Our U15 Boys enjoyed a superb 1-4 away win in the Cup against Harpenden Town Cowboys, playing a division higher than our lads. This win continues the boys' fine form and they go into a massive Herts FA County Trophy 2nd round match against Cuffley Youth Knights, with confidence surging!
_
U16 Boys faced bottom of the table HMH Hawks on a pristine Pursley pitch knowing three points would propel them to 3rd in their league; everything was prepared for the club’s senior side to showcase all its best attributes and push themselves forward to potential title honours in April.
Unfortunately, the occasion proved too big for the boys, with nearly the whole squad flat and unable to perform even close to the levels they can. A snail like start gradually improved and chances started to come, but, were missed again and again, when it seemed harder to avoid the target than hit it.
Defensively, the boys were poor, the recent lessons on shape seemingly in one ear and out the other, while quality on the ball was not forthcoming, frustrating many attempts to get the team playing. Midfield was often over-run as good players decided to over-play and suffered, bemusingly continuing to choose this style of play despite brilliant recent attacks all stemming from moving the ball early. Up front, chances came and chances went.
Plus points saw Green return a solid performance in midfield and MoM went to keeper Marshall who deserved a clean sheet, but, had that taken from him by a ludicrous challenge in the box that saw HMH awarded a penalty which they dispatched for a win they thoroughly deserved. This can be said as they worked really hard for each other and showed desire, heart and endeavour to turn around their fortunes.
With five points dropped at home against the bottom two in the league and only just scraping past a Division 3 side last week, the Wood’s boys have proved they are just not ready to compete for honours this season. The door was wide open but, as a collective they just couldn’t walk through it to setup a title charge. That’s a pity and we move on but, certainly, expectations are much reduced as the boys are now more likely to face a relegation battle being just 4 points ahead of their victorious opponents today. C’est la vie but, when that really matters to the lads, their fortunes will change.
-
The U15 Girls took on another Division 1 side in Harpenden Colts in the quarter final of the league cup today. Although we ended up losing the tie on penalties we proved once again that we are able to compete with the top teams in the league.
It was a game of few clear chances with both defences excelling, and in the first half, keeper Nisa didn’t have to make a save. At the other end, the Wood looked threatening on the break and with some more decisive finishing and final passes we could easily have taken a first half lead.
It wasn’t to be and the second half was much the same. As the game wore on it was the hosts who probably had the better chances and carried the more attacking threat. Nisa’s handling was good when called upon but most of the limited chances created sailed over the crossbar thankfully.
With the match all square at full time it was straight to penalties and Harpenden got the job done scoring all of theirs. It was a very well contested game and played in a fantastic spirit. Probably one of those days when having 5 subs didn’t help us as we had to make lots of changes and perhaps lost a bit of our usual fluidity, but also, this was largely down to the quality of the opposition who were very good, very strong, and never let us play our usual game.
A fantastic experience for the girls to play against teams of this level and we proved once again that we are no push overs. Our defensive unit is getting stronger every week and with the energy in midfield of Jess, Scarlett and Lilly we know that no teams will find it easy to play against us. Going forward we found it harder today, against a very good and well organised team, so we need to work on moving the ball that little bit quicker and running off the ball to create opportunities. We had glimpses of that today, with Yasmin in particular looking bright on the left, but overall the draw was fair and penalties is a lottery.
We cannot be too disheartened with the result or the performance. We now turn our attention back to the league and we wish Harpenden well in the next round of the cup. Player of the match was Lily B who was excellent at left back.
-
The U14 girls had a tough away trip today to face the very powerful Hertford town Belo again. After deservedly beating this same Hertford team 4-2 on pens in the County Cup last weekend there was a lot riding on this game. Hertford definitely wanting revenge and the Wood were desperate for 3 points in a game that will have a bearing on the eventual title winners this season.
The first half was to be another tense affair with the Wood’s new look defence becoming more and more of an impregnable fortress. Yvie, Ava, Poppy S, Theaya and GK Emily are almost as stingy with goals as coach Dave is when he’s got a bag of sweets! The midfield five of Lonaldo & Elsinho out wide with a central 3 of skipper Annie, Monster Lucy and Karadonna pulling the strings for the best striker since R9, our own G9: Gabby.
The girls created lots of half chances for each other but the ball just wouldn’t sit right for the clear shot on goal we wanted. Hazel and Poppy N came on to try and add energy and running power which they both did battling away for the cause, but the half was to finish 0-0. Hertford would go in the happier for stifling this hugely promising Wood side.
Half time was a bit of a rocket for the girls from coach Dave as he felt the team had played into Hertford’s hands and came away from playing their own free flowing football to get caught up in a wrestling match! The girls took on board the info and understood the task at hand: get the ball down and get it moving.
