The big games have been coming thick and fast for The Wood’s under 15 girls of late and today was no different, as we hosted fellow title contenders Harefield United.
The Wood started strongly with Milly pulling the strings in the middle of the park, and our defence and defensive midfielders all well on top in their respective personal battles. We took the lead through Milly with a low drive from just outside the box, and that lead was double on 30mins when Milly’s superb corner was turned into their own next by a Harefield defender. it was tough luck for that defender but the 2-0 lead was no more than we deserved.
We made a few substitutions to keep players fresh (and warm) but this somehow managed to shift the momentum to the opposition as they upped their intensity and looked to take advantage of our re-shuffle. Abi scrambled a clearance of the line when the opposition were already celebrating but then two quick goals just before half time saw us go in at the break level at 2-2.
The half time team talk was simple, we don’t feel sorry for ourselves, we regroup and go again stronger in the second half. To their credit the girls responded brilliantly and dictated much of the play in the second half. Louella was by now stretching the back line of the visitors with runs in behind, and you felt the next goal wasn’t far away. It wasn’t all one way traffic and Harefield certainly asked a lot of questions of us, but our formidable defence and midfield shield of Lilly V, Missy, Jess and Scarlett in rotation gave us that solid platform to build on and push for the win.
The crucial 5th goal of the game came on 60mins with Louella slotting home after a through ball from Milly. Louella grabbed her second of the match on 65 mins after the ball ricocheted off Annie into her path.
With the two goal lead restored the result was never really in doubt. We were able to make full use of the subs bench and rotate players to keep the energy and tempo high and Harefield struggled to respond to that.
The game ended 4-2 and keeps us on course for promotion and the title is still in our own hands. We take nothing for granted and we still have some tough games ahead so we will continue to work hard in training and keep focused on winning our next match, which is at home to St Albans.
Player of the match today goes to Abi Goymer. She was superb. Milly was another standout with a goal and two assists and ran the game for large spells, but I am so proud of all of the girls for how they played and for how they fought for the win. This was a real squad performance and we needed all 16 players to play their part today.
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On a cold damp Saturday morning, the mighty Borehamwood 2000 U10 Girls made the short journey to face their neighbours, Borehamwood Youth Lionesses. Led onto the pitch by their inspirational captain, Elsie, the team exuded confidence, keeping their composure and lifting the spirits of both their teammates and the enthusiastic crowd. From the very first whistle, it was clear that this was going to be a match filled with passion, determination, and some truly spectacular football.
Borehamwood 2000 wasted no time in making their mark. Their passing was fluid and precise, particularly through the midfield, where Juniper played a perfect ball to Daisy on the right wing. With skill and confidence, Daisy blasted the ball home from an almost impossible angle to score! The travelling fans erupted in celebration, but there was no time to rest on their laurels.
The Lionesses replied strongly, pushing forward with real intent, but the Borehamwood defence stood firm. Sienna was immense at the back, clearing danger with her trademark precision, while Polly used her blistering pace to neutralise any attacking threat. The midfield was a joy to watch, stringing together three or four sharp passes at a time, creating opportunity after opportunity. Daisy nearly doubled her tally with another thunderous shot, hitting the side netting. Moments later, Tippi, always with an eye for goal, unleashed a long-range effort that was only denied by the experienced hands of the Lionesses’ goalkeeper.
At the other end, Borehamwood’s shot-stopper Olivia was nothing short of fearless. Olivia anticipated the opposition’s attacks brilliantly, making crucial clearances and superb saves. The Lionesses tried to turn up the physicality, but Borehamwood 2000 were unfazed, brushing off the challenges with determination and grace.
Borehamwood’s second goal came from a moment of pure magic. After Elsie was fouled just outside the box, up stepped Juniper. With pinpoint accuracy, she sent a stunning goal-bound free-kick that took a deflection off the opposition defence and found the back of the net, sending her teammates and supporters into raptures.
As the match wore on, the entire team continued to shine. Emily, taking over in goal, pulled off an extraordinary stop that looked destined for the back of the net. Juniper dazzled with electrifying solo runs, Gracie controlled the midfield with pace and intelligence, and Ruby showcased her skill in the central striker role, refusing to give the Lionesses’ defence a moment’s rest. Daisy, full of energy, tracked back to help in defence, while Elsie’s tireless runs down the wing kept the opposition on their toes. The chemistry between midfield and attack was something to behold, with Tippi threading pinpoint passes and Polly covering every blade of grass with unwavering energy.
Borehamwood 2000 came agonisingly close on several occasions. A clever short corner routine led to a goalmouth scramble that just trickled wide, Elsie’s shot narrowly missed the target, and Ruby unleashed a powerful strike that was inches from finding the net. Anisia, unfazed by the Lionesses’ late surge, displayed immense composure at the back, making vital clearances and linking up brilliantly with her teammates down the wing. The relentless Borehamwood attack saw Juniper hit the post twice, while Gracie’s long-range effort was brilliantly saved by the in-form Lionesses' goalkeeper. The ever-vigilant Sienna controlled a watertight defence, minimalising the pressure our incredible goalkeepers were enduring from time to time.
As the final whistle blew, the girls reflected on a wonderful performance, typified by the incredible team spirit within this unit. Smiles, laughter, and heartfelt hugs filled the pitch, a testament to the unity and camaraderie that defines this squad.
Player of the Match went to Tippi, whose intelligent reading of the game and superb passing opened up play time and time again. However, every single player played their part in showcasing what makes Borehamwood 2000 such a special team. This talented group of girls never give up, they lift each other up both on the pitch and from the sideline, and play with an infectious energy that could light up any match. The match may fade from memory, but the friendships, the support they give one and other, and the sheer joy of playing the game will stay with these girls forever.
Borehamwood 2000—unstoppable, fearless, and a true force to be reckoned with!