Our U18 Boys faced Wheathamstead Wanderers Sharks in the 2nd round of the Challenge Cup. Relations between the clubs are good and just a few seasons back, the Wood were taking a pre-season battering from this side. Though the Wood has advanced well since then, the boys knew their free-scoring opponents from the 2nd division with 22 goals in 5 games would be fired up to get a 1st division scalp and with nothing to lose while attempting it.
The Wood started really well though, immediately winning a corner that was put on the money by Green whose energy and running are an example to all. From this, the influential Fearon-Mcdonnell returning from injury flicked an excellent header off the far post that Silva correctly predicted, being in the right place to turn it home when all around were stationary.
Despite this perfect start, the Wood were far too static thereafter, untidy on the ball and just not focused at the back. Wheathampstead were the opposite and competing for everything with blood and guts so it was no surprise when the obvious happened. Overplaying at the back gifted possession and led to a mis-timed challenge in the box; the subsequent penalty was saved expertly by the vocal Elboukhari, but, the opposition reacted quickest again to fire home the rebound. Two minutes later, Wheathampstead turned around another Wood defensive situation which had appeared under control, slinging a ball into the box, the home striker totally unmarked as he fired home for 2-1.
Defensive play of this nature is the equivalent of taking a rather large gun and firing it straight into your own foot, but, the team then showed real character and quality to take on the challenge of getting back into the match. This came first by retaining the ball and pass-masters Zevi and Makamian led the way, completing dozens of simple and highly effective balls that binded defence to attack and served the Wood’s front players who were ready to do the rest.
Zefi fed Makamian on one such occasion and his dead-weight pass fell perfectly for Silva who slotted it beautifully into the right hand corner of the goal. Soon after, Collier, growing in stature with every game, fed Makamian and then made an excellent run beyond him, crucially continuing this as the ball was popped on to Silva. His pass found the on-rushing Collier who was able to fire home expertly without breaking stride. A great goal and one that returned the Wood’s lead at half time.
The feeling in the camp was good as the boys started the second half but, once again, the ball was not retained as well and with physical levels dropping also, Wheathampstead clawed their way back. It was still poor Wood play at the back that led to their equaliser though as the guys were like statues, the home attack racing around them to level the match. A home corner soon after was cleared but, returned with interest from the edge of the box to see the tables turned once again.
They’d fought back once and would have to do it again, and they did, with Fearon-Mcdonnell firing home a stunning free kick from distance that left the very capable home keeper clutching at thin air. Fearon-Mcdonnell’s long throws can add an extra dimension when used sparingly and one of these led to Silva completing his hatrick, once more very proactive to beat the keeper to the ball before lobbing it over him, much as he did for his 4th goal shortly after.
Crucefix enjoyed an excellent game at centre half but, having played literally every position in the team over the years, more than knows where the goal is and produced two highlight reel finishes. The first from a cleared corner will take some beating all season as he pinged a bouncing ball from way out that lodged in the top corner, before dispossessing the home defender and then racing through to calmly slot home for his brace. The match ended 4-8, the Wood showed resolve and march on to the next round, while MoM went to Silva for an important 4 goal haul that saw him return to his very best form.
For some years now, the Wood has leaned on a razor-sharp attack that makes scoring goals look ridiculously easy when it is actually the hardest thing to do on a football pitch. The boys already have 32 goals in 5 games this season and were today missing influential offensive players too. However, defensively, the team has to improve. Sniff danger, don’t overplay, mark tightly, stay goal-side, distance on clearances, fully committed in the challenge, communicate vocally, block shots, focus and concentrate. These are things every player in the squad can do standing on their heads and there is a big opportunity here, as those that display these qualities most going forward claim the starting shirts. We lay everything on the line to keep the ball out of our net and when we do that, we become a really serious team.
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On a crisp, beautiful autumn morning, Borehamwood 2000 U11s travelled to face Enfield Ladies Youth in what proved to be a test of character more than anything else. Once the whistle blew, this game became a story of bravery, determination, and incredible team spirit.
From the outset, Borehamwood faced a physically bigger and stronger Enfield side who applied pressure immediately. But in true Borehamwood fashion, size doesn’t measure heart, and these girls showed exactly what theirs was made of.
The defenders were called into action from the opening minutes, standing strong against wave after wave of Enfield attacks. Time and again they kept their composure, making crucial tackles and brave clearances. Every block and interception was met with grit and teamwork. This was defending with purpose and passion.
In goal, Olivia produced one of the most heroic moments of the match with a fearless 1-on-1 save. She put herself on the line to deny a certain goal, taking a tough knock to the shoulder in the process. That moment epitomised the never-say-die Borehamwood spirit.
