Freshly promoted, our U12 boys played with style today and delivered their best performance of the season vs Alyth Belsize.
The first goal was from a corner taken by Staszewski and headed in like a rocket from Mill. The Wood jumped on their opposition and the impressive Mill then turned provider with a great ball to Adoma who finished well for his 30th of the season while Rocha was denied on a couple of occasions after some neat link up play by Alyth’s keeper; it remained 2 0 at half time.
Parratt replaced the impressive Hebblethwaite at half time and was straight into the action with a fantastic 20 yard strike into the top corner to make it 3-0, followed by mass celebrations by all, even the keeper! Joyce was inches from a certain goal of the season contender minutes later, following a clearance from a corner; he met the ball from 20 yards on the half volley and struck the post.
Staszewski hadn’t finished for the day and added one that was just too powerful for the keeper and with minutes to go he added his second and also his 30th of the season with an unbelievable left footed strike that rattled in off the post. A great 5 0 win but, man of the match went to the ever impressive Adom who has turned into a man mountain at the back. It is a pleasure watching the partnership he and Gardiner are creating in the heart of defence. Class stuff from all involved today.
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U18 Girls gave it their all but, came up just short in the Shield semi-final today against Garston Leopards.
The girls started really well, knocking the ball around confidently and took the lead early with a fantastic goal. PoM Tulloch won the ball in midfield and played an excellent ball to Umalin. She drove forward and whipped in a super cross that was finished in style by top scorer Hodges. At this stage there looked only one winner, however, Garston showed great energy and desire to fight their way back into the match and deservedly equalised before sealing the tie on penalties.
There ends the Wood's campaign and though it would've been nice to contest a final, it does not define the season. Instead, with a huge squad of 16 in what was their last game ever, the girls have improved massively and learnt much, conducted themselves admirably and forged amazing bonds and friendships with each other. The ethos within the squad could not be better and their support of each other today and throughout the season has been fantastic and that is what really matters.
Many of them will now go on to seniors' football or indeed other pursuits but, they've all learnt so many positive things from their football experiences as well as keeping nice and healthy! You can't ask for more than that and we wish them all the best of luck going forward, wherever their path may take them.
Coach Branigan and Manager Makamian have been involved in the girls' game for many years and now that is at an end, they put out a joint statement to Sky News shortly after the game. They said, "These girls have been a huge credit to themselves and the Club all season and are made of the very finest stuff. We wish them all the best of luck going forward and will take great pride in seeing and hearing of their adventures and achievements hereafter and you can be sure, there will be many!"
Here here, and the Club lauds the outstanding Susie for everything she has done for us.
As the U18s juniors' odyssey ends, U11 Girls competitive journey is just beginning. Today they travelled for a derby match against Maccabi London Lions in what was their final, official 7aside game. Maccabi are a very well organised and resilient team who where always going to be tough opposition today. The match was a barnstorming, ding-dong affair with goals a plenty on both sides.
Two more goals for star winger Lois took her tally to 34 and her contemporary on the other side - Captain Elsie - who ran her socks off today grabbed a brace also, taking her tally to 18 for the season. Hazel didn’t get on the scoresheet today but setup three goals for her teammates, proving how her game is evolving from just an out an out goal scorer. She secured POM for her team ethic and sacrifice.
Kara created many chances for her teammates with her inspired and unselfish team play, Kara has been on fire recently in training and her performances make you forget she is playing up a year! The midfield was patrolled today by Olympian Lucy who is a coaches dream with her skill and hard running, Lucy has elevated her game this year adding tricks, turns and more goals to her already dominant displays.
Amie took her game to another level this morning and showed her skill, power, eye for a pass and composure today in a complete and dominant midfield performance; she is one to watch for the future. Defensive titans Annie and Kiella had their work cut out today against a good Lions attack and the girls made many important interceptions and tackles, they also showed growing maturity and understanding of the game by launching numerous attacks.
Emily had another great game between the sticks and couldn’t have done much for any of the goals and you just have to applaud great skill at times, while Theaya - injured and unable to play outfield - still attended the game as keeper cover. What great team spirit from this formidable young lady.
Manager Hobbs wrapped it all up with an after match interview with Terry Wogan. He said, "This season has been a terrific adventure and the girls an absolute pleasure to manage. The team produced sparkling and outstanding football throughout. We have played teams more advanced than us and held our own so the sky's the limit for this squad and next season in 9aside football can’t come quick enough! I must also thank my lovely wife - Sarah - who does so much good work in the background for the team and our Club."
You just can't argue with that and the Club salutes them both!