U16 boys went into their penultimate league game full of confidence after their win last week and were hoping to start the game against Colney Heath - the league leaders and double cup finalists - with great intent and desire.
The Wood started very well playing the ball nicely in the opposition’s half, with Crucifix, Manning and Green feeding balls to the front pair of Silva and Da Silva; unfortunately, the ball just wouldn’t go in the net.
15 mins had passed and you wouldn’t have thought we were playing the top team in the division, but, like all good teams they came back. With overwhelming power and size, Colney started to gain possession and play.
The boys struggled with the physicality of the away midfield who earned the lead after a free run of 30 yards was not closed down. With this sucker punch, the boys lost momentum and conceded two more before half time, with a lack of man-marking allowing easy shots that really should have been prevented. We spoke at half time about players having a responsibility to mark and close down shots.
With the start of the second half underway we conceded a free kick in which positioning at the back had to be questioned, disappointing after everything that had been said at half time. Therefore, we found ourselves 4 down which was then followed by a 5th goal.
Defending as a team is crucial in the modern game and centre backs Pop, Ifeacho and Hones had solid matches, not to blame for any of the goals. Hones in particular had a solid game, secured MOM and will gain much confidence from his performance but, across the board, the boys have to learn their defensive responsibilities before we can move forward as a team.
The Wood grabbed a late goal after a great bit of play from Carlow, who threaded a pass for Da Silva to slot home for his 19th goal of what has been an excellent season personally.