We played well throughout the game and fought well against strong opposition. All the players had great application and really worked hard. We sadly went 1-0 down early but the boys bounced back and worked well for the equalizer. It came from a great team move with good movement. As the game continued the boys had more chances to score however, there was no way through with us hitting the bar, post and some great saves from the opposing keeper. We sadly went behind 2-1 which came from a foul on one of our players but it wasn’t picked up by the ref. Despite going behind again the boys didn’t let it get to them and tried to get another goal. Despite their efforts they where unsuccessful and it led to a 2-1 defeat.
The goal was our highlight of the match as it came from a lovely team move with the build up starting from the back. Arthur was our player of the match. He played brilliantly at the back with great awareness and was brave in the tackle. We were very good in our 1v1s which is what we have been practicing in training. Finishing our chances would have seen us come out on top in this game.
Good start, despite the 15 – 5 loss against a superior team. We were originally tasked with playing with 2 players less than the opponents, but we managed to get an extra player at the start of the match and play 5v4. The other team had 6 players so could play a sub as well. Ultimately we only had 2 actual players from my team, but I was impressed at how players adapted to the situation and worked together to give their best in the circumstances.
After a team talk looking at ball recovery by pressing high up the pitch, we put the keeper up to play as an extra man. The players understood it was important to go for every ball possible and not let the opposition have time on the ball as they would be quickly start attacks.
In the second half, we managed to score 4 goals and every goal was celebrated like a win, which really was the key takeaway from today. The team’s effort, perseverance and resilience, especially for their age, despite the score, was great to see. After the game players left the pitch with sweaty smiles and happy as if they won it, which really showed high positivity within the group. This is a key value that we love to see at Bloomsbury Football. We go again!
Player of the match was Andrii (voted by me and the rest of players). Credit to him as he came for this game to help and made a huge difference together with the rest of the team. We only had 2 actual players from my team, which made it challenging to adapt to the circumstances of the match. But players understood the task and worked together well to adapt. The aim will be to get more players in training and better attendance regarding this, and aiming to work on group cohesion and team building to get players used to working as a team. Working on fundamental Bloomsbury values such as respect, excellence, preparation and positivity will be key along with improving technical and social skills.
Brilliant game with goals from Ezekial, two from Ryan, Henry and Oliver. We were in control for the majority of the match looking threatening every time we touched the ball. My favourite moment was when we were able to play from the back in quick moments for Oli to finish the goal. My player of the match is Ezekial. His impact on the game when he was on the pitch was massive. His skills and ability to take on players was fantastic.
The morale levels coming into the training throughout the week was good. Engagement levels were high and that helped with the match. We can be better next week by looking at being quicker playing through the thirds which is what we will focus on.
A shaky start to the game however the second half was much better looking with us keeping possession for majority of the game. The goal scorers were Ismail, Ryan and Ezekial. My favourite moment was when Nabil went through on goal and created a chance for Ismail to score his first goal of the season.
My player of the match was Ryan McGovern. His energy when pressing and moving on and off the ball was brilliant and definitely helped the team. Training this week helped the players understand how to play from the back which looked really good in the game to create chances. Engagement can be better focusing on us playing through the thirds which should help us understand where chances are created from.
Bloomsbury were dominant for the whole game. We were able to control the tempo, with the key element being the press. It impossible for opponents to play out when we press that well. Goal scorers for the day were Laurence, Marco (x3), an own goal and Ayan. A lovely sweeping move where everyone touched the ball starting from our GK Tommy was my highlight of the match. It just lacked the final touch, but it showed that the passing combinations we worked on are coming to fruition.
Pax Moren was our player of the match. He was a pressing machine. Such a tidy player with good decision making. Passing combinations and creating triangles all over the pitch were worked on in training which was evident in this game. Being more ruthless in front of goal and not taking the score line for granted will be key for us moving forward.
