U11 boys were first out today and faced quality opposition in the form of APB Barnet Raiders in an eagerly anticipated match.
Despite missing influential players through injury, the boys fought like lions from the off and scored five fantastic goals on the day. Four of these came from the boots of the mega talented Joel who now has a mind boggling 26 goals in 13 matches. Needless to say, manager Craig had him sign a 30 year contract at the end of the game, widely viewed as good business for the club!
Zain continued his own excellent goalscoring run with a tremendous strike, with MoM rightly shared between Stanley and Will, two young men who worked tirelessly to repel opposition attacks throughout. A first class performance from this tremendous squad yet again.
U12 Boys faced Maccabi Yellow next and continued their good form with an 8-0 victory that saw a fast pace, good passages of play and some clinical finishing.
McGuinness was first of the mark, producing a virtuoso finish to find the bottom corner before drilling high into the net for his second. Pop helped himself to a brace shortly after with good anticipation for his first before producing a fine angled shot for his second. Montgomery was unlucky to see his penalty attempt fly narrowly wide after good work from Makamian to win it.
The second half saw George, gradually building up after injury, grab two smart goals before supplying a beautiful cross for Manning to finish with style at the back post. With the record crowd beginning to don their coats, Ifeacho thundered up from the back and produced a stunning clipped finish to round of the day's scoring.
With a clean sheet as well, manager Makamian was in good spirits post match and after gorging on not one, but two scrumptious bacon rolls courtesy of Mary in the tea hut, he spoke at length to the Sunday Telegraph. "Our mentor Frank usually wears a cunning disguise but, with all his costumes in the wash, the boys spotted him in attendance today and raised their games accordingly. MoM went to Montgomery after he produced a first class display at left back, with our right back Hobbs also excelling, particularly on the overlap. The boys are enjoying their football, improving all the time and we're all really proud of the lads as they make their way." What more could you ask for!
Last but, certainly not least, our U10s played with typical spirit and fortitude against a very strong London Colney Pumas.
Aiden & Shreyank putting the team first again shared keeper duties with distinction, pulling of a series of great saves between them. Bailey played very strongly in midfield with Luis and Audley running the wings with great energy and skill.
William broke through the defence with speed from an excellent pass, forcing a quality save from the opposition keeper, while Yue, Aiden, Matei and Klawdjo worked round the clock in defence. Shreyank hurt his hand in goal second half but displayed huge courage to play on; this incredible act securing him MoM.
A great effort from the lads and their upward curve continues.
**
Pursley was a buzz of vibrant noise, excitement and colour today as both our girls' teams kicked off together against excellent sides from Bedwell Rangers.
The U10s were rocked by injury news early morning and had to shuffle the pack to cover for defensive giant Mya and midfield maestro Lottie, both thankfully now on the mend.
Theaya ably stepped backwards into defence and gave an awesome display of composure and skill, aided by ever present Wood defensive wall Ella, who won PoM for her outstanding contribution at the back, the norm for this defensive dynamo. Between the sticks, Captain Emily kept the opposition at bay with numerous saves and launched quick Wood counters with her kicks from hand.
The Wood attack of No9 Hazel & goal machine Lois caused havoc aided by rampaging midfielders Kara and Kiella, who glided forward to attack with style. Hazel provided a great assist for Lois with stunning centre forward play, collecting the ball with her back to goal and holding off the defence before slide ruling a pass to the onrushing Lois to score what was a great team goal.
Lois, with Brazilian style trickery on the left was keeping the Bedwell defence fully occupied and she fed a lovely pass to the talented Kara to round the keeper and score another wonderful team goal.
Manager Dave said after the game, "I'm delighted with the girls' excellent play today. Kiella showed tireless energy in attack and defence to win the ball back, while midfield generals Lucy & Florence enjoyed splendid games, Flo showing great bravery after taking one for the team and having to retire early through injury." They certainly make 'em tough down the Wood!
On the big pitch, our U18s were in top form and started fast with Joseph finding the net quickly. Bedwell struck next to level the score before Makamian and Swain produced defence splitting passes for Joseph to fire home her first Wood hatrick. Shortly after she turned provider and whipped in a venomous cross that was finished in some style from an acute angle by the lively Shaw. Swain finished off the goals with a composed finish to make the score 5-1.
The girls carried on their outstanding form in the second match with Joseph going one better than the first match and burying the ball four times for a rare quadruple. With seven goals on the day, she very deservedly picked up PoM for an astonshing display of finishing. Makamian fancied getting in on the act too, scoring a tasty little brace for her first goals post lockdown. With good defence from Rodrigues and Hyman, the Wood saw the match out 6-1.
The girls from both sides served up a fantastic day's entertainment but, some unwelcome scenes from adults in attendance fell far below the standards the club and the FA expect and demand at juniors' football matches. Our club reiterates that only those that support those juniors to enjoy their football in an enjoyable and stress free environment are welcome at Wood games.