After taking on top of the table Harpenden last weekend, our U18 Boys faced Tring in a double header at Pursley. The boys moved through the divisions over the years precisely to measure themselves against the very best grassroots teams and as recently crowned Herts FA County champions, Tring are just that, and an older team to boot.
The Wood are a different animal now though and playing full of confidence, with effective players in all the starting positions taking the game to Tring and flooding them with a tight press, committed tackles, sharp interceptions, towering headers and clinical passes. Collier was first to sting the away keeper’s hands with a well struck shot before keeper Elboukhari pulled of an amazing one on one save the other end. Fearon-Mcdonnell enjoying another excellent match released Silva with a fine pass, his shot just wide after a mazy dribble, with Fan’s determined play shortly after seeing Silva’s next shot well saved.
The boys really deserved a goal and then the breakthrough came. Fan and Collier were very good indeed all game long and again won their duels allowing Fearon-McDonnell to poke through another perceptive pass to Silva. His good effort was saved but, the on-rushing Makamian, brushing off a nose bleed to enjoy an excellent half, sorted his feet out very well, sweeping the ball home instantly for his 6th of the season and an important one too, giving the Wood a 1-0 lead they took into half time.
The boys came out second half and carried on where they left off, taking the game to their opponents who were being locked out by the immense Ifeacho with defensive play of the highest order. With just 10 minutes to go and the team cruising, MoM Carlow, so committed and giving everything at the back, completed another massive challenge resulting in a finger injury that needed treatment. In just a matter of seconds while this was administered, Lady Luck deserted the Wood with an away penalty from a challenge that really should not have been made given the Wood cover that was available.
Handed a lifeline, Tring surged with confidence and took full advantage by scoring another straight after while the team’s focus was still wavering: a long throw flicked on, allowed to bounce and fired home. The game ended shortly after and despite being by far the better side, the Wood had nothing for all their good play and hard work.
Rallied at the break, the boys took to the field for the second match determined to go again, and once again they took the lead. Manning, enjoying a very effective and assured match, started it, winning a header, with the dynamic Wood midfield of Zefi, Fan, Collier and Green combined beautifully to present Silva with a chance he gobbled up, slotting home calmy for 1-0.
Despite continuing to try hard, the absence of Ifeacho at the back through injury was not ideal and Tring raided forward to score again, disappointing as Fan had made a huge initial header which should have allowed the danger to pass. The defensive shape was stretched now and Tring’s striker broke clean through leaving Elboukhari with no real option but, to take him down. The penalty was scored and then a pass out wide into the middle with danger written all over it was intercepted and worked into the goal for 1-3, the Wood’s defensive cover missing as their guy fired home under no pressure.
The boys then showed so much character to battle back with MoM Silva, tremendous all day, scoring two wonderful goals to take his tally to a mind-boggling 25 for the season. With the Leverstock Green 1st team manager in attendance as the club’s guest, it was a good time to do so. Zefi and Fan working so hard all match won possession for Collier, also enjoying another monstrous game up front. His slide-rule pass released Silva who held off four away defenders to slot home with cold-blooded ease. That was just the starter though as main course was to follow 10 minutes later, Collier again winning the ball for Crucefix to ping a class ball high and forward. Silva effortlessly pulled it out the sky with his left foot, instantly slotting home with his right thereafter; a world class finish for 3-3!
The final half commenced and saw everyone drained from an intense work-out, the game see-sawing as a winner was sought. The boys fought like lions but, it must be said that on the day, the Wood didn’t enjoy the best of luck and the game was decided late by an away strike that wasn’t really worthy of it.
That’s how it goes sometimes but, what the boys did do however, was give up a year to the best side in Herts’ grassroots football and push them right to the edge of their limits. We’re proud of that and go again next week against them in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, fearing nothing, knowing we can do it and just needing a little more focus in the defensive areas to pull it off. Belief is back and strong in this Wood side and our time will come.
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U15 Girls climb to 5th in their Division 1 table with a super 6-0 win at home to Little Canfield.
