Led out by top goal scorer Elsie, the girls formed a pre-match huddle that said it all. Focused faces, fired up, ready for battle. From the first whistle, you could see the determination.
Our attacking trio of Elsie, Juniper and Gracie wasted no time. Gracie immediately took control, spraying the ball wide to Elsie who overlapped with purpose, charging down the wing before a Bury defender just managed to block her effort. It was end-to-end football from the start.
Bury threatened early, but Olivia in goal showed outstanding awareness, racing off her line to close down danger and prevent what could easily have been the opener. Her reading of the game was exceptional all afternoon, even clearing confidently outside her box when called upon.
In defence, Tippi’s powerful left foot became a weapon. Her precise clearances not only relieved pressure but earned praise from the opposition coach — and rightly so. Alongside her, the back line stood firm whenever Bury tried to break.
In midfield, Maisie was everywhere. Covering every blade of grass, winning the ball, driving forward and picking out intelligent passes, she set the tempo. One surging run ended with her finding Elsie, who dazzled down the wing only to see her shot drift narrowly wide.
Juniper showcased her skill next, winning the race from a Bury goal kick and weaving through defenders before just missing the target. The pressure was building.
Changes brought fresh energy. Polly slotted into midfield seamlessly and Sienna strengthened the defence. Gracie tracked back tirelessly, battling for every ball and threading a perfect pass to Juniper, whose shot forced a save. Borehamwood were knocking on the door.
The breakthrough came in style. Gracie twisted and turned through the centre, lifted her head and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Elsie, who calmly slotted home. Deadlock broken.
Confidence surged. Elsie turned provider with a powerful run and layoff to Polly, whose shot was saved. Soon after, Gracie again unlocked the defence, finding Elsie on the wing. This time Elsie smashed home her second. Borehamwood were in control.
Even when Bury added an extra player and the game shifted to 7 vs 8, Borehamwood didn’t panic. Amber’s cool head and superb first touch steadied everything at the back. She and Sienna worked brilliantly together, covering and communicating with maturity beyond their years.
From a Juniper corner, Maisie met the ball sweetly on the half-volley and fired home a goal that sent the crowd wild. Polly then powered through the defence with strength and pace to add another, her smile afterwards almost as brilliant as the finish.
The final stages saw experimentation and confidence flowing. Sienna pushed forward onto the right wing and looked completely at home, timing her runs perfectly and whipping dangerous balls into the box. Elsie chased her hat-trick relentlessly, while Tippi delivered pinpoint corners. In the dying moments, a flurry of shots from Maisie and Gracie were denied by an inspired Bury keeper.
When the final whistle blew, cheers echoed around the pitch. This was a statement.
The girls played with heart, intelligence and teamwork. They controlled the tempo, trusted each other and moved the ball with precision. After two difficult results, they showed resilience, belief and togetherness.
Opposition Player of the Match: Tippi for her dominant clearances and perfectly timed tackles.
Borehamwood Player of the Match: Maisie for her relentless energy, intelligent passing and a well-taken goal.
A thoroughly brilliant performance. The determination to turn a flat spell into a performance full of character and quality. This is what Borehamwood 2000 are all about.
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U15 girls had a home game vs Ware this morning, we had to switch pitches and hire an Astro pitch as Pursley was submerged!!
We have played Ware many times over the years and always managed to come out on top.
This is a New Ware set up though and they had other ideas for today’s game. With a strong wind in our faces and sideways rain the first half it was going to be tough.
Ware didn’t disappoint and the first 10-15 minutes was a real test as they moved the ball really well and looked very dangerous. The back five consisted of Emily in goal with Yvie and TJ at fullback, with Ava & Riss at CB who had to work really hard against a lively and dangerous Ware forward line.
Our midfield five of skipper Annie, PoppN schemer Aanya and wide players of Maise and Elsie were struggling to get to grips with the Ware movement initially but grew into the game. We were still creating chances though and Gabby had a couple of half chances as did Elsie cutting in off her wing.
We had an excellent bench today with Lo’s and Abi & Amie joining us for the day from the U16’s. These 3 came on after 20 mins and helped to wrestle the game back in our favour, Abi & Amie’s experience playing up a year holding them in good stead. We started to play the game in Ware’s half only allowing them the occasional break.
We really should have gone in a couple of goals up at half time but we didn’t take any of the numerous chances the girls created in what turned out to be a fantastic half of football played by both teams. The message at half time was much of the same please but could we move the ball quicker to the wings with maybe one less touch as we had a lot of joy from there particularly from Elsie in the first half.
The girls went out with a point to prove and we were soon 1 up through G9 as she got her 31st of the season. The goal definitely gave the girls a sense of freedom and an ability to relax a fraction, and then start playing even better football. These girls would soon get another from a corner from Lonaldo played in low where G9 met it at the front stick and curled it into the net! 2-0 the Wood.
Ware definitely didn’t recover well from conceding the goals, our girls grew into the game and none more so than Gabby who scored a marvellous 3rd goal. Starting some 30yds out from goal she went on a mazy slalom run beating at least 3 Ware players, she then rounded the keeper and with a composed finish she places the ball in the net, cue wild celebrations from the whole team at this truly marvellous solo effort ! The celebrations also had something to do with finally taking the game away from Ware after they had been a very good opponent.
With 10 to go the game looked over but Ware kept fighting and never gave up, with 5 mins to go G9 would make it 4-0 with another smart finish past the keeper and the despairing defenders. 4-0 final score.