With Olivia injured, Emily stepped up between the sticks, and what a job she did. Calm, composed, and smart, she read the game like a veteran and made life incredibly difficult for Enfield’s strikers. Her brave goalkeeping and quick reactions brought stability to the team at a crucial time.
In midfield, it was a battle zone, but Borehamwood players didn’t shy away for a second. They tracked back tirelessly to help defend, then surged forward to build attacks. They were the engine of the team, constantly moving, constantly working. It was hard graft from the first minute to the last, and their commitment was outstanding.
Up front, our two forwards began finding clever link-ups and pushing back at the Enfield defence. They were unlucky not to score in the first half .One shot was cleared off the line and the Enfield goalkeeper made several impressive saves. But Borehamwood never gave in. Bruised, yes. Battered, maybe. But broken? Definitely not.
In the second half, a change in tactics showed the team’s ambition, switching from a defensive back three to an attacking trio up top. Suddenly, the momentum shifted. Borehamwood came alive and showed the football we all love - bold, attacking, fearless.
And then came the reward. A superb piece of build-up play led to Daisy striking the ball beautifully into the back of the net. A goal full of class, precision, and determination.
Moments later, Elsie came agonisingly close with a strike that rattled the post.
Despite heavy challenges flying in from all directions, Borehamwood didn’t back down. They fought for every ball, every inch, every moment. Lesser teams would have folded, but this team stood tall.
When the final whistle blew, Borehamwood 2000 walked off the pitch exhausted, but proud. They left everything out there. The scoreline may not have gone their way, but if the result had been based on bravery, team spirit, and pure willpower, Borehamwood would have won by a mile.
Borehamwood will learn a lot from todays defeat, but from a coaching perspective it cemented what I already knew. These girls have built a team bursting with heart, courage, and unity. Heads high. Bodies strong. Spirits unbreakable.
Opposition Player of the Match (awarded by Enfield): Elsie – for her skill, creativity, and pure football wizardry.
Borehamwood Player of the Match (Awarded by the Wood Army): Daisy – for her relentless work, outstanding crosses, and stunning goal.
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Our U15 girls started their County Cup adventure this year with a visit today from our very good friends at St Albans City. This was already our 3rd meeting this season having drawn St Albans in the Senior cup and a league game.
Both previous games we took the lead and dominated long periods without getting the result we feel we deserved. Today we hoped and prayed it was our day after making the semis of last year’s County Cup.
St Albans came out of the blocks on fire and closed the Bwood girls down all across the park, they did everything at a frenetic pace and were winning most of the 50/50 battles. The back four of Yvie, Ava, Poppy S and TJ where under lots of pressure but where holding fast.
The away side weere playing with a desire & passion they hadn’t brought to our previous encounters, and it knocked our girls out of their stride for a while.
St Albans opened the scoring by breaking through the middle and their forward just managed to out muscle Ava who was on top form and covering the runner. Ava matched the attacker's run and Emily came flying out to close the angle, the skilled striker slid the ball down the side of Emily and into the net for 1-0 to the away side.
The girls were now in a fist fight and their noses were bloody; what was their reaction going to be ? To fight back with Aanya , Annie & Poppy N all driving forward trying to get an equaliser. Elsie started at left mid today and looked dangerous every time she got the ball, with Maisie on the right equally so as she tried to stretch the defensive line.
St Albans had done their homework and were doubling up on G9 and often got a third player around Gabby to try and stop her. They did well for the most part but couldn’t keep Gabby quiet for the full 80 mins. When pushing forward we know you are going to be more vulnerable at the back, with our midfield 3’s lung busting runs forward, something had to give. Unfortunately it was a St Albans second, breaking from midfield and then a fine shot into the back of the net: 2-0 St Albans.
The girls rolled their sleeves up and fought like crazy to get back into the game, try as they might they couldn’t get on the scoresheet even when in control for the 2nd 20 mins of the 1st half.
The second half started and was going our way with Lonaldo creating chances for herself and G9. Schemer Aanya was getting on the ball more and making passes through the lines and behind the defenders to get the team moving forward. The girls pushed and pushed and eventually G9 got her goal after picking up the ball 30yds out twisting and turning she beat 2 and drove into the area turned another defender and then slid the ball past the St Albans GK for 2-1!
There followed an incredible incident with Gabby retrieving the ball for the quick re start and the St Albans GK then rugby tackled our forward bring her crashing to the ground! The ref blew the whistle and spoke to the GK but decided not to punish the player in what could have easily been a red card incident. Whilst nobody wants to see a young girl sent off this could have been the difference between a win, draw or a loss?
The team was feeling the heat of battle with defensive lynchpin Poppy S feeling a knock as was Poppy N and Maisaldinho feeling sick on the touchline, but all 3 stayed in the fight and continued battling. The game ended 2-1 to St Albans in what was an often pulsating game where both teams left everything on the pitch!