FSA PRO: It was a week of mixed emotions for our scholars as both of our sites faced challenging fixtures across the week.
FSA PRO London
Our CAT 1 Squad had the opportunity to make it 2/2 in the summer series against Procision Reading. Our CAT 2 squad were looking to try and make up for last weeks difficult loss and gain their first three points of the summer series.
The first of two home games was our CAT 1 fixture. A fantastic performance from the team saw FSA score seven goals in a thrilling game. After what seemed a cagey first few minutes FSA increased the intensity and began to apply pressure. FSA went on to score three goals by half time. The second half was a continuation of the first, the boys showed a ruthless mentality and continued to punish when the opportunities came. Another four goals in the second half cemented the win. Seven goals scored by six different players and a brace scored by centre midfielder Jordan Bridge was the highlight of a brilliant performance.
FSA PRO 7 Prosicion Reading 0
Man on the match: Charlie Kennett
Our CAT 2 fixture against Bromley FC was the second game of the afternoon. The game started off with both teams finding it difficult to retain possession of the ball. FSA started to grow into the game by keeping the ball creating some chances. In the tenth minute against the run of play, Bromely won a corner and managed to score. Kyle Scott immediately equalises two minutes later by pressing the goalkeeper inside the 18 yard box and deflecting the attempted clearance into the empty net. FSA continued to push on to take the lead however Bromley were awarded a free kick just inside the FSA half. A well placed ball inside the box was met by a free header and gave the visitors the lead moving into half time.
With changes made at half time and Nathan Best coming on for goal scorer Kyle Scott, FSA were by far the better team. It took less than twenty minutes for FSA to bring the game level for a second time. Super Sub Nathan Best used his pace to get on the end of a Mark Soares through ball before slotting past the oncoming goalkeeper. With twenty five minutes of the game remaining FSA set about the task of finding the winner. For the next twenty minutes the boys probed and berated Bromleys box. Bromley, after a difficult period finally managed to clear the ball and transitioned into their attacking half. A hopeful cross was played into the FSA penalty area however miscommunication from our goalkeeper and left back meant that Bromleys winger only had to pass the ball in from the six yard box. Conceding a goal in the eighty seventh minute was a real blow for FSA and consequently meant we fell to a 2-3 defeat.
FSA PRO 2 Bromley FC 3
Man of the match: Danny Kiboti
FSA PRO Leicester
Our FSA PRO teams in Leicester also had a busy week with CAT 1, CAT 2b and the Girls teams in action.
Our Leicester CAT 1 side had to fight hard against a strong Brooke House College team to come away with a point.
The game started with Brooke House controlling the ball however, FSA stood strong as a defensive unit and limited Brooke Houses chances in the first 20 minutes. After the 20 minute mark FSA got a foot hold in the game and started to create chances themselves through Louis Basset and Beck - Ray. At the half way point it was 0-0 however, both teams failed to take the lead having missed chances.
At half time the message was clear to FSA we had to improve our work rate off of the ball and intensity. As soon as the whistle was blown, there was an immediate impact, FSA pressed the ball with more intensity as a unit and gained an advantage further up the pitch. FSA then got their reward through a calm and composed finish from Suhaib Gannan. 1-0. Brooke House then came back at FSA and started to create chances of their own, forcing John Meadows to make two strong saves. However, on the 75th minute a mix up between the FSA centre back and the goal keeper allowed Brooke House to equalise. 1-1. For the remaining 15 minutes both sides played some good football however, neither team created any clear cut chances and the game finished 1-1.
FSA PRO 1 Brooke House 1
Man of the match: Suhaib Gannan
The CAT 2b had a tough away trip to a strong CAT 1/ CAT 2 Lincoln City side. FSA PRO had an excellent first half, creating several big chances most notably Henry Beeby and Brodie Stewart going close with just the goalkeeper to beat on 4 occasions. Going in at half time 1-0 down was against the run of play but FSA PRO were still in the game. With 3 goals in 20 minutes Lincoln City took control of the game with FSA missing another one on one chance to gain a conciliation goal at the end.
Final score: Lincoln City 4 FSA Pro 0
Man of the match: Henry Beeby.
The girls team produced their best performance to date with an excellent away win against a very good Newcastle Stafford College side. Goals from Jordan Atchison and a 25 yard shot from Neve Hincks sealed a 2-1 victory. FSA PRO were made to work hard for the victory and the defence stood strong in the second half to deny an equaliser for the home team.
Final score: Newcastle Stafford College Girls 1 FSA Pro Girls 2
Man of the match: Alanta Brown
Education
This week in the classroom our FSA PRO scholars on both sites have been creating performance profiles for themselves and our second years are into their final week before all work is completed.
Elite Centres
We were back in action in Leicester on Monday night at our Elite centre. We welcomed Schulz coaching. All of our age groups were scheduled fixtures against visitors and we were very pleased to see the principals put into practice that we had been developing over the last few weeks. There was great football on show and results to match! We would like to thank Schulz coaching for coming down and we hope to see them again soon.
In London we welcomed back our Elite centre on Tuesday, where the topic of the week was defending the midfield third. Our u14’s were introduced to ‘murder ball’ a high intensity game designed to improve players fitness and high speed decision making. After some really positive feedback from the players we will look to do this more often. On Thursday we also welcomed our Development, u15’s, u16’s and goalkeepers gaining valuable development.
FSA Leicester u10s and u11’s travelled away to Kidderminster on Saturday to play on the first team pitch. An amazing experience was matched by an excellent performance. FSA came away with a 10-0 win! Well done to every player who took part.
There was also positive response from Wolves showing interest in Jude Reid who played excellently in Saturdays Match.
ECFA National Team Trials
Three of our FSA PRO players had the opportunity to take part in the final phase of the ECFA national team trials on Sunday. The boys played well and we hope to see boys have the privilege of representing FSA as part of the ECFA national team this year. Good luck to Enry Dobor, Charlie Kennett and Micheal Akintunde. We await to hear news from these trials.