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As the sun was shining, the team started arriving after a long trip to Chipping Sodbury. Everyone knew it was going to be a tough match as St Nicks had won all but one game. Another factor that didn’t help was the fact that the opposition had a whole new squad on their subs bench. The match started off well with BLU holding strong possession. BLU had some amazing chances with some close missed shots from Jess but the team kept on going. Betsy and Katherine were rock solid in defence making some crunching tackles while Maeve showed safe hands with some extraordinary saves. Then, about halfway through the second half, we broke and Kate made a well-time run for Jess to confidently pass to and Kate out skilled their defenders to score a world-class goal. As the team celebrated, St Nicks swapped their entire team so we knew we were going to have to work hard to hold on. Unfortunately, we gave away a penalty and there was nothing our keeper could do as they fired it into the corner. After a few minutes of high work rate from both sides (with Iris working tirelessly to get the ball back), the halftime whistle blew. After an inspiring speech from Andy, we brought fresh legs on and we were determined to get a goal back. Due to the fact that St Nicks had a whole new team they could bring on, it was a tough second half. Ellie’s tackles were timed to perfection as some great runs by Alice proved to be working. St Nicks were showing that they were unstoppable on the break though and three more goals were scored by them. However, BLU’s kept on fighting with a shot on target from Lamorna hitting the post. Lily showed her pace and skills as she raced back to help the defence with her marking on corners making a real difference. When the full time whistle blew, even though we had lost, everyone felt it had been a thoroughly good game and that St Nicks had tested us and had brought out the best in us. Maeve had also boosted our energy levels at the end of the game by bringing Easter eggs for her birthday. It was another amazing performance from BLU’s against a tough side and we’ll now be moving on to train for our next opponent.

Written by Lamorna from BLU U11.

Our Sunday match started as any other at Canford Park. As the ref blew his whistle, the match started very quickly. Our team applied lots of pressure and harrying from Emilie and Katherine who were forcing lots of mistakes from the other team. We were defending really well with Pippa clearing the ball and we were determined to win. However they scored their first goal from the first bit of pressure they had. Kate then popped up to score a really nice goal from the left. The next shot that we had almost went in and Lamorna was scoring it. It hit the post just as it was about to go in. Ellie did some great pressuring and Maeve bravely blocked a defender from scoring. Lily came on and did lots of running in the middle. It is now half time. We had a quick pep talk and then we started playing again. Maeve saved a wonderful shot from Narla; their stand out player. Narla scored the next goal from a corner and the next goal after that. As we were about half way through the second half, Maeve got injured by being whacked in the face by the opposing team so Kate went in goal and she nearly saved a goal that went in the left hand corner of the goal but it went in. The next exciting thing that happened was that Western Mendip got a penalty. Kate got a hand to touch the ball but it still went in the net. Next, Mairead almost scored. At the last possible moment the goalie saved it. Kate did a nice save and Alice was doing some good tackling. Evie had a chance at scoring but just missed. Evie also managed a really good corner. The last thing that happened was that Kate almost saved a really strong shot but it slipped through her fingers and that was the end of the match.

Match report written by Mairead from BLU U11

2 days in a row and I am just getting into the flow of writing these reports. Firstly, let me start off by saying what an amazing game and the confidence shown from all the girls. 12pm KO and we were ready after a successful tournament the day before. Furthermore, the girls were looking for revenge from when we last played them. We also played 8-aside which was suggested by the St Nicks coach. The starting line up we saw obviously Abbie Neuer in goal, with Rosie and Susie or the reincarnation of Rio Ferdinand and Vidic. In midfield we had Isla, Bonnie and Zoe and just in front we had Sophie taking on a centre attacking midfielder (CAM) role and finally our other star striker Poppy leading the pack today. On the bench we had Alice, Evie and Eleanor. They were ready to come on and make an impact. Unfortunately, we were also missing our other class defenders in Leah and Niamh. Hopefully we will see them back in action next week!

