U16 Boys put in an excellent squad performance today. Questions were asked last game about attitude but the boys showed it was a small blip. At 0 0, a penalty was awarded to Nascot Wood only for Pointer to pull off a wonder save to deny the forward!
The Wood dominated for large periods and took a well deserved lead just before half time when a clearance fell to the edge of the box to Wilson, who finished with a thunderous effort into the top corner.
In the second half it was all Wood pressure and chances were going begging until Sheppard broke the offside trap and found Gilsenan at the back post to wrap the game up 0-2.
A special mention to Lennard up front for his relentless running and pressure up top, so unlucky not to score, and also for MoM Fernando who was a class above at the back.
Back to the top of the league with 7 games to go!
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U18 Boys faced Harpenden Buccaneers in the league on a heavy surface at Pursley. Confidence should have been high after some good performances recently but, the boys seemed inhibited in the warm-up and there didn’t appear to be a great belief in themselves or what they needed to do to get a result.
As to be expected, the start wasn’t great and Harpenden looked much stronger and more focused as they laid siege to the Wood goal, spurning several good chances and seeing keeper Marshall push one on to the crossbar as the Wood’s players drifted in and out of the game. In return Ifeacho’s powerful run and finish was saved by the away keeper who was then beaten all ends up by Makamian’s excellent effort from Green’s corner, the ball cannoning off the post to safety. Shortly after, Montgomery’s creative pass saw Makamian drill another shot goal bound, the away keeper saving low this time.
Pop’s introduction saw an increased output in midfield and the Wood were now on the front foot, with Green setting away Silva whose long range effort was thwarted by another good save. However, Harpenden were to take the lead after too much space was afforded on the edge of the box, and though Carlow blocked the first one well, their player had two bites of the cherry and found the net.
A second followed almost immediately after a cross wasn’t dealt with, the Harpenden player out numbered 3 to 1 but, still able to steal in unnoticed. Then a third after a slightly fortuitous bounce and the Wood had another mountain to climb, once again mostly of their own making.
To their great credit, the boys responded so well second half, a resolve and determination about them that simply wasn’t there at the start of the match. They rolled up their sleeves, put in a massive shift and dominated the half against their older opponents with the best of the chances seeing Ifeacho almost turn in the away keeper’s clearance and Silva fire narrowly over from Elboukhari’s massive goal kick. At the back, Elboukhari was to produce a stunning penalty stop to ensure Harpenden did not score again and Carlow also stopped a certain goal with a last gasp touch, to add to the aerial dominance he’s developing.
The game drew to a close with Makamian feeding Silva, his powerful drive palmed on to the crossbar by the keeper, then roles were reversed with Makamian just unable to turn in Silva’s cross. The final whistle blew and pride was restored.
The game saw several very good performances with Montgomery, Makamian, Green and Silva particularly impressing and giving it everything throughout while Manning put in an excellent display in several positions, showing what a talented and adaptable player he is.
MoM went to Elboukhari for a second half clean sheet that he contributed much to securing.
The squad moves on, mid-table having stumbled against all those teams above us, but, too good for those below us. The boys can do it against the better teams though and already do so for long periods, but, they have to prove they can deliver performances and results over the whole 90 minutes. Greater focus and desire, particularly at the start of matches will hopefully see that materialise in time.
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Today the U15 girls had a first round home draw in the Junior League Cup vs our friends from Ickenham Youth Raptors.
The game started really well for the girls with constant pressure on the away team goal; we managed the breakthrough when G9 got her first of another fine hat trick on the day.
G9’s second was an outstanding finish from this young lady and very reminiscent of the great R9; she picked the ball up just inside the opposition half and her first touch took her past and away from her marker, then a foot race and Gabby was soon into the box, then composure and a deft finish curled low and past the despairing keeper into the bottom corner! Pure quality and a joy to watch; Gabby has already reached 30 goals this season and we are not in February yet!
Maisie was in the mood and was not going be kept quiet, she helped herself to 4 goals with two outstanding finishes one into the roof of the net from an angle and another beating the keeper from 25yds!
Skipper Annie also got on the scoreboard with a screamer from outside the box that almost broke the net! This was the icing on the cake for our skipper in another dominant midfield masterclass.
Twin sister Elsinho hit a brace cutting in from the left flank after swapping wings, two absolute screamers that flew into the top corners. This girl’s dancing feet are a joy to behold, always a goal threat and now adding assists weekly to her game; Elsie is having a stellar season!
Our midfield schemer Aanya wouldn’t be denied a goal either, after helping create so many, a switch to right midfield helped her drift into the box unnoticed and get a shot off across the goal and past the keeper.
