Finishing a sequence of recent league matches before commencing a run of cup matches over the next three weeks, our U18 Boys welcomed Bushey & Oxhey Blues to Pursley. A massive club, the three Bushey teams in the top division last year are now combined into two stronger sides and with a full squad on-site early at Pursley, they obviously meant business.
The Wood were also strong-handed and, after the brave fallen were honoured on Remembrance Sunday, the game kicked off and it was a pretty even opening. The Wood began to exert pressure and it was top-scorer Silva, a menace for anyone he plays against, who assisted this time, pulling off a stunning backheel to tee up the in-form Collier, who simply passed the ball into the bottom right corner as if he were shelling peas; a beautiful goal.
Bushey responded and hesitation at the back saw the Wood concede a poor equaliser, a bouncing ball straight down the middle lifted unchallenged into the net. At half time, 1-1 was probably a fair reflection as the lads were not at their best; we would find out second half whether they could raise their games and keep their title challenge on track.
Pretty soon after the re-start, Song, enjoying a much stronger game whipped in a difficult corner to defend and with great movement and a sublime touch, Manning rushed in to lift the ball high into the net. Soon after, Makamian raided down the right delivering an excellent ball with pace for Parsons to cap off a very solid game with a crafty strike that the away keeper could not stop.
The Wood had responded well but, a lack of energy in the challenge and composure on the ball, meant control of the game could not be maintained and the opposition were presented with another gift goal. Bushey tails were up but, the boys bit down on their gum-shields with Ryan & Fan leading the fight and Elboukhari pulling off an excellent save to keep Bushey at bay after another long ball had been allowed to bounce in the danger area.
The Wood gave it everything and saw the match out as you have to do sometimes when not in top form. MoM went to Manning whose desire for the game has never been stronger; his recent goals and general form has been on another level. A big mention also for Carlow who has been a colossus in defence of late and for Jameson too, who supported his side despite not making the initial selection; something that won’t be forgotten quickly and is exactly the kind of spirit and togetherness that every team requires to succeed.
With the three points secured and their nearest rivals losing away, the boys now sit atop 65 other sides in the West Herts Youth League, the squad yet to lose a half of football in what has been a very good start to the season. For a club our size, with no streaming and with a tiny catchment area, that is in itself an incredible achievement. The challenge now is to stay there when every other team is raising their games to take us down. With all the squad pulling together in the same direction, we’ll prepare well, do things right and make sure we’re ready.
Led out by captain Sienna, the Wood Army were ready for battle. Evergreen won the toss and kicked off, but it took just moments for Borehamwood to take control. Katy collected possession in the middle, shielded the ball brilliantly and picked out Daisy on the right wing. Daisy burst forward and delivered one of her trademark crosses, finding Gracie on the opposite flank. Gracie's effort came agonisingly close, but the Evergreen keeper did brilliantly to close the angle. Borehamwood were flying from the start!
A huge clearance from the Evergreen goalkeeper briefly put the defence under pressure, but captain Sienna was having none of it. She snuffed out the danger, showcased some lovely footwork to beat several players and carried the ball deep into Evergreen territory before firing a shot narrowly wide.
Maisie was pulling the strings in midfield, dictating the tempo and linking the play beautifully. Another neat passage of football found Gracie, whose cross towards Daisy was intercepted at the last possible moment.
Ten minutes gone and Borehamwood were firmly on top. However, Evergreen were never going to make things easy. Their number seven was lightning quick and timed her runs superbly. On one dangerous break, she managed to get beyond the Borehamwood defence, but Olivia read the situation perfectly, raced off her line and made an important save to keep the scores level.
At the other end, Elsie was battling away in the centre-forward position. Often surrounded by two defenders, she refused to be intimidated and still managed to manufacture opportunities to get a shot away.
Borehamwood's defenders were also embracing the attacking philosophy, pushing high up the pitch and supporting the forward play. Tippi nearly produced the breakthrough with a powerful strike from outside the box, but once again the Evergreen goalkeeper was equal to it.
Changes were needed to find another route through the Evergreen defence. Juniper's introduction on the right added another attacking dimension, but Evergreen's number three was proving an absolute nightmare for the Borehamwood forwards. Quick, strong and determined, she seemed to be everywhere. This was turning into a proper battle.
Borehamwood were playing out of their skins, but the effort and sheer pace of the game was beginning to show. On came Leah in defence and Xyla in midfield, bringing fresh legs, pace and energy. The changes immediately made an impact. Juniper broke down the wing and found Sienna, who whipped a fantastic cross into Gracie. Her shot drifted narrowly wide.
At the other end, Xyla used her pace to chase down an Evergreen attacker and produce a crucial tackle, preventing what could have been a one-on-one opportunity with Olivia. Leah then produced a brilliant clearance in the dying moments of the half to ensure Borehamwood went into the break with the clean sheet intact.
Half-time arrived and the score was 0-0. The message at half-time was simple. Keep believing, keep working and, when the opportunity comes, be clinical.
Borehamwood emerged for the second half with bags of energy and a renewed determination to find that elusive opening goal. Juniper switched to the left, with Daisy returning to the right, whilst Maisie took on the role of Central Midfielder. The Wood Army continued to turn the screw.
If there was one word to describe Katy's performance, it was WORKHORSE! She chased everything, battled for every ball and produced a blistering run down the wing before firing from a tight angle, only to find the side netting.
Amber then delivered a pinpoint pass into Daisy, who unleashed an absolute rocket of a shot that thundered against the post. The Evergreen goalkeeper was beaten, but the woodwork came to her rescue. Borehamwood were getting closer and closer!
