Due to illness, U13 Boys were down two key players as they travelled away to face off against Whetstone Pumas in the 2nd round of the Challenge Cup. The draw did the boys no favours whatsoever, pitting them against crack opponents currently contesting the top WFL Red division before moving to the Eastern Junior Alliance next season and including several players currently trialling with pro clubs. The task for our lads was therefore huge but, it felt great all the same, being part of a big occasion against a top side.
From the start the boys were focused and determined to make their opponents earn everything they got and the focus from the players was spot on, keeping shape very well throughout the game. In this they were led by a defensive unit that simply worked their socks off, with Hones, Hobbs, McGuinness and keeper Marshall quite magnificent and playing games of the very highest quality and desire. Despite this the obvious quality of the opposition saw the Wood head in 4-0 down at half time, but, it wasn't all one way traffic with Malcolm almost firing a shot home from a Wood corner.
Some heads were down but, were quickly raised when the boys realised their opposition had beaten the current EJA leaders 10-0 in a match recently and the lads now had some tangible inkling as to the level they were performing at. When so many other sides would've given up and conceded double figures and more, the management team asked the boys to better their first half performance and they agreed, storming out for the second half and contesting everything with Captain Makamian tigerish in the tackle, fully joined in this by the hard running Crucefix & Song.
The boys delivered on their promise and conceded just three more goals with a final scoreline of 7-0 doing them great credit indeed and winning them many friends amongst the opposition coaches and parentbase, who recognised and appreciated youngsters giving their very best. You can't always win a game but, you can always try your hardest and the boys did that from the start of the match to the final whistle and sometimes frustrated their illustrious opponents. MoM went to Oswald who worked tirelessly to close down the opposition players and enjoyed his most effective performance to date as a result.
Meanwhile, our fab U11 boys had another great game over at Pursley, this time against a strong Rap-Aid Youth side.
Luca in goal played his heart out pulling off some great saves. He was helped in this by his very solid defence, manned by Matei, Cristan and Yue who formed a solid line all through the first half. With Aiden playing along side Bailey in midfield and Klawdjo, Audley and Ethan up front, it was game on!
The lively Aiden hit the post twice in the first half before Audley buried one with deadly accuracy to roars of joy from the home support. The second half was much of the same. Riley in defence was superb with William and Ethan backing him up very well indeed. Noah joined Bailey in midfield and carried on the fight.
Jayden dropped in up front and the shots were flying off. Shreyank then entered the fray and Aiden joined him and Klawdjo up front. With a bit of splendid passing, Aiden banged one in from a super assist by Klawdjo. Bailey took a superb free kick in the closing seconds finding Aiden, who just missed the goal with a piledriving shot.
Mom went to Luca for such bravery and talent in goal. What a game! Manager Jamie reported that he was delighted with a pretty flawless performance and was so proud of all of the boys as the gave 110%!
Now last but, not least are our U12 Boys playing their first competitive season and who are progressing very nicely as they work their way up the Yellow division table with good results and stylish football.
They started back today with a fine 1-2 away win against a determined Hinton and Finchley Hotshots. After dominating long periods of the game, rascal goals from Adoma and Khan secured the points with Evans, Walker and Fowler putting on particularly impressive performances. MoM went to the irresistible and uber talented Staszewski, controlling the match tempo from his midfield position.
The lads have put themselves in a position to challenge for promotion and the Championship this second half of the season which is already an incredible achievement. With continued hard work and focus anything is possible and everyone at the club is rooting for them as they give it a go!
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In the biggest game of their season, our U18 Girls travelled far away to face a crack Ruislip side in the quarter final of the Middlesex County Cup. Ruislip had thumped the Wood 0-6 earlier in the season so the challenge was huge.
The Wood took to the field led by Captain Hooda, who enjoyed a fine start to the game, raiding effectively from right back and spurring the Wood on to a fantastic first half of football with a stunned Ruislip under the cosh from the off.
Debutant Tulloch started off her Wood career with some excellent dribbles while at the back, Branigan marshalled the defence superbly with her peers and stand out keeper Hyman. In midfield, the Wood were sharp and knocked the ball around in style, creating numerous chances for the lively Hodges and Umalin.
You need some luck sometimes and that lady deserted the Wood as a rare Ruislip foray saw a freak, shanked cross sail over everyone, spinning into the net off the far post. Though undoubtedly a belly punch, the Wood piled it back on but, couldn't quite find the shooting accuracy or venom to beat the Ruislip keeper despite numerous attempts, corners and free-kicks. Slack play from a Ruislip corner saw another concession though, with the half ending 2-0.
The second half was a different matter with Wood energy levels dropping markedly and Ruislip dominating throughout. However, the girls showed great spirit to ensure no further goals were conceded, Evans putting in a big shift on the left wing.
It wasn't to be in the end but, the girls had a real go, performed very highly and can be mightily proud of themselves. PoM went to Pickford who worked very hard and enjoyed an outstanding technical game.
Literally springing about in anticipation of their own competitive action beginning next season, our U11 Girls continued their excellent form today with a strong showing against a physically advanced and talented Chipperfield Corinthians at Pursley.
The Wood started on the front foot and forced a lot of early pressure on the Chipperfield goal with the starting front three of Lois, Hazel & Elsie causing no end of problems to the visitors' defence. At the back, our defensive unit of Kate, Annie & Kiella rotated positions with great maturity while stalwart Theaya showed a super team ethic to step in for regular keeper Emily, suffering a nasty injury at training on Thursday.
The Wood were galvanised by the opposition's considerable threat and took their game to another level, with returning star left winger - Lois - tearing down the flank in style and constantly occupying multiple Chipperfield defenders. One run saw Lois jinking left then right before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the area for her first of the day!
Today's Captain - Amie - was dominating the midfield and her probing passes behind turned the away defence time and time again, with Hazel flashing shots narrowly wide thereafter and causing a nuisance every minute she played! Elsie again put in a stellar performance on the right of midfield and more than once got past her opponent with skill of the highest order.
Lucy, Kara, Ella & Kiella all came on midway through the first half and it was a seamless transition from our girls who got stuck in right away. Karadonna’s dancing feet and twisting dribbles causing panic every time she received the ball.
Chipperfield came back really strongly but couldn’t get past the rock of Annie who was supported by her mate Kiella, a coach's dream with blistering pace and an eye for danger. Meanwhile, Lois was back causing mayhem and got her second of the day with a low rasping drive that two keepers wouldn’t have saved!
The Wood were now buzzing and midfield dynamo Lucy - who is an unstoppable force - took matters into her own hands, picked the ball up deep before attacking the goal and powering a stunning drive into the top corner! PoM went to Theaya who was faultless throughout and the team left the field to a rousing ovation from the packed terraces as they recorded yet another first class performance!