After missing out on all the fun last week, our U10 Boys returned to action in style this weekend, scoring an incredible eight goals in a vintage performance away to Croxley Green Whites.
The team's passing, tactical awareness and energy levels were perfect and provided the platform for Dragos to bang in an incredible four of the best, with Klaudjo, Charlie and Shreyank (2) also making the scoresheet with some fine finishing. At the other end, Aiden (& Charlie too once he'd finished scoring) were flinging themselves around like human cats, making multiple breathtaking saves!
MoM went to Shreyank who not only grabbed a brace but, produced a passing performance of true vision. Very well done.
U11 Boys just can't stop scoring and hurled in another four at home today against Pro Football London.
First up was brave-heart Lennon, mercilessly burying a nicely floated corner from the outstanding Julian (a boy who can seemingly outrun the Duracell Bunny), before the impressive Josh started a fabulous team move that ended with Zain crashing the ball home. Thereafter, the lively Joel turned it on, scoring two outstanding individual goals and adding to an impressive season's tally already.
At the back, the inspired Caed produced tremendous save after save and greatly improved his starting position as the game wore on, allowing him to calmly intercept opposition balls over the Wood defence. Hayden proved a rock at centre back and was amply aided by the diligent Flynn & Stanley, particularly as the game wore on. However, MoM was secured by the outstanding Will, who followed team instructions to the letter, grew quickly into his left back position and ended up producing a display of the very highest calibre. Super stuff.
U12 Boys played away at Maccabi Yellow trying to keep their perfect start to the season going. The boys looked strong but, struggled to pass the ball crisply or find the finish need to get their noses in front. The manager prayed for divine intervention and it came in the form of a Crucefix, as our rampaging attacker hurled himself bravely to head the ball into the net. Not content with this, he then smashed in three more goals all of which showed a very high level of technical skill and secured him as MoM.
As the action warmed up, Hobbs made a lung busting run down the length of the pitch only to see his long range shot cannon of the crossbar. Following on and after raising his game massively in the second half, McGuinness strolled up to a free kick and swerved it into the top bag for a goal of the season contender, then won a penalty that was unluckily crashed against the crossbar by Captain Hones.
The goal scoring action was completed by Ifeacho, who found the stanchion from seemingly hundreds of yards out and with a shot that resembled a Tomahawk missile in flight, while at the other end, Marshall was unlucky after making a fine attempt to keep out a late opposition penalty.
All in all, an excellent day's work, but, with tough games ahead, the boys will be looking to improve their focus and passing that little bit extra as they strive for honours.
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The Wood's U10 Girls' season finally started today and our little heroines put on a breathless display away against a fine Garston Wildcats side. With many new players making their League debut, the squad went about their business with great energy and a desire throughout to never give up, despite facing some impressive form from the opposition. Amongst the highlights, Kiella & Hazel made many penetrating runs from midfield, while Lucy, Chloe & Florence produced fearless tackles and passed the ball expertly. Emily looked a natural in goal with another 'old' girl Kara deservedly picking up PoM with an awesome box to box display that saw a wonderful range of incisive passing.
Just across the way, our U18 Girls were playing a final friendly against Garston Jaguars, and it seems like only yesterday when they were playing at U10 themselves! After seeing our two older squads moulded into one over the summer, the loyal Wood legions were delighted to witness an excellent performance with all 15 players in attendance making really positive contributions.
Swain created the opener from a wicked corner that was attacked bravely by Rodrigues; her reward seeing the net bulge and gaining that unique feeling only a goalscorer gets! The team were attacking really well with Coque & Joseph combining effectively down the right flank throughout and Hyman bossing centre midfield by attacking the ball first, time after time. However, some positional lapses saw the hosts gain a 2-1 lead despite the heroics of Manning in goal and excellent individual performances at the back from all our defensive players.
The 2nd half saw a finely balanced affair with Makamian retaining possession well and both Shaw, Embleton & Fordham putting in super, no nonsense performances. Just prior to the final whistle, the ever dangerous Swain received the ball wide of the penalty box and slalomed in before despatching a knuckle ball past the helpless opposition keeper. In many observers' opinions, a draw was the very least the team deserved.
In truth, every player performed highly today and though the season will be tough at times, with many older, experienced sides to play, the girls put on a very hardworking display that bodes supremely well for the future. With an excellent staff of talented, dedicated individuals with a variety of attributes too, the Wood faithful are looking forward to the start of the season with great anticipation!