The Wood's girls' section were as hot as King Alfred's cakes today, with three blistering performances to thaw out the frost.
First out the blocks were our U9s, hosting a rubber match with Chipperfield Corinthians. After conceding early, the girls smashed in an incredible 10 goals! Up front, our terrifying twosome - Hazel and Lois - reaped havoc in the opposition defence, helping themselves to 4 smashing goals apiece, with Kara and Ella supporting expertly with a further goal each. In defence, Emily, Mya and Theaya constructed a Roman testudo to keep 'em out with the latter receiving PoM after a textbook display of sweeping and distribution. The staff, players and parents worked very hard over the half term, with a number of extra training sessions. You wont need telling that this dedication is already very evident in the team's development and performances.
Next up was our U16s, the girls facing Watford Ladies Harts in the County Cup on an emotional day for the team. Having made the final of this prestigious competition just two seasons back, they were determined to give it another go with old friends and team-mates very much in mind on the way to recording an excellent 3-1 win. Young broke the deadlock with a fierce shot before Joseph's determined run took her past several opposition players on the way to busting the net with a vicious shot. Makamian made the result safe with a late goal, pouncing cleverly on a rebound. It warmed the heart to see the girls rising to the occasion, enjoying their football, playing for each other and leaving with a smile on their faces.
Last but, most certainly not least, and capping a wonderful days football for our gals, the U15s recorded a barmy 8-4 comeback win against Watford Ladies Harts, that after being 1-3 down with only ten players! Tested by WADA both pre and post match, Swain bagged just the six goals to take her personal tally to 22 in 8 matches; that's better than Messi! Coque, the other half of the team's forward bident grabbed two herself, taking her own tally to an impressive 7 in 8. Such awesome firepower needs a provider and pulling the strings in midfield was Embleton, enjoying yet another consistently excellent match. PoM though went to Swain for a remarkable goal-scoring feat and her continuation of a season to remember. Very well done to all our girls on a truly superb match day.
Meanwhile, U11 Boys staged a stirring comeback after conceding a couple of goals in a slightly lethargic start to their match against Woodys & EBOGs. After getting a sigther just before, Riley lashed in two excellent strikes near the end of the match to send the away fans into raptures. These goals also saw him become the team's top scorer and earned him the MoM award; not a bad day's work! Plaudits also to Daniel, Sammy and Ben who grafted hard throughout and gave the team a platform to turn the game.
After an excellent win last week, our U16 Boys followed this up with a fine result against Hitchin Comets, winning 2-1 to progress into the 3rd round of the County Cup. The boys were in rascal form, with current top scorer Tillcock helping himself to another quality goal, while Territt Valladares finished smartly to record his first for the Wood. Amidst cartwheels of joy, manager Gene was quoted as saying 'the boys put in a great shift and showed a terrific team spirit and effort'. Here, here!
All in all, it was a great weekend's football and we are very proud of all our kids and staff.