As expected from the first whistle the girls were pressuring St Nicks and pinning them back. Isla creating chances in abundance as usual. Amazing vision to set up Poppy and Sophie with many through balls to open the St Nicks defence. Rosie showing her strength and determination surrounded by 4 players at one point but still coming away with the ball. Susie once again sweeping and protecting our goal. Many clearances especially one that caught a St Nicks player in the face (definitely did not want to get in the way of that one). Then we saw amazing link up play like prime Cole and Yorke from Poppy and Sophie. With Poppy holding up the ball and playing a pass for Sophie to run on too. Unfortunately, the St Nicks goalie was ready and retrieved the ball. Straight after we saw a pass from Isla to Poppy who shot with the outside of her foot and it just went wide. Zoe then won the ball back from the goal kick and dribbled past the most of the St Nicks player – it was very Messi-esque. But unfortunately the goalie was in the way again. 15 minutes into the game we finally broke the dead lock. A wonderful pass from Poppy to find Isla who slotted it in the bottom corner. Honestly, Isla is on fire I wish I had her on my Fantasy Premier league. We then saw Evie again with her Rory Delap inspired throw. And her determination with tracking back and attacking the St Nicks goal. Many good runs made by Evie and her commitment and stepping into defence for the team. When St Nicks managed to trouble us we didn’t have to worry as Eleanor, Rosie and Susie were tackling and trying to stop everything they could for the team. Especially Eleanor showing her strength and aggression to win the ball back. If anything did manage to get past the defence we saw Abbie catch everything, come out of her box and clearing the ball up the pitch and even emphatic rolling – at least it wasn’t muddy today! We also saw Bonnie cover literally every blade of grass. This girl doesn’t stop, always running and contributing, amazing strength and lightning speed. Finally, we saw Alice coming on in the striker position controlling the ball and running at the St Nicks defenders and causing a havoc. Even getting some shots off and starting off some lovely link up play. This saw the end of the first half and the girls were not slowing down.

Start of the second half we saw Rosie go into the CAM role. Seeing Rosie advance in the final third and creating chances and also doing her defensive duties. Also, Rosie left frustrated still chasing her first goal of the season, great shots but the keeper was matching it. Zoe got 99 dribbling on her. Going past everyone, getting kicked and still not falling down. Great determination. We saw a lovely pass from Bonnie to Isla and it went just wide. Amazing play from our maestros in midfield the whole game. Poppy then showcased her amazing snapshots. Turning and shooting first time. Unlucky as it went just wide. Have to say this game the amount of pressing from all the girls was amazing. Especially, Sophie who was closing down the St Nicks players and nearly getting a lucky deflection which led to her shot on goal. Finally, we bagged our second of the game with a throw from Zoe into space for Isla who took a touch and winded back her wonder of a right foot and it could not have been saved. So many great performances if I keep writing it will end up being a Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Today’s star player was difficult as everyone gave their all and it was such a hard call but our first star player was Abbie for making incredible saves and providing an amazing distribution and outlet for the rest of the team. Our second star player was Poppy for her amazing link up play, creating chances for herself and her other attacking team mates and finally constantly being a threat, another true number 9 performance. Big shout out to the BLU army! The support was unbelievable and louder than Man City’s empty-had ever is. To end the match report I just wanted to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mum’s. You really deserve it and hope this win made your day even more. See you all soon against Weston at home next week!

Written by Jamil (U10s coach).

A brilliant performance  

Spring sun and blue skies greeted the players and fans for an early kick off at Canford Park.  Recent winning form of the BLUs (or rather the nice weather) meant a big crowd crammed into the Canford Lane terrace ready to cheer their teams on. Inspiring words from the coaches preceded a quick start to the game from the girls. Emilie and Betsy were majestic at the back. Betsy driving forward and Emilie reading the game superbly meant the team never looked like conceding. Kate was untroubled in goal but did what she needed to do well – calm in possession and nice distribution.  The midfield trio of Katherine, Iris and Jess worked well together.  Katherine working hard up and down the left, delivering powerful throw-ins and Iris breaking up play in the middle and feeding Jess and Evie. There was lots of early BLUs pressure but the Portishead team stood firm until Betsy collected the ball deep, skilled past four players and smashed one into the roof of the net. The BLUs were off.  Jess threatened and finally got her reward with the well taken second after a great pass from Betsy. Evie working tirelessly and giving the Portishead centre back a merry time, went close from a corner and Mairead (always in the right place) almost got the third after a lovely sweeping BLUs passing attack.

