21/22 The Word in the Wood #4

Posted on 2nd October, 2021

U13 Boys faced GFA Enfield Lions away in the 1st round of the Challenge Cup and struggled to find their rhythm initially on a gusty day and difficult surface.

 

Once the boys got the ball down and started to pass they improved quickly and made many chances but, erratic finishing and a penalty miss saw the half draw to a goalless close. Second half saw more of the same before Captain Makamian took control of the ball and curled an outstanding shot into the corner of the goal. Shortly after, Savin outstripped the away defence with ease before coolly finding the bottom left side of the net.

 

Hones, enjoying an excellent game, moved forward and supplied a perfect cross that was converted by Manning at the back post, while Reed worked hard, was effective at centre forward and unlucky not to receive one of the many chances the team made on the day. The defence held focus well to ensure a pleasing clean sheet with MoM Ifeacho in sparkling form throughout, tough in the tackle and moving forward with real purpose when in possession.

 

 

U11 Boys continue to improve and faced a good London Colney side today. Manager Hill gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Bugle after the match and said, “My boys played a blinder today. Our new keeper Luca is coming along really well and made phenomenal saves and great decisions throughout the match. Outfield, the boys passed really well and peppered the opposition goal at times. I can’t fault any of them and they made us really proud. MoM went to Bailey after a typically industrious performance.” With that, he headed off down his local gastro pub for a prawn sarnie and a non-alcoholic beer. Fair play, we say!

 

 

U12 Boys faced a tough AFC Southgate side at Pursley in the League but, were in great form running out 4-3 winners in a pulsating match.

 

Staszewski was in fine fettle, winning the ball then using it really well, supplying the cross for Adoma to score his first. Adoma then rifled in two more for a stunning hatrick and MoM performance.

 

In the closing moments, Adom moved forward serenely, his feet flashing like Belisha beacons before firing a meteor like shot into the far corner! Classy stuff and a great start to the team's League campaign. 

 

 

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U18 Girls were missing many players for their fixture against Kinga today and the opposition proved very capable, despite missing many players themselves.

 

The girls really had a go with Evans scoring a cracking long shot in off the crossbar, Embleton firing in another after anticipating well and Captain Makamian scoring too after a fine dribble, showing character after narrowly missing from the penalty spot earlier.

 

At the back, our defence competed really well and were effective for long periods in the match, however, failing to pick up opposition players in the box has proved an achilles heel in the season thus far and Kinga's excellent attack were merciless in punishing as much today.

 

At 3-4, the Wood were piling forward for an equaliser and looking really good value to get one, Embleton crashing one off the post and another narrowly wide, before the team conceded on the counter and ultimately saw the game slip away 3-7 on this occasion. However, the girls in attendance gave it a great shot and and can be proud of their efforts, as manager Makamian certainly was. PoM went to Turner who played a typically combative match at centre half.