U9 boys vs Bushey Rangers
After a long summer of assembling a squad we finally got to see what the boys could do
in the white shirt of Borehamwood and they didn’t disappoint.
From the start the energy levels were through the roof against a good Bushey side who competed well in all areas of the pitch. Having just transitioned from 5v5 to 7v7 there was always a chance that the size of the pitch might get the better of their little legs but it never did.
After an even first quarter Borehamwood began to take control and did all but find the net with some great attacking play from the 3 prongs of Mehdi, Lennon and Archie and if it wasn’t for the outstanding performance from the Bushey number 1 they could have all got a goal.
With the game still even going into the 3rd quarter Lake was called into action to make a string of impressive saves to keep Bushey at bay and from then on Borehamwood started to press. it was a great 25yard pass from the ever solid Ronnie that found the feet of Archie who showed the rest of them how to finish.
Into the final quarter and the boys never looked back with some amazing footwork from Kacper in the middle and efforts from Arthur and Mehdi both hitting the woodwork the boys were on fire.
With the game still on a knife edge, some great play from Aiden and Arthur on the wing gave Arthur the space to swing in a cross only for Mehdi to be lurking at the back post for a tap in.
Special mention to Ronnie at the back who was outstanding from start to finish showing football intelligence beyond his years and receiving the coveted parents' player of the match.
Well played to both teams and best of luck to Bushey Rangers for the rest of the season
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Having secured their first win last week in West Herts Div 1, our U18 boys turned their attentions to the Herts FA County Cup and a 1st round match against Baldock Town. With all 18 squad players permitted to attend this blue riband competition, competition for places was razor tight as it should be in every side seeking success; the boys sought an assured performance to reach the next round.
An early goal always helps to settle things down and Fan showed quality to release Makamian down the right wing, who jinked inside the box and fired home, the Baldock defence unable to keep his effort out. Captain Ifeacho was a constant issue for the away defenders and his marauding run and shot forced a corner that Makamian delivered perfectly on to the onrushing Fearon-Mcdonnell; his header was superbly bulleted into the top corner for 2-0.
Thereafter, the Wood backed off and took a long breather despite the game being only 15 minutes old. Baldock naturally enough created their own chances during this period and were unlucky not to score with keeper Elboukhari enjoying a solid game to keep them out, on his toes and commanding to smartly save a corner that was headed goal-bound. Despite losing concentration a couple of times during the match, Hones and Manning continued their outstanding form at centre back, joined by the equally impressive Carlow whose aerial prowess, tackling and ball quality add greatly to the team’s defensive capabilities.
It was only after the excellent Collier and Zefi grew into the game that the Wood were able to exert control in the midfield and the performances of these players in winning the ball and using it calmly and effectively were very encouraging and a refence for the team. Pop brought energy and running up front and his surge led to Crucefix opening his account at the back post. These two combined again shortly afterwards with Pop slipping a lovely ball to Crucefix, who buried home with his customary poise for his brace.
There was one more goal first half and it was a good one after nearly 10 passes from one side of the pitch to the other. At the end of this move, Carlow’s long pass picked out Crucefix wide, who slipped in Collier to direct a pinpoint cross to Fearon-Mcdonnell. For such a unit, this guy has a super touch and his control with right peg before dispatching into the top bag with his left was of great quality. The half ended 5-0 but, improvements were required and delivered second half as the boys upped their game. Fan re-joined the fray and linked up really well with Collier and Zefi to exert total control on the midfield, leading to the Wood’s best period.
Hones picked out a stunning cross field ball that was slipped into Fearon-Mcdonnell to curl home beautifully, while Makamian forced a penalty and then handed the ball to Collier to open his account for the Wood. Though his well struck effort was saved, that goal will come soon with more performances like today.
The ever dangerous Silva picked the ball up 25 yards out and ran at the Baldock defence, his balance outstanding as he evaded challenges and slotted home with his right foot; such a calm player in front of goal these days and already with 3 to his name in two games. After another excellent early pass from Fan, Silva warmed the keeper’s hands once more and when everyone else turned off, Makamian switched on and was both quick and brave to bundle home the rebound despite the keeper’s despairing lunge.
