Our U16 Boys faced Borehamwood Youth at home in the League knowing a victory would propel them up the table. However, they would be facing a highly motivated opponent on a slippery pitch in difficult conditions. Certainly, a thorough physical examination was coming and the boys needed to be ready to win personal duels, contest everything and win the right to play.
Unfortunately, many of the boys were unable to rise to the occasion, watching helplessly as their opponents fought like lions, piling pressure on the Wood who were pinned back from the off. Once again, the Wood’s defence was left to throw everything on the line, Hones and Elboukhari both producing incredibly committed and last ditch challenges to thwart certain goals, while Boshjaku and Manning continued their excellent starts to the season. In front of them, Crucefix joined the fight and produced another solid display, while up front, the same could be said of Ifeacho and Da Silva, who were putting themselves about with intent.
In the crucial midfield positions, however, the Wood were so flat and easily shrugged off; a tough disappointment given the ability of the players there and when the points for a win would mean so much. Frustratingly, it stayed like this for much the game with only the excellent Fan really producing the levels expected, rolling his sleeves up and getting stuck right in from the first moment he was on the pitch to the last.
Borehamwood Youth had worked their socks off and, in truth, deserved to be in the lead and they duly secured this mid-way through the second half, when it seemed they would then go on to claim the win. However, Manning stepped up late in the game, taking on responsibility, staying calm and producing a fine, technical strike from a free kick that equalised the match and secured a point for the team.
With a long winter and heavy, difficult conditions ahead, the Wood need to show greater commitment and courage than they did today. Fan and Boshjaku shared MoM and the massive effort and toughness they showed today is a reference to many of their team-mates going forward. No doubt all the boys have the capability to play in this manner, but, it’s now time to take on the challenge and stand up and be counted.
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Our U15 Girls enjoyed a lunchtime kick off slot that gave enough time for the sun to come out ahead of another much awaited cup game against Division 1 side Ruislip.
The Wood soon put the visitors under pressure with our exciting brand of passing football, coupled with some real desire and determination all across the pitch. We were winning all the personal battles and playing much the better football so it was no surprise when we deservedly took the lead on 16 mins: a superb strike from Milly from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance.
1-0 soon became 2-0 when Louella finished coolly after good work by Abi. Then, on 28 mins, Louella robbed the Ruislip defence of the ball and calmly slotted home her 10th goal of the season to make it 3-0 at half time.
The half time talk was all about not getting complacent, not letting the opposition back into the game easily, and getting the next goal. We did all of those things and more and in keeping with the run of play the 4th goal of the match went to us. On 51 mins, Amie picked up the ball on the half way line before dancing past 3 players on her way to the edge of the box; a slipped pass through to Gabriela allowed Gabs to slide the ball past the keeper for her first ever goal for the club! It was a lovely effort and gave us some much needed breathing space. 4-0 Wood.
On 60 mins the game was effectively over as a contest as Milly scored her second of the match with a lovely long distance strike into the far corner after good work by Scarlett, making it 5-0. Hollie then stepped back off the bench to score a late free kick to make it 6-0 in the last minute of the game, and there still time for a late consolation goal for the visitors in added time.
This really was an excellent squad performance with all the girls in attendance really playing their part. Nisa was brave in goal when called upon and distributed the ball well. At the back Leni, Missy, Amy and Annie were all excellent. Abi was simply fantastic and enjoyed her best game so far this season against the very good no13.
In midfield, Amie oozed class on the ball, Scarlet was winning battles all over the pitch, Jess was determined in midfield and kept to the ball moving really well. Yasmin was a constant threat on the left and Hollie and Milly were both excellent on the ball and deserved their goals. Player of the match went to Lilly VT who was the pick of the bunch today, covering every blade of grass and passing the ball around with supreme skill all game long.
Louella led the line again superbly and is really growing into that no9 position and a return of 10 goals before the end of October is some tally. Finally, a special mention to Gabriela who played her part, worked hard and looked after the ball really well; delighted to see her score her first goal for the club.
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U10 Girls were nothing short of spectacular away against a game Welwyn United Youth Diamonds, even with the rain pouring down and the cold trying to slow them down. The girls didn’t just play—they dominated from start to finish!
Captain Polly led the charge and kept the team’s spirits high. The early lead was pure brilliance, showcasing some fantastic teamwork, passing, and dedication. And even when Welwyn sneaked one back with an unstoppable shot, the girls responded like true champions, taking control and never looking back.
This game was a masterclass in attacking football, teamwork, and defending with grit! Every player stepped up to cover for each other, showing a team that plays with heart. As for goalkeepers, catching that slippery ball must have been like catching a bar of soap, but both Olivia and Gracie did it with style!
Goals came from Juniper with a hat-trick, Ruby and Daisy scoring 2 each, whilst Elsie, Tippi, Polly and Anisia all grabbed a goal each. A massive congratulations to Amber for her rock-solid defending, earning her the well-deserved Player of the Match.
What a brilliant season we are having so far. The girls keep bringing their passion, flair, and their unbeatable teamwork into every game and the sky's the limit for this talented group!
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In really disappointing fashion, our U14 Girls’ opposition pulled out an hour or so before kick off today. The girls got the win but, really wanted to play, so it wasn’t much of a consolation. With no fixture next week either, they’ve arranged a friendly against Luton Ladies and that will be a great run-out for them before they return to competitive action in the County Cup.