U15 Boys faced Enfield Town today knowing a win would propel them to 3rd in the top division table. The expectation was that this opportunity would propel the boys to a fast start and a focused performance.
Unfortunately, this just didn’t happen as much of the starting line-up were flat footed & lethargic, giving the ball away cheaply and doing little to win it back. These are the ingredients for a defeat at any level and Enfield, lacking confidence and awaiting their first win of the season, couldn’t believe how passive the Wood were, gleefully accepting this unexpected bonus as they quickly took a 0-2 lead.
It could have been many more but, despite being out-matched physically, Makamian was winning free kicks and launching massive tackles, with Pop & Reed displaying more of the same, the latter also testing the away keeper with an excellent free kick from distance. Boshjaku – newly announced as team Captain for the season – continued his excellent defensive form, denying the opposition on countless occasions with goal-saving and hugely committed challenges, all the time encouraging and then exhorting his team-mates to greater efforts.
With Green bolstering the midfield most considerably and Song raiding down the left wing in any eye-catching performance, the boys dragged themselves back into the game second half when top scorer McGuinness slotted his 5th goal this term, drilling home from the edge of the box to continue what has been an outstanding return already; this after a bloodied nose had seen him leave the pitch for treatment. Another who was giving it everything was Ifeacho, unable to add to his own goals tally today but, running ceaselessly at the Enfield backline in an effort to do so.
Silva cannoned a shot of the bar, and it seemed only a matter of time before the Wood would equalise but, the team’s desire and energy seeped away and the expected crescendo just never came; Enfield again taking advantage to score a 3rd goal that effectively sealed the win.
The opening stanza of any match needs to be fast and hard as it sets the tone for the duration; we got that wrong today. One guy who got it totally right, however, was Hobbs. He was carrying a knock and knew he might struggle to start fast. Instead, he was totally open, had additional time to warm up and then put in a superb display from right midfield from the moment he entered the pitch, deservedly securing the MoM award.
An excellent 3 game winning streak is ended and now the boys train and then face Omonia White away. The guys starting that game will be running hard and giving everything from the first whistle!
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U13 Boys have been steadily improving but, fell to a disappointing reverse at EBOGs today. The boys lacked energy and didn’t compete as we know they can; the game quickly getting away from them as a result.
The fast improving O’ Rourke did score an excellent goal, showcasing his unquestionable talent as he struck a fine shot past the home keeper. Ellams also produced a commendable display of hard running and effort and was unlucky not to score himself on multiple occasions.
MoM went to Ward, who has a sharp football brain and played an excellent match, never giving up and competing to the end. That type of spirit is worth its weight in gold and this young man has a big future in the game as a result.
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U14 Boys faced a very tough task in the Herts County Cup away against Sun Sports from the West Herts Premier division. The boys fought hard but, saw the match slip away first half against a team containing some very good players.
Armed with this experience, the lads went out second half and played superbly, almost winning the half only to have a goal disallowed and a very good penalty shout declined. Keeper Singleton secured MoM after an assured display, Smith was a real handful up front, Staszewski played superbly in midfield, while Sutherland and Hebblethwaite continue to improve quickly and enjoyed fine matches.
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The Wood's girls' section is thriving with 35 players enjoying training and matches, with plans afoot for loads more to join us in the future! Both our current teams were in action today, serving up exciting and dramatic fayre!
First up were our U13 girls, travelling far away to their friends at Ruislip Rangers Clarets. The Wood played Rangers a few weeks back in a very hard fought 2-1 home win so we knew we were in for a real battle today.
Rangers didn’t disappoint and flew out of the blocks trying to assert dominance over the travelling Wood team. However, this wood team is made of stern stuff and won’t lie down for anybody, with Riss in goal leading by example and showing today that she wouldn’t be beaten! Riss thwarted all Rangers' attacks helped in this by Abi, the rock of Borehamwood’s defence.
Annie and Ella kept our flanks tied up with their tenacity and skill and prime John Barnes & Figo wouldn’t have got past these two today. Our midfield dynamic duo of Amie & titan Lucy ran their socks off to protect the team and launch countless skilled attacks. While our deadly front 3 of Gabi, Kara & Hazel were doing their utmost to break the deadlock with darting runs and shots on targetl Gabi hitting the post and the bar today alone.
The Wood broke the deadlock when Captain Marvel Amie pounced on a Rangers' clearance from another Wood foray; she controlled the ball in one and then drove forward at pace before unleashing an almighty drive that beat the keeper and almost burst the net!
Wood were now on top and creating chance after chance with Ava almost getting her 1st goal; the post again saving Rangers' blushes. The ref blew for half time and an ascendant Wood came in happy with their work.
The 2nd half started much like the first with Rangers quickly out the blocks and exerting pressure on the Wood goal. A ball was cleared from out box and a Ruislip player took a punt, launching a shot high into the ether! This snowball came down from high and somehow sneaked under the bar from 50yds for Ruislip's equaliser: 1-1 and game on now!
Ruislip tried to capitalise and kept pushing but that left gaps in their defence and Elsinho was tearing the left flank and right full-back apart and had a couple of good chances to regain the lead. Pola on the right was pushing hard to get the equaliser with lung busting runs forward. The last 15 minutes were all Wood with Gabi hitting the bar and the post again!
This very tough fought battle would eventually end in a deserved 1-1 draw with Wood having the lion's share of the chances and maybe Ruislip edging territory. All in all it was a fantastic game to watch and to play in with two teams giving their all.
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Meanwhile our U9s headed away also, this time to Berkhamsted and a powerful Raiders Blue side. Interest in the team is sky rocketing and plans are already advanced in preparation for the move to 7 aside next season, when the girls will have a full season under their belts as pretty much all their current opponents already have now. As such, matchdays this season are all about learning the ropes and getting into good habits, and while doing this, understanding that scoring goals in football is the hardest thing to do. Imagine then our delight in scoring two little crackers away from home against such a quality side!
The Wood were up against it early with Berko showing all their experience and nous but, the girls held their own with brilliant outfield defending and great goalkeeping from Emily (Berko's PoM) & Gracie, who morphed into cats as they pounced this way and that to keep the ball out of the Wood goal! Noticeably, both girls were seen diving at attacking players' feet on many occasions; great for the team but, leaving parents covering their eyes in trepidiation!
Juniper was in fine form and came really close to scoring by first sending a thudding shot just outside the right hand post, then striking this post with a fizzing half volley before sending the crowd delirious with a meteorite that glowed red as it hurtled through the air and found the top corner!
Just when the away support thought they had seen it all, up popped the ever dangerous Daisy, pushing back the Berko defence with front-foot football before delivering a shot of such quality the ball literally sang as it sailed past the Berko keeper and nestled snuggly in the net!
Captain Emilia was in sparkling form again, improving so rapidly as she danced her way around the Berko defenders, while defensive stalwarts Amber and Sienna showed great intelligence and ability as they refused to lie down, displaying great courage to keep out what was a talented home attack. In midfield, Ruby, Leah St and Leah Sp were working tirelessly, tracking back when needed and supporting our strikers when necessary; all three girls show tremendous potential.
After the match, Coach Lia warmed down with a manicure at the local nail bar but, spoke briefly with BBC World Service and said, "The Wood's PoM award today went to Ruby. She has a really good football brain and cleared the ball so well, made every tackle count, held her position and never gave up. All the time she did so with a big smile on her face."
Well said Lia, and very well done Ruby and all of our girls!