24/25 - The Word in the Wood #11

Posted on 16th November, 2024

Our U15 Boys hosted the unbeaten Cuffley Knights today in the prestigious Herts County Trophy. Keeper Torshakani was missing due to illness and stand in keeper Smith took one for the team and played in goal.

 

The Wood team knew they had to start the game well and not give their opponents an inch early on. They couldn’t have started any better when Lennard found Staszewksi down the left but, there seemed nowhere for him to go. However, this lad is different class; Staszewski mesmerised the full back, cut back in onto his right foot and curled his shot across the keeper into the far corner, a great goal at any level.

 

Borehamwood grew after this goal and the whole team were on it, winning all first and second balls. Fernando and Adom had the Knights’ striker in their pockets early on, with over 20 goals already this season he clearly hadn’t played against a pairing as formidable as these two. Backed up by Sutherland and Mill as full backs the boys looked solid.

 

McGregor, Joyce and Gilsenan had the midfield sewn up and were playing some great football. One piece in particular found Staszewski who released the Wood’s top scorer Lennard who finished with a great left footed strike across the keeper to make it 2 0. This would have been accepted by most but this team smelt blood and wanted more. Sheppard linked up with Staszewksi well with the latter letting a shot go from 30 yards, the keeper saved it but spilt it to the on-rushing Lennard who finished from close range to make it 3 0 and bag his 16th of the season.

 

Half time came and in the changing room there wasn’t a single thing the Wood needed to improve as they had played so well. The talk was more of not having anything won by playing well for half a game. This decent Cuffley team could get back in the game if the Wood didn’t keep up the hard work.

 

Into the second half Evans came on for Mill who had picked up a knock, fitting into the back 4 well and doing his bit for the team. The Wood naturally sat back a bit and invited Cuffley on to them but this wasn’t the best idea. Cuffley got one back and all of a sudden the game changed. The class Borehamwood had shown in the first half had to be replaced with grit and determination. Chen and Maranzana came on for Lennard and Sheppard and worked hard to get in the game as best they could.

 

Cuffley had the wind in their sails and got a second when they kept pumping the ball into the Bwood box, a scramble saw the ball fall to the winger at the back post who finished to make it 3 2. It was backs to the wall in the last ten minutes but with all the defenders and midfielders putting in the hard work it seemed like the Wood boys would hang on. With minutes to go the Cuffley top scorer raced clear a couple of times, both times denied by Smith the second time by an amazing save at full stretch.

 

The final whistle went from the ref and the Wood were into the last 16 of the blue riband County Trophy with a well deserved win. Played the opponents off the park in the first half and then matched them for grit and determination in the second half. So many top performances today but a special mention has to go out to Smith who played in goal when his team needed him and didn’t disappoint. It’s 7 wins from 8 now with the local derby next week vs Belstone to come!

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U16 Boys faced top opposition in the 2nd round of the League Cup, facing Colney Heath for the second time this season already, a team that were perfect coming into the match, thrashing nearly all their opponents this term. After a run of poor games, the boys would need to find a level of performance that had alluded them recently but, they came to Pursley in determined and focused mood and it was obvious from the off that they would be fierce opponents today.

 

This transpired immediately as the boys were absolutely magnificent from the first whistle, tearing into the opposition with energy and drive, regardless of their exalted reputation. Elboukhari bolstered the midfield with tough tackling and was constantly talking and encouraging his team-mates, something that had been sorely missed previously. Next to him, Cruecfix was piling in as was Fan, enjoying his best game to date. On the wings, birthday boy Green and Makamian were working very hard and effectively against physically powerful opponents, while the Wood’s defence was strong and committed with Manning enjoying another fine outing.

 

Marshall in goal played a very effective game making several outstanding saves when Colney seemed sure to find the net but, after a quality delivery, Colney scored with a header that slipped inside the near post just a little too easily. However, the Wood roared back and Fan produced sublime technique to turn a difficult bouncing ball into a controlled shot that alluded the away keeper to level the match!

 

The Wood poured forward and outplayed their opponents for long periods, but, Colney still carried a great threat at all times. Song and Collier came on to continue the team’s excellent wing work while another birthday boy - Zefi - produced his best performance of the season also, running ceaselessly to ensure the midfield stayed strong and competitive. Silva up front weaved his magic and was a constant menace to the away side.

 

With the clock running down for pens, Colney broke quickly and the Wood’s defensive positioning was slightly lacking as Colney found the net. Elboukhari seemed certain to equalise moments after but, shot narrowly wide and the game ended 1-2.

 

After recent matches where they considerably under-performed, the boys showed what they’re really about today, taking what is effectively an EJA side and putting them to the sword for long periods. The match was decided on just one or two moments and both teams traded blows throughout, with no quarter given or expected; just how it should be with young, committed men seeking to advance in the game.

 

In playing so well, the boys breathed pride into themselves, their team and their club and today’s performance when repeated will yield great success long term, both individually and collectively. Finding this level of performance against lesser teams is the team’s next challenge and is a mental one at that; they’ll get there sure as night turns to day and the staff must recognise the inconsistencies of youth as that process unfolds, which they will.

 

Several boys played levels above their baseline today with Fan and Zefi particularly good, however, MoM went to Hones this week for a truly massive defensive display that should fill him with confidence for the rest of this season and beyond.

 

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What a game our U10 Girls enjoyed today! The atmosphere at Borehamwood's home ground crackled with anticipation as Captain Gracie led the mighty Borehamwood 2000 onto the pitch to face a formidable Berkhamsted Raiders. Tensions were high and the fans were ready for a show; and, oh boy, did the girls deliver!

