Our U14 Boys kicked off their Spring Cup campaign against Hinton from the top Red division. The boys responded really well to keep the match in the balance until the final whistle, the final score ending 3-0.
Adom captained the side and enjoyed an excellent game, leading by example and securing MoM, while Sheppard showed a great attitude throughout, working hard and giving everything.
The boys face Panthera FC in the same competion next week and having already bested this higher division side in the Challenge Cup, will be looking to do so again!
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Our U13 Boys faced a handy APB Wingate away in the league and pulled off a spirited performance after a slow start saw the concession of some early goals. Sterling performances from MoM Adom, Joyce and Ward lifted the side with Florin like a cat between the sticks.
Midway through the second half, Adom calmly received the ball in midfield before splitting the defence for the electric Gopinath to race through and score his 14th goal of what is fast becoming a vintage season for him.
The boys march on to face Hinton & Finchley in the league next week with their Spring Plate mini group on the horizon and firmly in their minds.
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Our U15 Boys started off the footballing year with a tough away fixture at Colney Heath. Since losing to the Wood earlier in the season, Colney have pretty much remained unbeaten and were looking to settle the score.
They started fast and Hobbs was required to make an excellent last-ditch challenge to stop a certain goal in the very first moments. Marshall was also called to make several excellent saves before the Wood stabilised with Hones commanding aerially and Makamian and Montgomery enjoying tenacious and technically sound performances in centre midfield, working hard to win the ball then using it simply and effectively thereafter. Meanwhile, Green was working tirelessly up front, showing great ability and constantly menacing the Colney backline, also exchanging well with Cruecfix playing at right wing. After a free kick won by Green, Silva sent a first class effort at goal only to see the flying Colney keeper leap to deny him.
The game was keenly fought thereafter until the left side of the Wood’s midfield fell asleep, no one reacting after the excellent Manning had defended well and turned the ball back up the field. The ball was recycled by Colney into the middle of the park and a tame, floated effort dropped into the Wood goal. Soon after, the Wood conceded again, the Colney attacker allowed to turn inside and curl home.
The second half saw the Wood quickly and deservedly pull one back after Crucefix produced a sublime cross-field ball that was swallowed up by Ifeacho, producing a high quality curled finish to the delight of his team-mates. The Wood were piling on in search of a second when Colney again profited from lax play at the back; the Wood failing to stop and then deal with a weak cross allowing the striker to plop the ball into the net.
As they do, the Wood picked themselves up and carried on undeterred, scoring a majestic goal. Boshjaku, adapting very well to the holding midfield role, won a massive tackle and sent the ball wide left. Silva exchanged a stunning one two with Green before burying the ball home to produce roars from the terraces! All the momentum was with the Wood but, once again, players switching off at the back saw Colney profit from yet another failed clearance, their striker somehow squeezing the ball home from an improbable angle.
The Wood might have scored a third with further efforts from Green, Ifeacho, Silva and Crucefix but, the Colney keeper held firm and the match finished 4-2, Hobbs securing MoM after a tremendous performance from start to finish.
All in all, the boys gave a really good account of themselves and continue to score very freely. They are an attacking threat against anyone and with 41 goals in all competitions, they are joint top scorers this season which is an incredible achievement. However, when defending, the Wood have conceded 32 already which is some way more than any other side. That’s not a huge surprise as we continue to adjust from lower division football and now play against the sharpest, fastest and most powerful attacks but, we can be better, can tackle harder, can attack headers more convincingly, can claim crosses and shots more assuredly and most of all, can really focus more for the entire game time; that applies to everyone in the squad, as tight defending is completed as a collective.
With out any shadow of a doubt, we will get there and have seasons to improve and fine tune our game. Next up is HMH Hawks at home in the 3rd round of the Challenge cup and after a hot training session this Thursday, the lads will be flying out the blocks!
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Our U13 girls stepped into the unknown today playing our first ever 11aside game vs Ickenham Raptors in the Middlesex County Cup! The team came home with an emphatic 11-0 win away in deepest Uxbridge and can be very proud of their performance. We as coaches have been chomping at the bit to get more of the girls on the pitch at the same time as we feel we are very suited to the 11 aside format.