No complacency from the BLUs as they continued in the same vein kicking towards the Abbey Road end for the second half. A switch in goal with Ellie taking the gloves and Lily and Katherine at the back continued the fantastic defensive work. Both comfortable receiving the ball from Ellie and playing the second pass well and starting most BLU attacks.  Their defensive work was faultless.  Ellie made some great saves coming off her line to keep the Portishead attacks at bay and had a great half in goal.  Iris was everywhere, almost scoring and bravely taking a blast to the face needing quick treatment from the BLUs medical team. Betsy, Evie and Mairead linking well, a nice one-two and Betsy firing home again. Kate, unleashed into the outfield held the ball up well in the forward position and slotted home nicely from another lovely corner from Evie. There was some late Portishead pressure but Ellie stood firm meaning another clean sheet for the BLUs as they march up the table towards a Champions League place.  

Match report written by Jess from BLU U11

Finally we had a sunny Sunday morning! Everybody arrived at the pitch nice and early, to warm up and get ready for the match. We started off strong, settling straight into the game and showing the other team what we were made of. We were attacking constantly, keeping the ball in their half, with shots coming from Poppy, Isla, Zoe and Evie but none quite managing to hit the back of the net yet. Zoe played a beautiful ball right across the goal mouth but nobody managed to get their foot on it and tap it in. But don’t worry, it didn’t take Poppy long to send a powerful shot into the back of the net. After receiving it on the edge of the box she fired it straight into the back of the net. The whole team was looking strong, Susie and Eleanor started in defence and were clearing it with power across the half-way line, but we had Abbie’s safe hands in goal if they did manage to sneak through. Evie and Zoe were quickly dribbling the ball up the wings, placing it in the box for Sophie (our striker who had just come on for Poppy) to run on to. Fry Club were fighting back, but we kept our heads up and stayed in the game. Isla had a strong chance, firing it towards the goal but the keeper managed to get her hands to it. New substitutions saw Niamh come on in defence and Alice try out a new position of midfield. Both players got stuck in, tackling any opponents that came near them with the ball. Our hard work soon payed off and our second goal came. Sophie tackled their defender next to the goal and slotted it in the bottom corner. A final first-half substitution saw Leah come on in defence, tactically passing the ball up the line to Alice if it got through our midfield. The half-time whistle was soon blown.

The girls were feeling confident following the first-half, so we entered the second-half ready to score more goals and win our individual battles. Not long after the second-half whistle was blown, Isla scored a well-deserved goal. Zoe tackled their defender and the ball landed at Isla’s feet, she then hit it with the outside of her foot and curled it round the goalkeeper. Fry Club responded well, putting pressure on our defence, but our midfielders (Zoe, Isla and Evie) tracked back, making sure Susie and Eleanor were not overloaded in defence. Substitutions saw Leah come on in defence and Sophie come on in midfield. The girls were working well together, supporting each other when trying to win back the ball and when in possession passing it around their players. Fry Club had a couple more chances, but our defenders (Leah and Susie) were ready for it, passing it back to our midfield when the ball was won. Poppy’s second goal soon came, Zoe sent a small pass to Poppy, who dribbled around their players and placed it in the bottom left corner. This was followed by an amazing piece of play by Poppy and Isla, who were passing it around their defenders, Poppy then had a shot on goal but their goalkeeper was strong and got her hands on it – denying Poppy her hat-trick. Final substitutions saw Niamh come on in defence and Alice on upfront. Niamh was looking comfortable at the back, pushing up the pitch to close the gap between defence and midfield, so if they started an attack, Niamh was there to close them down quickly and win the ball back. After a few more chances, the referee blew the final whistle.

Strong performance by all of the girls today, big shout-out to Rosie who still committed to turning up to the match and doing the warm up but then had to go home because she wasn’t feeling very well and also to Abbie for turning up and playing the full match despite not feeling very well either. Our Star Players went to Susie (for an incredible performance in defence, covering every inch of our half and powerfully clearing away the ball) and Zoe (for making strong runs up the wing and making lots of chances for her teammates).

Written by Ellie Haines (U10s coach).

In an unusual afternoon fixture we travelled across Bristol to play Bristol Rovers Supporters Club, who were surprisingly able to find nine supporters!!! A kit clash between our famous blue and the blue and white quarters of the opposition meant that we had to play in red and orange bibs, although it may have been more pleasurable for those watching if the other team had worn the bibs.

Although Bristol Rovers had kick off, some great interceptions and passes from the whole team lead to an early and well taken goal from Jess. In an early period that both team shared possession Maeve made several crucial saves to keep the advantage. Iris seemed to be everywhere tackling every opposition player. Evie joined the play and with her first touch doubled our lead, followed by a second goal from Jess before half-time.

