On Remembrance Sunday, our teams paid their full respects to our fallen and serving forces then took to the field in a determined mood.
U12 Boys have had a hard time of it of late, but, were back to their best today in a pulsating match against Highate and Muswell Hill. The positioning and shape of the team was good and this made them a far more formidable unit to break down. In goal, Florin was in outstanding form, with first class distribution and handling. He was also able to easily collect many long balls from the opposition due to his centre backs pushing up high, led in this by the excellent and disciplined Covasala, with Lehouimel, Kingham-Patrick, Song & Ciniviz also enjoying superb cameos in the Wood's defensive unit.
The talented Adom also had a productive spell at the back while also driving forward really well from midfield, joined in this by the equally impressive Gopinath & Skinner, both showing great technique as they raided forward. At the same time, Joyce was providing huge drive and energy, covering so much ground throughout the match and enjoying a fine game, while Patrick-Mason enjoyed a super cameo in the middle also. Powell making an exciting debut for the club excelled down the wings as did Hartslief, both threatening regularly.
The boys had worked so hard to stay in the game at 0-1 deep into the second half when Skinner broke through and rounded the keeper, the goal at his mercy, before he was unceremoniously and heavily brought down. No one wants to see anyone being carded at this age but, a certain goal was denied nevertheless. Leaping up Skinner, crashed the free kick off the crossbar and after a lengthy check, the ball was determined not to have crossed the goal line, only though, by the width of one of the earth worms in that vicinity! It really was such an unlucky five minutes for the team and, as is often the way, the opposition went up the other end and scored; a real kick in the teeth but, a valuable lesson in concentration & focus learned all the same.
The boys went on to concede a further two goals but, there was no collapse this time and the Wood made so many good chances with the away keeper enjoying a very solid game to deprive us. Tails are up, confidence is flowing and the boys left the pitch rightly proud of themselves. It is with much anticipation that they get back to training and then next week's game. MoM went to Skinner who was electric at times and had a barnstorming game!
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U14 Boys meanwhile, took to the pitch against Whetstone Panthers in the League, looking to get back to winning ways. Led by Captain Manning, who enjoyed an excellent match, they kept their first clean sheet of the season and scored three of their own.
First the impressive Crucefix drilled in a series of quality corners, one taking a nick of an opposition defender before finding the net. Next MoM Hobbs drove forward from centre back before releasing Ifeacho; he smashed home for his first of the season. Montgomery then took advantage of a defensive lapse to seize possession before drilling home smartly for the third. Hobbs was upended again and the resultant free kick saw Hones's effort cannon off the cross bar!
Song enjoyed a fine cameo on the wing while McGuinness & Silva worked hard and showed outstanding technique in the middle of the park, Silva particularly at times playing football of the highest quality. Some of the play today was first class and with three important points bagged, it was an encouraging performance from the boys as they look forward to building on the momentum they are generating.
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U12 Girls just missed out in the cup against Hemel, while U13 Boys continued their excellent form with an outstanding 0-7 victory against Ally Pally.