Evergreen continued to threaten on the break, and Maisie produced a stretching clearance to snuff out another dangerous attack. But Borehamwood were dictating the game, with Sienna showcasing her technical ability through a series of drag-backs and sole rolls that left Evergreen players chasing shadows.
When Evergreen did manage to break through, Emily showed tremendous bravery, racing towards the edge of her box to smother the ball and prevent any further danger.
Up front, the Borehamwood trio were beginning to combine beautifully. Elsie produced a brilliant piece of individual skill, nutmegging a defender before setting herself up for a shot that was well saved. And then, finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for! Leah picked up the ball in midfield and spotted Juniper making her move. She threaded a wonderful pass through the Evergreen defence, releasing Juniper with just the goalkeeper to beat. Juniper kept her composure, lifted her head and absolutely smashed the ball into the back of the net! GOOOOOAAALLLL! 1–0 BOREHAMWOOD! The celebrations said it all. The Wood Army had finally found a way through!
With ten minutes remaining, Borehamwood faced a choice. Protect their lead and sit back, or continue doing what had brought them this far. There was only ever going to be one answer!!! Borehamwood went on the attack.
Daisy delivered a thunderous corner into the box, where Elsie produced a remarkable volley, only to send the ball narrowly over the crossbar. Elsie then turned provider, finding Katy, whose effort inside the box was saved.
At the other end, Amber was proving an absolute rock. Using her strength and determination, she repeatedly forced Evergreen's attackers out wide, eliminating their opportunities to deliver dangerous crosses.
Borehamwood were now playing with real confidence. A short goal-kick to Maisie invited Evergreen forward, but Maisie remained cool and composed, shielding the ball before finding Xyla in the middle. Xyla looked up, picked out Daisy on the right and released her into space. Daisy powered forward and unleashed another shot from an angle that went inches wide. So Close.
The chances kept coming, but Evergreen simply would not go away. With only minutes remaining, Katy took a nasty knock to the side of the face from an Evergreen arm, but true to her warrior spirit, dusted herself down and got straight back into the action.
Borehamwood won a corner, and Katy stepped up to deliver. The ball whipped into the box, creating absolute chaos in the Evergreen six-yard area. Bodies everywhere, defenders scrambling and the ball bouncing loose. It broke perfectly to Leah, just outside the 18-yard box. Leah had barely a second to think. One touch of composure, head up, laces through the ball...BOOOOOOOM! The ball flew into the back of the net! 2–0 BOREHAMWOOD!
And what a moment! Leah had scored her FIRST EVER GOAL for Borehamwood 2000! The celebrations were absolutely deafening. Players, coaches and supporters erupted. It was a special moment for a player who had worked tirelessly and made a huge contribution at both ends of the pitch.
Evergreen restarted, but Borehamwood were not finished yet. Still hungry for more, the Wood Army pushed forward and won another corner through Daisy. Before they could inflict any further damage, the referee brought proceedings to a close.
FULL-TIME: EVERGREEN 0–2 BOREHAMWOOD 2000.
What a performance. What a result. What a team!
There were moments when this looked like it might become one of those frustrating afternoons where Borehamwood dominated possession, created chance after chance, but simply couldn't find a way past a stubborn goalkeeper and an incredibly well-organised defence, but these girls refused to accept that outcome. They kept going. They kept believing. They kept fighting for each other. Every tackle, every clearance, every run and every attack demonstrated the togetherness and resilience that has become such a defining feature of this team.
This wasn't just about two fantastic goals. It was about a team that refused to be beaten, a team that adapted when things weren't working and a team that continued to attack right until the final whistle.
Special mention must go to Leah. Her first goal for Borehamwood was a brilliant strike and a moment she will remember for a long time.
Player of the Match went to Sienna. A captain's performance from start to finish. Her relentless attitude, determination and willingness to cover every blade of grass down the right-hand side set the standard for everyone around her. Never stopped, never backed down and never gave up.
Opposition Player of the Match went to Daisy. A constant attacking threat throughout. Her trademark crosses, powerful long-range efforts caused Evergreen problems all afternoon. She was desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet herself.
This victory takes Borehamwood 2000 to the top of the table by a single point, and we remain undefeated.
There is still plenty of football to be played, but performances like this demonstrate exactly what this team is about. Talent, determination, resilience and, above all, having each other's backs.
-
U16 girls were at home today vs our friends from Hemel Reds. After a 5-3 away victory last week we were confident and hopeful of another 3 points this afternoon.
The girls started well and were soon in the ascendancy, with half chances created for Elsie, Imani & Lola. The midfield 3 of skipper Annie, Aanya & Ayla were in control and the Reds only caused us issues when we played ourselves into trouble.
The girls huffed and puffed but couldn’t seem to create a clear cut chance until G9 entered the fray with 15 mins to go. It wasn’t long before G9 opened the scoring with her 1st of the day and we went in at half time 1-0 up.
A little half time rollicking was given and the girls were asked to wake up and play smarter and quicker. This they did and it wasn’t long before G9 deservedly made it 2-0!
The girls now started to relax and play some of the football they are known for with schemer Aanya coming more into the game and Elsie and Lola probing at every opportunity. Skippy came back into the side again making her 2nd appearance in nigh on a year and put in a fantastic shift showing her pace, power and excellent positioning, partnering Riss and Ava who also had her best game of the season!
A mention for our GK Emily who pulled of one exceptional save today diving high and to her left to keep out a shot bound for the top corner. G9 put the game to bed with her hatrick and had time to get her 4th goal also. Pola had her best game in a white shirt today after earning it by her fantastic performance in training on Tuesday. The game finished 4-0 to the Wood.