U18 Boys faced a stern challenge in the quarter finals of the Senior League Cup, playing Harpenden Jaguars away on astro after ceding home advantage in an effort to play the game amidst the endless rain. An older team and having already beaten 1st division opposition this season, some Harpenden players drove to the match themselves and many would have suited a basketball team, so prodigious was their height. Our boys knew what was coming and had trained specifically for this in the week, trying to improve a developing area of our game against the long ball.
Proudly led out by Captain Ifeacho, the Wood started superbly, every player on the park totally focused and putting in a big shift to dominate the opening stanzas. An early lead was taken after good build-up play was capped by Silva firing home, and at this stage the boys were dealing really well with the long balls and throws.
However, Harpenden were to equalize and then go 2-1 in front with two quickfire goals from corners that were not just defended competently. The Wood responded quickly, Montgomery curling home a delicious, driven effort with the outside of his right boot and the half seemed destined to end a draw, which may have been fair. Another major defensive Wood lapse was lurking though and the home side profited to take the lead 3-2.
It’s very difficult to keep coming back when goals are conceded so cheaply but, the half time team talk focused on the excellent performances that were being produced by all the players, even those who slipped up at times. Belief was still strong and the boys never gave up thinking they could turn things around, which was key to everything on the day.
The second half saw three top quality Wood goals, the outstanding Ifeacho with the first, surging through to bury home skilfully from an acute angle. Thereafter, top scorer Silva went through the gears. After being released by Fearon-Mcdonnell, who was influential and committed for the entire match, Silva danced and jinxed around what seemed like the entire home side, scoring two stunning goals that really only he is capable of producing, and taking his season’s tally to an incredible 17 already.
Harpenden were not done though and the long balls kept coming with massive units ready to profit. The Wood invited this further with decisions that increased the pressure, failing to clear on many occasions and failing to get distance on those they did get away. The home team scored for 4-5 and then with 10 minutes to go, made it 5-5, with the final whistle blowing soon after.
A roller-coaster match went to penalties, some hands went up to volunteer and those brave players led the Wood’s charge. After the first Wood pen narrowly missed, Makamian settled the nerves, his excellent penalty followed by equally impressive and ultra-cool efforts from Carlow, Manning, Silva, Fearon-Mcdonnell, Hones and Crucefix, while keeper Elboukhari stepped up to the plate by pulling off two unbelievable saves from the very top- drawer to put the Wood on the brink of a famous win. Zefi stepped forward, so calm, so focused, and placed his effort perfectly into the corner, before ripping of his shirt in ecstasy and disappearing under the jumps and hugs of his delirious team-mates!
Despite the formidable ask, the boys had shown discipline in their preparation for this match, allowing them to produce a very good performance across the board. They never gave up when things were hard, they never stopped believing and that allowed them to find a way to a great victory. We continue to try and improve the areas we are weakest at presently, but, so much has been learnt and the lads reward now is a semi final of a major cup in 2026.
Everyone was really good and did their bit, but, Collier was particularly massive in midfield, winning countless headers and tackles. MoM was shared between Silva, producing his best when it mattered in attack, and by Carlow at the back. Returning from injury, he put in a huge performance at centre back, winning countless headers and tackles, making even more clearances and most pleasing of all, displaying decision making of the highest order. The final word goes to Marshall, ready to support whenever asked but, who didn't see action on the day due to the tightness of the match. He supported his team-mates to the hilt nevertheless and embodies the Wood spirit to put the team ahead of the individual.
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Our U16 Boys fired in an outstanding 4-1 home victory against Dunstable Town that saw them streak to the top of Division 3. The boys are in red hot form and a win next week against Wheathampsted Jaguars will see them finish 2025 in top spot, ready to mount a massive honours charge on multiple fronts in 2026!
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On a damp December morning, Borehamwood 2000 U11 Girls welcomed a formidable Enfield Town Ladies side, a team that had handed us a tough outing the last time we met. This time, however, the story would be very different. Led out proudly by captain Gracie, the girls parked any lingering fears and stepped onto the pitch brimming with confidence, bound together by an unmistakable “I’ve got your back” mentality.
From the opening whistle Borehamwood were off like rockets. Slick passing and intelligent movement saw the strike force link up beautifully, with Polly pulling the strings in midfield. A perfectly weighted ball out wide found Gracie, who slipped Elsie through on goal, her shot flashing inches wide in an early warning to Enfield.
Borehamwood dominated possession and territory. A free kick on the edge of the area saw Elsie step up once more, her powerful strike just shaving past the post. Enfield showed flashes of threat with long, powerful efforts of their own, but Borehamwood had firepower too. Tippi unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that cannoned back off the post, leaving both teams and spectators holding their breath.
The pressure continued to build. Daisy’s introduction on the wing injected fresh energy as she delivered cross after cross. Juniper met one with a well-timed run but saw her shot drift narrowly wide. A goal felt inevitable.
At the other end, Enfield broke through briefly, but Sienna was immense, timing her tackle to perfection and launching a pinpoint clearance that sparked a rapid counterattack. That move led to a corner, and from Juniper’s delivery, Elsie was on hand to slot home the Wood's opening goal.
Enfield responded with determination, testing Olivia with a fierce shot from a tight angle. Olivia read it brilliantly, producing a superb diving save at the near post. The halftime whistle blew with Borehamwood full of belief and confident they had more to give.
The second half saw Emily take over in goal, and she immediately announced herself with a smart save under pressure. Her powerful kick sent Borehamwood back on the attack. In midfield, Xyla was outstanding, shielding the ball expertly and distributing out wide to keep Borehamwood moving forward.
Gracie’s driving runs forced another corner, and from Elsie’s ferocious delivery the ball ricocheted off an Enfield defender and into the net. Borehamwood celebrated with joy, but also with respect, mindful of the emotions an own goal can bring.
Confidence now flowed through the team. Daisy terrorised the Enfield defence, taking on player after player and unlucky not to score with a long-range effort. Polly returned after a short rest and instantly made her presence felt, charging through the heart of the Enfield defence. A scramble in the box fell to Gracie, who calmly nestled the ball over the line. Her smile truly off the Richter scale.
Defensively, Tippi and Sienna were outstanding, forming an unbreakable partnership that seemed almost telepathic. Juniper continued her tireless effort, weaving through defenders and forcing a good save as Borehamwood piled on the pressure, spurred on by an enthusiastic crowd.
The fourth goal was a moment of quality. In the midst of a crowded box, Polly showed superb control, a sharp turn, and unleashed a blistering finish. The goal was special, though the celebrations, complete with dancing, were even better.
A late penalty gave Daisy the chance to add another, and although her powerful strike was well saved by an in-form Enfield keeper, Borehamwood’s spirits never dipped. As Enfield pushed hard in the final moments, Borehamwood dug deep. A last-gasp corner created heart-stopping tension, but with Daisy and Juniper tracking back and Sienna clearing decisively, the danger was finally gone.
The final whistle sparked sheer joy. Borehamwood were ecstatic - not just with the result, but with the performance. Fear had been replaced by belief from the very first kick, tackle, pass, and save. This was a team that played for each other, fought for every blade of grass, and delivered an outstanding performance from start to finish.