We made lots of changes today with our defence going up front and our forwards playing at the back for most of the second half. Yvie was POM today as she didn’t put a foot wrong, no pass astray, no tackle missed, aided by Ava & Riss with TJ as rock solid as ever on the left.
Ava and TJ both nearly got on the scoresheet today and deserved a goal for their performances. We finished the game with Lonaldo, our left wing maestro, marshalling the back line and showing her football brain across 5 different positions.
A massive shout out to the Ickenham girls who even at 11-0 never gave up, they are a credit to themselves and their club
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The mighty Borehamwood 2000 U11 Girls travelled to friendly rivals Croxley Green and were met with a warm and welcoming reception. Led proudly onto the pitch by captain Sienna, Borehamwood looked focused, confident, and ready for battle.
From the very first whistle, Borehamwood exploded into life. Making immediate use of the wide areas, the wingers were involved straight away. On the left, Gracie threaded a perfectly weighted ball through to Elsie, whose powerful shot was brilliantly denied by the Croxley goalkeeper. It was an early sign of things to come.
The heartbeat of the team sat in midfield, where Maisie worked tirelessly, driving the team forward while tracking back to support the defence whenever needed. The ball soon found its way to Daisy on the right. Showing real intent, Daisy sped down the wing, cut inside, and unleashed a fierce long-range effort, once again matched by an outstanding save from the Croxley keeper, who was quickly becoming a thorn in Borehamwood’s side.
Croxley had moments where they threatened to break through the middle, but Tippi stood tall and strong, reading the game superbly. With one powerful clearance, she delivered a pinpoint pass straight into the path of Elsie. Elsie controlled the ball well, drifted wide, and delivered a dangerous cross that was unlucky not to find a teammate in the box.
A few changes injected fresh energy into the game. Juniper entered the pitch on the left wing and made an immediate impact, weaving in and out of the Croxley defence, lifting her head and always looking to find a teammate. Xyla added pace and determination, announcing her arrival with a crunching tackle just moments after stepping onto the pitch.
It was all Borehamwood. Wave after wave of attack tested the Croxley defence, but their goalkeeper was in inspired form. Polly, now in central midfield, skillfully dribbled past defenders and fired off a close-range shot, yet again denied by a stunning save. Undeterred, Borehamwood kept pushing. Daisy turned provider this time, whipping in a perfect ball for Elsie, whose shot was once more saved.
The half-time whistle blew, and despite the scoreline not reflecting their dominance, there was an overwhelming sense of belief and confidence within the Borehamwood camp.
The second half picked up exactly where the first left off, with Borehamwood hogging possession and pressing high up the pitch. Elsie continued to be a constant headache for Croxley, striking the side netting within minutes of the restart.
With tactical tweaks, Gracie moved into midfield while Polly pushed into a more attacking role on the left. Gracie quickly found Elsie, who took on two defenders with impressive footwork before blasting a long shot that cannoned back off the post—yet another moment where luck refused to favour Borehamwood. A scramble followed, earning Borehamwood a corner. Juniper stepped up, drilling the ball to the edge of the box, where Elsie’s effort flew just over.
Croxley showed flashes of quality, especially when finding space on the break. One such moment saw them close in on Emily in goal. One-on-one, there was only going to be one winner, and it was Emily, who pulled off a superb sprawling save to push the ball away for a corner.
From that corner came the defining moment of the match. An eagle-eyed Daisy collected the ball on the right as it zipped through the box. Showing incredible pace and determination, she raced the length of the pitch, cut inside, nutmegged a defender with sublime skill, and calmly picked her spot to blast home a brilliant, well-deserved goal for Borehamwood. The crowd went wild.
At the back, captain Sienna led by example, controlling the ball with confidence and composure. Growing with every game, she showed she is not only strong defensively but also a skilful player capable of opening up play and driving the team forward.
Borehamwood continued to press. Daisy picked the ball up from the halfway line and surged down the wing once more, unleashing another long-range effort that was again saved.
In the final five minutes, Elsie produced a moment of pure magic. Skill that would have made Maradona proud and left Paul Daniels utterly bemused. Twisting and turning past three Croxley players with the ball seemingly glued to her feet, she fired off a shot that was somehow kept out by the outstanding Croxley keeper. Croxley were not finished, forcing Emily into two more excellent saves in the dying moments.
Results matter in the immediate aftermath, but performances are what lasts and this was a shining display of teamwork, grit, determination, and belief.
Player of the Match: Elsie – for being a constant attacking threat
Opposition Player of the Match: Juniper – for her work rate and never-say-die attitude