Bloomsbury started the game really well with a number of shots that troubled the St. Johns Wood’s goalkeeper. A shot from Maisie that went just over the cross bar, followed by another that was saved, and a shot from Aniera that went just wide of the post. St. John’s Wood responded to this well and put themselves ahead just before half time. The second half was filled with wonderful attacking play from both teams. Princess Aiva finished off a brilliant run, dribbling through a number of St.John Woods players by slotting the ball into the back of their net. This, along with a wonderful save from piper gave Bloomsbury the confidence to push forward and score another goal. A powerfully struck free kick from Aiva puts Bloomsbury 2-1 in front. It didn’t take long for St.Johns wood to level things back up. Nor did it take that long for Aiva to secure a third goal that finished off her hat-trick. The match ended 3-3 with St.Johns wood getting an equaliser late on, scoring from a free kick. My favourite moment was the way the team reacted to the second half, they quickly put themselves in front after trailing.
Player of match was Piper for her brilliant tackles and interceptions which were all followed by great passes that set the team up for some amazing chances. This weeks training impacted the game massively, with the girls using the spaces out wide to their advantage and dribbling with a lot more confidence. Next week the team can improve on closing the opposition down quicker and not giving them time on the ball.
Again, another big win for the BFA U11 GOLD team on a Sunday. After conceding early we brought it back with some brilliant football, scoring some excellent team and individual goals. Some well coordinated pressing led to more goals being scored with perfect execution of passing and moving. We then started the second half as well as the first with lots of goals again being scored. However, we fell asleep defensively and conceded again. The best moment from this half was undoubtably the penalty save from Rex where the whole team celebrated as one. It was brilliant to see. One of Bastian’s goals in particular was also brilliant, including team play from one side to the other with a pin point ball through from Andi.
Edgar White was our player of the match. He got the game started with the opening goal and was constantly driving the team forward, having great communication across the whole pitch. Outstanding performance. A key focus in training was defending the thirds, in particular defending our attacking third. Through high pressing wingers along with our striker we were able to win the ball high up and get a shot on goal. Regardless of the result we need to make sure we still have a defensive structure and not have everyone push forward leaving us exposed at the back. This requires communication and discipline which will be vital throughout the season.
The boys started really strong, winning the ball high up the pitch and dictating the tempo of the game. The players were able to adapt to the oppositions style and got the ball out wide to stretch the pitch as best as possible. Once the boys started getting chances in the match the opponents were unable to get out of their half and we were able to capitalise with both Marlei and Moaz scoring goals. Due to the pressing and pressure they were under we were able to get lots of shots on goal with both Fallon and Moaz scoring goals from rebounds following their keeper making a save. With the game 4-0 at half time our confidence was high.
However we started the second half poorly. Complacent and struggling to keep to the pace of the game. This led to us conceding an unnecessary goal. Once they scored, the team woke up and they were straight back into competing. Santiago scored our final goal after a brilliant dribble and pass from Amir. For the first game of the season the team did really well to start with a convincing win. Onto the next game with the same attitude and performance levels. My favourite moment was how we responded in our performance after conceding the goal. We had started the 2nd half poorly and then we started to play again and scored a great 5th goal. Marlei Charles was our player of the match. Marlei played in a range of positions and was disciplined in playing defensively in the second half when he needed to. Played brilliant passes forward and got plenty of assists for the team.
In training we worked on our pressing from the front. This led to us winning the ball back high up the pitch and getting lots of shots on goal. We could be more clinical in front of goal and take our chances better, but a solid start to the season.
The girls battled hard against a physically strong team, exhibiting some great passages of play throughout. We dominated possession but found it difficult to score once we were in the attacking third. A powerful strike saw Youngs go up 1-0 but the resilience the U12s showed was fantastic. We needed to then put in that extra bit of effort which resulted in us winning a penalty. Miya was clinical with her finish to give us a point from the game. Again, lots to build on but plenty of positives to take forward! My favourite moment was watching the girls try and play out from the back. We had been working on pressing from a goal kick that week but the opposition went long every time. The girls were very calm under pressure throughout!
