The Wood's fixtures were decimated by the weather but, our U16 Boys Herts FA County Trophy match against Berkhamsted did go ahead; the conditions were wet n' wild and with everyone soaked through and chilled to the bone, the losers on the day would feel it extra hard.
The Wood's prep for the biggest game of the season was hampered by circumstances meaning only 12 were able to make training mid-week. However, the boys started well with keeper Marshall and Hones distributing the ball well to feed MoM Song on the right wing; enjoying an outstanding match, he won the ball constantly and sent in a barrage of high quality crosses. However, the Wood's other offensive players were unable to take advantage of this bounty and were frustratingly offside when they were able to find the net twice later in the half.
Half time was swung round in record time as the cold and rain bit deep; against this backdrop, the first goal would be very important. It seemed destined to go to the Wood after a number of corners dropped into the Berko 6 yard box. However, too many of the lads were on their heels and unable to convert any of the many glorious opportunities presented to ram the ball home. It's a dangerous game to play and the inevitable happened: Berko first to the ball in midfield, the striker unmarked receiving the pass, the shot lacking pace but, still finding the net.
The Wood tried hard to equalise with Crucefix driving the team on and again enjoying a brilliant match combining steel in the tackle and silk on the ball. Da Silva's long shot was saved low, the home keeper doing the same again when Silva streaked clean through, while Collier, enjoying an excellent match, struck a missile from the edge of the box that cannoned off the bar. That was the story one way, while the other end saw an unfortunate mix up and the referee ignoring a blatant push on Zefi (again playing some lovely football) to allow a second Berko goal to stand, effectively sealing the tie.
The boys tried hard today in horrible conditions, but those conditions were shared with Berko and they managed to find a way; their dream of County glory continues. The Wood's is over and with this being the 4th consecutive game the boys have drawn or led at half time only to lose the second half, the area of improvement is obvious. Preparing oneself both physically and mentally is really important to turning that around as is a great desire to succeed, really wanting to make big finals and win important trophies, and doing whatever it takes to make that happen.
The boys are in a tough league and have hard games ahead. No one is going to help us out so we roll up our sleeves, graft, think a little more deeply about what we're doing and what we're trying to achieve. Then, as sure as anything in this world, we change our fortunes and receive the rich rewards our good football deserves.