U13 Boys faced a tough away trip on astro to AEK Athens in Ponders End, having lost the reverse match earlier in the season.
The lads started slowly and were pegged back in the opening exchanges, a howling wind in their faces doing nothing to help. However, this did not influence the concession of a very soft, early goal with a bit less composure when clearing the ball and a bit less sharpness when tracking back more applicable.
The response from the squad was excellent as they worked hard to fight the conditions and take the game to AEK. On his debut, Sunkara joined the fray to great effect while in goal, Marshall enjoyed a first class match, making one save from a free kick that didn't seem possible as he flew through the air like a Bushbaby to palm a certain goal off the post and away. Hobbs continued his excellent form with a dynamic match at centre half and was joined in this by Reed, who played superbly after coming on early for the stricken Hones.
Manning captained the side very well and led by example throughout, joined by the excellent McGuinness and the tough tackling Makamian; the three boys creating a formidable presence in the centre of the pitch. In attack Oswald stung the home keeper's hands with a smart snap snot and Makamian fired narrowly over from distance, but, the half ended 1-0.
Despite the misfortune of the wind softening down when behind their backs, the Wood went out second half with a determined attitude to secure the three points. Crucefix and Ifeacho were in vintage form, playing off each other and linking up beautifully. First, Crucefix reacted quickest to a loose ball to force it over the line for the key Wood opener before supplying the bucannering Ifeacho to ram home another two goals, these sending him to double figures for what is fast becoming an excellent debut season in attack.
AEK fought hard and did pull a goal back when a lack of concentration from the Wood allowed an opposition striker to stroll through for the easiest of finishes. However, another gutsy Wood reaction saw the game end with few other concerns. All in all, an excellent performance from the boys, with MoM secured by Sunkara, who made a very encouraging debut, seizing his opportunity from the outset with a showing of great energy, skill and determination.
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U11 Girls were away to Stevanage Starlets today, braving the wind and rain to put on a five star display. They started very strongly and quickly scored from the first attack with star winger Lois scoring her 22nd of the season after beating two players and then the onrushing keeper. Lois was to then get her 23rd & 24th goals in a POM performance in what is becoming a special season for this goal machine.
Lottie playing on the right of midfield had a stand out game today winning many battles and prompting the forwards with her through balls. Romey started as No9 today and promptly had her best game of the season, she showed her true potential coming short and getting the ball to feet then turning and running at the Starlets' defence. Romey got her shots off or supplied her wingers with through balls and today she got two assists and nearly notched herself. She ran Lois very close for POM.
Our defensive unit of Emily in goal then Kiella, Annie & Kate were rarely stretched due to there excellent positioning and defensive prowess. They often picked the ball up and stepped into midfield to set the play going forward. Lucy & Ella share the workload of being our midfield engine room and they were both imperious, winning the ball high and keeping the Wood machine rolling.
Elsie worked tirelessly for her team today and carved out a good few half chances for herself, on another day she would have scored at least a brace! Amie scored her third of the season today through skill and determination. After beating three players she then saw the keeper save her shot, she didn’t give up and reacted first to put away the rebound.
Amie is growing into the team week on week and fast becoming a go to player in the squad.
The opposition pick a player of the match and they chose the dancing feet of Karadonna, a very wise choice by the Starlets' girls and shows their understanding of great skill and class on the ball. Coach Dave commented after the game on how pleased he was with the girls' progress; the football today was a dream!