Our U18 Boys faced Wheathampsted in the League Cup Semi Final knowing a win would propel them to a level not reached previously at our club. The draw was a good one too, the boys having bested their 2nd division opponents 4-8 earlier in the season, Wheathampsted also coming off a heavy loss last week against an opponent the Wood had beaten to reach this tie.
All of that is just an indicator, of course, with what a team does on the day being the only thing that ultimately matters and, sadly, it was Wheathampsted not the Wood who were prepared to give everything in this match.
The Wood started on the back foot, uncomfortable on the ball and lacking energy to compete. Poor play saw the early concession of a corner that was allowed to flash across the goal when a routine clearance should’ve been made. Somehow Wheathampsted didn’t profit but, the warning was there and not heeded and it was only Makamian’s tracking back that stopped another certain goal after what already seemed like yet another defensive header missed after just 10 minutes.
It was 15 minutes in before the Wood got it down and played with an almost instant return; Silva’s scorching volley being well held by the keeper after Collier, Makamian and Ifeacho had combined to supply him. Soon after, Montgomery and the excellent Manning exchanged passes nicely to feed Green, whose shot was saved. Elboukhari was then forced into what can only be described as a genuinely world class save, somehow keeping out a fierce drive that seemed sure to hit the net after the Wood marker had fallen asleep.
This before another outstanding leap kept out another home effort destined for the net.
After making a welcome and long awaited return from injury, the introduction of Fan in midfield provided grit and quality that was sorely missing, immediately completing a crunching tackle and snapshot that almost caught the home keeper out. Soon after Fan tested the keeper again after good link-up play between Montgomery and Makamian, while Crucefix’s free kick was to sail just over after Silva was fouled.
The Wood were in the ascendency with Makamian really firing now, linking up beautifully with McGuinness to release Silva at point blank range, the home team fortunate that his effort was at the keeper this time, followed soon after by a curled shot narrowly wide after more good play, this time from Makamian and Montgomery.
With half time nearing, however, the Wood failed to stop a routine cross when favourite to do so. There was little danger in any case, but, the ball was sadly steered into the away net. That smarted but, with cools heads and a determination to avoid a repeat, this was not an insurmountable blow. What followed was anything but though, with the Wood very fortuitously avoiding the concession of a penalty after a lazy challenge and then going 2 down anyway, the Wood’s defence bystanders as Wheathampsted filled their boots.
Out second half and an early goal was crucial and it should have come, Silva’s stunning cross narrowly steered wide of the goal by Song after good movement from him to get there. Shortly after a loose pass backwards and a weak attempt to tackle gifted the home side a third, and only two minutes later, another missed header saw a 4th go in.
To avoid a cricket score, the Wood re-jigged and finished the game salvaging some pride, with Ifeacho excellent at centre half. Two goals came from players that never gave up, Fan assisting Green who finished in style, and then Silva taking a high ball from Elboukhari before slotting with great composure for number 22 of the season. A comeback threatened for a while but, there was too much to do and the boys went out 4-2.
It says much that MoM went to outstanding keeper Elboukhari and it’s a tough pill to swallow when only a handful of Wood players perform to their levels, putting in the necessary shift and quality required for a game of this magnitude. The goals conceded on the day were very poor and the amount of balls and challenges missed in central midfield and especially defence could never provide the foundation for a win, despite scoring twice away from home. Meanwhile, the Wheathampsted players were outstanding to a man, raised their games massively from the very first minute and were fully deserving of the win and the great and historic day out they have earned for themselves and their club.
Some of the lads delivered today and can be proud of their efforts, but, with more games and big occasions coming thick and fast, all the boys will get further chances soon to prove that they can also be counted on when it matters and that big games should be greeted with confidence and boldness for success, rather than the jumpy nerves and whimpers that always serve up failure. If more understand and master that, then those great rewards may just come our way one day too?
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Borehamwood 2000 U11 Girls travelled to Stevenage determined to put last week’s defeat firmly behind them, and from the moment the whistle blew it was clear they were buzzing and ready for the challenge. With Gracie wearing the captain’s armband, the team stepped onto the pitch full of energy for what would turn out to be a thrilling match not for the faint-hearted. Truly a game of two halves.
