The Wood’s U18 Boys had made a perfect start to the season prior to their trip to the reigning Senior League Cup champions. Wheathampstead had enjoyed a mixed start to the season, recording a loss, a draw and a win but, seemed to be on the up. The Wood’s attendance for the game was good as was the warm-up, confidence was high and the boys looked ready to compete for another 3 points.
Despite this, the start was slow and the Wood spent the opening minutes defending, something they did pretty well before gradually ratcheting up the pressure on their opponents. With star striker Silva unable to feature early due to a hamstring pull, Fan and McGuinness started up front and put themselves around well, without being able to trouble the net. This continued throughout the half as the game mainly played out in the Wheathampstead end but, the boys remained unable to score, the otherwise excellent Hones unable to find the net with his head when well set to do so.
Wheathampstead’s main counter was the long ball down the Wood’s right so Hones dropped back to provide greater aerial cover and with this threat stifled, the half ended with the boys again exerting much pressure without being able to produce a goal.
Confidence was still high heading out for the 2nd half and the Wood started fast, pinning the home side back and creating chance after chance. None were taken and, as often happens, Wheathampstead were to somehow take the lead after what was a poor effort to complete basic defensive duties, with the goal definitely one we gifted rather than one earnt by the opposition. However, they all count the same and now was a time for character.
MoM Manning led the way with a virtuoso display to wrestle back momentum, backed up by Ryan, both boys so obviously up for it and determined to lead the team back into the fray. All the time, keeper Elboukhari was barking out orders at the back with Ifeacho and Carlow again enjoying excellent matches in defence.
The boys laid siege to the Wheathampstead goal but, it required the introduction of Silva for things to change. Almost immediately after coming on, he turned the Wheathampstead defenders cross eyed as he danced around them before showing what had been missing all game; a calm, accurate finish, curling home right-footed a goal of outstanding technical ability, his second of the season.
With 20 to go, it seemed the Wood must score a winner but, despite enjoying strong individual matches, Makamian mis-timed his header from Silva’s cross when set to add to his tally while Jameson let slip what should have ultimately been an easy hatrick for a player of his undoubted ability.
The match ended 1-1 and it felt like 2 points lost, but, after being 1-0 down and with Elboukhari having to produce a fine save to avoid conceding again, it may well turn out to be a valuable away point? Time will tell and it’s back to training Thursday.
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Borehamwood 2000 Under 12s Girls travelled to face an in-form Stevenage Starlets side, led by captain Elsie, knowing they would need to be at their very best. What followed was a pulsating contest that had everything: outstanding goalkeeping, relentless attacking football, defensive heroics and a sensational Juniper strike that lit up the afternoon.
The only real disappointment? Borehamwood could not quite find the winning goal their performance deserved.
Borehamwood came flying out of the blocks, moving the ball confidently and dominating possession despite the added challenges of playing slightly uphill and into a low sun. Stevenage registered the first shot, but Olivia was equal to the task, producing a remarkable save before quickly restarting play through Katy in midfield. Katy found Daisy out on the right, where she unleashed a long-range effort to test the Stevenage goalkeeper. It was an early warning that Borehamwood meant business.
At the back, Tippi was immense at centre-back, calmly snuffing out danger before it could develop. Meanwhile, Xyla was in phenomenal form at left-back, delivering a superb pass into Katy, who drove forward and fired narrowly wide.
Another flowing move saw Katy turn provider, finding captain Elsie in the middle. Elsie needed no invitation, curling a delightful effort towards the top-right corner, only for the crossbar to deny her what would have been a magnificent goal.
Stevenage threatened through the middle again, but Olivia rushed out brilliantly to close down the angle and make another important save. Borehamwood responded immediately. Juniper collected the ball on the left, left her defender trailing in her wake and raced through one-on-one with the keeper. Her effort was saved, and Daisy narrowly missed the rebound. Maisie was pulling the strings in midfield, too, producing a superb pass to release Juniper for another shooting opportunity, but the Stevenage goalkeeper stood firm.
Changes brought fresh energy, with Polly entering up front and Leah strengthening the defence. Polly wasted no time making her presence felt, testing the goalkeeper from close range and using her pace down the wing to cause Stevenage all sorts of problems.
Borehamwood were swarming forward, with the whole team combining brilliantly. Stevenage had their moments down the left, where their quick winger tested Leah, but Leah remained composed and timed her challenges superbly.
