The Word in the Wood #24

Posted on 14th December, 2019

U16 & U11 boys' away games were postponed due to the biblical rains but, as nearly always, Pursley came up trumps again, with the U9s finishing the year as they started it; having lots of fun and playing some smashing football. Luis was in vintage form dispatching two bullet like strikes for a brace, while both Audley and Bailey banged in another goal each. Dragos went on to secure MoM to cap off a great year's football for this young man, while at the back, our keeper and defence kept another clean sheet and showed just why we have such high hopes for this terrific group of players.

 

In conditions resembling the Somme, our U16 girls rolled up their sleeves and put in a very morale boosting display against Watton Ladies in the Herts FA County Cup quarter final. Though unable to secure a semi-final spot, the girls fought tirelessly from start to finish against an unbeaten opponent, and, as a result, every single one went on to enjoy a positive performance.

Keeper Harris was sharp of her line and enjoyed a strong game, while ahead of her, the defence was disciplined with Joseph & Hyman very steady in the centre, supported admirably either side by Turner and Fordham. In midfield, the impressive triangle of McLaughlin, débutante Knight (playing so well in her first ever Wood fixture) and the imperious Branigan performed superbly with the versatile Fernandez also contributing hugely second half, after starting in defence. On the wings, Makamian and Young turned it on with the latter scoring a lovely goal, driving through the heart of the opposition before finishing with composure. Up front, Luckhurst put in a mighty shift and was unlucky not to score with a fierce drive second half.

Before heading off to the betting shop for the afternoon, Manager Adam spoke briefly with Piers Morgan and was quoted as saying "The girls gave us everything today and we couldn't be prouder, we'll be ready to hit the floor running in 2020 so bring it on!"

We at the club just couldn't agree more and salute our staff - Adam, Susie and Jon - for their dedication and positivity.

 

U9 Girls donned their wet & cold weather gear and bravely took on an accomplished Bury Rangers side. Playing in all weathers is vital to mounting a league campaign in competitive seasons to come, so it was thrilling to see our girls performing so well in such difficult conditions. Theaya again impressed in goal and defence, as did Mya, defending stoutly before bringing the ball up-field. Wood legend Lois bagged another super goal to take her season's tally to an incredible 16, but, PoM was secured by Emily, covered in mud but, grinning ear to ear after a consummate defensive display which included many excellent forays forward. Very well done indeed.

 

Having had no fixtures for a couple of weeks, our U15s returned to League action away against St. Albans City North. The conditions were foul and the girls understandably found it hard to get going, particularly after the enforced lay off. A defeat ensued but, Rodrigues popped up from the back to grab a lovely goal, top scorer Swain this time providing the assist. PoM went to Kennedy-Millar, who, returning from a long injury, produced a display of the very highest calibre and reminded everyone how good it is to have her back.