U12 Boys have been forced out of action by the rain of late so were delighted to get back out in the Spring Plate, playing a super game to best Whetstone Panthers 0-5.
After a very impressive training session on Thursday, the boys took their confidence and form into today’s game. A great start from the Wood saw them take the lead when Staszewski pulled the ball back for Khan to finish. The boys dominated therafter and after zipping the ball across the pitch the always impressive Staszewski struck a rocket into the top of the net from 20 yards. Minutes later he repeated the feat this time with a stunning free kick.
Fowler, gaining in confidence and improving rapidly every week, received the ball after good play from the back between Gardiner, Joyce and Staszewski. He ran fully 40 yards before beating the last defender and shooting agonisingly just wide of the post! So close to his first for the club. A minute later after a great one-two between Khan and Staszewski, Fowler was denied again by a fantastic point blank save from the keeper. 0-3 at half time.
The second half started and the Wood continued where they left off. Walker coming on for the again impressive Parratt at right back, Rocha dropping into midfield for the all-action Khan. Adom dribbled out of defence well and unleashed a signature 40 yard screamer that hit the bar and bounced down onto the line; what a goal it would have been!
Rocha and Evans (who had replaced the constant attacking threat of Adoma) linked up well with the former going on a great slalom like run before releasing the latter who was unlucky with his left footed effort. Adoma finally got the goal his hard work deserved to make it four and another was added after Staszewski stole the ball wide, nutmegging the full back and setting up Khan for his second of the game.
Keeper Delia was superb when called upon and did not put a foot wrong, the highlight being a great save to his right following a strong effort by the opoposition winger. Every player played well and looked to pass. Murphy and Walker were faultless at the back when coming on and added to the team's performance as a result. Mom went to Fowler for playing a fantastic match. The goal is on its way and it’s just a matter of time. What a great performance from all the lads; well done indeed!
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U18 Girls have finished their League campaign and are keeping fit and sharp with friendly matches just now as they eagerly await the start of the HGFPL Cup. Our mole in the squad states they are looking really good too!
Meanwhile, U11 Girls continue to fly the Wood flag with pride and scored a mind-boggling 10 goals in their fixture today against a good Welwyn Pegasus at Pursley.
Welwyn came out of the traps at full speed, playing some really good stuff and keeping our defence of Emily, Annie, Kiella & Kate fully occupied, but the girls stuck to their task and held firm, battling constantly for the team.
Star winger Lois tried all her tricks to get space today but was up against a very good opponent at right back. The returning Hazel, back from her hols, was eager to get on the scoresheet and her hammer duly got 6 of the best today! She also got an assist, and unsuprisingly and deservedly won POM in the process. It was a clinical display of forward play and her undoubted talent.
Romey had another good game and is progressing at a rate of knots into a very capable young footballer. Amie - today's captain - put in another fine shift and had a great battle with Welwyn’s attack, also scoring another goal from midfield after beating two players with skill and power; she is growing in confidence week on week and is a threat every match.
Karadonna put in another fantastic display, that of an all-dancing No10! She created many chances for her teammates and is really taking the coaching on board with some of her passes to team-mates today receiving knowing nods & calls of admiration from fans and coaches alike. Lottie also scored a rasper today, slamming home unerringly and is rapidly reaching peak performance as a ball playing midfielder. She also possesses a significant goal threat arriving late from midfield and was just faultless today.
The midfield engine room of human dynamos - Lucy and Ella - both had barn-storming games. Tasked with doubling up with the defence every time the dangerous Welwyn attack got the ball, they stifled their opponents' play and launched numerous counter attacks. Lucy got her goal after beating 2 players and scoring with an expansive drive that flew into the bottom corner.
Ella is a newer member of the squad and growing nicely into her role every week. Today she was a joy to watch, playing the game simply, winning the ball back, driving forward and passing to teammates in space. She also made numerous shooting chances for herself and was unlucky not to score.
The last goal scorer was our defensive titan - Annie - who was just born to defend! Recently, Annie has grown in confidence and belief in her own ability and the coaches have asked her to take more on and try to influence play more from her position. She did just that today, picking up a Welwyn clearance and then starting the attack, travelling with the ball before letting fly with a long range effort that had plenty enough on it to beat the diving away keeper. Cue pandemonium and a thrilled young lady jumping and screaming for joy at her first goal ever!