Olivia had relatively little to do for long spells, but she remained alert throughout, demonstrating the concentration and readiness that every good goalkeeper needs.
The half-time whistle arrived with the score still goalless. On the balance of play and chances created, Borehamwood could count themselves desperately unlucky not to be ahead.
Emily took over in goal for the second half, and Borehamwood picked up exactly where they had left off. Polly moved into midfield, linking up effectively with Katy as the visitors continued to press. A corner on the right gave Borehamwood another opportunity, with Daisy's powerful delivery finding Elsie, whose volley flashed narrowly wide.
Within moments, Daisy was at it again, whipping another dangerous cross into Elsie's path. The captain wrapped her foot around the ball, but once more the effort drifted wide. The woodwork and the width of the goal seemed determined to frustrate Borehamwood.
Stevenage's goalkeeper had a powerful kick that repeatedly gained territory, but the Borehamwood defence refused to buckle. Amber showed tremendous determination, chasing her opponent all the way to the touchline and sacrificing a corner to prevent a more dangerous attack.
Stevenage tried a short corner before firing towards the near post, but Emily reacted superbly, throwing herself into the action to block a shot that looked destined for the net.
Borehamwood continued to dominate possession and push deep into the Stevenage half. Yet football can be cruel, and despite creating the better chances, the visitors suddenly found themselves behind.
Almost out of nowhere, Stevenage collected the ball near halfway and played a pass through to their striker. A long-range effort skimmed past Emily and into the net. Against the run of play, Borehamwood were 1-0 down. For a moment, the girls were understandably stunned. But this team has built its identity on resilience, togetherness and never giving up. Heads lifted, shoulders squared, and the Wood Army went straight back to work.
Tippi became increasingly vocal at the back, organising her teammates and ensuring the defensive shape remained solid. Another Borehamwood corner followed, with Daisy once again finding Elsie, whose effort narrowly missed the target. When Daisy took a knock to her ankle, Maisie stepped in up front while the winger received treatment. Borehamwood recognised that the route back into the game lay out wide, where their pace and movement had repeatedly troubled Stevenage.
With Daisy back on the pitch and Maisie returning to her familiar midfield role on the left, the stage was set for a dramatic finale. Juniper had been threatening all afternoon. Her pace, direct running and determination had caused Stevenage constant problems, and she was desperate to find the breakthrough. Then came the moment the travelling supporters had been waiting for. Maisie crunched into a superb tackle in midfield, won possession cleanly and immediately looked up. Spotting Juniper out on the left, she delivered the ball into space. She powered past her defender, raced towards goal and suddenly found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. This time, there would be no denying her. Juniper unleashed a ferocious strike that flew into the net with such power it threatened to break the back of it. A sensational goal, a deserved equaliser and a moment of pure class. Juniper wheeled away in celebration, delivering her trademark sprint towards the travelling fans, who had been willing the ball into the net all afternoon.
Borehamwood now sensed blood and went hunting for the winner. Every player was putting everything into every tackle, pass, throw-in and save. Elsie produced another dangerous solo run through the middle, only to be denied by the goalkeeper.
Juniper was then brought down on the edge of the box and stepped up to take the free-kick herself. Her curling effort drifted agonisingly wide, leaving Stevenage breathing a huge sigh of relief.
With five minutes remaining, Borehamwood were awarded an indirect free-kick following a back-pass. The opportunity did not quite produce the desired result, but it offered a useful lesson for the training ground and another reminder of the pressure the visitors were applying.
Katy continued to weave her magic in midfield, opening up the play and releasing the wingers. Borehamwood's crosses repeatedly threatened to find their target, only for Stevenage defenders to intervene at the last moment.
Elsie remained a constant danger, with Stevenage clearly recognising the threat she posed and assigning one or even two players to keep her under close watch. Despite the late pressure, the winning goal would not come.
When the final whistle sounded, Borehamwood could reflect on a remarkable performance against an in-form opponent. They had controlled large spells of the game, created numerous chances, struck the crossbar and shown tremendous character to recover from a frustrating goal against the run of play. An ounce of luck might have turned a draw into a memorable victory, but the girls can take enormous confidence from the way they played.
This was a team performance in the truest sense. The defenders were composed and committed, the midfield worked tirelessly to win and distribute possession, the forwards stretched Stevenage with pace and movement, and both goalkeepers delivered when called upon. Every player played her part in a display that showcased exactly what Borehamwood 2000 are all about.