The first half was dominated by Borehamwood, who controlled possession and dictated the tempo. Sienna, usually a rock in defence, showed her versatility by stepping into midfield. Almost immediately she made an impact, playing a superb ball out wide to Gracie on the wing, who was unlucky not to deliver a cross to Elsie waiting in a prime position in the box. At the back, Tippi and Amber worked brilliantly together. Tippi’s power and pace allowed her to open up play and link the ball forward to the strikers, while Amber showcased excellent footwork with perfectly timed tackles and calm control on the ball. Amber linked up particularly well with Daisy on the right, and one flowing move saw Daisy thread the ball through the middle to Elsie, only for the Scarlets defence to block at the very last moment.
Scarlets briefly shocked the Borehamwood supporters when they broke free, but Olivia in goal read the danger superbly and raced out of her box to make a vital clearance. Moments later she was called into action again, pouncing like a cat at the feet of a Scarlet attacker to deny another goal attempt. It was a reminder that even when dominating, you can never get comfortable. Scarlets threatened once more, but this time Tippi produced a tremendous goalmouth clearance, finding Sienna in midfield, who again switched play out to Gracie — the pair proving a perfect partnership down the wing.
Fresh legs soon arrived as Juniper came on as striker and Maisie entered midfield. Borehamwood’s attacking trio of Elsie, Juniper and Daisy began linking up beautifully, spreading play across the width of the pitch. Finally the deadlock was broken. Amber found Daisy in space and she confidently struck the ball from around 20 yards out, catching the Scarlets keeper off guard and nutmegging her to give Borehamwood a deserved lead.
The goal lifted the whole team and Borehamwood quickly doubled their advantage. Tippi unleashed a powerful long-range effort which the Scarlets keeper could only fumble, and Elsie reacted fastest to slot home the rebound. The crowd were going wild. Borehamwood were flying with confidence and had clearly figured out how to break through the Scarlets defence. Soon after, Tippi tried her luck again with another long shot. Once again the power proved too much for the keeper to handle and Elsie was perfectly placed to smash home her second goal of the game. Borehamwood were relentless, with Daisy narrowly missing the target with another long-range attempt. Amber then displayed more excellent skill, working the ball out of a tight angle and finding Maisie in midfield just before the whistle blew for half-time.
The second half saw a tactical reshuffle. Sienna dropped back into defence alongside Tippi, while the engine room of the team belonged to Maisie in midfield. A change in goal saw Emily take over the gloves. Sienna was quickly drawn into a physical battle at the back, while Gracie continued powering down the right wing, though one dangerous cross toward Elsie was well blocked by the Scarlets defence. At the other end Emily produced a brilliant save, diving across the goal to stop a low, powerful shot.
The Scarlets clearly had an inspiring half-time team talk because they returned firing on all cylinders. A suddenly energised Scarlets side pushed forward relentlessly and Borehamwood had to adapt quickly. Maisie dropped deeper to support the defence, while both wingers tracked back to help protect the lead, leaving Elsie ready up front for any counter-attack opportunities. Daisy produced some remarkable dribbling down the wing and took a knock for her efforts, forcing her to retire from todays game.
Borehamwood relied on their strength at the back to clear the ball toward the wings and relieve pressure. Juniper nearly added another goal when she battled brilliantly through the middle of the park, her pace leaving defenders behind as she raced through one-on-one with the keeper. Unfortunately her shot was well saved.
As the match entered the final five minutes the tension was high among the Wood Army supporters. Scarlets launched one final push for goal, but Sienna calmly cleared the danger. Moments later, to the huge relief of Borehamwood, the final whistle blew on an intense contest.
It truly was a game of two halves. Borehamwood dominated the first period with confident attacking football, while full credit must go to the Scarlets for their determined second-half performance.
Player of the Match went to Olivia for her heroic goalkeeping in the first half and the confidence she showed making game-changing clearances outside her box.
Opposition Player of the Match went to Daisy for her relentless attacking play and a stream of accurate crosses that kept the Scarlets defence under constant pressure.