The players pushed for goals until the very last minute, as the opposition only had 5 players which enabled Bloomsbury to capitalise and score 10. The boys created many chances throughout the game with good build up play from the back with Carter and Kam being composed and stretching the opposition as much as possible then exposing them with through balls for our wingers Alexey and Philo to run in behind. Freddie was on form with 5 good finishes in the final third. In training this week the boys worked on how to break on a team to catch them out. When they broke, their communication and teamwork was great, and they knew how to find the pockets to play off each other in order to get a shot off.
The players had a fantastic attitude and were fired up for the task ahead, as they knew a win would seal the title. At half time it was 5-0 and they were all willing to share the playing time. The substitutes also made some suggestions about the different formations they could play. It was impressive to see the teams perseverance to put the game to bed early on, as every player on the pitch did their job well. Seeing the players work hard for the team is a real positive. It signifies how much they wanted to win. Their combinations of passes began to wear the opposition down, and as time went on the game opened up even more when Freddie, our prolific striker, ceased the opportunity to increase his goal tally. The real positive to take from the game is that when they break, it has structure, and they know their roles in order to score and not waste opportunities.
A very routine win for the U8’s. Challenges were hard to administer due to the ease in which goals were scored, however it was great to see that this week’s theme of finishing in the thirds was applied across various areas of the pitch. Goals from Pax, Misha, Marcelo and Tommy rounded off a huge win for the U8’s Gold, but a shoutout to both Mathias and Franco who although were unable to get on the scoresheet, teed their teammates up for finishes on numerous occasions.
It was a scrappy game with many moments of turnovers and loss of possession. The game lacked the real quality it deserved with some extremely talented players on the pitch. However, there were some intricate passages of play leading to positive counterattacks. Credit to all the players for the effort and dedication they showed on the pitch. They all represented the badge proudly. Christian Gyabaah produced an abundance of quality with an incredible passing display that contributed to every attack they had on the day. Well done!
The U10 Black team had a tough fixture in store against a very strong U9 Gold team who have impressed all season long, and the score line reflected this close match-up even if the quality expected wasn’t always on show. A well worked period of possession by the U10’s culminated with the opening of the scoring as Yacine opened his Bloomsbury Academy account with a routine side-foot finish. This was soon doubled before half-time as Bert came out on top in a scrappy final third battle to tee up Adam for a second of the day for the U10’s. This goal knocked the wind out of the sails of a very intense U9’s gold team who consistently looked dangerous on the counterattack. The scoring for the 1st half didn’t end there however as the young Bloomsbury ballers pulled a goal back via a direct free kick that slithered through the elder teams wall, and that was how it remained as the 40 minutes ticked over. Although the quality lacked, a huge credit to the U9’s Gold team for a battling display, and a very well done to the U10’s Black team for a professional and organised game.
Huge props to the players who overcame various challenges. Despite the cold conditions they stayed on their feet, kept warm and had a great fixture. The players performed strongly, a little bit of a slow start but once they found their stride there was some excellent play from the team.
The highlight of the game was an excellent combination of play from Sammy (this games man of the match) and Yili, leading to a great attack. Fantastic quick passing down the left-hand side of the pitch, dismantling the defence and driving forward with precision. Both players showed great movement off the ball, finding the space, and creating an option for others.
Despite tough conditions and a depleted squad, the team put in a great effort and fought as much as possible. Starting the game with 8 players was always going to be an uphill battle. However, a huge credit to the players who fought for the entire 80 minutes and despite the score line, their work rate was immense. Ending the game with only 6 players compounded the difficulties the boys faced throughout the entire match. Alfie Demetriou was the man of the match, as he worked his socks off and chased down every ball and never stopped running topping it off with a well-deserved goal! Well done to all the players for their dedication to the team and each other.
Morgan Summerhayes kept the boys in the game with some fantastic saves and Harvey Mala was fantastic at breaking up play in the midfield 3rd. A battling display from the U11’s who suffered from a positional discipline thus leading to basic errors. Having said that there were some moments of brilliance after some combination play which led to opportunities and eventually goals. Lots of positives to take but also some areas for improvement.
It didn’t take long for Woking to get on the scoresheet when a ball over the top was controlled by Woking’s strong left winger, who cut inside and finished at the near post. The impressive front line of Woking caused Bloomsbury many problems throughout the first half, scoring from a variety of areas and playing on the counterattack. They were equally strong on the left and right, and when Bloomsbury did manage to clear, Woking produced impressive finishes from outside the box. Bloomsbury came into the game at the start of the second half, playing against the wind and using it to their advantage to play balls through and over the Woking defence. Tristan Turner worked tirelessly but Ethan Ardill couldn’t quite find that killer through ball, though he was close on many occasions! The Bloomsbury U12’s never gave up despite being down on the scoreboard, and deserved a goal for their efforts, particularly in the third quarter when they won four corners, a couple of which were almost converted. The final quarter was scrappy, but it was Woking who found the net when the opportunities did come, despite a more evenly matched second half.
The highlight of this game was that the boys never gave up and continued to work despite being behind from early in the game. This shows real character and will set them up for tough matches in the future. Freddie and Tristan joined from the U11’s and stepped up superbly, both running with the ball, taking on opponents, and playing with confidence. Both Tristan and Victor, Bloomsbury’s two strikers, deserved a goal! A special mention to the parents who made the long trip without complaint and encouraged the boys throughout. This was much appreciated!
Bloomsbury looked overwhelmed by the size of the opposition leading to a poor start conceding 4 goals in the first quarter. After they settled into the game and played with no fear, they played some good football. There was a fantastic passage of play in the third quarter which almost led to a goal. Additionally, there was some fantastic creativity from Joel, breaking down the opposition midfield and then playing a through ball which almost materialised into a goal. The opposition coach complimented the lads saying Bloomsbury were the better team in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Very proud of the lads trying to play good football despite the poor surface. All the players had a great attitude and never dropped their heads as they played with courage.
The 14’s started fast, pressing high and putting together some excellent phases just missing the key finish. A small lapse in a corner resulted in a very unlucky own goal, completely against the run of play. Either way, the 14’s found themselves 1-0 down. The game continued in one direction, with Bloomsbury attacking multiple times, missing crucial chances in and around the box, and entered half time still 1 goal down. Nevertheless the boys remained confident they would get something from this game. They pushed hard, pressed high and set effective traps in the oppositions 1st third. Eventually their pressing was rewarded with a penalty. The boys took advantage of the oppositions goal keepers rash decisions with Josh being taken out in the box. Beckett Handley, after a very lengthy opposition challenge with the referee, tucked it away neatly and calmly. It was impressive to see Ale Salford, winning possession on multiple occasions, and driving through players with complete dedication. A top performance from Mr Salford. The boys continued to push for a winner but unfortunately, they could not get the ball over the line, a theme of the morning. The players move on with the key learning being, if you do not take the chances given, you will be punished.
Alex Smith’s relentless efforts and impact from off the bench playing out of position at left wing back allowed him to score the goal in the 2nd quarter to revive Bloomsbury’s attack. He was consistently fearless and gave everything to win his individual battles. A model player and personified everything said in the team talks.
It was disappointing to see the boys mentality drop after conceding. Key players were missing but that shouldn’t be an excuse to drop standards. Alex Smith held impressive energy and application which he applied in the second quarter to earn himself a goal. The boys have a lot to think about for the future and plenty to work on.
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!