Hazel today’s POM was wreaking havoc down Hertford’s left in what is her standout performance of this year so far. Hazel was combining with her big pal - Karadonna - who was also having her best game this year pulling the strings in the hole behind G9. Karadonna picked the Hertford lock with a little toe poke through to Hazel who had noticed the home keeper off her line; so Hazel dinked one over the keeper’s head for 0-1 to the Wood!
Now one up, the girls visibly relaxed and G9 was starting to give the Hertford girls’ nightmares for life! Gabby’s first of a brace was of her making as she pounced on a mistake in the Hertford defence, as a back header fell in no-man’s land; G9 was first to the ball she slowed then accelerated past the defence and buried a low drive into the far corner for 0-2 Wood!
The game was tense for a minute, 0-2 being an iffy scoreline as you need that third goal to be able to relax a little. Up stepped R9 again to pounce on the home defence, robbing them of the ball driving into the box and burying another low drive past the keeper into the same corner as her first.
Hertford now had nothing to lose so they threw the kitchen sink at the Wood defence who held firm with Poppy and Ava forming a brick wall with Yvie and Theaya. Lonaldo playing in the unfamiliar central midfield was mopping up with skipper Annie in front of the back four.
Karadonna was finding acres of room to play in, as was a particularly dazzling Elsinho who stung the keeper’s hands, had an assist and was turning the Hertford fullback inside out! Poppy S took a long free kick searching for Elsinho, the defender just beat Else to the ball but her twin Annie was now on hand to release her sister with a fine ball in behind the defence. Elsinho left 2 defenders in her wake and delivered a perfect low cross where Karadonna was gladly waiting to finish with aplomb: 0-4 Wood!
More gaps appeared as Hertford looked for a goal to save their blushes. Again Elsinho was to get a good ball from this with Yvie intercepting and playing her in quickly; the cross found Karadonna in the box with 2 defenders around her but by sheer will she forced the ball over the line for her second and the Wood’s fifth: 0-5!
The game was coming to an end and was over as a spectacle when Hertford were to get their consolation from some poor Wood defending at a corner. No matter, all in all it was a great day at the office from the girls in a thumping 1-5 away win.
-
On a crisp autumn morning, Borehamwood 2000 Under-10 Girls arrived ready for action, shaking off the cobwebs after a week’s break. The young squad was led out by captain Juniper, their energy palpable as they faced the formidable Evergreen Youth.
The first quarter set the tone, with a thrilling back-and-forth that saw Borehamwood under early pressure. A crucial clearance from captain Juniper kept them in the game. Moments later, Maisie orchestrated a counterattack, spotting Ruby on the wing. With perfect timing, Ruby found Juniper, who coolly slotted in the opener for Borehamwood. The crowd erupted and the Wood Army was off to a flying start!
The early lead fired up Borehamwood. Elsie came agonizingly close with a powerful strike that just missed the mark. Then, Maisie turned playmaker once again, setting up Elsie, who blasted home Borehamwood's second. Borehamwood were in command and Juniper added her second of the game shortly after with a precise shot. Daisy had the crowd gasping with a long-range rocket that narrowly missed adding to the tally.
As the teams entered the second quarter, Amber took charge in defence, making well-timed challenges and crunching tackles that kept Evergreen at bay. The link-up play between Elsie and Daisy was brilliant, showing off their near-telepathic connection. Polly’s relentless runs up and down the pitch were mesmerizing, while Tippi controlled the centre with finesse, passing and pushing forward whenever possible. Daisy whipped in a corner, Elsie made a clever pass to Ruby, and Ruby didn’t hesitate, smashing home Borehamwood’s fourth.
In the third quarter, Evergreen added an extra player under the power play rule, making it 8 versus 7. This levelled the playing field, but the Wood Army stayed composed. Evergreen pressed more, but goalie Emily pulled off a fantastic one-on-one save to keep them out. Elsie’s well-taken free kick was blocked, but Tippi and Juniper tirelessly tracked back to support the defence. Polly’s speed and confidence helped keep Evergreen at arm’s length, whilst Sienna proved that she is not just there for her unbeatable defensive duties, but also her sublime dribbling skills with runs down the wing.
The final quarter saw Gracie join the attack, bringing fresh energy and dazzling footwork that had Evergreen on their heels. Emily continued to be a fortress in goal, making critical diving saves, while Amber’s crucial clearance late in the quarter solidified Borehamwood’s defensive stand. As Evergreen tried to mount a comeback, Elsie’s composure allowed her to keep possession and set up Juniper, who dribbled her way through the centre and completed her hat trick with a powerful strike. Even so, Borehamwood didn’t let up, pushing forward to the final whistle.
As the whistle blew, Borehamwood celebrated a brilliant performance, showing resilience, teamwork, and adaptability that were unmatched. Captain Juniper led the three cheers for their worthy opponents, Evergreen Youth, ending the game in true sporting spirit. The Wood Army left the field triumphant, proud, and ready for whatever comes next!