Player of the Match: Katy
A fierce competitor in the heart of midfield, Katy combined ferocious tackling and tireless work rate with superb vision, measured passing and a touch of wizardry. She drove Borehamwood forward throughout and was instrumental in creating their attacking opportunities.
Opposition Player of the Match: Daisy
Daisy was a constant menace down the right wing, using her pace to stretch the Stevenage defence and delivering a series of accurate, dangerous crosses. Her powerful right foot created problems all afternoon and gave Borehamwood a vital attacking outlet.
There is little time to dwell on what might have been, because Borehamwood welcome Stevenage Starlets next week for the return fixture. The girls have every reason to approach that game with confidence. They have shown they can dominate possession, create chances and compete with an in-form side. With the same spirit, teamwork and determination, there is every reason to believe the next meeting could produce an even better result.
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U18 Girls - A performance to be proud of despite a narrow defeat.
Our first away game of the season brought arguably our toughest test yet, as we travelled to face a Ruislip side who have won 22 consecutive league games, stretching back across last season and into this campaign. An incredible record, made all the more daunting by the fact that they have beaten the Wood three times during that run, in both league and cup competitions, scoring 13 goals without reply.
History suggested another home banker, but the Wood are no pushovers. Over our two years together as a group, we have steadily closed the gap on the top sides, and we went into this one full of confidence and ready to give the hosts a real test.
Ruislip started well, as they tend to do, moving the ball confidently and looking to impose themselves on the game. But the Wood were well prepared, holding their shape superbly and remaining disciplined throughout. At the other end, we carried a threat of our own, breaking forward with real purpose, and on 17 minutes one such attack brought the breakthrough. A lovely ball through the lines found Sophie, who played in Abi, and she did the rest to put the Wood ahead.
It was the perfect start, and we looked well placed to take that advantage into the break. But against a side of Ruislip’s quality, you can never switch off. They are always capable of finding a goal from nowhere, and two strikes in quick succession turned the game on its head, leaving us somehow 2-1 down at half-time.
The half-time message was upbeat, with plenty of praise for a courageous first-half performance full of endeavour. The girls had given everything and shown they could compete with one of the strongest sides around. The challenge was to remain disciplined, stay focused and trust that another goal would come our way. The key was making sure we got it before Ruislip could extend their lead.
We started the second half brilliantly and, on 50 minutes, produced a goal worthy of any game. Leni delivered a lovely ball into Abi’s feet, and Abi beat her marker before cutting inside and unleashing a superb left-footed strike into the top corner. A fantastic finish, 2-2, and very much game on!
The hosts knew they were in a contest and responded by turning up the pressure. Unfortunately, just a few minutes later, they edged back in front. For once, we were caught a little short at the back, and a fierce drive was brilliantly saved by Nicole. Sadly, the ball somehow spun back into the net, a cruel bit of luck for Nicole, who was having an excellent game between the sticks and would go on to earn our Player of the Match award.
With the girls now playing 45-minute halves, there was still plenty of time remaining, and what followed was a really open and entertaining second half, with chances at both ends. Ruislip had a goal ruled out for offside, while Nicole produced a number of important saves to keep us in the contest. At the other end, the home goalkeeper was kept busy too, coming off her line well on a couple of occasions to deny Abi.
The Wood kept pushing, believing that an equaliser was there for the taking. And with seconds remaining, we created one final excellent opportunity to grab a third goal and what would have been a thoroughly deserved point. It wasn’t to be, but the effort and determination to the very last whistle said everything about this group.
This was a fantastic contest, and the fact that we were disappointed to lose by the odd goal tells its own story about how far we have come. Once again, our back four were organised and resolute, standing firm against a side who know how to score goals. The midfield worked tirelessly, always looking to win the ball and set us on the front foot, while in the final third Abi was a real handful throughout. She took her goals superbly and was well supported by Sophie, who continues to bring real quality to an already excellent group.
The unbeaten start to the season may have come to an end, but there is a real sense of pride in this performance. In many ways, this was our most satisfying game of the campaign so far. We have gone toe to toe with an outstanding, well-coached side who have scored goals for fun and very rarely concede, and we have pushed them all the way.
We leave Ruislip without the result, but with plenty of positives, renewed belief and further evidence that the gap to the very best is closing. The challenge now is to build on this performance, take the confidence into the next game and keep moving forward together.