Match Report

Bristol Ladies Union U10s vs Fry Club Junior Youth U10s

After a week of continuous rain, we were all very grateful to have the sun come out for our second home match of the season. The girls were eager to play and we got off with a really good start by pressing high up the pitch and getting lots of tackles in. The team was looking strong, with Eleanor and Susie in defence, not letting the ball get through to Rosie in goal. But if it ever did manage to get through, we were in safe hands with Rosie confidently handling the ball. We soon secured the first goal of the game. Evie played a lovely ball into the box, which Poppy ran onto and slotted into the top corner. We carried on at the same tempo, with Zoe creating many chances by running the ball up the wing. Shortly after our first goal came our second, with Sophie tackling one of their defenders and taking the ball all by herself into the box and placing it in the back of the net. A couple of quick substitutions brought Niamh on as a defender and Alice on as our new striker. And what a super-sub Alice was, coming on and scoring her first goal for BLUs. A precise cross from Sophie and a wonderful tap in by Alice added another one to our total. The next to take on the role of goalkeeper was Evie, with Rosie coming out of goal and going straight into defence. Other substitutions consisted of Bonnie coming on in attack and Isla coming on in midfield. The girls were confidently passing the ball round and keeping possession, leading to the final goal of the first half. Bonnie played a exceptional through-ball to Sophie, who then dribbled it forwards and passed it into the back of the net.

The start of the second half saw Niamh step up as the next goalkeeper for the team. We started the second half fast and strong, with our midfielders (Evie, Isla and Zoe) taking control of the game by tackling high up the pitch and keeping possession. After only a minute Isla secured our first goal of the second half, taking the ball by herself and dribbling it past the other team, then safely planting it in the back of the goal. Having lost one of our defenders to a birthday party at half time, we had a couple of new faces in defence. With Poppy taking on the role (backed up by our experienced defender Eleanor) many of their attempts were promptly being cleared from the box. Despite Poppy being in defence, this did not hold her back from getting into their box when we had a corner. Isla played a lovely corner into the box which Poppy happily received and placed in the bottom corner of the goal. Demonstrating that defenders are still able to score! Our final goalkeeper substitution placed Alice in goal for the remainder of the game. Our new defenders, Niamh and Zoe, were like a brick wall on the pitch, not a single ball got past them, with some powerful clearances from both defenders. Giving our midfield (Sophie, Susie and Evie) and attack (Bonnie) the best chances possible to secure some more goals. A lovely pass from Susie saw Sophie be the next to stick the ball in the back of the net, securing herself a hat trick this match. The final substitution of the match saw Poppy come on upfront. It didn’t take long for Poppy to secure herself a hat trick this match too, taking the ball all the way up by herself and slotting it into the back of the net. Our confidence in passing and dribbling the ball is what secured us the final goal of the game. The ball was beautifully tapped around, from Bonnie to Poppy and then to Isla who placed it for the final time in the back of the net.

An amazing performance by all of the girls today, it was really difficult for us coaches to pick just two Star Players. But for their amazing hat tricks, our Star Player trophies went to Sophie and Poppy.

Written by Ellie Haines (U10s coach).

By elliehaines, ago

Downend Flyers Eagles vs Bristol Ladies Union U10s

The sun was shining and the mood was high as we entered out first away game of the season. Despite everybody getting lost and struggling to find the playing fields, we all managed to get there in time for kick off. We started off strong with midfield (consisting of Zoe, Evie and Isla) confidently passing the ball around in Downend’s half, keeping possession as we settled into the match. This lead to the first of many attempts by our striker Sophie, but none were quite getting past their strong goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Although we were keeping possession well, Downend were still able to break through on counter attacks, but we had nothing to worry about with Susie and Rosie in defence, kicking the ball away any time it came near them. Poppy started in goal with not much to do and only touching the ball a couple of times in that position as the game developed. As we were reaching halfway through the first half Isla played a beautiful through-ball to Sophie who placed it in the back of the net. Next we carried out a few substitutions, bringing fresh legs onto the pitch and giving our starting players a well deserved rest, also switching around our goalkeepers with Isla next to take on the role. Our midfield now consisted of Niamh, Bonnie and Alice, who worked hard and put all their effort into getting the ball from defence to our new striker Zoe. Our new defenders Leah and Eleanor understood the job they had to do and were confidently tackling Downend’s players and clearing the ball out of our box. Despite our best efforts, Downend took control of the game at the end of the first half.

Not letting this get us down, we started the second half with our head’s held high. Sophie started the second half in goal, backed up by Rosie and Susie in defence. Again, we started off strong, passing the ball around. If the ball was ever lost Bonnie was on her toes in midfield running after the players, tackling to get it back in our possession and then passing it on to Poppy who was now our striker. Poppy had a fantastic run out in attack, with strikes going towards the top corners, however their goalkeeper this half was strong as well, so all attempts were being saved. New ways to score were being thought up by our attacking players, this lead to Poppy placing a lovely ball across the box, landing directly at Isla’s feet, Isla then placed the ball precisely in the back of the net, securing us another wonderful goal. Our final goalkeeper swap of the game resulted in Bonnie finishing the game in goal. With changes seeing Alice and Leah make their way onto the pitch. Leah understood her new role in midfield, confidently tackling players and feeding the ball through to Evie and Poppy. A slight knock to the knee then saw Eleanor heroically come on last minute as an injury substition for Alice. This saw us to the final whistle (a bit earlier than anticipated as other substitions were lined up!) and therefore bringing our first away game to a close.

