U16 Boys travelled over to Enfield Town again, this time in the league, knowing three points would see them re-enter the discussion on-going at the top end of the table. Confidence was high after knocking this opponent out the League Cup last week but, it’s no easy place to come and a much faster start was required from the team today.
To secure this, several changes were made to the starting line-up and these had the desired effect, the Wood keeping Enfield at bay in the first half, in contrast to shipping three goals at that stage last week. This reflects the great depth within the squad and the fact that few players, if any, command a guaranteed starting place at present, with competition for game time very high amongst the squad.
In defence, Boshjaku was a man-mountain winning countless headers and duels, and was joined in this by centre back partners Hones and Manning, all three enjoying excellent games with keeper Elboukhari also showing a growing and commanding presence between the sticks. Crucefix sat in the holding role and did a superb job there, starting fast and maintaining this level throughout.
Up front, the Wood were banging them in again, with Silva following up a hatrick last week with a sweet brace this, Da Silva assisting the first and Green the second, adding to a much improved performance from him with a far more industrious output. An excellent half ended 0-2 to the Wood.
Zefi enjoyed many outstanding moments in the match and lit up the start of the second half with a beautifully jinking run before playing in Manning who strode forward to bury the ball home for his first of the season, securing a well deserved MoM award in the process. While Marshall continued to find his feet outfield with another commendable cameo as he works his way back to full fitness.
A late consolation goal from Enfield had no bearing on the match as the Wood grabbed three important league points at a venue and against a team that many others will struggle with later in the campaign. A job well done and the boys are beginning to get into their stride; with a home derby against neighbours Borehamwood Youth to come next, anticipation is growing.
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Our U15 Boys put on a sparkling display against local rivals Belstone, coming out 10-2 winners after taking a 4-0 lead at half time. The boys are up to 3rd in their league and right in the mix!
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What a match we witnessed today, folks! On a crisp October afternoon, the Borehamwood 2000 U10 Girls put on an exhilarating performance against the Evergreen Dragons, showcasing pure determination, skill, and teamwork from the very first whistle. Led by the ever-inspiring Captain Maisie, Borehamwood came out of the gates flying, as if they were channelling the speed of Usain Bolt!
The first quarter saw Borehamwood's relentless pressure pile onto the Evergreen defence. Ruby was absolutely electric down the wing, delivering precision crosses, while Maisie seamlessly transitioned into attack mode, fending off defenders with ease. The crowd were on the edge of their seats as Elsie nearly broke the deadlock with a stunning volley just wide.
The dynamic Polly was given the freedom to push forward, her stamina proving vital as she tracked back to thwart any Evergreen counters. Anisia and Sienna were rock-solid at the back, snuffing out Evergreen’s chances with timely challenges. Then came the breakthrough – Ruby, ever the playmaker, whipped in a perfect ball, allowing Elsie to work her magic, dancing past defenders to slot home the opener!
Quarter two was more of the same from Borehamwood, who kept the intensity high. Juniper stepped into the spotlight, linking up beautifully with Elsie and Tippi. Borehamwood’s attack was relentless, with Tippi dazzling with her dribbling skills and Polly showcasing her boundless energy. Despite a valiant effort from the Evergreen goalie, Borehamwood pounced on a mistake – Elsie coolly slotted home her second of the game after a misjudged kick from the keeper.
Evergreen had their moments and Borehamwood had to rely on Olivia to put into practice what she had learnt in training, making well time challenges that frustrated the Evergreen strike-force. But credit where it’s due – Evergreen’s number 7 was a constant threat, forcing Emily to make a heroic one-on-one save that had the fans holding their breath. But, before anyone could catch their breath, Borehamwood surged forward again, this time with Juniper smashing the ball off the crossbar, oh so close to extending the lead.
