The crazy weather leading into Saturday wiped out the girls' fixtures yet again this week but, the boys were luckier as temperatures climbed on Sunday.
Our U15 Boys were first out playing HMH Hawks in the Challenge Cup and aiming to secure a second quarter final berth this season. The start could not have been better, Ifeacho curling a delicious cross into the path of Crucefix who arrived perfectly to slam the ball home after just 30 seconds. However, this boon was spurned after Wood carelessness in possession allowed the Hawks to grow in confidence, their players also out fighting the Wood’s boys too often. Marshall was enjoying a focused game between the sticks and introduced new, excellent long throws that moved the Wood up the pitch quickly and accurately. However, the Hawks deservedly equalised from a corner, the opposition striker left alone in front of the goal and firing home with glee.
The Wood side taking to the pitch second half got the mix right and took the game to the Hawks. Ifeacho curled in a stunner that 10 keepers couldn’t have stopped, while Fan, positively ramping up his output today curled home equally impressively with his left foot shortly after. Ifeacho then bagged a second beauty as he lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and the match seemed won.
However, a lack of focus so common from the Wood when defending this season allowed the Hawks to score again, and it was only an incredible goal-line clearance from McGuinness that stopped a third goal going in. The match ended 4-2 and the Wood progressed but, for large parts of this game, many players failed to turn up again, letting a lower division side out-fight and out-play them far too often. One player who did do himself proud was MoM Manning, displaying so much bravery and excellent technique to play calmly out the back and show everyone that keeping your head on the pitch always leads to good things.
The boys face Kings Langley next week in the league and an improved performance will be required against this quality of side.
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Our U14 Boys faced Panthera from the White division in a Spring Cup match at Pursley. The boys lost key players in the run up to this match so their 2-2 draw was especially pleasing as everyone in the squad got involved to great effect!
The Wood's goals were scored by Smith after a super assist from Keeper Singleton, while goal machine Chen bagged another to take his season's tally to a zany 17! Joyce had a superb outing covering every blade of grass twice while Gardiner secured MoM after a defensive masterclass at the back.
The boys have a rest week next Sunday before facing London Colney in a massive Challenge Cup quarter final at Pursley!
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Our U13 Boys meanwhile faced a tough test away at Hinton. The boys gave it everything but, were unable to score on this occasion, suffering a 7-0 reverse. Adom secured MoM as he put in a ton of effort for his team to try and change their fortunes. To their credit, Joyce also weighed in heavily as did Ward & Patel.
More experience was gained and the boys continue to sharpen up ready for the Spring Plate in a couple of weeks.