U18 Boys faced Watford Stags in the league at Pursley trying to get 3 points after a damaging defeat in their last league outing. For the biggest game of the season thus far, preparations were far from ideal with one third of the squad unavailable to play due to a range of reasons.
The boys in attendance started very well though and after Carlow had made an excellent defensive header, Zefi released Silva who lost his marker effortlessly before striding through and slotting home an excellent early opener; his 9th of the season moving him to the top of the Wood’s goal-scoring charts. He then turned provider, releasing McGuinness who cut inside before curling a shot just wide.
At the back, Pop was doing well controlling the giant Watford striker and at this stage, and 20 minutes in, the Wood were in total control of the match. However, then came the unforced errors. First a long throw with no attempt to head clear, bounced to one Watford player surrounded by 6 Wood defenders. He was still able to pirouette and shoot but, the effort was weak and straight down the middle of the goal. Despite this, the score moved to 1:1.
5 minutes later, a long punt from halfway was heading straight to keeper Elboukhari; his loud call ignored as the Wood served it up on a plate for Watford to score a second that barely made it across the line. In the space of 5 minutes, the score had been turned on its head and Watford just couldn’t believe their luck.
The boys responded very well and McGuinness first fed Montgomery whose low drive was saved, then sent in an excellent cross that just eluded Silva at the far post, before feeding Silva again, his shot destined for the corner before the away keeper pulled off an excellent save.
Thereafter, Collier first flashed a header wide when he seemed primed to score, then fired his free kick wide of the near post, before combining with Makamian to feed Silva with a superb cross that the away keeper again stopped with distinction. The half ended and the boys had played really well, ran the game and created 11 very good chances against just 3 from Watford. That the game was not over at half time was purely down to Watford avoiding individual errors with the Wood unable to do the same.
The second half continued as before with the Wood controlling the game, Watford barely getting out their half. However, a routine clearance dropped in the Wood half and from a position of no danger whatsoever, dwelling on the ball presented Watford with an opportunity to rob possession, with one guy beating three passive Wood defenders to fire home; 1-3. Thereafter, two crazy challenges in the box led to two penalties but, the Wood kept creating chances with McGuinness, Hones, Collier, Silva and Makamian all having excellent efforts that might have found the net.
The Wood were to score again after Hones pinged a beautiful long pass to Silva, his cross fired home by Makamian for his third of the season. But, Watford were to have the last word, a long free kick leading to a totally free header that Elboukhari could do nothing with.
The boys in attendance worked so hard today, played really well at times, outplayed the opponent for long periods, created so many more chances than them but, also made defensive mistake after defensive mistake. No team can keep scoring 5 or 6 goals a game to be able to secure a win and we need to work hard to improve this aspect of our game. It’s certainly possible but, the boys need to step up to the plate and deliver now, executing basic defensive skills efficiently going forward.
There were some tremendous performances on the pitch with Silva enjoying an outstanding match, and Manning also in fine form at the back. However, MoM was shared between McGuinness and Collier who both performed extremely well and can be very proud of themselves indeed.