At half time a keeper switch was made where Kate went in goal giving Maeve the opportunity to play out on the pitch.

Some outstanding play, showing all of the skills learnt on our Wednesday training sessions, meant that we had most of the possession. Lamorna linked defence and attack well with good running and skill. Jess scored her third goal of the game from a good team move. Evie added her second of the game before Katherine scored the final goal of the game with a powerful run down the left and a great finish. Ellie nearly scored two goals towards the end of the match with strong, powerful shots just failing to beat their keeper. Further opportunities from Maeve and Mairead nearly added to our lead but it was without success. Strong defending from the whole team, with a special mention to Alice, meant that Kate had very little to do in goal for majority of the second half but what she did have to do she did excellently.

The full time whistle went and meant that we had won with each girl fully playing their part and all were very happy at the end. What better way to celebrate a victory than a play in the park!! Let’s hope that this amazing performance is carried forward to our remaining fixtures this season.

Match report written by Pippa from BLU U11 (with apologies to any Rovers supporters for the comments!)

Everybody turned up well-rested following an unusual Sunday morning lie-in, with today’s match kicking off at 12:30pm (much appreciated by all parents and coaches). We slowly eased ourselves into the match, starting off a little bit rocky. But our defence was looking strong, with Rosie and Eleanor clearing the ball away from the box with power and accuracy straight to our starting midfielders (Isla, Bonnie and Zoe). If their strikers did manage to get through then we were in safe hands with Abbie in goal, who was confidently throwing herself around the place and catching the ball. Isla was controlling the game well as central midfielder, taking on their players and passing the ball to our wingers (Bonnie and Zoe) who dribbled the ball all the way into the box. Sophie was reading the game well as our striker, getting into the best positions for through-balls from midfield, creating chances for the team but none quite hitting the back of the net. A quick switch around saw Leah (a regular defender) take on midfield, backed up by Evie in defence behind her. Both players were supporting each other well, with Leah tracking back and Evie covering Leah when she went further up the pitch. Further supported by Niamh in defence, covering the whole pitch and picking up players in spaces, when the ball came to those players Niamh was there with her strong clearances, getting it out of the danger zone. We entered half-time still in the game.

A big shoutout to our new watergirl Chloe, who supplied the girls with drinks throughout the whole match and orange slices at half time so the girls were re-energised and ready for the second half.

The second half started and the girls were feeling positive. The game was tight but we were still creating chances. Rosie was on fire, covering the whole of the pitch, tackling their players and winning the ball back every time. Bonnie was strong on the wing, travelling with the ball up the line and crossing it into midfield, where Alice was stood ready to tap it in, we were so close but nobody was quite getting on the scoresheet. Evie was showing off her wonder-throws again, getting our other midfielders into good positions. Following many attempts, our time finally came. Isla won the ball at the half-way line then steamed forwards, running past their midfielders, before placing an amazing through-ball to Sophie who charged through their defence and placed it in the bottom left corner. Everybody was demonstrating confident football, passing the ball around the players without panicking in possession. Despite many more chances, the final whistle was blown.

The girls worked really hard today, covering every blade of grass. Our Star Players went to Rosie (for an outstanding defensive performance and pushing up and supporting our midfielders) and Bonnie (for not stopping running and her strong tackles).

Written by Ellie Haines (U10s coach).

We took the kick off and did some great passing but Weston Mendip managed to get the ball and score an early goal. There was some good passing from Lamorna and Iris which led to a half chance for Jess! Katherine and Pippa were doing some great interceptions and Ellie, Lamorna and Iris had to do some amazing tackles in midfield. On the break, Kate almost got on to Jess’s pass. Then Weston Mendip got the ball back and scored a long range goal. After that Ellie made an awesome pass to Evie which led to a corner!!!

At half time there was a change of goalie from Maeve to Lamorna.

In the first few minutes of the second half we were putting high pressure on Weston Mendip and there was a shot on goal by Jess but it was saved!! Kate almost got us a first but again well saved. When Weston Mendip were on the break Pippa and Kathrine were doing some outstanding challenges!! Lamorna had been making some great saves but could not stop a goal that went into the corner. Maeve came off the bench to make some big tackles! Despite probably being tired Jess still made runs down the left. A hand ball gave us a late penalty but unfortunately the ball just went over the goal! It was a great effort by everyone, well done!!!!

Match report written by Maeve from BLU U11