The third quarter saw Ruby’s transition to a more defensive role, but that didn’t stop her from dazzling, weaving through players and launching pinpoint crosses. Maisie, like a true captain, marshalled the defence with vital clearances. Emily showed off her coolness under pressure and after one goal kick was blown back over her head by the remnants of Hurricane Milton, she morphed herself into a human cat to spring back and keep the ball out! Thereafter, Juniper’s corner was perfectly placed, leading to Borehamwood’s third – an unlucky own goal from Evergreen, but the pressure had been too much to handle.
By the time we entered the fourth and final quarter, Borehamwood was still bursting with energy. Evergreen desperately sought a goal, but Anisia was simply unbeatable, clearing ball after ball and keeping the Dragons at bay. Sienna, with her composed and assured play, kept everything under control, allowing Borehamwood to breathe easy.
Ruby continued her sensational form and after the match official played a visionary advantage, she sent a defence splitting pass through to Juniper, who smashed home Borehamwood’s fourth goal with an unstoppable strike that also secured her the PoM award! Elsie almost added another, denied only by the crossbar, while the Evergreen goalie pulled off some sensational saves to prevent further damage. Gracie was a revelation on the left wing, tearing through the Evergreen defence with lightning speed and creating chaos in their backline. As the final whistle blew, Borehamwood celebrated an exceptional performance, with cheers of joy ringing from the crowd and the girls coming together in a show of true sportsmanship, congratulating one another after a brilliant team performance.
After the match, coach Emma took time from her busy schedule to provide Al-Jazeera Sport with an exclusive interview. She said, ‘Borehamwood 2000 played with a perfect blend of freedom, discipline, and flair today. Every player had a role to play in this victory, and they delivered in style, proving once again why this team is such a force to be reckoned with. Bravo, girls! What a game!’
Wise words indeed and with that, she was gone, downing a large Alka-Seltzer as she headed for her pit!
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The group stage of the League Cup saw the U15 girls travel away to Division 1 side Evergreen Youth Falcons. We knew this would be a tough game against a talented and experienced side and so it proved, however, it was not as one sided as the final scoreline might suggest.
The Wood started well enough and indeed the first half was a fairly even contest. We came in at half time 2-0 down but having played some bright football and having matched our hosts for possession. They were just more clinical in the final third and their attacking play was very good in fairness.
At half time we talked about staying committed, staying in the game and proving we can compete at that level for the full 80 minutes. We certainly did that and all the girls played their part in a rousing second half. Our defence of Leni, Amy, Missy and Lily kept the hosts at bay for another 20mins before finally going 3-0 down, whilst at the other end we continued to push for a goal and kept trying to play our usual good passing football. Our back four were immense and absorbed a lot of pressure, and when they were beaten Nisa was often there to save the day with some brave goalkeeping.
The Wood midfield was competitive throughout, despite losing Scarlett to illness just before the match and Lilly Van Thal was again the heartbeat of the side, aided by Jess and the ever skilful and industrious Milly who was clearly enjoying playing against her Watford PDC teammates, trying to take them all on at times. Amie was a constant source of our attacks from the right hand side in the second half and showed great calmness on the ball, linking up very well with Louella who again led the line superbly today, particularly in the second half.
Louella was unlucky not to pull a goal back after some good work from Yasmin on the left, but the final finish just evaded the far post. With the score still 3-0, Milly hit the underside of the crossbar with a thunderous strike after excellent play from Hollie. We needed one of those chances to go in to keep us in the game, as moments later we found ourselves 4-0 down against the run of play and the game was effectively over.
To our credit we did not let that deter us and we kept on fighting to the end. Great link up play by Louella sent Amie away down the right and her first time strike hit the cross bar with the keeper beaten. Moments later the same two players linked up again with neat approach play into the box where Louella was upended for a penalty. With nobody seemingly wanting to take this, it fell to captain Leni to step up, but with fatigue well and truly setting in she put the ball over the bar. There was still time for one last chance in the match for Louella which also flew over the crossbar as well so there was to be no consolation goal which is a shame as the girls really deserved some reward for a brave and very entertaining performance against a very good Evergreen side. The game was played in fantastic spirit and we thank our hosts for a great match and wish them well for the rest of the season.
