From the off the boys started the game sharply and deserved to go ahead with a great take from Da Silva in the box, laying off the ball for Silva to thunder home the volley.
From this point the attacking threat from the front line was obvious to see. With the two up top combining well to create good chances supported by Fan. The wide players were in good form with Green and Song completing their defensive duties as well as supporting offensively. However, a lack of concentration at the back allowed an opposing player on the left wing to get to the ball first and score.
Half time came and changes were made, with the boys confidently attacking and knowing there were more goals there for the taking. Green played a great ball to Da Silva who played a sublime pass to Da Silva; he unselfishly chipped over the keeper to the far post for Manning to tap in. With other opportunities going awry, the home team fought back with a wide ball down their right side. The Wood failed to block the resultant cross and the ball fell to the feet of their on-coming striker: 2-2.
However, the boys were not in a mood to give up and fought back again. Da Silva and Silva were purring now and proved why they are the most feared attack in the league. A probing ball from Silva split the defence and Da Silva bore down on goal, sliding the ball into the far corner. Shortly after, Green produced wing wizardry to release Silva who calmly slotted home his goal number 27 of the season thus far!
The win was in our sites and the lads were playing well with Captain Crucefix and Zefi supporting the defensive unit of Hones, Pop & the excellent Ifeacho, enjoying an outstanding game with his covering pace particularly effective. In goal, Elboukhari made multiple vital saves and was barking out orders to his defence in a commanding display of goal-keeping.
However, when we play these games away from home you’re never sure if the points are secured and with 20 mins to go, the home ref sin-binned Hones to the astonishment of everyone in attendance, making the remaining minutes tight and tense. The boys didn’t buckle though and despite Omonia pulling one back from a free kick, saw out the game 3-4 for an excellent away win.
Crucefix received MoM, showing great leadership to slot straight into the vacated centre back position and the boys' determination to keep a clean sheet during that 10 minute period was crucial in securing the points. A great day for the team and they march on to face Colney Heath at home next week looking to be the first side to beat them in the league this season!
On a glorious sunny day, Borehamwood 2000 Under 10 Girls travelled to face Berkhamsted Raiders for the final game of an incredible season, and what a performance they gave us!
With a small but mighty squad of just eight players, every girl knew they had to dig deep. Led out proudly by Captain and goalkeeper Gracie, the team were raring to go the moment the referee blew his whistle, and in true Borehamwood fashion, they were off like rockets!
Centre forward Elsie immediately took control, spraying clever passes out to the wings where Daisy proved to be a real danger down the left, whipping in crosses with ease. One early cross found Elsie who came agonisingly close to opening the scoring. In midfield, Maisie and Tippi were absolute warriors, winning tackle after tackle and showing incredible heart.
Borehamwood were playing some stunning football, stringing together silky passes and dominating possession, but Berkhamsted were never far from danger. Gracie kept her cool, pulling off an important series of saves, including a brilliant goalmouth clearance that kept the scores level.
It wasn’t long before Borehamwood struck. Daisy, full of pace and skill, pulled off a dazzling turn and found Elsie in the box with a pin-point pass. Elsie made no mistake, firing Borehamwood into the lead! Fuelled by confidence, Elsie almost doubled the score with a clever backwards overhead kick nearly lobbing the keeper that had everyone holding their breath.
As the second quarter began, the introduction of Polly gave Borehamwood fresh energy. Polly went on a ferocious run through the centre before being brought down, winning a free kick. Daisy, with her mighty right foot, smashed a goal bound kick, only to be denied by a Berkhamsted handball resulting in Borehamwood being awarded a penalty.
With nerves of steel, Daisy stepped up. The crowd held its breath, some unable to watch as they peered through their fingers. Calm as you like, Daisy fired it low into the bottom right corner. The Wood Army erupted in celebration!
Borehamwood weren’t finished there. Daisy turned provider again, this time finding Juniper on the right. Juniper, full of confidence, smashed home Borehamwood’s third goal with a superb strike. Juniper and Elsie linked up brilliantly, testing the Berkhamsted defence time and again.
At the back, Sienna and Maisie were rock solid. Sienna’s well-timed tackles frustrated the Berkhamsted strikers, while Maisie used her strength to shield the ball and dominate the defensive line.
In the third quarter, Sienna bravely stepped into goalkeeping duties and looked like a natural! She pulled off vital saves, none bigger than a sprawling stop to deny Berkhamsted a certain goal.
Meanwhile, Maisie moved up front and wasn’t shy to have a pop at goal, showing her versatility. Borehamwood kept pushing, with Daisy unleashing a rocket just over the bar and Elsie rattling the crossbar with a thunderous shot.
Gracie switched to defence and showed off her blistering speed to track back and protect the lead.
Entering the final quarter, the girls showed unbelievable heart. Tippi continued to dominate midfield with clever passing and tireless running, Daisy worked back selflessly to help defend, Polly dazzled with her fast-footed runs, and Gracie back in goal stayed sharp under pressure.
As the clock ticked down, Berkhamsted launched one final attack. It was striker versus goalkeeper. The shot came in hard and fast, destined for the back of the net, but Gracie stretched out a leg to pull off a sensational save! Moments later, the final whistle blew, and Borehamwood celebrated a well-deserved and hard-fought performance.