Our star player trophies went to Rosie (for her amazing defensive performance, not letting a single ball past her) and Isla (for her fantastic passing, shooting and keeping of possession in midfield).

Written by Ellie Haines (U10s coach).

By elliehaines, ago

Bristol Ladies Union U10s vs Ashton FC Girls U10s

Sunday the 5th of September marked the day of U10s first ever football match. After what seemed like a bumpy start with Ashton FC Girls securing 2 goals within the first 5 minutes, the girls didn’t let it get them down and carried on with the same excited and confident attitude. Our temporary goalkeepers of the first half (Zoe then Eleanor) stayed calm and collected, not letting anymore goals into the back of the net. Backed up by our strong defence, Susie and Leah, not letting the ball stay in our box for very long and clearing it perfectly for our counter attacks. With Isla, Zoe and Poppy in midfield and Sophie upfront, our attacking play came in full force. This very quickly lead to Zoe scoring our first ever goal as the first half was drawing to a close, followed closely by Sophie scoring our second goal right before the half time whistle. Leaving the score as 2-2 at half time.

Half time consisted of a change in goalkeeper, with Leah next to face the role. Rosie dropped from midfield to defence, but she took it fully in her stride, with not a single ball getting past either her or Eleanor in defence. Susie, Bonnie and Zoe were in midfield, passing the ball confidently around the other team, this lead to our 3rd goal of the match being scored by Zoe. And what a wonderful goal it was, with Zoe taking the ball at the halfway line and dribbling round all of their players to then finish it with the ball in the back of the net. A quick change of goalkeeper saw Susie in goal for the last 10 minutes of the game and a substitution bringing Evie onto the pitch upfront. Unfortunately, Evie scored a wonder goal whilst our keepers were swapping over due to the other team taking an early throw-in. The beautiful volley from the halfway line was, however, disallowed (but don’t worry, we will still put it in the running for goal of the season). Not to worry though, this disallowed goal was then shortly followed by a powerful shot from the edge of the box by Poppy, resulting in the ball hitting the back of the net in the bottom corner. Despite strong defending being shown by Sophie and Rosie, and Susie making some incredible saves in goal, Ashton FC Girls were able to secure another goal and then a penalty due to an accidental handball in our box. When the ref blew the full time whistle the score stood at 4-4.

A fantastic performance by all of the girls, putting in all there effort, but a special shout out to Zoe (for her amazing dribbling and shooting in midfield) and Susie (for her incredible saves in goal, as well as brilliant defending and attacking when not in goal) who were given Star Players of the match.

Written by Ellie Haines (U10s coach).

By elliehaines, ago

Evie-Jean hits five

Evie-Jean found the breakthrough 10 minutes after her effort from outside the box went high and wide. She controlled Anna’s looping cross and fired into the net to make it 1-0 to BLU.

BLU then withstood a period of Portishead pressure, with Ella forced into a save with her feet.

Evie-Jean doubled the blues’ advantage minutes later with a clever run and low finish under the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 to BLU.

She then completed her hattrick immediately afterwards with another intelligent run that was not picked up by the Portishead defence. Evie-Jean’s chipped effort was blocked on the line and she smashed the rebound into the net for 3-0 on the stroke of half time.

BLU increased the pressure in the second half and Evie-Jean netted quickly after the restart. This time Anna’s perfectly weighted pass matched Evie-Jean’s run and she poked the ball home for 4-0.

As BLU looked for more goals, they were susceptible to Portishead’s agile counter-attacks, but Appoline and Amy were able to recover possession for BLU on several occasions.

Evie-Jean scored her fifth of the game late on. Neat footwork and clever movement from Jess opened up space for her to lay a pass off to Evie-Jean on the edge of the box – who curled an effort into the bottom right corner for 5-0.

BLU managed the rest of the game well and it ended 5-0 to Bristol Ladies Union.

Thanks to:

Portishead Players & Management

Ella

Anna

Appoline

Amy

Jas

Jess

Katie

Grace

Maren

Evie-Jean

Mia

Tia

By Darren Crew, ago

Swiss Valley 0-5 BLU U13s

By Frankie Crew

Swiss Valley 0-5 BLU U13s

BLU returned to action with an emphatic victory away at Swiss Valley.

Swiss Valley began the game well and managed to create a couple of chances, neither of which troubled Ella in goal.

Once BLU had eased into the game, they quickly forced saves from the Swiss Valley goalkeeper – Evie-Jean and Jas both saw shots stopped.

Jas opened the storing shortly before half time; tapping in a ricocheted shot that fell to her from Jess’ looping corner. 1-0.