Player of the Match goes to Amy Robertson who was a rock at the back today. Special mention to Amie who was class throughout and to Annie and Hollie who were superb and had their best games for the club today.
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Our U14 girls scheduled cup game vs Bishops Stortford today was deemed an away win, with Stortford unable to field a side, the Wood grabbed the points.
With the girls in fine form having won their last 3 games on the bounce, we tried our very best to get a friendly game. The need to keep the team ticking over seemed more important than the rest. We tried U14 teams then went up to U15’s and eventually got a game booked vs Watford ladies U13 JPL side. Our opponents today were of a very high standard and also an extremely tough and physical bunch of girls.
The Wood girls started the game in their now customary very quick fashion, pinning Watford back and not letting them get out of their own half, even though Watford had the advantage of the slope on todays hired pitch in Potters Bar.
Gabby had an early chance to put Wood 1-0 up and her shot was heading for the bottom corner of the net, but for a tremendous diving save from the Watford GK who somehow pushed it round the post. The Wood’s forward line was building momentum and looking very dangerous, hunting down Watford’s defence, ably aided by some fine midfield play.
At the other end the impressive Watford No9 was trying her best to breakout and beat CB pairing Poppy & Yvie; on a couple of occasions her pace ruffled our defence and we had GK Emily’s quick reactions in coming off her line to thank. Our fullbacks Theaya & Elsie both had very solid games today in what’s been an impressive start to the season for these Wood stalwart’s.
Wood’s midfield of skipper Annie, midfield schemer Aanya and our unstoppable force Lucy were taking control of the game and feeding balls to wide players Lola and Poppy N to cause havoc in the Watford defence. Lola created a chance when she beat her marker and flashed the ball across the box, but, Poppy N coming in at the back post just couldn’t finish another fine Wood move.
The game was going well and we were waiting for our opening goal when Watford got a breakaway chance; the striker shooting across goal which Emily parried away only for a Watford girl to be following up for a tap in and 0-1 to Watford. Pheidi came into the game to try and stop any more Watford breakaways and she did just that, putting another fine performance in her fledgling Wood career. The whistle went for HT and the girls came in, the message was clear keep doing the same things and it will come.
We had the slope with us for the second half and we needed it today as we only had one sub against Watford’s 17 players on the day. The girls came out and immediately threatened the Watford GK with shots raining from all angles, Elsie now in a more familiar wing role and Aanya in particular stinging the keeper’s hands. Lola on the left kept tormenting her FB and tried her hardest to make the difference; it was No9 Gabby who was to get the equaliser with a fine run at the heart of Watford’s defence and then a deft chip over the onrushing GK! A well deserved equaliser for our girls.
Our midfield was taking control of the game now with Skipper Annie her indomitable self and today’s POM Aanya starting to run the show. Aanya has an eye for a pass that’s a thing of beauty and today she got on the ball and started to dictate the game, prodding and probing the Watford defence for weaknesses.
Another chance was created down our left flank with Lola and Theaya heavily involved, the ball was played forward to Gabby who beat one marker, raced to goal with Watford defenders on either shoulder and the keeper closing her down; she composed herself and in an almost carbon copy of her first lifted the ball over the GK for 2-1 Wood!
The Watford girls tried their best to respond but our defence held firm with Riss now in goal sweeping up behind a dominant Yvie & Poppy. Lucy had her best game of the season today and showed glimpses of the colossus we know she can be, a fine footballer and a steadfast competitor she didn’t take a backwards step and often started attacks for the team.
The pick of today’s goals and the Wood’s third was started in midfield, played into schemer Aanya’s feet, she beat one player dropped her shoulder to send another the wrong way then found Gabby on the half turn with a slide rule pass in between the Watford right side CB and their RB. Gabby controlled with her left foot and then passed the ball into the corner of the net to complete her second hat trick of the season and put Watford’s spirited girls finally to the sword !
A well deserved 3-1 victory from this ever progressing new squad, we couldn’t be more happy today with the performance and attitude of the squad.