back as he found himself 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper. However, we let our over-confidence at this stage get the better of us, allowing Highgate to find an unnecessary goal. Their winger was found unmarked in our box to make it 6-1.
BFA upped our standards right back to where they should be and regained control. Levi continued his fine form from the back end of last year, tormenting the opposition right back, creating numerous chances. Luke missed an absolute sitter from about 2 yards out, but made up for it moments later showing his class, linking up beautifully with Josh down the right hand side. His perfectly weighted through ball sending Josh through to make it 7. Josh returned the favour a few minutes after, teeing Luke up for a simple finish in the end. We had chances still in the dying moments of the match, as our relentless nature came to the fore!
My highlight was Eliot’s 4 minute hat trick! A scintillating strikers performance. Not any one individual, but rather our strength in numbers, wins player of the match today. The togetherness, commitment and the support everyone shows for their teammates is remarkable. Even players who come to matches just to support the team knowing they may not be playing! No football for a few weeks was evident. Fitness levels have dropped and passing was sluggish at times. Being together again at training will help us improve. Time to work off those mince pies and pigs in blankets!
STARTING THE YEAR STRONG!
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