BLU continued to push and doubled their advantage before the break. This time Tia found the bottom corner with her right-footed curler. 2-0.

The away side were much brighter in the second half and quickly rattled the woodwork from Jas’ arrowed hit.

Evie-Jean increased their lead with a perfect shot from the edge of the box. 3-0.

Anna and Freya continued to defend stoically against the Swiss Valley centre-forward, enabling more players to attack.

Tia and Mace stretched the lead to 5-0 at the end of the game. Tia controlled and finished a cross from Anna on the right for 4, and Mace completed a team move with a tap-in on the goal line for 5-0.

The game ended 5-0 to BLU U13s

Thanks to:
Swiss Valley Players and Management
Ella
Anna
Freya
Mia
Jess
Jas
Maren
Evie-Jean
Tia
Emily
Mace

By Darren Crew, ago
U11 Tournament Winners

BLU U11 Wins Emersons Green Tournament

It was a shaky start for the U11 team, losing the first game 1-0 but once the team settled into their rhythm there was no looking back. 
Scoring 15 goals and conceding only 2, BLU U11 stormed their way to a convincing 3-0 win in the tournament final against Longwell Green.

Outstanding performances throughout the team but special mentions for a hatrick of hatricks from Suki, a hatrick from Isobelle and some heroic goal keeping from Tia.

By Steve Cripps, ago
BLU U12 v Whitchurch

BLU (U12s) 1-0 Whitchurch

BLU continued their 100% start to the season with a home win against Whitchurch.

The first half was end to end. Whitchurch hit the post from an early penalty, with Evie-Jean and Jas both fizzing shots past the post at the other end.

At half time, BLU knew that they had work to do and they began the second half well by applying some early pressure.

They continued to press and finally got their reward.

Anna intercepted a pass in midfield before laying it off to Freya – she slid a pass through to Evie-Jean, who finished emphatically past the goalkeeper.

Following the goal, both sides experienced spells of possession but neither could breach each others’ resolute defences.

The game ended 1-0 to Bristol Ladies Union U12s.

Thanks to:-
Maren
Amy
Anna
Freya
Evie-Jean
Freya
Macey
Appoline
Gracie F
Katie F
Jess
Jas
Whitchurch players & management

By Darren Crew, ago
Bath v BLU U12

FC Bath 1-3 BLU U12s

BLU began their second game of the season with three points in the bag – and they were hungry for more.

Despite numerous efforts on goal from Anna and Freya, BLU went into the break 1-0 down. A dipping strike from Bath’s number twelve looped over Gemma in goal.

An inspired switch saw Gemma start the second half upfront, bagging her first goal of the season within minutes. A smart turn-and-finish following a series of blocks from the Bath defenders.

Gemma’s goal seemed to kick the team into life. Evie-Jean began a bursting run from midfield and composed herself before slotting past the goalkeeper.

Gemma followed up on her first goal of the game to bag a brace with a strike similar to Evie-Jean’s. A change of pace took her past Bath’s defensive line, before she found the net with a calm finish.

BLU managed to see the game out to add another three points to their tally.

POTM: Gemma (bagged a brace to open her account for the season).

Thanks to:-
Gemma
Apolline
Anna
Maren
Evie-Jean
Jas
Amy
Grace
Freya
Katie F
Ella
Macey
Bath Players & Management

By Darren Crew, ago

BLU under 10’s vrs AEK BOCO

BLU Under 10’s 5-2 AEK BOCO

The Christmas break appears to have had little effect on BLU’s Under 10’s form. They returned to action play a strong Boco side this Sunday.

During the first half BLU played some of their best football of the season. They started strongly with crisp passing from Anna & Amy, sharp shots from Gemma & Freya and solid defending from Macy and Jas. Thanks to some staunch defending by Boco and a fine goalkeeping display by from the Boco keeper BLU could not find the breakthrough and went into the break at 0-0.

Just one minute into the second half BLU broke the deadlock. Anna broke through the midfield and found Grace free in the box, who struck the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. 1-0.

After finding the breakthrough the game opened up intricate triangular passing from Anna & Katie F they found Gemma with the ball down the right wing, she squared it across goal for Jas to slot home. 2-0.

Boco fought back and managed to breach the BLU defence, with a strong right footed finish past Amy 2-1.

BLU were straight back into their rhythm and when Katie L rolled the ball to Gemma she restored the two goal advantage with a right-footed shot into the top corner 3-1.

The pressure was mounting on Boco and the pressure resulted in Freya’s spectacularly long shot somehow managing to sneak under the keeper and roll into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. 4-1.

Boco continued to battle and the BLU defence was broken again and the ball was calmly rolled into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 4-2.

But BLU finished off a free scoring second half with Ella finished off a good team move with a powerful strike. 5-2.

A fantastic end to a fantastic performance and result. BLU player of the match Macy.

Well done also to a battling Boco…Good luck for the rest of the season.

Thanks to:-
Boco Management & Players
Gemma
Anna
Gracie F
Katie F
Amy
Macy
Ella
Jas
Freya
Katie L

Report by Frankie Crew

By Darren Crew, ago