U13 Boys faced AFC Southgate in the Cup having won every one of their matches this season so far. The boys continued their fine form, 3-0 up at half time, courtesy of an OG and a smart brace from Smith.
Second half saw more free flowing football and multiple goals followed. Adoma & Khan grabbed consumate braces, while Staszweski, Stevens, Evans & Rocha also grabbed goals with excellent finishes, the latter from a great diving header!
Fowler performed very highly after returning to the side and MoM went to the ever willing Adoma, with a worthy mention to Sutherland who was immense at wing back all game.
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U14 Boys had another rest week but, filled it with a friendly against Harvesters North from the top division. The boys gave a very good account of themselves against a physically huge side, losing 0-1 but, creating many very good chances to equalise. The team will continue to strive to face the best teams available and learm much as they do.
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U12 Boys suffered a tough day against Hinton & Finchley, losing 0-11. The boys are far better than this scoreline indicates and they continue to work hard, improve their defensive nous and will be back quickly having fun and competing in games, we are sure!
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Our U12 girls have enjoyed a super start to the season and travelled away to old adversaries Goffs Oak today. An early mishap from the Coach saw the team attend the wrong venue at first, but, even Superman makes a boo-boo once in a while! After a smart warm-up, the game kicked off on time and the girls were focused and ready as you'd expect from this crack unit.
Hazel captained the team for the day on her 11th birthday, winning the toss and deciding to attack Goffs down the hill. This proved a good decision as the Wood's superior football kept us camped in Goffs' half for long periods. However, the home side are made of stern stuff and fought their corner at every turn, despite the Wood's starting front 3 of Lois, Hazel & Elsie trying their very best to wriggle free.
Kara & Romey coming in on 15 mins to try their best against the uncompromising Goffs defence also fought gamely while Lucy and Amie were in a dog fight for midfield control and they slowly took charge. Wood's back 3 of Ella, Annie and Imani covered ably by Kate marshalled the Goffs attack and snuffed out nearly all glimpses of Emily’s goal.
As the game progressed, Imani set Elsie free and the speed and timing of the run took her away from the Goffs defence. The keeper came out to meet her but Elsie wasn’t deterred; unleashing a fierce shot across the keeper that went in off the inside of the post for 0-1 to the Wood.
Goffs probed the wings of Borehamwood but, Ella & Imani stayed strong, Kate letting no one past either in a sterling performance that is fast becoming the norm for this talented player. Any counters were swept up by PoM Annie with keeper Emily clearing behind her as and when needed.
Wood continued to put pressure on and were awarded a clear penalty when the skillful Romey was upending in the box. Up stepped Lois who struck truly down the middle, the Goffs' keeper just getting a hand to it and then stopping it halfway over the line to the agony of the travelling support! Staying alert to danger on the break, Emily then made a fine save high and right to keep the Wood's advantage.
The second half started and Lucy and Amie rolled their sleeves up and pinned Goffs back; Lucy's endless energy and Amie’s ability to prod the defence and find a hole for the pass causing Goffs problems. Star winger Lois was tackled heavily in the box and had to come off injured; possibly could have been awarded another penalty too? However, it wasnt to be and the Wood reshuffled, with Romey slipping into position on the left, doing very well and causing many problems.
It seemed to be all Wood at this point with the Goffs keeper making 2 or 3 excellent saves to keep the match close. Goffs never give up though and on a rare breakaway they managed to get behind the defence, the strong shot beating Emily at her far post. With both teams pushing for the winner, an excellent match finished 1-1.
Manager Dave took time out scanning his A-Z for a route home to provide a quote for the Sunday papers, "the girls did us proud as always and though some might think it 2 points dropped, this could be a very good point come the end of the season." Wise words indeed.