The Word in the Wood #11

Our girls section has been buzzing this week with news of a dedicated training session with Arsenal Women this coming Monday, and our sides put in some excellent performances on the pitch ahead of this.

U9 Girls improved even further on last week's excellent début, with a super performance away at Chipperfield Corinthians. The girls banged in another two cracking goals whilst keeping things very tight at the back and sharing keeper duties maturely and proficiently. Kara and Mya took the goalscoring plaudits with the latter now having two in two from midfield. Kara secured PoM with the coaching staff particularly impressed with her constant effort and ability to transition defence to attack.

U15 Girls, bursting with spirit and determination, hosted Bengeo Tigers and secured an excellent 2-0 result, sending them top of the entire U15 pre-season league. Stratton delivered a perfect throw for Embleton to feed the deadly Swain, who swept in her fourth goal in two games. The result was sealed by the talented Coque, who produced another expert finish in the box, however, given the clean sheet, it was no wonder that keeper Manning was named PoM after a faultless display between the sticks.

U16 Girls did not fare so well, suffering defeat at the hands of Berkhamsted. After contending well in the early stages of the match, a couple of quick goals sent the girls' heads down and they struggled to win their personal duels thereafter. One who definitely did was keeper Harris, securing PoM with some tremendous saves and much-improved distribution. Certainly, there is very much more to come from the team and it is hoped their renowned spirit and togetherness will shine through in the next few matches. Without doubt, when it does, performances and enjoyment in the game will be transformed.

To match the weather, U9 Boys were in very hot away form scoring four scintillating goals, with both Dragos and Leo grabbing a brace each, the former now scoring a very tidy three in two. MoM went to Aiden for a complete performance and showing huge amounts of enthusiasm and energy.

U11 & U16 Boys played their first home matches of the season and both games saw record crowds enjoying the great weather and even better football.

A solid performance from the U11s kept their good run going with Charlie - playing a fine game in midfield - lofting a ball high into the box. El-Roi sensing an opportunity performed a remarkable transformation into an owl, soaring through the air and turning his head a full 360 degrees to head home a sensational goal. The aforementioned was hauled down in the box too with the resulting penalty from Luke expertly saved by the opposition keeper. MoM went to Callum whose improved distribution second half led to much better possession football from the whole team.

U16 Boys played a big derby match against local rivals Belstone, and, with the air crackling with atmosphere, the lads put in a great shift that almost secured a result. Florez-Nova was on hand to adeptly score his first of the season while MoM went to the hard-working and talented Barber. Manager Gene was quoted as being both proud & delighted with the team's attitude and desire; we couldn't agree more.