With the last play of the match, Makamian was felled 25 yards out. Montgomery took the resultant free kick and produced a mega bomb that power curled into the net. The competition’s mercy rule kicked in at 9-0 and the ref brought the match to an early conclusion.
Baldock’s players, staff and attitude were tremendous today, they worked their socks off and played to their best potential which is all anyone can ask. However, against less storied sides, it’s very important to play your football simply and this is even more relevant when the match is won to allow momentum to build, confidence to grow and avoid dragging your team back with selfish behaviour and decisions. It was excellent to see so many of the squad recognise this and execute the game plan with a growing maturity, with many using today’s performance to make a persuasive argument to make next week’s squad and start that game.
MoM was shared and went to Fearon-Mcdonnell and Makamian. The former for a perfect hatrick of header, left and then right foot finishes which sees him take an early lead in the goal-scoring charts while the latter was on the front foot from the off, scoring a brace, assisting others, winning a pen and tracking back; exemplifying what's required from a winger in this team.
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Our U16 Boys finally succumbed to a strong Sun Sports side after holding out for 60 minutes, the game ending 5-1.
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Bury Rangers 2-4 Borehamwood2000
The U16 girls were in cup action today, away to Division 2 Bury Rangers. This was a good opportunity for us to bounce back from the opening day defeat, try a new formation and get valuable minutes on the clock for all of the squad.
The pitch was hard and bumpy and not the easiest to play on, and it took us a while to settle down and string the passes together. To their credit the girls stuck to the plan and the opening goal arrived on 25mins courtesy of well taken finish by our effervescent summer signing Martha, assisted by Milly.
In contrast to last week we had plenty of depth on the bench to call on today, so we were able to rotate and keep the team fresh. Twins Annie and Hollie and vice captain Amie came on looked after the ball well with great footwork. Meanwhile captain Leni was marshalling the back four and getting on the ball regular so we were able to establish a bit more quality in possession.
The second half sprung into life with a goal self made goal from Abi on 45mins. The hosts soon pulled one back directly from a corner but this only served to spur us into a response with 2 more goals in 2 minutes from Abi to put us 4-1 up which effectively ended the game as a contest.
The host were determined not to make life easy for us and a moment of hesitation at the back allowed Bury to pull a goal back but it was to no avail as the rest of the chances in the match fell to us, and were it not for a very bobbly pitch we would have scored several more.
This was not a vintage performance but it was a good win, and we march into the next round. We learned a lot from the change in system and rotation of personnel and this will only benefit us as the season the progresses.
We celebrated the win and two birthdays today with some well earned donuts. We have a great week of training planned ahead of another very tough game in the league against Ruislip Rangers. But we go into with confidence on the back of this win.
Player of the Match goes to Leni for an excellent all round performance and for keeping us organised and focused throughout. Abi with 3 well taken goals was a very close second. Up the Wood!
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U15 girls were at home again today in the 1st round of the League Cup vs Goffs oak. We played Goffs 3 times last season and came out on top but learnt what a tough outfit they are. We expected a tough morning’s work and we got it. The game started well with lots of possession and the girls creating chance after chance without getting the goal we deserved. Thoughts on the touchline were that could come back to haunt us?
The front 3 of Lonaldo, G9 & Maisaldinho thought differently and were beginning to look even more dangerous, G9 was in devastating form today and got her first with a sublime finish past the helpless Goffs GK.
The game was to continue in this vein with Goffs only threat a long ball over the top or a breakaway from their excellent No10 Ria. It was at times a frustrating 1st half where our dominance felt unrewarded.
An Injury to our defensive colossus Skippy affected her day, in clearing one attack she was taken out whilst off balance and landed awkwardly on her shoulder which caused her neck and shoulder pain all day. Yvie came into the game and was faultless in her work with Ava. Pops is made of the right stuff and after a short rest was back to her dominate self with partner Ava, who again was having a sterling game! The first half finished 1-0.
Manager Dave and coach Pete rallied the troops at half time, and asked for a more ruthless display. The midfield 3 of Poppy, Aanya and skipper Annie where running the show but we wanted more from each player to take the game away from Goffs.
