Due to the bad weather our U12 Boys game was off again this weekend which is a shame as they are in great form. Never mind though, they'll be back in action soon and manager Parratt treated the lads instead to some warm weather training in Dubai which was nice of him. Shame the tight wad didnt make it all inclusive though!
U13 Boys did take to the pitch playing Northwood White away in the League after their cup heroics against the same side last weekend. However, where the boys were mad for it last week, they were meek and mild in comparison this time round defending poorly all over the park and giving away a host of cheap goals.
It was left to Wood goal machine Ifeacho to redress the balance, converting expertly from an excellent Hones pass then doing it again moments later after Crucefix sliced open the home defence with a lovely through ball. The winning mentatility of Pop saw him wide awake when everyone else was dozing and his quick thinking saw him beat the Northwood keeper to the ball which he lamped into the stanchion.
Three goals away from home really should secure you something but, with five conceded, the Wood departed pointless and will be hoping for an improved performance next week. Hobbs made some superb saving tackles in the game but, MoM was secured by Ifeacho who is in rascal form having scored 7 goals in his last six games against Green Division sides.
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It was a right ol' windy one today as the Wood's gals kicked off.
U18 Girls headed over to Watford Ladies knowing they'd be in for a battle having lost the reverse fixture 6-2 back in October. The Wood's plans were further hampered when the road to Watford's ground was closed by a serious accident and mega traffic jams. However, despite overunning kick off, our clever girls still got there faster than the ref and it was a strong squad of 14 in attendance.
The team's staff and parents believe there is great talent in this side but, have been frustrated by a lack of focus from the girls at times this season that has led to the concession of easy opposition goals. It was just tremendous, therefore, to watch today's performance where every girl in attendance was bang on it from the start and both Warren and Tulloch forced saves from the Watford keeper within two minutes of the start.
The girls were then forced to defend but, my how they did this with keeper Hyman, and a defence of Steward, Rodrigues, Hooda, and Pickford thoroughly committed, brave and proactive throughout the match against a very advanced opponent. They threw their bodies on the line repeatedly and with the midfield shielding well also, led by the outstanding Hodges, the Wood battled Watford blow for blow.
Perhaps the only improvement from the girls could've been their final shot, which lacked power all match. A little more conviction here would almost certainly have seen a goal or two but, it was Watford who snatched a late winner with an exceptional finish. Still the Wood piled on seeking an equaliser and a late corner led to several chances that were just kept out before the ref concluded proceedings.
The girls left the pitch enthused and animated, delighted with their own performances and that of the team and producing the tighest result with Watford for years. Everyone put in a mighty shift and tried their very best and the football on the day was of the highest level. PoM could've gone to one of many players such was the quality on show, however, with huge plaudits to Steward, Rodrigues & Hyman for awesome games, irrepresible matches from Hooda and Pickford secured the honours.
Our U11 Girls were also over in Watford and playing a handy LGDA side at Sun Sports.
The home team started the game like a train and came at the Wood straight from the off thus Annie & Kate at the back and Emily in goal had to have their wits about them, which they did.
The Wood then settled into the game and started playing on the front foot, with star winger Lois causing panic down the LGDA right hand side, with Elsie doing the same on the left. In addition, Romey - coming in for Hazel - was a constant thorn in the opposition's side.
Captain Lucy was up against tough opponents in midfield, but gained control with PoM Ella as the game progressed, with Ella inexplicably having a goal disallowed (where’s that Russian linesman when you need him)?! Kate felt poorly and Amie replaced her in defence and showed what a stalwart she is going to be for the Wood. Her defensive strength aligned with her midfield prowess in dribbling and passing helped her give a dominant performance for the team today.
Emily kept everything out that LGDA could muster which had now turned to occasional breaks due to the Wood taking control. Hazel & Lois had a few half chances but good opportunities were limited.
Countless Wood attacks followed but a very resilient LGDA defence and an inspired goal keeper kept us at bay. It was a fine game of football and yet another impressive display from the girls as they gear up for competitive 9aside football later this year. We can't wait for that!