U13 Boys received a lesson in desire and basic technique from Hinton & Finchley Legends today as they slumped to a 6-0 defeat.
The boys seemed deflated before the game even started when realising they had only 10 players in attendance. Rather than rising to that challenge and making up numbers with sharp passing and hard running, they raised the while flag and succumbed almost immediately, conceding goals that in the most part were down to their own hesitant and timid play.
A harsh lesson but, if it is learned, a very valuable one in how to prepare mentally for a match. MoM went to Reed who gave it a go.
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Our U11 Girls have had a frustrating time of it this season with their opening fixtures delayed and then getting a rest week when they really didn't want one. As such, it was great to see them in away action against a good and physically imposing Chipperfield side today.
The girls started the game on the front foot and dominated the first half with some classy and incisive football. Human buzzsaw Hazel finished off brilliantly for our first, before Lottie dispatched a cool finish for another super goal. World class defending from Kiella & Annie kept Chipperfield out for long periods and they have the look of a very good partnership indeed, while Lucy, Theaya and live wire Ella W controlled the midfield.
Second half saw Chipperfield start strongly and the Wood had to withhold much pressure before releasing the outstanding Lottie who finished beautifully for her brace and a deserved PoM award. With Hazel hitting the post a further 3 times today, more could easily have followed!
Elsie worked good angles up front for her rocket shot while Kara completed her usual display of flashing feet & dribbling wizardry, being instrumental in the build up play to all the goals. With Captain Emily keeping them out the other end, it was an exemplary performance from the girls and just proves everything comes to those who are patient!
U18 Girls meanwhile were buzzing after making a tremendous signing late last night and taking to the pitch away against an unbeaten Garston Panthers side.
With just a handful of players with Division 1 experience, the girls have done really well to score many goals thus far this season but, at the other end, it's been hard work to keep out the quality attackers within this League. After many late nights crunching the numbers and applying scientific algorithms, the team tried out a new formation today and were at it from the off. Chance after chance was created as Garston were pegged back but, the net just refused to bulge. As sometimes happens, too much space afforded to a very fast opponent saw the Wood go two down and had the faithful in attendance scratching their heads.
However, the girls are made of stronger stuff these days and fought back tooth and nail with Captain Embleton dashing down the wing to cross for new signing Umelin to crash home her first goal for the club. The team were inspired with Makamian hoovering up danger in a new holding role while Steward and Hooda were wearing out the grass at left and right back as they were strong in defence and just as impressive going forward.
After so much Wood pressure second half, Embleton again flew down the line and crossed for the immensely talented Pickford to drill home and level the match. There seemed only one winner after that but, Garston picked up all three points with a free kick that was really worthy of winning any match.
The Wood's team spirit really seemed to return today with so many players willing to take on responsibility and cover for each other, putting themselves second and their teammates and team first. Joseph and Hodges playing in unfamiliar defensive positions when it was necessary for them to do so being just such examples. It was great to watch and everyone in attendance was delighted to see it.
PoM could have gone to keeper Branigan who just didn't put a single foot wrong all game and whose distribution was quite outstanding. Turner was outstanding in defence once again doing really well against a fast and quality opponent. However, having originally thought she was only tidying up her room today then heading down the nail bar, PoM went to Umalin for turning that down, having a go and producing what was an absolutely incredible debut performance! Take a bow young lady.