U10 Boys were rocked early on Sunday as two of our lads were unable to play due to sickness; we wish them well soon. With no subs, the remaining squad worked really hard and did themselves and our club proud with their efforts.
Aiden played the whole match in goal pulling off numerous brilliant saves, with excellent defence from Matei, Yue and Cristian, Yue also supplying astute through balls for Bailey and William to fire high quality shots on target. Audley and Klawdjo ran their socks off and popped up everywhere.
A super effort from the boys in tough circumstances and such were both their performances, Aiden and Audley deservedly shared MoM.
U11 Boys faced a tricky fixture away to HMH Athletico and struggled to find their usual rhythm that has resulted in such an impressive debut season. Top scorer Joel did find the net once again with a fine strike that swerved viciously as it found the top corner and the rest of the team worked hard throughout, which is always well received.
MoM went to Julian who literally covered every single blade of grass in a reference performance on how to never give up.
U12 Boys went to their local neighbours with high hopes this morning, hoping to secure three more points as they contend the Yellow division championship.
However, with many friends in our opponents ranks the boys succumbed to that old trap - a lack of focus - and much credit must go to the opposition as they comprehensively outworked and outplayed us on the day. MoM went to Reed who played with heart and considerable technique in the left back position.
Understanding that you always learn the most when things don't go as planned, the boys will learn, re-group, and be right back on it next week as they near the end of what has already been an excellent season for them all.
***
Well, it was so cold and wet today that most the country's youngsters were tucked up warm and cosy at home, but, not the Wood's intrepid gals!
Pulling their sleeves up and tearing out on to the pitch were our U10s, hosting an outstanding Garston Wildcats side. Manager Hobbs had taken to sucking on a baccy free pipe while contemplating team formations in his greenhouse earlier in the week, and after a rousing pre match talk, the girls deployed into a radical 3-3 formation, much changed from the usual 2-3-1 system and designed to thwart the visitors' attacking riches while allowing quick Wood counters!
Only slightly dazed by the raft of diagrams and formulas, the girls instigated the plan admirably and created many chances from Lois’ raids down the left and Kara's on the right. In midfield, Lucy and Florence were their usual combative selves breaking up opposition play and shielding the defence.
Hazel again showed great maturity in the No9 position, using her body to shield the ball and lay it off to her teammates on numerous occasions whilst also winning many battles against opponents that were twice her size in some cases!
Theaya was immense and secured POM in her new position, quickly learning how to drop back from midfield to the left hand side of that new defensive three also consisting of the supreme Ella & Mya.
In goal, keeper Emily pulled off save after save behind her defence with Lois, Kara and Lucy fighting tooth and nail to gain an advantage in midfield, hitting our guests on the break and ably supported by the non-stop Kiella, who’s speed and skill dazzled the watching crowds. Meanwhile, Lottie showed great adaptability to play three different positions really well and to support her teammates on countless occasions, making attack stopping tackles throughout. For sure, the girls belied the awful conditions to make themselves, their coaching staff, their parents and our club very proud indeed.
Their older peers in our U18s ultimately carried on the good work away against Oaklands in a lengthy double header that left the Wood faithful with several cases of exposure and frostbite.
After a slightly chilly start from the girls in the first match, dominating play but, conceding cheap goals to lose 3-0, the squad erupted into form second match, producing play so hot the fans' frozen extremities thawed out instantly!
Makamian stung the home keeper's hands with a ferocious snapshot and Joseph was our fox in the box, hammering home the rebound. Swain then blocked an attempted clearance from the opposition defence with the hungry Joseph swooping down like a teenage Golden Eagle to find the net for our winner and a ludicrous 9th goal in two weekends of footie!
With Weston keeping things tight at the back and Embleton putting in yet more hard yards throughout, the Wood can be very pleased with their efforts. Keeper Hyman was also outstanding and secured PoM in the first game, while Joseph picked up this accolade for her heroics in the second match. All in all, a very good day's fun!