U14 Boys played only their second league match of the season today against Harvesters Blues, the same opponent that beat them a couple of weeks back. In that game, the Wood conceded two very soft goals in the first half that dented chances of victory and the same occured again today, with goals gifted as a result of our own play, rather than good opposition attacks.
Up the other end, numerous chances were made in attack with Song shooting narrowly wide after the keeper had gifted possession, McGuinness striking just over from distance after driving forward from midfield, Silva hitting the side netting after a fabulous solo run and Reed firing over from a Makamian diving header. This was just a selection of the better chances and the fact they are coming is of great encouragement to the side as they will surely start hitting the net soon. After all that and as luck would have it, the Wood conceded yet another soft goal and trudged off 0-3 losers with a lot of our young men very disappointed and frustrated.
They needn't have been as they've jumped levels very quickly and are adjusting to the demands of higher level football, which isn't easy. What is abundantly clear is that they belong here and once they've had time to adjust, will start converting chances, avoid defensive mistakes and start winning football matches.
The team was ably captained by Hobbs on the day, Marshall was again solid between the sticks, Song & Pop fought hard on the right all match belying their smaller stature, Manning & Reed enjoyed a game of note at left back and striker respectively, while MoM was secured by McGuinness, who was outstanding in centre midfield and heavily involved from the start of the match to the final whistle.
+
U13 Boys received a walkover in the Middlesex Cup while U12 Boys went out the same competition against Norsemens.
+
U12 Girls hosted a very strong Garston Wildcats at Pursley this morning, a side with previous top division experience who presented a formidable challenge, but, one the Wood's girls took on with their usual gusto.
Garston started the game very strongly and pinned Bwood back, our back 3 of captain Annie and teammates Abi & Imani working overtime to keep Garston at bay. The midfield 3 of Theaya, Amie & Lucy were also fighting a tough battle trying to keep Garston out.
Garston’s pressure meant Lois & Elsie where starved of the ball in a new formation of 3-1-2-2 and the visitors' pressure eventually saw them go a goal up. However, a change of formation back to 3-4-1 and personnel changes with Kara, Hazel & Romey entering the fray, saw the Wood's fortunes change, gradually turning the half and applying pressure on Garston’s defence.
A stunning through ball from midfield dynamo Lucy found the livewire Romey who timed her run to perfection, beating the defence and the offside flag then driving a composed, low, hard shot across the keeper and into the net via the inside of the post: 1-1.
The Wood continued to apply pressure and push the Garston girls back, receiving an indirect free kick in the box. A well taken set play saw Hazel’s snapshot saved on the line after Romey’s deft touch. A fabulously contested first half and the Wood's girls performing very highly against a top opponent.
The second half kicked off and Garston quickly took the lead from a corner with another following two mins later in similar circumstances, a fleeting lapse in concentration when marking to blame. This quickfire third goal really knocked the stuffing out of our girls for 10 mins or so and they conceded a harsh 4th goal and Garston, like sharks smelling blood, went for the kill with a 5th goal!
However, the Wood's girls to their credit never threw in the towel with Elsie fighting like a demon whenever the ball came into her area, her desire and determination seeing her score a dazzling solo goal for a 2-5 score line. She almost repeated the feat two minutes later as well!
It was a tough test today but, the Wood played evenly with Garston for three quarters of the match with small differences in focus or concentration ultimately responsible for the scoreline. One can expect this against tougher opponents and it's precisely why you learn & improve so much when playing them. There were many outstanding performances on the day, but, PoM went to Abi, who was a commanding presence at centre half throughout. Take a bow, young lady!