On Remembrance Sunday, the Wood’s boys’ teams paid their deep respects to the fallen before a trio of home games kicked off at Pursley.
U16 Boys are right in the mix of an exciting title fight with numerous opponents and hosted an in-form Nascot Wood side. The away side took the lead twice but, were pegged back on each occasion by a Wood unit that refused to give up. The match ended 2-2 and the Wood sit third with a game in hand, their next league action being a 6 pointer against Sarratt.
Meanwhile, our U9 Boys continue to improve every week and were in fabulous form against Evergreen, scoring three fabulous goals. It’s all about having fun and learning at this age and the boys are coming along beautifully, expertly steered by Dan and Ant.
Finally up were our U18 Boys, who also faced Evergreen from the 4th division in the 3rd round of the Challenge Cup, the winners moving through to the quarter finals of the West Herts League’s premier cup competition.
The boys started really well, pressing in packs and passing nicely, and were quickly in the ascendancy, creating numerous chances at will. Quality finishing saw first half hatricks for Fearon-Mcdonnell and Silva while MoM Green, full of energy and running, bagged a brace himself.
The match won, changes were made at half time but levels dropped badly and individual mistakes from very little led to the Wood conceding twice. Fearon-Mcdonnell bagged another in return and he and Silva lead the Wood’s goal-scoring charts with 12 a-piece.
In summary then, the performance in each half could not have been more different. The first saw talented players working really hard, passing simply and effectively to blow away their opponents in a supremely confident display. The second half saw a stumbling, mistake ridden affair with low energy levels, a lack of focus and little team work.
The first approach saw an 8-0 victory follow, the second a 1-2 loss, so it’s not hard to work out which approach has a future and which has none. Also obvious, is that making unnecessary changes even when in the ascendancy can result in big negatives for the team right now and it’s clear all players will need to work really hard to earn chances on the pitch full stop, rather than expect their time will come regardless of whether their performances or preparation warrant it. What we can also say for sure is that one hour's training a week will not be enough for guys wishing to improve their fitness and technique. At this age, players very much need to be doing their own stuff too, with motivated players aiming to get somewhere in the game doing just that.
In any case, congratulations go to the boys for making a big quarter final and with a welcome and imminent return to the team for captain Ifeacho, things are beginning to look up. Props to Manning who has filled in admirably over this period and who enjoyed a strong game today also.
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U15 girls were away today in the Senior League Cup quarter final against top of the table Ruislip Rangers. The game was going to be a true test of where our newly promoted side stands in D1. Today was the truest game of two halves you are likely to see in a football match.
The first half started with the home side Rangers attacking and going straight for the Wood’s throat. Wave after wave of Rangers’ attacks penned us back into our half and it felt like a goal was coming soon. Ruislip didn’t disappoint and took a deserved 1-0 lead, it could have been two or three but for a couple of fine saves from Emily in goal.
The girls hung in there though and fought for every ball and slowly dragged themselves into the game and then became the team in the ascendancy creating the lion’s share of chances and we could have gone in 2 or 3-1 up ourselves.
POM and skipper Annie was covering every blade of grass and dragging her teammates along with her. G9 was unable to find space with often two or three players to beat. Poppy N had complained of sickness before the game and was clearly off her normal game so changes were made and Maisie came on and into a new 4-4-2 system. This seemed to be working as the game was now played in Rangers’ half bar the odd breakaway. Half-time came and the Wood were upbeat as it really was game on and we were definitely in the fight and had bloodied Rangers’ noses.
The second half was to start and the next goal would be huge and it again went to the home team for 2-0. The girls continued to play but it wasn’t our day, we had too many a fraction off their best and were playing a very good opponent. It was soon 3-0, Rangers scoring from a corner with one of their players blocking Emily from getting to the ball and then another getting a tap in.
The girls’ heads visibly dropped which isn’t like them as they normally role their sleeves up and fight harder. Try as they might Rangers were just better than us today and added a fourth goal with a long shot that we wouldn’t normally allow unchallenged as it was.
The inevitable fifth came again from a corner and then same way with a block on our keeper even though the information was passed onto the pitch to watch for this we just couldn’t stop it today and Rangers got their fifth of the day.
With 10 mins to go the girls stirred and started a fightback with Skipper Annie leading the charge and inspiring Lonaldo to do the same chasing and harrying her opponent. The girls started to make chances with Maisie and Elsinho making runs, it was G9 who got our consolation goal which she deserved for her hard work.
That was to be it for today with Rangers running out and into the semi-finals 5-1 winners. We are left to lick our wounds and contemplate our performance on the day.
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What a difference a week makes! After a tough result last weekend, the Borehamwood 2000 girls arrived at Aston Clinton determined to show what they’re made of. From the very first whistle, the energy, togetherness, and sheer joy on their faces reminded everyone exactly why this team is so special.
Led out proudly by our captain Elsie, the girls had one clear mission: teamwork. And it showed in every pass, tackle, and smile. Right from the off, Borehamwood piled the pressure on Aston Clinton. Elsie dazzled with some fantastic footwork, turning defenders inside out before laying it off to Juniper, whose shot whisked just wide.
At the other end, Olivia was immense in goal - calm, brave, and totally fearless. Her standout moment came when an Aston Clinton striker came charging through; Olivia read the play perfectly, dived in bravely, and took a knock to the head for her troubles. The crowd erupted in applause as she dusted herself off with that trademark grin. It was a true warrior’s moment!
Tippi was an absolute rock at the back, always composed, committed, and clever in possession. One of the moments of the match came when she picked up the ball in midfield, shrugged off challenges, and fed it to Elsie, who hammered home a beauty into the bottom corner. The celebration said it all with smiles everywhere!
Polly ran tirelessly, covering every blade of grass and showing growing confidence with each touch. She’s fast becoming a real engine for the team. Maisie was relentless, chasing down every ball and handled her defensive duties brilliantly, cutting out danger and launching attacks from the back.
When Gracie came on, she injected pure pace into the game. Her surging runs kept the Aston Clinton defence on their toes, and she was unlucky not to get her cross away after a fantastic solo effort. Juniper was relentless on the wing, driving forward and firing in some wicked crosses that just needed a final touch.
Every single player gave absolutely everything. It was end-to-end action, full of heart and determination. The final whistle blew with the scoreline not quite reflecting the performance. However as a coach, I couldn’t have been prouder.
Player of the Match could have gone to anyone. But Olivia takes it this week for her outstanding bravery, brilliant saves, and cat-like reflexes between the sticks. Well done, Borehamwood 2000. The score will fade, but those smiles and that spirit will stay with us for a long time!