The Word in the Wood #31

Posted on 22nd February, 2020

Our U15 Girls match was postponed away to Chorleywood today, and while the squad headed off for a toe manicure at Champneys, our other two teams put on a richly rewarding display of top class footy.

 

First up were our mighty minis, the U9 Girls steaming on to the field against a much improved Chipperfield side. First amongst the goals was Theaya drilling a rising, angled drive into the top corner and simply choosing a heart-warming, beaming smile for her celebration that hands-down beat the cartwheels and knee-slides seen weekly in the Premier League! Next up was the gifted Kara, showing great compusure to record a fine finish, while deadly net-finder Lois banged in her 23rd and 24th goals of an incredible personal season; if she carries on like this, we'll run out of numbers! Last but, certainly not least, the club welcomed our latest new recruit - Cadence - who marked her match debut with a stupendous, thunderbolt of a goal! While the nets were bulging the Wood rear-guard were as miserly as Scrooge and PoM went to the superb Emily, who put in an immense shift at the back, stopping numerous Chipperfield attacks before breaking down the wings to set up our counters.

Immense credit goes to both the girls for taking to the game so quickly and to our management team - Dave and Sarah - who have taken what was no more than an thought last year and turned it into a thriving team of motivated and talented young players. First class and a lesson for anyone in what can be achieved when you are motivated and willing to volunteer your time for others.

 

It seems only yesterday that the girls in our senior side were knee high to a grasshopper themselves, having so much fun and doting on their manager's words! Years down the line and now leading the club's girls' section, our U16s seemed to have lost their love of the game earlier in the season, allbeit after some hard to fathom decisions by the League when placing them in Division 1. How fantastic then to witness the turn-around in their spirits since the turn of the year, re-engaged with their interest fully re-kindled. Today they faced the mighty Watford Ladies, with many observers predicting a rout, yet the Wood produced a season's best performance, managing to go in level at half time courtesy of a super corner delivery from the technically oustanding Branigan, that was met by Wood legend Young, swooping through the air like a human bald-eagle, to head the ball firmly into the stanchion!

Stand out performances were seen all over the park but, Luckhurst's ceaseless determination to keep going was a particular highlight as was a PoM performance from McLaughlin, who like a vintage wine, is getting better and better with age.

The match slipped away from us second half but, everyone in attendance was so proud of the girls and most importantly of all, they were proud of their own efforts and spirits were sky high at the end. Huge credit to them all, as well as to Adam, Susie and Jon for keeping everyone together and helping the team to turn the corner against all the odds.

++++

Our U9 Boys' game was postponed due to the continued bad weather but, both our U16s and U11s managed to play. Our U16s faced St Albans City East and put in a solid display but, were unable to secure a result on a wet and windy morning.

 

Meanwhile, the U11s lacked energy in their match with Pro Football London. Highlights were not in abundance but, Daniel broke from midfield to score a fine goal after a quick thinking throw from Henry, while Alfie secured MoM with a very hard working cameo on the wing.

 

I hope we can all expect a summer free of hose-pipe bans but, let's hope things dry up soon as I think we've all had enough of this rain!