A tough score line to take after a solid performance, in which we could do everything apart from score! Lots of chances and excellent bits of defending. A game which we dominated especially in the first half, but couldn’t make it pay off. The closest we got was through Chiaki. He showed incredible individual brilliance, receiving the ball with pressure from behind. He held the ball before turning the defender, and then jinked past two more to go through on goal. Unfortunately, his deflected shot hit the post. Djibril Allie was our player of the match. His work rate was key to preventing counter attacks and opportunities through tracking back and eliminating danger.
The match was competitive and intense. It could have been anyone’s game. We were good in keeping high pressure to the opposite side all the time and trying to use teammates who were in space. Max capitalised on our play style scoring 2 goals. On the defensive side, Ramez and Mohamed were both in top form. They were in position quickly and made good tackles. But the boys struggled a little bit in stopping counter-attacks. We dived in on too many times which gave the opponents the chance to drive the ball into the box. Also, the quality of pass can still improve, as currently the passes lack speed. On occasion, they were easily intercepted by opposition when in transition.
My favourite moment was when Ramez quickly made a pass through the midfield to find Brandon, which enabled us to switch into attacking from the right side. Brandon was brave and beat the defender flashing a tight angled shot which almost nestled into the bottom left corner. Max was the player of the match. He did extremely well in breaking through the final third and he was quite composed when given scoring chances.
We have worked on support and movement in the past few weeks and that has had a positive impact on the boys. They are more willing to move the ball by passing and cultivate good habits by looking around after receiving the ball. That enables us to find and use the space between the opposition defensive line and midfield. We can still improve by fully using the width of the pitch and generating more powerful passes to break lines.
One of this age groups best games yet! Controlled possession throughout the game, creating different combinations of passes on both sides which heavily affected the opposition. Unfortunately we were unable to keep a clean sheet, but what was brilliant to see was as soon as we conceded, we kept our heads up and went again! Goal scorers were Roka (3), Liam, Rocco (3) and Charlie.
My favourite moment was when Roka was able to press quickly as soon as they took a goal kick, winning the ball of their player and slotting it in the bottom corner. His constant press on their back line was the reason we won the ball back so many times in their half. My player of the match has to go to Roka even though there was so many contenders this week. His improvement this year in terms of utilising his speed and defensive principles has been fantastic! In my eyes it should be team of the match because everyone worked hard to help each other.
Last week’s training looked at retaining and creating then putting them both together. I think some players really benefited from this and there were good signs as players looked to explain to teammates on how to act in certain aspects of the game. A good break off for half term so rest up, practice some skills at home and we will be looking forward to seeing you guys after the break.
A good and bad day for the U9 black team. Unfortunately our original opponent hadn’t turned up, so a three – way game was made. The first game was back and forth, but a lovely goal on the volley was the key goal in us getting the victory. The second game against Pro Touch was an uphill battle where our positioning and control of the ball let us down. They were able to create 2 goals from these situations.
My favourite moment was when James S made a brilliant tackle in the game against Pro Touch to stop them scoring and regained possession of the ball. My player of the match against the foundation team goes to Henry for his leadership and off ball skills that really helped the game flow. The second player of the match goes to James S for his constant determination to try and win the game and keep us with our heads held high.
This week’s training looked at retaining and creating then putting them both together. I think some players really benefited from this and there were good signs as players looked to explain to teammates how to do certain aspects of the game. A good break off for half term so rest up, practice some skills at home and we will be looking forward to seeing you guys after the break.
A really good performance from the boys with us continuing to get used to this different style of play and being able to translate our training into matches. A high scoring affair which saw us have six different goal scorers; Ayan, Laurence, Marcelo, Kingsley, Rob (2) and Teo (2) . Our press in the first half was not too effective but as the second half commenced the boys really got to grips in how to press effectively which resulted in 2 of our goals. It capped off a really good afternoon.
My favourite moment of the game was a set piece goal with Marcelo putting in a very good cross which Laurence was able to steer into the net with his head. Player of the match was Rob because of his effort and great communication skills he showed during the game which exemplified the Bloomsbury values we want to uphold.
This week we looked into passing and moving into space and how that can be important to help us to retain the ball in possession. I felt this was shown in the game as we were passing and moving into different positions to get the ball again. We can be better by applying ourselves to our passing and movement skills, being able show this more often in game which would allow us to progress to the next level.
A good performance from the team, starting with us scoring a goal from us putting sustained pressure on the opponent and getting our reward. Following on from that, unfortunately, we conceded 2 goals whilst being under pressure. We rallied back and were able to score a well worked goal through Nico. Special mentions to Johan, Maxime, Noah and Rayan for helping out from our development team and as a training player respectively. Overall very happy with the teams performance and a big improvement from recent results.
