The boys’ WHYL finally kicked off today nearly a month later than planned. The pitches are as dry and hard now as they were then so the reasoning behind this decision is hard to fathom, particularly given the girls have been playing on the same pitches throughout this period. In any case, in their last season together, the Wood’s U18 Boys knew the reduced season meant a fast start was absolutely required as they commenced their Division 1 title challenge against the top Evergeen team.
Pleasingly, the boys did look focused and got at Evergreen early with Silva and Fearon-Mcdonnell testing the capable away keeper who responded with solid saves, and who relied on his defender to clear when Jameson’s classy curved effort was just cleared off the line. Makamian’s flying header from a stunning Silva cross was somehow palmed away but, the early goal was to come regardless as Jameson struck truly again only to be denied by the post, Makamian reacting first to send the ball home via the despairing dives of the away defence.
In defence, Captain Ifeacho was in imperious form, a colossus at the back, joined by the equally outstanding pairing of Carlow and Crucefix; all three centre backs dominating aerially and repelling the away attacks, with keeper Elboukhari in confident and assured form between the sticks.
The Wood needed another goal and it came before half time with the driven and impressive Fan not to be denied when winning a closely contested race to get to Crucefix's excellent pass first and lift it cleanly over the on-rushing keeper and into the empty net. Hones, Song, McGuinness and Collier entered the fray then and their hard running and team ethic ensured the half remained 2-0 to the Wood, with Collier's long range stunner almost slipping under the crossbar for another home goal.
Second half saw a renewed Evergreen hunt down a goal that might have swung things back in their favour and on one rare occasion, a couple of bad decisions at the back saw the concession of a hugely cheap penalty. Evergreen blazed over but, their tails were up and on the dusty, difficult surface, the Wood needed to fight. They did so to a man with the superb Manning leading the charge, Parsons bolstering the left wing soundly and Ryan’s presence in the middle added a much needed heading strength. Everyone was contributing, pressing, tackling, blocking, heading and then piecing together some lovely passing moves which cut through the Evergreen defence at times. Silva seemed to be fouled in the box after another mazy dribble but, Makamian was to have the last word, capping off a really solid game by firing past the away keeper and effectively ending the Evergreen challenge, after Ryan's smart pass had set him away.
With 3 goals scored and a clean sheet, the boys did exactly what they needed to do. The pitch at present is a leveller but, this team of talented players showed they can scrap very hard when required and can be proud of their efforts. MoM went to Ifeacho who was a formidable barrier at the back and largely played very well on the deck too. In fairness, the award could have gone to several of the guys such was the effort made during the game.
We savour a hard fought victory today then are back to training in the week ahead of the County Cup next Sunday and what could be a tough early draw. Either way, the Wood will be ready.
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Our U17 Boys also got off to a great start with a comprehensive 4-1 win at home against St. Albans Central. The lads have strengthened and improved over the summer and are serious contenders for silverware this term.
Meanwhile, our U10 Boys played a cracking match away against Chesham Youth; so much was learnt and absorbed by these young phenoms!
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If ever there was a match that proved football is not always about the final score, this was it.
Borehamwood 2000 U12 Girls travelled to top of the table rivals Croxley Green Youth knowing they would need to be at their very best. Led out by captain Amber, the Wood Army were focused from the very first whistle and produced one of their finest team performances of the season.
Croxley won the toss and kicked off, but it was Borehamwood who immediately took control. An excellent tackle from Amber won possession, the ball was moved into midfield to Katy, who found Elsie. Elsie raced through one on one, but the Croxley goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny her.
Moments later, Elsie unleashed a long range effort which appeared to be floating towards the top right corner, only for another fantastic save to keep Borehamwood off the scoresheet.
Croxley used their goalkeeper's ability to kick the ball beyond halfway to put Borehamwood under pressure, but the defence read the bounces brilliantly. Tippi, playing at centre back, was outstanding, producing well timed clearances and calmly steadying the ship whenever Croxley threatened.
Borehamwood continued to attack. Daisy broke down the right wing and looked to get the ball into the box, while Sienna was an absolute powerhouse at the back. Fierce, determined and completely unwilling to give Croxley an inch, Sienna repeatedly shut down their attacks.
It was all Borehamwood. The possession was there. The chances were there. The pressure was there. The only thing missing was the goal. Then came a rare moment of uncertainty. Croxley won possession and suddenly pushed five players into the Borehamwood half. For a brief moment the Wood Army lost their shape, allowing two or three Croxley players to find space in the box. One well placed finish gave the home side the lead. But this Borehamwood team does not stay down for long. They dusted themselves off, regrouped and went straight back to work.