 

Quarter 1 got off to a fiery start. Berkhamsted came out swinging, taking the game to Borehamwood. The Wood's backline, with Amber and Sienna putting in crunching tackles, worked overtime to hold the Raiders at bay. Goalie Gracie nearly pulled off a heroic save, but a thunderous Berkhamsted shot found the back of the net.

 

Polly was a whirlwind in midfield, making blistering runs and showing grit after being clipped. Daisy came agonizingly close with a long-range effort, while Juniper’s near-miss kept the fans on edge. The opening quarter ended with Borehamwood full of fight.

Entering Quarter 2. It was now time for the comeback to begin. With Sienna now guarding the goal with hawk-like vigilance, the Wood went on the attack. Ruby’s electrifying solo run set up Daisy, who somehow squeezed a goal in from an impossibly tight angle. The crowd roared!

 

The momentum shifted completely. Elsie dazzled with her quick feet and clever turns, leaving the Berkhamsted defence spinning. Ruby turned provider again, delivering a perfect cross to Juniper, who teed up Daisy for her second of the day. Borehamwood surged and the Wood Army was in full voice!

 

The third quarter was an absolute barn burner and a real battle of wills. End to end action kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Polly’s tireless energy in midfield was a sight to behold, and Amber’s fearless tackling had everyone in awe. Elsie came close to curling in a beauty straight from a corner kick, while Juniper’s long-range effort narrowly missed the mark. Berkhamsted, to their credit, wouldn’t go quietly and scored with a well-taken goal, but Borehamwood didn’t flinch. The belief in the team was palpable.

 

The final quarter was a test of nerves, and Borehamwood passed with flying colours. Juniper, now in goal, made sprawling saves to keep the Raiders out. Captain Gracie showcased her blistering pace, skinning defenders down the wing and lifting the crowd with her relentless drive. The pressure mounted, and finally, the breakthrough came. A loose ball in the six-yard box fell to Tippi, who pounced with a clinical strike; the crowd erupted in jubilation!

 

Daisy’s corners were inch-perfect, keeping Berkhamsted on the back foot, while Elsie’s dazzling footwork had shades of Ronaldo. In the dying moments, Sienna showed her composure, calmly clearing the danger and ensuring the Wood were not breached.

When the whistle blew, Borehamwood had put on a thrilling display of grit, skill, and teamwork. From fearless defending to precision passing, this was a masterclass. The players left it all on the pitch, playing for each other and thrilling the crowd.

 

A special shoutout to Polly, whose boundless energy and commanding midfield performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award. Take a bow, Borehamwood 2000—you were simply unstoppable! Well done, girls! The Wood Army marches on! Lastly, a big thank you to Dave R for officiating today’s game. Brilliant job.

 

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U14 girls had a tough home game today vs our friends at Goffs Oak. On a sticky Pursley pitch the free flowing football this exciting young Wood side are becoming renowned for would be hard to replicate; today’s opponents Goffs also had a plan to stifle this. A shout out to our Hazel who is under the weather this week after her POM performance last week.

 

The game started with the Wood attacking up the Pursley slope with a menacing front 3 of Gabby  our G9, Lo’naldo  and Elsinho. Karadonna was in the hole behind the front 3 and was aiming to put in a second great performance after her heroics vs Hertford last week. The midfield was completed by monster Lucy and Captain marvel Annie who again this week covered more grass than a golf course lawnmower!

 

Early chances were created by this dynamic bunch with Lonaldo standing out as she tormented her fullback time and time again, dropping precision balls over the retreating Goffs’ defence for G9 to attack. The opening goal was to come from here with G9 beating the defence for pace before smashing an unstoppable drive past the flailing Goffs’ keeper: 1-0 Wood.

 

At the other end of the pitch the Wood’s tight as two coats of paint defence were at their formidable best with Yvie, Ava, Poppy S, Theaya  & GK Emily all doing their best to shut out the dangerous & pacy Goffs front 3. HT we went in 1-0.

 

We made changes to the team as Goffs’ pace down the flanks was causing real issues so Poppy N and todays POM Isabella came on to block up these avenues of attack. Pheidi came in to shore up the midfield in another fine display in what is largely a season of transition for this midfield warrior. Midfield schemer Aanya was back and causing issues in a new position of right midfield backed up by Isabella; they proved to be a fearsome double act launching attack after attack.

 

Riss came in to goal for Emily and an early mix up in the Wood’s machine let the excellent Goffs No10 equalise: 1-1. More changes were made with Yvie moving into midfield where we felt her tough tackling and never say die attitude were needed. We didn’t expect her to score a contender for goal of the season as she let fly from just inside the penalty area after great wing play by Lola who fed Yvie, whose shot flew into the top corner of the net for 2-1 Wood and order was restored.

 

You could see the girls relax a little now with the coming of the goal and more chances were to come and go with Kara, Lola, Elsie & Aanya creating for G9 and themselves, Skipper Annie stung the Goffs’ keeper’s hands with a long range effort that she just held onto! Poppy S & Poppy N both had long range free kicks saved by the Goffs’ GK.

 

Our third and final goal of the day was sublimely finished by G9 with the deftest of touches with the outside of her left foot to poke the ball past the onrushing Goffs’ keeper from a fantastic low cross from Aanya’s wand of a right foot! Job done and the girls march on now, joint top of the league and primed to compete on 3 fronts going forward this season!!