U18 Boys faced Bushey Bulldogs in the Senior League Cup, trying to make another big quarter final. Having comfortably beaten this opponent in the League earlier in the season, the boys knew today would be a much harder affair, with Bushey's ranks bolstered, having gone unbeaten since then, scoring 36 goals in 4 games. Furthermore, the Wood had 4 players unavailable also.
A long Bushey punt from the opening kick saw the Wood pushed back and a poor start ensued that ended with the 6th penalty concession in 5 matches. Defensive tackles in the box need to be sharp and accurate and work continues in this regard. Bushey duly scored but, the Wood reacted well after personnel changes, working hard to take the game to their opponents and creating chance after chance. Some strikes could have been placed better or hit cleaner but, Bushey's keeper was in inspired form. The Wood's stopper - Elboukhari - pulled of a stunner himself to somehow tip a goalbound effort over the bar while Hones stopped a certain goal with a brave, goal-line block. However, the team was now purring really nicely, the half time talk relaxed and focused, with a belief that the Wood's quality would eventually tell.
And so it did. Captain Ifeacho slipped a lovely ball into the path of the in-form Green who left the Bushey defence trailing in his wake before pinging a beautifully composed finish into the right hand corner of the goal. A crucial intervention, the Wood's sails filled with the air of confidence and before you knew it, Silva had raced through to make it 1-2, with half the opposing defence trying to hack him down in the process.
Bushey were stunned but, broke dangerously on one occasion with Crucefix staying focused to produce an outstanding challenge and start a counter. Silva latched on and again produced a wonderful run and finish under intense pressure from multiple Bushey players.
The match finished 1-3, another quarter final reached. The boys had stayed calm, backed their ability and fitness, and proved to themselves that they could turn a challenging situation around to their advantage. Such moments have not always been common for this team and it's very clear today's performance is a big step forward.
There were some very big performances. In goal, Elboukhari didn't put a foot or glove wrong, Crucefix and Manning were very solid at the back. Green was a constant offensive threat, Makamian passed it clinically and won multiple free kicks, while Ifeacho and Silva were in top form and a great watch. However, MoM was shared between Montgomery and Pop, who dominated the midfield with energy, physicality and simple but, highly effective passing; plaudits to them both.
A job well done and the boys return to Bushey next week to face another of their sides, knowing 3 points will breathe life into their league campaign.
_
U15 girls had a very long away trip to face Little Canfield Stars in what was to be a very good game but essentially two points dropped for us.
The girls started really well and were straight on the front foot and attacking Stars, the front 3 of Lonaldo, G9 & Maisaldinho causing them no end of problems with Aanya, Annie and Poppy N backing them up.
Skippy, Ava, Elsinho & TJ were locking down the Stars' attack with their lovely No8 looking the only threat. The breakthrough was to come down the left flank with the ball delivered into G9 who’s Cruyff turn on the edge of the box bamboozled two Stars defenders, she was then through 1 on 1 with the GK and there was only one result as she smashed the ball home into the top corner for 1-0 the Wood.
The Wood's pressure was causing the Stars' defence to creak with the game being played solely in the home team's half, surely the 2nd goal would come that our girls' domination deserved but it didn’t and half time approached.
Yvie, Riss, Abi & Amie entered the fray and bought their own sense of urgency and class and there looked like only one winner of this game! Canfield to their credit never gave up and got an equaliser from a corner we didn’t deal with for 1-1
.
The game was more tense now and our flowing football wasn’t quite clicking, we needed a moment of class to get back into the lead. Up stepped Skippy & Elsinho, from a free kick just in our half. Skippy noticed the Stars' very high line and played a precision pass 40yds into the space behind the Stars' left back where Elsinho met it in her stride before baring down on the excellent Stars' keeper and burying her effort into the bottom corner for 2-1 Wood and back into a well deserved lead !
A mention must be made to the excellent Stars' keeper who kept her side in the tie today making at least 3 saves from gilt edged goal scoring opportunities. Wood's pressure kept up but the unthinkable was to happen with a long ball over the top; we lost the foot race and a high looping cross beat everyone and fortuitously landed at the Stars' striker's feet for the simplest of tap-ins: 2-2.
A frantic 10 mins was to follow with the girls throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the Stars' defence and this is when their GK earned her money making many goal saving saves. There was also a penalty shout for two fouls on G9 in the box but the ref didn’t see them.
-
On a foggy autumn morning, wet underfoot but destined for glory, the mighty Borehamwood 2000 U11 Girls hosted friendly rivals 'Croxley Green' in what can only be described as a battle of heart, skill, and pure determination. Led out proudly by captain Maisie, whose beaming smile set the tone, Borehamwood took to the pitch focused, fearless, and full of fire.
From the moment the referee’s whistle cut through the air, Borehamwood launched into an expansive, attacking 3 strikers, 1 midfielder and 2 defenders formation designed to stretch the visitors. Daisy wasted no time, tearing down the right wing and whipping in a dangerous early cross - one of many trademark deliveries to come.
At the back, Borehamwood were a fortress. Sienna produced a crucial goal-mouth clearance after a rare Croxley break, while Tippi was a defensive revelation, outpacing attackers, timing tackles perfectly, and launching pinpoint passes that turned defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Her composure set the tone for the entire squad.
Daisy’s relentless wing play caused chaos, sending cross after cross into the danger zone. Elsie came close after one skidded off the slick turf, and Juniper added to Croxley’s growing concern with a powerful long-range effort that whizzed just wide.
Croxley, to their credit, had their moments. Their best chance came as two strikers closed in on Olivia, who showed extraordinary bravery by diving at their feet to smother the ball earning a roar of appreciation from the home crowd.
With Xyla’s introduction in midfield, energy surged again. Her sharp passing linked beautifully with Elsie and Juniper, while Gracie’s lightning pace down the flank left Croxley spinning as she carved up the wing.
SECOND HALF
Daisy blasted a long range shot, that was just wide after a sweeping move through the Borehamwood squad. Croxley quickly turned from defenders to attackers, but Juniper tracked all the way back from attack to produce a vital clearance. This effort epitomising the work rate of the entire squad. Moments later, Croxley sent in a dangerous corner, but Borehamwood swept it away and launched a blistering counter through Daisy down the wing. Then came the magic. Elsie picked up the loose ball on the right, drove into a tight angle and BOOM, fired home a stunning finish to thunderous cheers. Before the girls could get their breath back, Daisy once again delivered a peach of a cross. Elsie took two controlled touches, lifted her head, picked her spot and buried her second of the match. The celebrations said it all: as every one of her teammates engulfed her with hugs and high fives. This is a team bound by spirit and joy.
Croxley refused to fade, forcing Emily into a heroic save as she clutched a fierce shot with calm assurance. Emily’s distribution launched more attacks, with Juniper twice coming agonisingly close to adding a third.
The Borehamwood faithful could be heard for miles with loud, proud and relentless cheers of encouragement, acted as the team’s unofficial eighth player, pushing the girls to the final whistle.
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
Opposition POM: Elsie – For her wizard-like footwork, creative brilliance, and two sublime goals.
Borehamwood POM: Tippi – A defensive powerhouse with unmatched determination, reading of the game, and fearless clearances.
This wasn’t just a performance - it was a statement. A showcase of teamwork, resilience, and belief. Every player contributed. Every player shone. Every player should walk away bursting with pride. This is the Borehamwood we all love. Full of heart, passion and a spirit that cannot be matched.