My highlight of the game was seeing Franco lead our press as he was excellent in putting the opposition under pressure to allow us to win the ball back and create chances from that. Player of the match was Louay as he had an exceptional attitude and determination, continuing to push for a result not letting the game phase him.
This week we looked into passing and moving into a position to receive which could be seen in our play as we had some good passing display that lead to some good chances. To improve I think we have be able to keep building on our passing and movement to make it a mainstay in our play allowing us to progress.
The performance by the boys was outstanding. Always confident on the ball, moving it quickly between them and scoring some good goals. It was a dominating display by Bloomsbury from minute 1 when we started on the front foot. Goal scorers were Abdul (2), Chris, Max (2), Joe Jamal (2) and Ethan.
Joe’s volley into the back of the net for his first goal of the season was my highlight of the game. Max was our player of the match. Confident on the ball, always showing, great skills and played every where on the pitch not complaining.
Bloomsbury used a lot of under and over laps to create 2v1 scenarios which meant that the ball carrier had way more space to dribble or had an option to move the ball forward. To improve we need to communicate more.
As far as Watford Friendly League grounds go, Macabi’s £1.5m complex is as intimidating as they come. Boasting more 11-aside pitches than I can count on my hands, the site resembles more of a Premier League training ground than anything you’d expect from a local grassroots organisation. A far cry from the 2-aside pitches at Fleet we’re accustomed to playing on.
Unfortunately, we somewhat succumbed to this intimidation factor. Following off the back of a lacklustre press, Macabi carved through us at will and slotted away for our customary early-goal-concession. From this point on, it was all Bloomsbury as we began exhibiting the type of football that has seen us rise to 5th place in WFL’s premier division despite losing half our squad over the summer.
With the press-resistant Yacine Ababsa in goal supported by a build-up spine of Archie, Kieran and Yilly, we grew into the game. Archie continued his impressive form both with and without the ball – confidently building and exploiting the weak-side – whilst Yilly, returning to his customary #6 position, knitted pretty much everything together. Our wing-backs of Zac, Elijah and returning Bloomsbury LEGEND Jon Dedinca provided energy up and down the flanks. Yonny in particular – with a point to prove – delivered a top performance at right wing-back and right centre-mid. His thrust, running power and combativeness was exemplary in getting Bloomsbury up the pitch. Completely justifying his player of the match award. Good to have you back pal, and hope it’s not the last we see of you! (Message me for training info, Valon mate!)
Despite creating a string of high-quality chances before the break, we were unable to get the equaliser. However, the message at half-time was clear: we’re getting there, Macabi are crapping their pants and we have 30 minutes to turn this game around… and turn the game around we did. Returning attacking talisman, Oli DB, was the catalyst, confidently slotting in from the spot and then scoring from a 30-yard snap-shot that caught the keeper off his line. I’d love to say that this was my coaching but that would simply be a lie. Well done fella, and keep doing your thing.
Further shout outs have to go to the attacking midfield trident of Zizou, Maxi and Yaro – the latter of which stepped up for his second consecutive gold team appearance in a matter of weeks. His poise, technical quality and sheer class on the ball shone through. My biggest compliment is that he looked completely at place in the side. Last but not least, shout outs to press-resistant Yacine Ababsa. Most matches this weekend were touch and go whether or not they’d go ahead (shout out Macabi’s £1.5m pitches), but Yacine was un-phased by the wet weather and proceeded to drop an absolute CLINIC at centre-back; in trackies and… astros. Still writing this, I’m amazed; in shock; in awe. But who am I to question genius?
All in all, a top performance and a result that showed the boys’ quality and character. Whatever challenge that fell their way, they answered with aplomb. Well done, lads. Use this as a reference point to really believe in your quality and keep playing the football we know you’re capable of. Don’t accept anything less; don’t allow setbacks to get in your way.
Unfortunately due to half term and Jet’s injury we were missing a few players this week! However, those on the pitch didn’t stop working hard throughout. Ghada received coaches player of the match for gallantly playing in goal first and then putting in a strong and physical performance on the pitch. Emma, Janet and Eleanor all played their part going in goal too. Eleanor was a sweeper keeper as she does in defence! Abigail, captain for the game, communicated well with the team and kept everyone’s spirits high.
Kitty received players player of the match from her teammates because of her constant effort to defend and attack equally and her great encouragement of others. Frankie stepped up this week and played an age group up, battling hard in a very physical game. Ella was pulling out some excellent turns and Janet played some great balls over the top to our attackers.
