The build up to this weekend's football at the Wood was particularly exciting as two of our teams were competing in the latter stages of the County Cup, Herts FA's premium competition.
First up were our U15 Girls, facing Chorleywood Common away in the quarter finals. The girls piled it on from start to finish but, were ultimately unable to secure the result, succumbing to a very credible 2-0 reverse. The team has suffered with an acute lack of players this season and again played this match without any subs. Despite that, they always have a go and this fantastic attitude was perfectly encapsulated by both Hopwood and Embleton, who shared PoM honours. Very well done to all the players and staff for a really spirited effort.
In the boys' section and after a fine run, our U16s were representing the club in the 5th round of their County Cup, away against a top level Berkhamsted outfit. The County Cup throws together teams from all the Herts' Leagues and we knew the opposition were going to be a very tough nut to crack. That proved to be the case, with the boys falling to an 8-2 defeat, our goals from Tillcock and Zekarias; the latter securing MoM after a particularly impressive match. However, the team did themselves and the club proud in getting this far and in scoring two goals at the home of this talented opposition, something rarely bettered by any side this season. Huge credit, therefore, goes to the players and staff and it was a great pleasure to receive fulsome praise from the senior match officials for the boys' exemplary attitude and behaviour throughout.
In a round-up of our other games, playing Saturday were our terrific terriers in the U9 Girls, facing tough opposition away at St. Albans Central. The girls worked really hard and though unable to breach the opposition defence this time, they can be very proud of their efforts and desire to keep going. Lois enjoyed a fine day while PoM went to Gabby who performed with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
With injuries and GCSE mocks, our U16 Girls were unable to get a team together for their League fixture this weekend but, hope to be back in action next Saturday away to Berkhamsted Raiders.
Playing Sunday, our U9 Boys recorded yet another excellent display, this time against Croxley Green Emeralds. The boys sparkled from the off with priceless goals from Dragos, Charlie & Luis! The team is on an awesome sequence of form and manager Bruce awarded MoM to the entire squad, a fitting tribute to a team of young players that is playing great football and heading firmly upwards.
Not to be left out, our U11 Boys travelled away against Alexandra Park West and put on an emphatic performance, scoring 3 tasty little goals of their own. In defence, Ben and Callum were solid while the lively Henry produced a fine run down the wing before crossing for Luke to score his first goal of the season. Enjoying the sensation so much, he banged in another five minutes later, before Daniel picked up the loose ball from a corner and lashed into the net. This was his second goal in two matches and was secured whilst suffering with a very gammy leg. Such a gallant effort secured this hardy young man the MoM award.