The move to a new Tier 4 caused understandable confusion Saturday night as the WFL postponed all matches before the government later advised U18s grassroots football would be continuing.
Our U10s & U11s games were off anyway due to their opposition quarantining and as the year closes, the club sincerely thanks both Jamie and Greg, and Craig and Sam for the excellent job they have done and the time they've given up training and supporting their young players this year. The boys in both squads are getting an excellent footballing education and are being shaped by coaches that are very enthusiastic and talented. 2021 will be a great year for both sides!
With important League games imminent, our U12 Boys took on the runaway leaders of a higher division - Bushey Rangers - in a keenly contested match.
The boys started really well, continuing their recent passing improvement with Hones in outstanding form on the left. Makamian & Manning worked hard and effectively in centre midfield, making excellent decisions and passing the ball quickly to start rapid attacks. Malcolm struck a fine shot that cannoned off the crossbar after a slick team move while Song & George looked lively whenever on the ball. MoM went to Marshall who enjoyed a simply outstanding game which included a penalty save, a fine punched clearance, multiple saves pushed to the side away from danger and a plethora of excellent passes with his feet.
Ultimately, the boys were unable to find the finish their build up play deserved, while their opponents were able to do so, by slipping their markers from corners or capitalising from the Wood playing balls out the back too centrally. Despite this, manager Makamian was very pleased when he attended the post match press conference and spoke at length. 'The boys have really improved in all aspects of the game this year and we are very proud of them indeed. Great thanks go to their coaches Marcus and Paul, who have dedicated so much time to steer them forward, while our mentor and salt of the earth - Frank - has had an incredible impact on the boys' technique and approach to the game, something none of us will ever forget. Like all teams striving to succeed, we have big challenges in the New Year and look forward to these with relish.' I don't know about you, but, I just can't argue with that!
***
Our U18 Girls were due to play in the League today but, the game was postponed due to opposition players having to quarantine. Very good to see the squad training instead as we all know that practice makes perfect.
This time last year we had two very depleted squads at U15 & U16 with both teams looking likely to fold and morale at a real ebb. A year later and we have 21 young women with bundles of talent & potential signed at U18, greatly enjoying participating in an energetic and sociable sport, of particular poignance given the ramifications of Covid. None of this would have been possible without our management team of Susie, Charlie & Andy, who have given up so much of their time to right the ship and provide a fine environment for our girls to enjoy. As the squad heads into the New Year, the club places on record its thanks for the selfless support and hard work of these individuals.
Though it is many years, it seems only yesterday that our U18s were thrilling us as U10s, and, as they mature and those memories fade a little, how fabulous it is to see the next generation coming through so beautifully! Today, our current U10 girls faced a tough away fixture against a spirited London Girls Development Academy, suffering the loss of star winger Lois and defensive linchpin Mya just prior to the fixture!
However, the Wood banded together and got straight down to business, when forward Kiella made a fine solo break, beating several defenders before slotting calmly past the keeper. The gifted Lottie then applied a super finish to a perfectly worked corner routine, before Kara the canon unleashed an unstoppable drive unerringly into the goal for a hat-trick of fine Wood goals!
The Wood's intensity to tackle and close down was very evident today with PoM Lucy particularly brilliant in her continued attempts to win the ball and drive the team forward, while at the back Ella & Theaya were at their very best repelling well worked opposition attacks throughout.
A day of great football from the girls then, which is something we've seen countless times already from this tremendous group of young footballers. With a bubbling sense of excitement, enthusiasm and potential in the squad, huge credit goes to our management team of Dave and Sarah, who have taken a little idea and turned it into an unparalleled success story. We look forward to their next instalment in 2021 and thank them for what is a wonderful effort and reference in how to bring happiness to youngsters.