U12 Boys bagged three tremendous points as they sealed an impressive 2-1 victory in the Spring Plate against AC Finchley. The boys are in fine form and raced out the blocks, Hartslief driving into the box before being felled for a certain penalty. The gifted Adom, with ice running through his veins dispatched in style before adding a quality second courtesy of a wonderful assist from keeper Lehouimel, who enjoyed a rock solid game.
Great performances were seen all over the park and a late consolation from Finchley failed to alter the result and the Wood moved up to second the in the Plate table! MoM went to Kurti who produced a display of wing wizardy with his trusty left peg! Well done to everyone and congratulations to the staff who are working really hard to progress the team and develop the boys.
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U14 Boys played Omonia White in the Spring Cup at Pursley. The boys had lost 1-4 to this established White division team a few weeks back but, knew the only differences that day had been a lack of composure in front of goal and a lack of focus when marking up in the box; that's all it takes for a result to get away from you in the higher divisions.
However, the boys are transitioning nicely now to the levels needed and were superb in training mid-week. They took this form on to the pitch and were a match for Omonia in all areas from the first whistle, with Marshall in excellent form, rapid off his line and commanding his box. The back four of Pop, Hones, Captain Reed & Makamian were combative, keeping shape well and focusing on picking up the Omonia players. Montgomery sat in front of them and shielded well, showing good quality on the ball too. In front of him, were a midfield four of Silva, Fan, Hobbs and Song, tackling hard and moving the ball well. Up front was Ifeacho, working really hard and simplifying his game to great effect, passing early then moving into space to receive the ball back. Crucefix, Manning and McGuinness provided strength and quality in depth and produced excellent displays.
Big attacking moments came throughout the match with Ifeacho flashing just over after an excellent move, Reed & Hobbs with stunning long shots denied by assured handling from the away keeper, while Silva clipped the cross bar from a corner. However, a rare lapse in passing saw Omonia counter rapidly and take the lead before the boys were down to 10 men courtesy of a very avoidable sin-bin offence. Such things can be hugely damaging and swing a game against you, doing just this earlier in the season. However, the boys have learnt, kept shape so well and once back to their full numbers scored the equaliser; a quality corner from Silva being met by Pop, who soared through the air like a Boeing 737 before planting the ball in the goal and being mobbed by his team-mates!
A crazy closing saw Crucefix denied a winner by a flying save before Ifeacho made a crucial defensive header, Hobbs following suit just before the final whistle when bravely putting his head in the ruck to clear; his trendy curly perm providing an added layer of protection at just the right time!
The boys have showed tremendous positivity and courage taking on the challenge of higher division football and never grumbled once when things have not gone our way. Our parents have also been understanding and fully supportive and a great union has developed on and off the pitch. Today's performance feels like a pivotal moment in the boys' football development, matching a side that are headed to the Red division and have indeed beaten several Red division sides already this term. Next week, therefore, can't come quickly enough!! MoM was shared by Pop for his crucial goal and general play and the outstanding Hones who was just so committed in his tackling throughout today's match.
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U13 Boys put in a great shift against Rap Aid Youth in the Junior League Cup, the match ending 1-1 at full time; Joyce dispatching with quality. The Wood conceded in extra time after a great effort but, can now focus on securing the Green Division title. MoM went to the superb Adom; tough in the challenge and mint on the ball.
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Our U12 girls hosted yet further Div1 opponents today with Berkhamstead Raiders visitng Pursley in the League Cup. Berko had won the previous encounter 3-1 and were worthy of that result on the day; the girls' work was going to be cut out for them today.
However, in a very even first half, the Wood had the better of the chances with Lois stinging the away keeper’s hands. Her strike partner today - Karadonna - in our new look 1-3-3-2 system was working hard and creating chances for others as well as herself. The midfield area was a battlefield and Berko were particularly strong in that department. Our midfield 3 of Lucy, captain Amie & Theaya were working overtime in there! Amie sadly had to retire after being unable to shake off illness but, gained huge credit for giving it a go for her team.
Emily in goal with Annie, Ella & Imani at the back were able to deal with all Berko’s attacks.
Abi, Elsie and Hazel came into the fray and showed just how strong this growing Wood squad is, being able to call on players of their undoubted quality. Abi slipped back into defence while Elsie and Hazel played as a front 2. From a late Berko corner the Wood switched off for a split second and the Div1 team needed no invitation, dispatching the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead at half time.
The second half started with a change of system to accommodate our vast array of star players. We switched to a more familiar 1-3-4-1 system with Hazel going to her favourite No9 role and Elsie and Lois going to the wings. The first segment was Berko’s as it took a while for the girls to slip into the new/old system. Once they did adjust the game started to change, with Kara excelling in a completely new role in centre mid, the girls took control of the match which was played for the majority of the time in Berko’s half.
Hazel gave a POM performance at No 9 today, transferring training ground form to match day; she also did everything that we have been working on in training these last weeks.
Elsie got through on goal a couple of times but the Wood couldn’t manage to get the equaliser today and the game finished 0-1 to the visitors. Another day where we were the equal of a Div1 side but just came up short; when we get that first Div1 win the girls will fly to even higher levels!