Well, the boys took over from the girls and continued what's been a fine weekend of football.
Even though the rain was beating down with some hail in the mix too our U11 Boys managed a blistering performance, scoring 6 beautiful goals, while at the back keeper Luca played a fantastic game, producing save after quality save. Aiden, Matei, and Bailey played brilliantly in defence with Noah and Ethan in midfield passing the ball around. With Shreyank, Audley and Klawdjo all playing up front it wasn’t long before we were off with Klawdjo scoring a lovely first, Shreyank netting a stunning second, Noah with a classy third and Audley banging in a super fourth!
First half was very good then and the second half was much the same. Aiden, now playing up front had several rasping shots that only narrowly missed the net before Klawdjo banged another one in with Shreyank following soon after with a sweetly hit drive.
After a very hard game, the boys held their own for a season's best performance thus far. Ethan secured mom with his dribbling, passing and play-making. Awesome job!
Meanwhile, U12 Boys faced Omonia at Pursley and got of to a fine start, Adoma gaining huge credit by riding a foul to stay on his feet and finish calmly. Though Omonia levelled up, Joyce and Hebblethwaite were working effectively in defence, providing a solid platform and it wasn't long before Khan worked some magic that allowed Parratt to drill home in style, restoring the Wood's lead.
Omonia levelled again and with the seconds running down Adom received the ball outside the box in a bit of space. This talented boy used this superbly, manipulating the ball on to his right foot before sending a shot that sung like a tuning fork as it whistled into the top corner! A goal worthy of winning any game.
As the Wood crowd erupted into delirious euphoria it was left to stand-in keeper Rocha to produce yet another outstanding save to ensure the win. More used to banging them in the other end, this young man's willingness to sacrifice his own ambitions to help the team was quite wonderful to see and he was very rightly named MoM. All in all, a great squad performance from the lads.
After a wonderful effort last week, hopes were so high for the U13 Boys. Unfortunately, the boys just couldn't produce even close to their best on another deflating day, going down 1-2 against Northwood.
Highlights were few and far between as the boys failed to pass the ball as they can but, Song grabbed an excellent solo goal and secured MoM with an encouraging performance. Up front, Oswald also made an excellent debut.
One or two of the boys need to step out the pack to get the team back on the rails and competing again. We eagerly await to see who that will be and then it won't be long before the good times roll again!
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Though the weather was grey and wet at times, the Wood's gals lit up the day with a couple of outstanding performances in full technicolor!
It wasn't plain sailing for our U18s though as they turned up at Welwyn Pegasus with just 11 players available. That was nothing though compared to when Murray trotted out on the pitch in her flip-flops after dad Andy foolishly forget her boots at home! In the doghouse, Murray Senior totally redeemed himself with a seriously rapid dash back home to collect the vital footwear, collecting just a bargain nine points on his licence in the process!
With 11 indomitable lionesses now in full fighting order, Captain Luckhurst proudly led the team forward before two quick first half goals put a little fly in the ointment. Too often this season, the concession of goals has been the cue to give up, but, not today, not these girls. Luckhurst grabbed a corner flag, beat her chest like Queen Boudicca and demanded a response, rousing her teammates who roared their approval and smeared mud-lines over their faces like true warriors! Branigan coolly supplied Embleton who slipped a super ball behind the Welwyn defence. Umalin, human just seconds before, morphed into a cheetah, outstripping the home defence to round the keeper and find the net in style.
Confidence surged through the side with debutant Levene enjoyed an outstanding match after enjoying some warm weather training earlier in the week. She combined with Luckhurst to supply Umalin, running riot to grab her second in an excellent performance.
With no subs to support them and tiredness enveloping rapidly, it was left to our courageous defenders to see out the draw, with Murray and Hooda in particular putting in repeated last gasp tackles to frustrate the opposition.
PoM went to Evans, whose desire to listen and improve saw her enjoy a great game, whipping in dangerous balls and noticeably taking her first touch towards the opposition goal, allowing her to make thrilling runs down the wing as a result. However, everyone was a PoM today, the team playing for each other, with encouragement and support in evidence throughout.
As a footnote and being no greater sign of what it means to be part of a squad, the girls were delighted to see Fordham make the journey over to support them from the side-lines despite a nasty injury and several stitches suffered so unfortunately in midweek. We've nothing but, admiration for this formidable young lady and her support today no doubt inspired her team-mates to produce an incredible performance against the odds. Very well done to one and all.
Now, at the other end of the scale, our U11 Girls were just buzzing today against an excellent Meninas Curitaba at Pursley. The Wood were able to field a strong side from the off, star winger Lois racing off to grab her 1st of 4 super goals. This top-drawer player is almost unplayable when in such form and she ran riot down the right flank today.
Hazel’s Hammer struck twice again today with the Wood’s pocket rocket also assisting to setup chances for her teammates. Elsie one of our new signings along with talented twin sis Annie, opened her account scoring a world class brace and dictating play from centre-midfield like a young Lucy Bronze!
Karadonna was up to her usual tricks with dazzling feet and skills able to grace any ground and she had a part in the majority of the goals, just failing to notch herself but for the Meninas keeper’s heroics! Our other new signing Amie was in rascal form and came close to opening her account too.
Theaya and Lottie kept the team ticking over beautifully and accurately like a fine Swiss watch with their range of passing and devilish tackling, while the defence was marshalled ably by linchpins Annie and Kiella, more than ably supplemented by the outstanding Ella W who rightly secured POM. This young lady was a demon in the tackle giving away inches in height, but, with the heart of a lion she out fought all others and then got the ball down and played the simple football her coaches are asking for.
Romey making only her 4th start was a constant threat to Meninas and also came agonisingly close to opening her account today after a couple of stunning efforts. Keeper Emily stayed focused throughout and dealt with everything in a confident and highly skilful manner, with outstanding distribution and undeniable commitment. Super effort from a super team!