Our U13 Boys faced a hefty challenge in the quarter finals of the Junior League Cup over at Pursley today, looking to progress to their first ever semi final against a good Northwood White side they'd yet to best and one with considerable firepower.
Confidence was high after an excellent string of performances, however, and the boys engaged effectively from the first whistle with the 3Ms - Manning, McGuinness and Makamian - competing hard to win the centre midfield battle. Ifeacho and Crucefix were looking lively up front with Montgomery and Song doing the same on the wings.
Hones Captained the side and enjoyed another excellent performance at the back with his centre back partners Pop and Hobbs equally impressive in containing a rapid and powerful Northwood attack. However, a moment of quality from a Northwood striker saw Marshall helpless to prevent a wonderful strike from way out and the half ended 0-1.
Despite the scoreline, the team talk was positive as they boys had performed highly and they went back out second half in determined spirits. A number of corners were won and Crucefix delivered expertly for Ifeacho to score a flying header after a clever run had created a yard of space for him to exploit. Reed, Malcolm and Oswald entered the fray effectively to spur on the side but, the match finished even and went down to a penalty shoot out.
Keeper's often come to the fore in such situations and this was no different as MoM Marshall produced multiple oustanding saves to provide the platform for his team to succeed. McGuinness, Manning, Ifeacho & Hones converted their penalties expertly and the ground erupted when Marshall kept out the final Northwood penalty to send his side through!
It really was a great team performance from the lads, showing tremendous desire to edge a very tight game and gaining the rewards they richly deserve with a semi final to anticipate eagerly. It goes without saying that the Club is very proud of them all!
Unfortunately, our high flying U12's match was called off after the opposition coaches needed to isolate due to Covid but, the boys will be out next week and bang on it, you can be sure of that!
*
Our U11 Girls hosted Hemel Aces Jaguars today in a very tight affair at Pursley. These two teams have played each other twice before with the games always keenly contested.
The Wood started really well with lots of attacking intent and possession but, Hemel were dangerous on the counter and found the net with a long range, rasping effort that returning keeper Emily, enjoying a very consistent game with excellent handling, almost kept out with a tremendous leap!
The Wood's miserly defensive unit - of Captain and POM for today Kiella, Kate & Annie - were in a stingy mood, sweeping away everything that came their way with great assuredness. Captain Marvel - Kiella - marshalled the defence like Lucy Bronze and stopped many opposition attacks. Wood's passing began to take control of the match with their football being played in the opposing defensive third for the most part.
Efforts from Hazel’s hammer and Lois kept the girls on the front foot and were also a continual threat, forcing Hemel to sit deep and play on the break. Lottie was prompting her teammates with defence splitting passes all day long in another quality perfromance from her. The Wood's power and engine room is provided by Lucy and Amie who have been imperious in the league this season, with Lucy's lung busting runs and Amie’s game awareness continually reaping rewards. To have two such powerful runners who can score important goals also is a blessing indeed!
Romey had another very positive game today and was a constant thorn in Hemel’s defence and nearly scored her 2nd goal of the season. She's a poacher in the making and her positional understanding of the role is improving greatly game by game. Elsie has been on a very good goal scoring run of 6 in the last 9 games and she was desperate to bring her team level today, tormenting the Hemel defence at every opportunity. Sure enough, she soon stepped up and slammed the equaliser into the roof of the net with thunderous force after some dazzling dribbling that saw her beat multiple defenders in the process.
Star winger Lois was biding her time after both hitting the post and having another cleared off the line. Just like that, she then picked up the ball and calmly slotted past the onrushing Hemel keeper for her 20th goal of the season! This showed her growing maturity and confidence in front of goal after some great build up play from her teammates. Meanwhile, Karadonna danced her merry dance and was mesmerising the away defence and watching hordes whenever she got the ball.
The girls' game awareness and inter-play is a joy to watch at times and it's so good to see their willingness to learn is huge; a sure fire indicator that this team is very much going places!