For the U9s, Bailey and Lewis were like terriers throughout, harrying the opposition then showing excellent technical skills when in possession. Leo showed good awareness in the box to secure himself a gorgeous goal while keeper Charlie leapt like a Borehamwood salmon to keep out certain goals. At the back, Audley deservedly secured himself MoM with a most mature display, showing good decision making skills and grit in the tackle.
U11s were led throughout by the tenacious and ceaseless Charlie, who played an outstanding match from start to finish. This boy's work ethic is second to none and a great example to his team-mates, who responded in kind, with sterling displays from Callum, Daniel, Alfie & Riley in particular. MoM, however, went to Max, who's brilliant start to his Wood career continues, with a keeping display of the very highest order.
Our U16s took on a tough challenge away to Croxley. Nova finished smartly to record his second goal of the season, while MoM went to the industrious Hague, who provided wholehearted commitment and technical ability, throughout the entire match.
Now that the new format of pre-season matches are out the way, our U16 & U15 girls played their first competitive matches of the season, with League Cup ties against Welwyn Pegasus and Garston Ladies Pumas respectively.
U16s showed every bit of the indomitable spirit they are famed for, coming from behind to claim an excellent 2-1 victory. Veteran Woodette Young struck a wonderful long range effort that dipped over the keeper and under the bar to level the scores before chasing down the same player straight after, forcing a mistake and slamming the ball into the empty net. Vintage play and richly deserving of PoM. However, this was very much a team effort and special mentions must go to Webb, Fernandez & Hyman for showing tremendous tenacity and desire to see the team over the line.
U15s produced another fine display, running home comfortable 0-6 winners to safely reach the next round. The free-scoring Swain grabbed a brace, taking her personal goal tally this season to a mind-boggling 12 in 6 games! Weaving dribbling skills secured the first of these, with the sharp-thinking Hopwood supplying a defence splitting pass for her second. The equally impressive Embleton bagged a couple herself robbing the opposition players of the ball then doubling their agony with ice cold finishes. In between, the game saw a composed finish from the talented Rodrigues and a first ever goal from Wood maestro De Maeijer, lashing in a Swain cross to deafening roars from the travelling support. Despite these goalscoring heroics, PoM rightly went to Stratton who produced yet another energetic and top quality display.
For the second time in recent weeks, our U9 Girls faced tough and seasoned opposition against Adelaide Southgate. The terraces were full for this one and the massed crowds in attendance were simply delighted to see the girls playing such beautiful football so early in their playing careers. Mya, enjoying an amazing first season, curled in a stunning right to left cross-shot for the team's first, the keeper barely moving as it flew into the net. This was followed up by the technically gifted Lois, who opened her goal-scoring account for the club, slamming in a blistering shot and securing PoM with a wonderful performance. A special mention to young Ella too, who tackled and fought ceaselessly, and made a huge contribution to the team's excellent display. With the girls welcoming a new team mate in Theaya, things are looking very rosy indeed.