Our boys' section kicked off the season with differing fortunes today.
U12 Boys were out the blocks in style with a fine 0-4 away win against London Colney Pumas. The boys were up for it from the off with Hayden powering an unstoppable header past the opposition keeper, before Zain pounced expertly for a second.
Zain turned provider to setup Joel for his first of a brace, with the impressive Caleb supplying a cool pass for him to fire in his second unerringly. With the defence enjoying an outstanding day and keeping a welcome clean sheet, it was no surprise to see left back Ethan awarded MoM after an exemplary display at the back. What a great start in the team's first competitive game!
Meanwhile, though they were in attendance, U13 Boys just never turned up and conceded a couple of dozy goals to give themselves a mountain to climb. They fought hard to do so with Manning and Song in very good form, and MoM McGuiness doing his best to single-handedly rescue a point for the team. He scored one with a beautiful curling shot before seeing the away keeper produce a solid save from his excellent last second effort. The boys will learn from this setback and be stronger going forward, and of course, that's what it is all about.
In friendly action, our U11 Boys moved up to the challenge of 9aside football by banging in two fine goals against a handy Alyth Belsize team. Audley fired in our first with a handsome finish before Shreyank scored a piledriver that had the home support purring! Captain Aiden enjoyed an excellent performance as did the lively Jayden and Noah, while Cristian and Klawdjo worked their socks off for the cause. MoM went to Riley for a very steady performance in goal. Well done the lads.
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The eagerly awaited 21/22 season kicked off for our U18 Girls at home against Garston Jags, winners of the mini-league back in May and a formidable early challenger as the girls adjusted to life in Division 1 for the first time in several seasons.
However, the girls have been pushing themselves in training and the results were in evidence early as the dynamic Embleton whipped a quality cross low to the back post for Evans to come in from the other wing and sweep home expertly to scenes of delirium from the Wood faithful.
The team then worked really hard to keep a clean sheet first half, with Branigan, Kennedy-Millar, Murray & Steward in focused and determined mood, ably supported by keeper Hyman who pulled off a crucial world class save just moments before the half-time whistle.
With the wind behind them, the girls swept forward and secured three more stunning goals. After great work from Makamian & Swain to release her, Hodges' twinkle toes flashed like Ginger Rogers before burying the ball home, while midfield dynamo Hooda crashed a special goal home on her competitive club debut. Captain Swain then took aim from far, far out and sent a ballistic missile through the sound barrier and into the onion bag to whoops of delight from the terraces.
By now Pickford was showing a beautiful simplicity in her play that was so refreshing to see and was joined in this by Rodrigues, who patrolled the rear-guard with conviction. While up front, Harry-Brown and Luckhurst both produced hard-working shifts to provide valuable pit stops to their colleagues. Two late opposition goals did not dampen spirits and the girls ran out convincing winners on the day with Warren enjoying an outstanding match at centre half and picking up PoM with a pretty much faultless performance.
A super day's football and a great start to what we hope will be an exciting season? Not to be forgotten, our young U11 Girls were watching their older peers go about their business today, supporting and learning throughout. They'll be kicking off their season next week and just wait till the football world gets a load of them as they are very special indeed!