Tippi produced one of the moments of the match with an outrageous spinning clearance, somehow finding a Borehamwood shirt and turning defence into attack in an instant. Juniper then broke down the left, cutting inside before firing just wide.
Amber, who had already run herself into the ground tracking back and supporting the midfield, made way for Xyla. Xyla immediately used her pace, ran strikers off the pitch, seizing the ball and finding her link up partners in midfield. Borehamwood continued to pass the ball with inch perfect precision, particularly between the midfield and the three forwards.
Elsie found Daisy on the right and Daisy raced down the wing before whipping a dangerous cross into the box. Once again, the Croxley goalkeeper came to her team's rescue.
With Daisy carrying a knock, Gracie came on for the final five to ten minutes of the half and immediately made an impact. Her pace caused problems, and she soon found herself with a chance to shoot, only for another excellent save to deny her.
At the other end, a long Croxley kick bounced awkwardly over the Borehamwood defence, but Olivia was alert to the danger. She read the ball perfectly, came off her line and cleared the threat.
Half time arrived with Borehamwood somehow behind despite having enjoyed the lion's share of possession, chances and attacking pressure.
The message at half time was simple. Keep going. And that is exactly what they did.
The second half began exactly where the first had finished, with Borehamwood controlling the tempo and looking increasingly dangerous.
When Croxley managed to break forward, Amber was there on the left with some wizardry footwork to snuff out the danger. Juniper dropped into midfield to support Katy, while Gracie operated on the left wing and Elsie linked up beautifully with her.
Daisy produced another trademark run down the right, sending a dangerous cross into the box which resulted in a scramble and a Borehamwood corner. Up stepped Juniper. She curled the ball into the danger area and a nasty deflection off a Croxley player sent it flying into the Croxley net. 1-1
The equaliser injected even more confidence into the Wood Army. Elsie immediately went hunting for another, firing two long range efforts in quick succession, but once again the Croxley goalkeeper somehow kept them out.
The connection between Borehamwood's midfield and attack was outstanding. The ball was being moved quickly, intelligently and with purpose. Katy and Juniper were working tirelessly, orchestrating attacks one minute and tracking back to support the defence the next.
Then it happened. A superb clearance found Elsie in the middle. She looked up, spotted Daisy and played the ball into her path. Daisy took off. The Croxley defender was left chasing shadows as Daisy powered towards goal. Suddenly there was only the goalkeeper between her and glory. Daisy made no mistake. A rocket of a shot flew into the top of the net. 1-2 to the Wood Army. What a moment. What a goal. What a turnaround.
With victory within touching distance, Borehamwood could have sat back and defended their lead. Instead, they continued to press and attack, showing the mentality that has become such a huge part of this team. Unfortunately, Daisy then suffered a nasty knock, causing her to hurt her knee on the hard ground and was unable to continue. Polly stepped into midfield while Juniper moved across to the wing.
Polly immediately brought a huge burst of energy to the team. Her first touch was excellent and she worked tirelessly, although the Croxley defence was now making it increasingly difficult for Borehamwood's midfield to find the strikers.
The clock was ticking (and then ticking some more). Borehamwood were now playing deep into added time, but they refused to stop working. Croxley once again used their goalkeeper's long kick to put pressure on the defence. The hard surface caused the ball to bounce over the Borehamwood back line, and a Croxley striker pounced on the opportunity to score an equaliser. 2-2.
Cruel. Extremely unlucky, but still, the Wood Army kept going. With almost nothing left in the tank, Juniper gave absolutely everything in search of a winner and came agonisingly close, only for the Croxley goalkeeper to produce yet another fantastic save.
Then came the final whistle. A 2-2 draw. Anyone who watched this game knows there was so much more to take from it. Borehamwood 2000 were outstanding. They played as a team. They covered for each other. They fought for every ball. They tracked back for one another. They encouraged each other. They left absolutely everything on that pitch.
Against the team sitting 2nd in the table, the Wood Army showed that they belong in these games and are a match for any team.
If football matches were decided purely on performance, effort, teamwork and determination, Borehamwood would have walked away victorious. There is disappointment at not taking all three points, but there should also be enormous pride.
Player of the Match went to Tippi for an outstanding defensive display, combining composure, intelligent clearances and that unforgettable swivelling kick in the first half.