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Their older peers, our U16 Girls, are up to third in Division 1 with an excellent double header victory against Harefield, with two shorter matches played back-to-back at The Wood’s home ground, Pursley. Under bright sunshine, the teams served up two highly competitive and closely contested games that showcased determination, resilience, and quality football throughout
Borehamwood’s defensive unit proved the foundation for success across both fixtures, delivering outstanding performances to keep clean sheets in each game and provide the platform for two hard-earned victories.
In the opening match, The Wood found their rhythm after a steady start as the squad adjusted to a new formation. Despite not displaying their usual fluidity through the lines early on, the girls continued to play positively, winning their individual battles and driving forward with intent. The breakthrough came courtesy of a well-taken finish from Gabriela, before Amie sealed the win in style with a stunning strike — a true banger that capped an excellent team performance. Gabriela’s all-round display earned her Player of the Match honours for Game 1.
The second encounter followed a similar pattern, with both sides battling fiercely in another tight contest. Borehamwood again showed discipline and composure, and it was the ever-reliable Olivia who proved decisive, netting the winning goal to secure victory. Lily B delivered an outstanding performance and was deservedly named Player of the Match for Game 2.
The two sides were promoted together last season, separated by only a point or two, making this weekend’s fixtures particularly meaningful. Their fortunes have diverged this year, however, with Borehamwood climbing to an impressive 3rd place in Division 1, collecting 26 points from 13 games. Harefield may currently sit at the foot of the table with just one win, but their effort, organisation, and commitment across both games showed a side far stronger than league position suggests, and we wish them every success for the remainder of the season.
These victories extend Borehamwood’s unbeaten run to an outstanding 12 games — a remarkable achievement given the high standard of opposition throughout the league.
Attention now turns to a challenging run of league fixtures in April as The Wood look to finish the campaign strongly before preparing for an exciting Cup Final on 9th May. Their place in the final was secured last weekend with a dominant semi-final victory away at Garston Ladies, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable end to the season.
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Meanwhile, under glorious sunshine at the fortress of Bedwell Rangers, Borehamwood 2000 U11 Girls arrived brimming with energy, confidence, and a clear determination to put on a show. Led proudly onto the pitch by Captain Maisie, the Wood Army looked ready from the very first whistle, and they didn’t disappoint.
Like a bullet out of a gun, Borehamwood exploded into action. Early pressure paid off when Elsie burst down the wing and set the tone, narrowly missing the target. At the other end, Emily showed calm composure in goal, confidently gathering the ball during a tense goalmouth scramble before launching a pinpoint kick out wide. Daisy picked it up, whipped in a dangerous cross, and Elsie made no mistake firing home the opener.
The goals kept coming. Elsie turned provider, powering in a cross that Juniper flicked home with a touch of real class. Soon after, Daisy and Juniper combined again. Daisy crossed the ball into the box and a battling Juniper grabbed her second from close range. It was teamwork at its very finest.
In midfield, Polly was tireless, linking play, supporting attacks, and keeping the tempo high. Another Daisy corner found Elsie lurking on the edge of the box, and she wrapped her foot around the ball beautifully to make it five.
Bedwell, aided by an extra player, began to apply pressure, but Borehamwood stood firm. Sienna produced a crucial interception at the far post, while Tippi showed strength and vision, nearly scoring from the halfway line with an audacious effort.
Then came a moment of magic. Daisy unleashed a rocket from just inside the Bedwell half that soared into the top corner. A stunning strike to cap a dominant first half.
The second half continued in the same vein. Elsie completed her hat-trick with a brilliant solo run, while Gracie grew into the game, dazzling defenders with her footwork and pace. Maisie was immense in midfield, a true wall that forced Bedwell into speculative long shots.
Olivia, now between the posts, was outstanding, pulling off save after save, including a brilliant diving stop that looked destined for the net. Polly, dropping into defence, made a crunching tackle that had hearts in mouths but showed her commitment to the cause.
At the final whistle, it was pure joy. High-fives, smiles, and celebrations all around. This wasn’t just about the goals, it was about teamwork, movement, support, and belief. Every player played their part in a truly special performance.
Player of the Match: Elsie – unstoppable in attack with a brilliant hat-trick.
Opposition Player of the Match: Daisy – outstanding crossing and an incredible four goals.