For this game, the player of the match is Ayana. She was fearless out of possession and made some crucial tackles to keep us in the game, as well as her non-stop running! This week we had worked on pressing high up the pitch, which we successfully did many times, forcing the opposition to make mistakes where we would win plenty of throw ins high up as well as corners. Next week, we will work on learning to create goal scoring opportunities once we have won the ball high up so that when we press teams effectively we are more efficient at scoring from them!
Bloomsbury came out the blocks sharply, with Maxi running the show from his new false 9 role & Ezekiel terrorising the LSS defence from the wings and winning us a penalty early on. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert or see any of our early dominance translate onto the score line. Instead, the London School of (hoof-ball) Soccer did what they do best: hoofed it up field and let their long, blond-haired striker (reminiscent of a certain Norwegian) bang it in from long-range. Bloomsbury slightly lost their way as tempers flared and composure went by the way side.
An inspiring half-time team talk from Coach Milo (definitely not the author) pleaded to draw a line in the sand and approach the second half with a renewed spirit of optimism and aggression. The Bloomsbury boys obliged. The start to the half was electric, with Oli weaving through the opposition block, Zac LH bulldozing through their defenders & Kristiano combining nicely on the right-wing. Oli scored to make it 2-1 before Ezekiel finally got the goal he deserved. With his speed and technical proficiency, it should have been his fifth. Witnesses say they heard threats from Coach Milo to ‘lock him in his room’ and watch ‘hours of Jamie Vardy comps’ to reach his full potential. A frantic end to the game saw penalties missed for both sides and a 2-2 deadlock. Bloomsbury deserved more, but with star man Yillinho deciding he preferred playing with Mikel Arteta’s son & goalkeeper Hiwaad away on parents’ evening duties (it’s only week 3 like, give it a rest?), we’ll take it. Our response in the second half was excellent. It’s been a tough few weeks for the boys, but with that fighting spirit I know we’ll get back to where we deserve to be.
Kristiano was our player of the match. Stellar 1st half performance stepping in as GK (although too many long-balls for Coach Milo’s liking, as he tells me) and accomplished display on the right in the second half. Always at training, always driving his teammates forward, always a complete legend. Wet weather warnings and the coach’s absence affected training this week. Moving forwrad (aside from Yilly realising he’s not going to play for Arsenal just because Arteta is watching) we need to create separation from our markers to be able to receive ahead of the ball and penetrate through an opposition’s block.
With just seven Gold team members available, Bloomsbury were unable to avenge last week’s loss in another tough day at the office. An early onslaught saw Bloomsbury go 5-goals down, at which point stand-in coach, Jerome Headon, made the tactical ploy to steady the ship & employ a 4-3-1 system. With a new sense of security across the backline and numerical superiority centrally, Bloomsbury were able to keep the Wanderers at bay, as well as creating some chances for their own. Unlucky not to score, Bloomsbury eventually wilted to concede three more late goals. Tough day, but with lots of squad turnover there were always going to be bumps in the road. Important promotions from the Black team are imminent, whilst Josh and the gang continue to work tirelessly behind-closed-doors to identify more recruits. Big shout out to the three U11 legends who made the step-up: Deniro, Joao & Edgar. You can now go back to smashing teams 17-0.
A key highlight was the resilience shown in our 4-3-1 shape to keep out Whetstone for much of the match. Yilly was our player of the match. He never let his head drop, was a constant presence in midfield and constantly screened the defence. Deserves more and will get it. Training this week was affected by the coach’s absence and wet weather warnings. These factors prevented a full, comprehensive delivery week from being achieved. Having a full squad, preferably including some subs, will see results turn around.
End to end game from the start. We were unfortunate to give away a penalty to go 1-0 down. The boys gave a really good account of themselves. The heart they showed to pull through and win the game with only 8 players against a strong whetstone side was wonderful to see. Edward, our player of the match, again putting a brilliant shift in goal then coming out of goal and scoring two including the winner. Boris was solid at the back, Yacine dictating play throughout and Zak contributing with multiple assists. My highlight of the match was Edwards lob finish to win the game.