Opposition Player of the Match went to Katy, who controlled the middle of the pitch brilliantly, created opportunities for the forwards and worked tirelessly from start to finish.
The result may be a draw, however the performance said something much louder. Borehamwood 2000 are a team that believes in each other, fights for each other and never gives up.
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The Wood 2–2 Hertford Town. Another week unbeaten. Another statement made.
The Wood’s U18s played out an epic 2–2 draw with Hertford Town — a side we had lost to in all three of our previous meetings. But there was a growing feeling that the gap between the two teams was closing, and today the girls proved it.
It was a quietly feisty affair that truly burst into life after the break. The opening 45 minutes had certainly not been dull, with the visitors enjoying more possession and playing the better football, but they repeatedly came up against a resolute Wood defence. The game plan worked perfectly, limiting Hertford to very few clear chances. As the minutes passed without a breakthrough, the visitors grew increasingly frustrated, and by half time it was clear they were unaccustomed to being held goalless.
We knew we could raise the tempo in the second half — and that is exactly what we did. The Wood took the lead on 55 minutes when Nicole spotted the opportunity to take a quick goal kick. Abi reacted brilliantly, latching onto the ball, beating her marker with ease and drilling a superb finish into the bottom-left corner.
The lead was short-lived, however. Hertford’s number 10 was given too much time and space to cut in from the wing and wriggle her way into the box before slotting home.
Then, somewhat against the run of play, the visitors took the lead on 80 minutes. A soft penalty handed the same player the opportunity to put Hertford in front, and she duly obliged. Her subsequent celebration, right in the faces of the Wood players, was perhaps an unwise decision. Rather than intimidate the girls, it only fuelled their determination to fight back. And respond they did.
On 87 minutes, Abi produced another crisp strike to level the game at 2–2 and send the Wood into the closing stages believing they could still win it. With seconds remaining, they came agonisingly close. Amie Adams did brilliantly to out-muscle her opponent on the wing and win possession high up the field. She fed the ball inside to Abi, whose thunderous drive was parried by the Hertford goalkeeper. Olivia reacted quickest to fire home the rebound, only for the referee to correctly spot a touch of the hand and rule the goal out.
Heartbreak, perhaps, but ultimately the girls had done more than enough to deserve their point. They were rightly delighted with their performance and thoroughly deserved the draw against an excellent Hertford side. Most importantly, they conducted themselves brilliantly throughout, despite needless provocation from the opposition and some frankly ludicrous calls from the parents’ side for cards to be shown.
Player of the Match: Martha was outstanding, shackling Hertford’s main threat for the majority of the game and completing the full 90 minutes. Special mention must also go to Nicole, who was excellent in goal, as well as the entire back four and Martha, who all played the full match and were superb.
Our unsung heroes were Jess and Scarlett, who worked tirelessly in the middle of the park and never stopped battling. The array of attacking options available to us this season continues to be hugely encouraging. Amie, Sophie, Liv and Milly were all in excellent form, while with Abi leading the line, we will always carry a serious goal threat. Amid all the drama and chaos, there was also time for a debut for Liya. It was a true baptism of fire, but she coped brilliantly.
This was undoubtedly our hardest game of the season so far, but it brought another week unbeaten. More importantly, we have once again shown that this is a team on the up — a team with the ability, resilience and desire to compete against the very best.
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U16 girls were away today visiting Ware Youth at Wodson park on the astro. A beautiful autumn afternoon was made all the better with a thumping 6-0 away win for the girls! An excellent team performance from front to back put to bed what could have been a tricky away fixture.
An awesome brace from Maisie with another sublime worldly of a chipped finish. Another worldly long range Exocet from midfield schemer Aanya. An amazing solo effort for our returning striker G9 and another from deep lying midfielder Ayla, with Elsie getting her season's tally off the mark with an excellent finish after tormenting the home RB.
Emily was assured and never put a foot or hand wrong today in goal. Our CB partnership of Riss & Ava kept the home team at bay all day with some staunch defensive work, our two FB’s of Yvie & TJ both had cracking games defensively but both were seen more in the opposition half attacking today.
Our wingers tormented Ware all day be it Elsie, Lonaldo or Imani. Our strikers were on another level today and we were able to interchange the front line and rest players every 10-15 mins. All in all a great performance from the team with some outstanding individual brilliance in front of goal!. A very stern test next week against a Hertford town side we are yet to beat.