During midweek, our U13 Boys completed their season at home to Whetstone in the League. They worked hard as they have all season but, the opposition scored some quality goals to run out winners on the day. Though the team won't be going forward next season, our staff - Frank, Greg and Grant - have worked wonders with the boys, who have gained confidence and improved technical ability which they will now put to good use in the next stage of their football development. They will get the send off they deserve at Presentation Day but, for now, we wish them all the very best of luck.
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U13 Girls wrapped up their season too, travelling the short distance to our close rivals Garston Ladies Wildcats, in the return fixture of last week’s very close match, where Garston somehow came away 3-4 winners.
The game started as the last one had finished with the Wood’s attack on the front foot; Gabby U causing mayhem in the Wildcats’ defence with her pace and dribbling skills. The excellent Wildcats’ keeper had to be on her best form today to keep Gabby at bay!
Gabz G and Karadonna were tasked with doubling up against the opposition’s speedy wingers which they both did with aplomb and they closed down that avenue of attack and were ably aided by skipper Amie and Annie in the midfield engine room, who patrolled and shut down all-comers. Gabz and Kara got through a ton of work attacking the Wildcats and defending up their flanks; both were having a real say in the flow of the game with their hard work and skill.
Defensive stalwarts Abi , Ava & Theaya where coping admirably with the dangerous Wildcats’ attackers and the three of them started many, many of the Wood attacks today with their calm and composed football from the back. Emily in goal was having a very steady and controlled game and for the most part just had to keep on top of her concentration.
The front 3 kept knocking at Wildcats door and it seemed like it would take something special to knock it down. Up stepped Karadonna, who recovered the ball 30+ yards from goal just off the right wing, looked up and unleashed a driven, clipped shot over the flailing keeper’s hands and into the net for a well deserved goal: 0-1to the Wood and the lead! Hazel entered the fray with her high energy play and her boundless, infectious energy and running. Half time came and the Wood came in 1 up and deservedly so.
The second half started and the Wildcats came out the blocks quickly and with a new found frenzy to win the ball! They found a route to the equaliser from an attack where we just couldn’t clear our lines: 1-1 . The game was more even now with the opposition pressing harder to win the ball back and doing so on more than a few occasions. Wildcats’ speedy winger was causing issues down the right wing and the second Garston goal was to come from this for 2-1 to the home team.
We could not believe this was happening again to this fine young team who were dominating possession and had by far the lion’s share of opportunities on goal. Gabby U and Gabz G were creating many chances but luck just didn’t seem to be with them today. Garston kept pushing at the other end and they managed to get a 3rd goal caused more by our own actions than Garston’s.
Many, many teams would collapse and hide but not this fine group of young women and Gabby U picked up the mantle and broke free from the Garston defenders the keeper came out to meet her and Gabby slotted the ball low past the keeper for an excellent solo effort and a 3-2 scoreline.
This gave our girls even more energy and fire and they pushed and fought harder, they penned the Wildcats back and got a corner from a long range effort by Skipper Amie. Up stepped Ava in the box, rising like the proverbial salmon to meet Hazel’s pin point corner and power the ball past the Garston keeper for 3-3!
There was 4 and a half mins left and the odd chance came and went but we could not quite get the winner we needed to guarantee D1 football next year. POM went to Gabz G today who had a game for the ages with tireless work up and down the pitch providing passes to release Gabby U, stinging shots and dazzling runs reminiscent of prime Messi.
It’s a huge thank you to all the girls and parents from our staff - Dave, Rich & Joe - for what has been a tough baptism to D1 football; the luck definitely hasn’t been with the team with players leaving, season ending injuries, illness and other stuff going on in the background. Through all this our amazing girls have kept smiling, laughing, caring for each other and passing that ball along the deck. We come again next year looking different but we will be bigger, stronger, wiser and more streetwise.
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What a riveting clash we witnessed today at the King James Academy fortress as Borehamwood U9s took on the formidable Royston Town! It was a spectacle of youthful exuberance, skill, and unwavering determination that had spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Led by the inspirational Polly, Borehamwood came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Goalkeeper Olivia showcased her prowess with a brilliant save early on, setting the tone for what would be a thrilling encounter. Daisy, with her lightning-quick reflexes, narrowly missed with two rapid-fire shots, while Elsie's thunderous long shot left the Royston defence scrambling. But it wasn't just the attackers who shone; Captain Polly's tenacity in defence was unmatched, as she threw herself into bone-crunching tackles with relentless determination.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Ruby mesmerized the crowd with her sublime solo runs, while Tippi kept the Royston goalkeeper on their toes with her relentless pursuit of goal-scoring opportunities. And let's not forget the defensive stalwart, Sienna, whose vital clearances were a testament to her unyielding commitment to protecting the Borehamwood goal.
Daisy and Elsie formed a dynamic partnership, constantly feeding off each other's energy and creating scoring opportunities with their telepathic understanding. It was Elsie who broke the deadlock with a clinical finish off Daisy's pinpoint cross, sending the Borehamwood faithful into raptures.
As the game reached its halfway point, Emilia injected a burst of speed and creativity into the strike force, dazzling the Royston defence with her lightning-quick turns and fearless runs. It was now Daisy's turn to find the back of the net, courtesy of yet another exquisite cross from Elsie, the stadium erupted in celebration, echoing the legendary partnerships of Waddle and Hoddle!
Gracie showcased her talents in both goal and midfield. In goal she showed off her cat like reflexes, and really shone in midfield with her blistering runs down the right wing sending the away fans into a frenzy. Olivia was finding her rhythm making well timed challenges and pulling off acrobatic saves reminiscent of a gold medalist gymnast. Borehamwood continued to press forward with relentless determination, this time with Juniper taking on attacking duties narrowly missing the target with a ferocious shot, however it was Daisy who fired home her 2nd goal of the game as a result of a brilliant pass from Juniper. With the final moments drawing near, the magnificent trio, Tippi, Ruby and Emilia still hungry for goals kept the pressure on Royston, and on any other day would have scored. They supported each other with unwavering teamwork, showcasing the camaraderie that defines this remarkable team.
Borehamwood's spirit remained unbreakable as the match came to an end, a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. They may have faced a gruelling encounter, but learnt much and will return stronger and more determined than ever before. Today's match was a testament to the indomitable spirit these magnificent girls have, where every player gave their all until the final whistle.