Similar to last week we worked on building up our attack with our passing, and movement off the ball to trigger attacking opportunities. As a team we can be better next week by not conceding as many goals by working as team and all buying into the idea that we are a much better side than we give ourselves credit for. Each week, even if we don’t have the full squad of 9 players, we are always battling showing lots of heart. Trying to do everything we can to win games.
Although the other team had one less player they started stronger than we did and scored within 4 minutes due to their better understanding of 9 a side format. It is a new format to some of the Bloomsbury players. However, the Bloomsbury girls refused to give in and gave an immediate response with Ghana scoring 6 mins in and then some amazing over the top balls from goalkeeper Shola. Bloomsbury were finding their form in the game and gained a free kick just outside the area 11 minutes in, which Marwa nearly put past the keeper. Bloomsbury kept up their form and were linking up all over the pitch gaining multiple opportunities that very narrowly missed the goal. 16 minutes in Tara whipped a free kick just outside the box into the top left corner. The opposition immediately tried to respond but shola’s quick thinking prevented them from scoring as she moved off the goal line to close the striker down and get the ball.
The Bloomsbury girls started the second half brilliantly with an amazing 1-2 play between Kayla and Marwa resulting in Kayla getting a goal 29 minutes in. The girls continued their good work and got off a few shots before the opposition made a break, finishing into the top corner. The girls immediately picked their heads up and continued to work hard, with amazing spells of teamwork and patterns of play. At 40 minutes jet grabbed a goal after a calm finish into the bottom right corner. This was followed by a brilliant solo run from Kayla from halfway which resulted in her grabbing her second goal of the game 43 minutes in. The moment of the match. A few minutes later Kayla grabbed her third goal to secure her hat trick. The opposition tried to end the game on top but between the Bloomsbury’s defenders and goalkeeper they were stopped at every opportunity.
Coaches player of the match was Ghana who played a new position and thrived in that position. Player’s player was Kayla for her hattrick and her effort all game. This week we were worked on passing and positioning on the pitch which the girls took on brilliantly and implemented into the game, ensuring that passes were accurate and players understood their position better. Next week as a team we need to understand when to make a run and when not to especially with the offside rule now in play.
Our U14s group, including four U13s players stepping up an age this season, is looking very strong. In this game they may not have played to their true potential in the first half but the second half proved a different game and I could sense Bloomsbury were on the edge of something special. Everyone moved those energy levels from a 6 to a 10 as we had the ball in their half for the final 10 minutes of the game. Tara worked tirelessly down the wing and Marwa pressed well high up up the pitch on their defence. Finally we broke the deadlock with a goal from Laura. The opposition fought back but Muzique’s saves in the first half and Janet’s saves in the final few minutes kept us in the game. For this effort and some great play out of goal Janet was our player of the match. The game was still very very tight but to prevent my heart exploding Laura scored another as we secured the three points.
It was amazing to see the whole team celebrate that goal as we fought hard for it. Muzique and Laura were awarded players player of the match by their teammates. Laura for getting those two vital goals and Muzique for some incredible stops in midfield and defence to prevent the oppositions attacks. Despite the rain storms our session on Thursday had great energy and it was great to see new and old players getting along. It is super important that we all make an effort to be on time so we can prepare for the game correctly and play at our maximum energy levels from minute one.
We dominated proceedings with only 10 players in the first half as we took an early lead. Willing to play the ball through the thirds, we were extremely comfortable on the ball and aggressive without it. We were extremely unfortunate not to end the half on top as the opposition scored just before the half time whistle. The second half saw us succumb to the opposition with their extra player, conceding three goals. Our player of the match was Alex Dhoot. A goalkeeper by trade, Alex had to step outfield due to low numbers available to play. He did really well playing as a right-back. Patient and strong in his 1v1’s and comfortable with the ball at his feet.
We worked on defending in pairs which was critical and the ability to press, cover and effectively communicate in our pairs. Moving forward we look to be more consistent across both halves as well as managing energy levels and emotions within games.
