Chris Tazewell

Kingswood Women 1st v Bristol Ladies Union 1st, 5th October 2025.

Another away game in Gloucestershire for BLU, this time playing at Kingswood. Storm Amy was on it’s way out, but the wind was still blowing strongly down the field, providing a decent advantage to the team who had their backs to it. Unfortunately that team wasn’t BLU, and Kingswood managed to capitalise on that advantage pretty quickly. Goals started coming in very early, a couple of which where we were somewhat unlucky, and one that barely made it across the line as Tia’s outstretched fingertips scooped the ball away, and if we’d had goal line technology then perhaps the score might have been different. By the 20th minute we were 4-0 down and clearly we had to do something different. Credit to the team here. Despite being down 4 goals in such a short time, nobody had their heads down, and the overall attitude was that we had to get on with the business of levelling the score.

A change of shape and tactics (thanks to Martha) turned the game around almost immediately, and from battling inside our own half we were quickly putting pressure on their defenders. It wasn’t long before Jas scored our first goal, and Kingswood were rattled. Another goal from Evie-J came soon after, and tempers were on the rise. Another attack from BLU and a bit of confusion in their 6 yard box led to an own goal, leaving their keeper upset and a lot of tension both on and off the pitch, with the referee having to intervene on several occasions.

At half time we were one goal away from levelling the score, and we knew we’d have that wind advantage for the rest of the game. We began the second half as we’d ended the first, but Kingswood
were coming back a bit stronger. As the game continued there were increasing interactions between their players and the ref, and eventually a yellow card was shown. With one of their players in the Sin Bin we had a player advantage, and the fourth goal came from Evie-J, her second of the game.

In the end it was a 4-4 draw, and although I think we could have won it, I think we were all happy to take the point. It had been a boisterous match with some interesting behaviour and one or two heavy challenges. Our Player of the Match was awarded to Lila for her big part in changing the dynamic of play, and the Magic Moment trophy went to Erin to compensate for the monstrous headache she’s likely to be nursing after all of those headers.

That was not an easy one, so well done BLU!

Bristol Ladies Union 1st v Bradley Stoke Ladies 1st, 21st September 2025

The weather cleared up for an afternoon of sunshine and blue skies at Coombe Dingle, where BLU took on Bradley Stoke Ladies 1st. We started off with a good spell of pressure, and for the first 20 minutes we managed to keep Bradley Stoke away from our 18 yard box. Our midfield worked well to get the ball forward time and time again, while the opposition’s deep defending was effective at keeping us from getting shots on target. Several times we manged to break through the defence, only to find a goalkeeper with sharp instincts who was not afraid to charge out to the edge of the box and close down the attack.

The second half was more of the same with stretches of dominance, and spells where we were put under pressure. Both teams had chances in front of the goal, but neither were able to capitalise. In the end the game finished nil-nil, and although it was disappointing not to get a win, I would say it was a fair result against an equal strength team. They had a couple of fast attacking forwards, but our defence stayed calm under pressure and handled them fairly comfortably.

Some excellent performances all around the pitch, with our Player of the Match trophy going to Isobelle for such a strong and instinctive performance at Centre Back. The Magic Moment trophy was awarded to Jasmine for somehow managing to spend 75 minutes at full speed being the football equivalent of Everything Everywhere All at Once.

It was the first match of the new season, in unseasonably wet and cold weather. In fact wet doesn’t even begin to describe the downpour that kept all subs, parents and friends practically disappearing inside Dry Robes or cowering under their large brollies. But none of that mattered because the important thing was the scoreline. Things started off well with a decent spell of possession for BLU, and soon we were up one goal thanks to a determined effort by Sarah, with the second goal coming later in the first half, scored by Molly. I think we had a reasonable control of the game in the first half, but Tia and the defenders had some work to do back in our goal. Andoversford were awarded a direct free kick, which somehow made it through the wall, but not through the fingers of Tia. By the end of the first half the rain was starting to make a nuisance of itself.

The second half began with a lot more pressure from Andoversford, and for 15 minutes we were struggling to get out of our half. Both teams had chances and we were forced to defend a string of corners. Rosa was unlucky to hit the woodwork in a goal attempt that probably would have triggered a VAR check if there were cameras about, and Sydney showed some serious bravery in a 50-50 challenge with the keeper. The game ended Adoversford: 0, BLU: 2.

Some excellent performances from everyone on pitch, and quite the introduction to open age football for our younger squad members. Also we’ve got a few things to work on, most notably our throw-ins. Player of the Match went to Tia for keeping a clean sheet, and our Magic Moment trophy went to Lila for her comedy shin pads!

First game of the season, first win of the season, two very damp but happy coaches. (I did take a photograph of the team but it turned out my camera lens was so wet it was just a big blur… sorry.)