Despite our efforts and long spells of not conceding the final score was 5-0, with the last goal being a free kick at the very end of the game. We needed to make sure we kept the ball for longer so we will be working on first touch after half term and playing the ball calmly under pressure.
After two solid wins in a row I was feeling confident in our ability to get a positive result at Market Road in the CIYFL. I have been with the girls for just over a month now and a few principles which we have been working on are starting to fall into place. These lay the foundation for the football that I know this group are capable of playing. North London Stars did not make it too challenging for us in the beginning. After about 30 seconds a ball over the top put Alexia straight in for her to finish calmly past the keeper.
The girls smelt blood.
What followed was what I had been hoping for. Simple execution of tactical instructions which allowed for the girls to sprinkle in their creative brilliance. They proceeded to dominate the opposition with relentless harrying without the ball and clever use of space with it. Hanna was particularly excellent in her ability to get her shoulder in front of an opponent and then drop the opposite shoulder to turn. This was done in the centre forward position which resulted in multiple chances for us.
We lost track of the score in the first half as the girls were not only relentless at creating chances, they were ruthless in putting them away. A few more goals from Hanna and Rebecca put the result beyond doubt 20 minutes in. The pinnacle of these goals, which would have been an outstanding candidate for the Puskas award if our game was filmed, started at the back with stand in goal keeper Georgia. After some nice sweeping work (I encourage anyone who plays in goal to consider themselves our last defender rather than a goal keeper), Georgia found Carla in the centre of the pitch who laid it off to Toni in the left back position. Toni then played a ball down the line for Alexia to chase down and face up her defender 1v1. Carla, called for – nay, demanded – the ball in the centre of the pitch about 20 metres out.
This is the point in the story where I’ll take a moment to underscore the importance of putting your players in the positions where they can do the most damage. Carla is notoriously the best finisher we have. So, to double down on this, we have agreed that she will play the majority of her minutes in midfield.
Back to the game. I don’t believe that anyone reading this will have the ability to truly appreciate the beauty of the strike that Carla produced simply by reading words on a page. I’ll do my best to do it justice. After taking her first touch out of her feet so that she could strike with her second, Carla unleashed something which appeared to defy the laws of physics. From the moment it left her foot it looked destined to sail over the cross bar. But, as is typical with Carla, she hit the target. The ball dipped at the last moment, grazing the bottom of the crossbar and into the back of the net. The onlookers, me included, could hardly believe it. A special goal for a special player.
The second half largely followed the same trajectory. We won a number of goal kicks as the opposition attempted to play long to avoid our 1v1 dominance, which allowed us to try playing out from the back; something we have not worked on yet. Yet again, the girls were able to solve problems on the go using the basic foundations of structure that we have honed over the last month. Rebecca, as she does, was clever at picking the ball up between the lines and turning to run at defenders. Georgia and Kitty, as they do, were excellent in stretching the opposition and finding space in wide areas. Georgia was rewarded for her positioning with 2 goals.
The opposition did manage to score a goal after a cross found its way in to the box. Promise, our goal keeper for the second half, instead of attempting to catch the ball, actively stayed away. Almost using the goal post as a shield. Her shrieks had me doubled over in laughter, causing me to miss the goal that North London Stars scored. For you internet fans out there, Promise is very much the physical embodiment of the Shiba Inu meme: monstrous in stature when she isn’t allowed to use her hands, meek when she is.
All in all, it was a big win for the girls which they appeared to have a lot of fun in. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I may have already contacted the head of the GSL and CIYFL to see if we can get moved into another league. Onwards and upwards!
This may sound odd given we won the game so handsomely, but my player of the match this week is Toni. Every week I ask Toni if this is the week where she finally gets beaten in a 1v1 duel. It was not to be. Toni’s level never waivers. She is consistently excellent and lays the platform for our team to excel. She’s going to hate me for saying this, but when Toni plays, we are in…cruise control.
Last week in training we worked switching. This was something which we had been lacking in previous fixtures as we had made the pitch wide with our positioning, but we were not capitalising on this by moving the ball into the space we created. I saw a lot more of this in the game. However, further work is required with our weight of pass to effectively use this movement. There are still a number of things we can do to improve including understanding how to play out from the back effectively, compressing the space when the opposition play backwards and developing an awareness for cues which indicate when we should try and win the ball. All in due course as we continue to smash through the ceiling of our previous performances.
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH!
Log in to your portal to book on to this event.
Not a member of Bloomsbury Football yet?
WELCOME TO BLOOMSBURY FOOTBALL.
You can now book onto sessions or camps.
The Bloomsbury team look forward to meeting you!