Poppy N had her best half in a white shirt as she completely dominated midfield picking the ball up and feeding Aanya, G9 and Maisaldinho! Maisie was frightening today causing problems whenever she got on the ball, her electric pace is remarkable and an issue for defenders, she also possesses a very keen eye for goal scoring her first after great work from Poppy & Aanya: 2-0.
A defensive mistake with both CBs going for the same ball let Goffs back into the game for 2-1, and a nervy 10 mins before G9 extended the lead with her 2nd of the day: 3-1.
The girls could relax a little now and express themselves, Aanya was dancing round flailing tacklers leaving them in a heap as they tried to shackle her Gazzaesque runs! Our 4th goal today was a net breaker from Maisaldinho that gave the Goffs GK no chance.
FBs TJ and Elsinho were both now getting more involved offensively with Theaya producing one thunderous challenge on the Goffs No10 and then playing forward to her teammate. Elsinho was moved forward in a shuffle that saw Yvie drop into her more familiar RB position. Elsinho’s darting runs where soon giving the Goffs LB nightmare’s as was Aanya on the opposite flank, one such run saw Aanya cut back in on her magic right foot and unleash the Kraaken as the ball flew into the night past the keeper ! 5-1
The game was now all but over but Goffs didn’t give in and got another consolation goal again from mistakes from ourselves which we need to cut out in D1. A very threadbare squad atm with only 12 players today, with Riss ill and Isabella injured but the 12 stood up to be counted.
FT 5-2, Scorers: Gabby 2, Maisie 2, Aanya 1.
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Hitchin Belles vs Borehamwood 2000 U11's
The sun shone brightly over Hitchin on Saturday morning, though a crisp chill reminded everyone that autumn football was well underway. The mighty Borehamwood 2000 travelled to face an in-form Hitchin Belles side, and under the leadership of captain Tippi, the visitors marched out with belief and determination.
The game began at lightning speed, with Hitchin using their downhill advantage to notch up a handful of early goals. Borehamwood were momentarily rattled, but like true professionals, they dusted themselves off, gritted their teeth, and prepared for battle.
In attack, Elsie quickly found her rhythm as centre forward, making darting runs and narrowly missing the target, while Daisy tirelessly delivered crosses from the right. On the opposite wing, Juniper showed her versatility, sprinting back to clear a certain goal off the line - a moment that epitomised Borehamwood’s fighting spirit.
Defensively, Sienna and Polly stood strong. Sienna’s decisive tackles broke down Hitchin’s pressure, while Polly’s crunching challenges and no-nonsense clearances gave the team fresh energy. Olivia was outstanding in goal, pulling off a magnificent save before setting Maisie free in midfield, who battled her way through to feed Elsie. A clever pass found Juniper, who finished with style nutmegging the Hitchin keeper for Borehamwood’s first goal.
That strike injected confidence throughout the side. Gracie dazzled fans with her quick feet and flair, Tippi bossed the midfield with crunching tackles, and new signing Xyla impressed on debut with her tireless tracking back and intelligent positioning.
The second half saw Borehamwood take full advantage of the slope. Daisy’s trademark right-footed cross picked out Elsie, who calmly slotted home their second goal of the match, showing the composure of a seasoned pro. From there, Borehamwood dominated possession. Anisia shone with fearless defensive challenges, while Emily, now between the posts, produced a string of sensational saves, her sharp reading of the game forcing Hitchin to shoot wide time and again.
Late in the match, Borehamwood pushed for an equaliser. Juniper caused problems on the wing, earning a dangerous free-kick, and as time ticked away, captain Tippi’s corner skimmed past the goalmouth, agonisingly close to securing a dramatic finish.
The final whistle blew with Borehamwood narrowly missing out, but this was no defeat in spirit. Their teamwork, grit, and relentless fight made the Wood Army proud, proving that the team is growing stronger with every game.
Special mentions went to debutant Xyla, who showed fantastic promise, while Juniper’s dazzling display earned her opposition Player of the Match. From the coaches, tireless midfield warrior Polly was named Borehamwood’s Player of the Match.
Borehamwood 2000 may not have secured the result, but if determination, unity, and heart decided football matches, they would have left Hitchin triumphant.
Onwards and upwards, Borehamwood!