Gabby U opened the scoring today with a sublime finish from a cute through ball; she beat the defence for pace and then had the nous and talent to lift the ball over the on-rushing Raptors keeper. This was the first goal in her first ever hat-trick today in only her 4th game proper for the Wood! Watching this young ladies trajectory is a joy and a privilege and with hard work the sky is the limit.
Another star of the day and POM for the day was Gabby G! She terrorised the Raptors back 5 all day with her pace, power and killer instinct. Gabz was the lioness that the Raptors couldn’t tame and she also bagged a hat-trick and much applause for her joyous performance in front of her proud family members!
Hazel came in and has been looking really, really lively in training and seems to have grown in conference of late; she managed to get a brace and could easily have had more today but for good goalkeeping!
Skipper Amie scored what is becoming her trademark scorcher from outside the box in another fine display as the team’s skipper. Elsinho found herself as provider today and set up a couple of goals but also managed to grab one for herself to boot!
The last but not least of our scorers today was Karadonna who had a great game today in her natural position as No10; she fought hard and probed for weaknesses all day and helped her team immensely. Kara got her reward late on with a fine back post finish, following up and taking a chance that might otherwise not have happened when all others switched off!
Ava, Ella and Annie were sterling in their jobs of holding the line as our defensive 3; they did this so well that neither of our keepers Emily & Riss had any saves of note to make. Ava gave her second assured performance at the heart of the defence in 2 weeks. Ella was her ever dependable self at LB and gave no ground or quarter. Annie moved seamlessly into midfield in the second half; this talented young footballer can do it all.
The midfield was beefed up today as we played 5 in there and Theaya & Pola were unsung heroes doing the hard yards and the dirty work that a team needs to work at optimum performance; they both ran their socks of and had excellent games which is their norm now.
Today was a perfect opportunity to let our recovering superstar defender Abi have a rest and put her feet up. She still made the journey and wanted to play, but we have to protect her for the battles down the road in the league; she had 2 x 10 min cameos each half and showed her class in both.
Raptors gave a fantastic account of themselves today and never let their heads drop or threw in the towel, they kept fighting and trying against a team 4 division’s above them so their performance today should be praise.
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On a sunny day away at Bedwell Rangers, our U9 Girls delivered an awe-inspiring performance, playing some of their best football to date! The match was nothing short of a celebration of skill, teamwork, and pure enthusiasm for the beautiful game.
The action kicked off with an explosive start as Daisy, showing her scoring prowess, netted the first goal of the match. The momentum continued with a brilliant display of teamwork, as Daisy turned provider, assisting Elsie in finding the back of the net. Elsie's hunger for goals didn't stop there as she secured another beauty shortly after!
Juniper showcased exceptional footwork, skilfully manoeuvring around Bedwell's defence to secure the fourth goal. The team's synergy was on full display when Sienna delivered a precise corner, resulting in Daisy adding another goal. Elsie continued her goal-scoring spree with another 2 goals and the packed Wood support were going crazy!
Amelia, leading the team as captain, provided stability and direction on the field. Meanwhile, Daisy's relentless assault on the goal continued, peppering Bedwell's defence with numerous shots. Just before the halftime whistle, Daisy managed to find the back of the net again, while at the other end, Gracie in goal kept focused, waiting to pounce on any shot that came her way.
The second half saw some strategic changes, with Olivia taking charge in goal and Amber and Ruby teaming up like seasoned professionals demonstrating fearlessness in keeping Bedwell's strikers at bay. Juniper, once again, showcased her skills with another goal, followed by a fantastic goal from Maisie. Juniper struck again with a ferocious shot hitting the back of the net, and Amber's tenacity on the field resulted in a corner, presenting a close opportunity on goal.
The defensive prowess of Olivia and Sienna ensured Bedwell Rangers struggled to breach the Wood goal. As the game progressed Sienna, Ruby, Olivia and Amber displayed moments of sheer brilliance as their confidence grew when given the freedom to push forwards. All four had to make game changing clearances whilst displaying versatility in attacking when needed. Elsie displaying remarkable stamina, sprinting the full length of the pitch to score yet another goal.
As the match drew to a close, Daisy capped off the extraordinary performance with another goal! The outstanding teamwork, individual brilliance, and unwavering spirit of the entire team made this sunny day at Bedwell Rangers a memorable and celebratory occasion for players, supporters, and the entire Wood community. Special recognition goes to Daisy and Elsie, both named Players of the Match, for their exceptional contributions and stellar performances throughout the game.