The girls did brilliantly from start to finish. Their communication was a lot better than last week. We went 1-0 down but then Karina got a penalty in the 19th minute of the first half, striking it into the bottom corner to make it 1-1. They kept it 1-1 until half way through the second half when fatigue started to set in and we lost a bit of concentration, giving the opposition space to score another two. However, the girls still fought all the way until the last whistle. Huge thank you to Carla and Zoe who volunteered and were amazing in goal. My favourite moment was an attempt that we had which started from Zoe in goal who passed it to Laura who brought the ball down the wing playing a perfect pass to Naomi. Naomi used her body really well to keep the ball away from the defender, getting a cross in to Acacia who just hit the ball inches wide. The movement in this play was impeccable! Creating space and time for themselves.
My player of the match was Naomi. She was amazing in the second half keeping her composure with every ball she got and battling to win it back if it was lost. She also create chance for us in the box and even had a few shots herself. I hope this hard work keeps up!
This week we worked on defending and playing through the thirds. This had a significant impact on the game as the girls had to position themselves and work today in order to stop the ball getting through them as well as creating space for themselves to receive the ball. They definitely used the wings a lot more. We have made a huge improvement from last week. We tried to win loose balls and didn’t give the opposition too much space. We looked like a fighting team and showed how much wining the ball meant to them. One thing I did notice was that we need to scan a bit more as a lot of the time huge gaps would be left especially on the wings. If the girls can identify those gaps and talk to each other they will become unstoppable!
Facing tough circumstances for the second time in 3 weeks, the U15 boys lined up with 10 players for their cup fixture away at Whetstone Wanderers Panthers. Similar to week 1 of the season however, the fight, desire and motivation to not just get a result, but play the football we want to play was there to see. In possession, we were able to retain the ball patiently before breaking the lines, via a variety of shorter passing combinations and more direct long passes, with the 1st goal arriving via a pinpoint raking pass from Goncalo that Simon was able to bring down, round the keeper and slot home. Reducing the deficit to 2-1. Bloomsbury peppered the Whetstone goal as the first half wore on, getting into promising areas in the attacking third, but we went into the break with the score remaining at 2-1.
The second half started well as we upped the tempo, playing with great intensity in forward areas. Defensively, we were disciplined, making the correct decisions. Understanding when to engage and when to drop. Attacks were being built consistently with our defensive players too, with central lines being broken as we sought to pull the game back. Unfortunately, our lack of legs due to the fact we had no substitutes resulted in Whetstone grabbing an extra goal. However, Mark pulled another goal back straight from kick-off with a mazy run that was finished with composure. This was punctuated by the fact that Bloomsbury only having 9 players on the pitch at this point! My favourite moment of the match. The attitude, desire and motivation to push on is there from the boys. A fully-fit and available squad is the only thing denying us of a win so far on Sundays.
Goncalo, our player of the match, marshalled the defence excellently and provided a threat with his long balls from deep, deservingly getting an assist as a result. His pace and desire to deny the opposition was great to see too. We started slow once again due to late arrivals and laziness in getting prepared. This needs to change as the weeks pass by.
A real game of two halves! Despite going into half time leading 2-1 thanks to first goals of the season for Lukas and Tom, we struggled throughout to reach the levels expected of us as a team. We changed shape at the break and this allowed us to gain total control in the second half. Our press, disjointed in the first half, was much more cohesive and nullified any threat the opposition may have posed going forward. Our combination play in the final third when in possession was much more fluid and resulted in two more goals. Alexey’s struck with a quickly taken free kick which was soon followed up a fine finish from Jayden to effectively put the game to bed. The highlight for me was how we regrouped as a team at half time in order to pick up our performance in the second half!
Luca was our player of the match. He organised the midfield and ordered the press in the second half, showing control and composure throughout despite a shaky start. The work we did on combination play, movement and support in the final third of the pitch in training showed at times. But with a week of training disrupted by the weather, we didn’t have many players turn up. We are always looking to improve! Focusing on retaining possession better to enable more control in matches early on.
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