U11 Boys are building a formidable team and assimilating lots of new players, all with bundles of potential and a great attitude. They faced a talented Hendon United today in a rip-roaring match!
New signing, keeper Luca got off to a stormer flinging himself about like an Olympic gymnast, while just in front of him, Matei, Ethan & Jayden were strong in the tackle and efficient with their passing thereafter, with the latter scoring a fine goal that was roundly cheerd by the watching Wood hordes.
The team welcomed Bailey back into the fold and he, Noah and Klawdjo linked up to great effect in midfield, with Bailey grabbing a high quality brace that had the goal nets bulging. Not to be outdone, Shreyank's quick feet flashed and another goal was recorded while Aiden worked hard and effectively throughout. MoM went to Audley for a lung busting display that encapsulated everything good about the team today. Super stuff.
U13 Boys faced GFA Enfield Lions in the 1st round of the Junior League Cup and made a great start with the excellent Crucefix firing in an early opener. The squad then fell behind unexpectedly by conceding two cheap goals, the result of not playing simply and losing position.
Undeterred and wiser, the boys went back to passing the ball smartly and moving into space and the results were evident immediately. The team scored a further 11 goals, hit the post twice and saw a penalty saved as they trusted each other, showed courage and played football simply and very effectively.
Pop buzzing like a hornet bagged 4, Montgomery 2 with Malcolm, Makamian, Manning & Hones grabbing one apiece and Crucefix completing his brace. Highlight goal of the day, perhaps the best we've seen from the team thus far saw Captain McGuinness and Makamian both staying calm under pressure to switch play to Hones & Crucefix who combined to supply Montgomery before he applied the coup de grace with a rasping finish.
Makamian & McGuinness continued to move the ball even when the team was winning comfortably and this composure spread throughout with Ifeacho, Hobbs & Hones bringing the ball forward from the back with classy second half displays. Manning was heavily involved in this throughout too and secured MoM with an outstanding centre midfield performance. Amongst the fun, the boys spared a thought for keeper Marshall, unable to attend today but, who will be back with them very soon.
U12 Boys meanwhile received a very tough draw against Red division opposition in the Challenge Cup. The boys were asked to match AC Finchley's effort levels and they did this superbly, ultimately bowing out of this cup but, now armed with invaluable experience which will help them massively as their football journeys progress. In particular, Staszewski enjoyed an excellent game while Delia in goal was superb, saving shots a plenty while also somehow ensuring his funky new haircut was not impacted by strands of grass and mud! Joyce secured MoM with a commanding and ceaselessly energetic display at centre half; take a bow young man.
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Our U11 Girls have been waiting and waiting for their fixtues to be compiled and were at last able to start their season today. Well, it was certainly worth the wait as the girls played a fab match against a game Bedwell Rangers side.
Woods' front three of Hazel, Lois & Kara were buzzing, working great angles to move rapidly forward, while Lottie patrolled midfield and dictated play ably with Kiella and Ella Z stopping Bedwell attacks from forming and quickly launching their own counters.
Keeper Emily handled everything that came her way with a calm assurance and the Club welcomed twin debutants Elsie & Annie on to the Pursley pitch for their debuts. With Annie a rock at the back and Elsie causing havoc in attack, both girls performed superbly and just couldn't have made better starts.
Romey was a fox in the box threat today and was inches away from opening her club account after a dazzling bit of skil, while Lucy dominated midfield with a show of power running and dribbling. Florence broke up play and knitted defence and attack expertly with Ella W performing admirably and showing great improvement in her reading of the game.
Crack winger & PoM Lois was so hot she had steam coming off her and found the net no less than four times with an outstanding display of finishing and trickery. All in all, a super start back for the squad. Well done girls!
Their older peers - U18 Girls - travelled far to face Bury Rangers in Div1 of the HGFPL knowing three points would see them move comfortably into the top half of the table.
The squad didn't disappoint, passing and moving from the off, making countless chances and working the Bury keeper throughout.
Hooda proved her adaptability again by moving seemlessly into centre back with Warren. Both players - in conjunction with Steward, Turner, Luckhurst and keeper Hyman - performed to a very high level indeed, were fully focused throughout, positionally sound and got their reward with the team's first clean sheet for some time.
At the other end, Embleton and Captain Evans were maurading down the wings, a constant attacking threat though never shirking from their defensive duties either. Both players helped themselves to a goal in similar style, cutting in from the wings and letting fly.
Makamian was pulling the strings in centre midfield, constantly winning the ball and then playing simply and effectively. In this she was joined by PoM Pickford who continues to grow in confidence and has a rare football brain that produced play of the highest calibre today. These two were supplying the bullets for first Joseph to fire home in style for her first of the season before Hodges let fly like William Tell, this time skewering the opposition net rather than an apple.
There was still time for Harry-Brown to flash narrowly wide after enjoying her most effective performance to date and for Fordham to make a welcome and lively cameo. A great effort from the girls and we look forward to seeing more of this entertaining and effective play throughtout the season.