The Wood’s U15 girls maintained their excellent run of form with another hard earned win away to Aylesbury Utd, and in doing so reclaimed top spot in the league for the first time since September.
The Wood took an early lead on 4mins courtesy of a long range effort from Abi which was well beyond the reach of the Aylesbury keeper. As the half progressed The Wood created three glorious chances to extend the lead but failed to capitalise in which allowed the hosts to stay firmly in the game.
Despite the early chances, our passing and decision making was not quite at the high standard we have been setting of late, and credit to the hosts who pressed and harried all over the pitch and made us work hard to maintain our lead going into half time.
The second half continued in much the same way, with both defences on top and few clear cut chances being created. The second goal of the game was going to be crucial and it eventual came our way on 70mins with Louella slotting home after a through ball from Amie.
On 75 mins a driving run from Abi and calm finish made it 3-0 and ended the game as a contest, and we could finally relax and see out the game.
This was not our best performance of the season, and was another tough test, but to still come away with a 3-0 win was super impressive. Much of the credit must go to our defence and the two goals from Abi but player of the match was Lilly VT who was excellent in midfield, covering every blade of grass and showing incredible work rate.
The win takes us top with three games left to play so it is very much in our own hands after a very impressive run of victories against top teams. Before that we have the small matter of a county cup semi-final, away to Division 1 side Hitchin, to negotiates. It will be a very touch game but another opportunity to show how far this amazing group have come in such a short time together.
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Our U14 Girls faced St. Albans City in the Herts FA County Cup at Pursley today. The girls were playing a highly performing side from the division above so a hard match was expected.
However, the girls started so brightly and despite St. Albans enjoying their own efforts, the Wood were a real threat. Lola slipped a fine pass in for Gabby to draw a save from the away keeper. Lola fizzed the resultant corner into the box and Elsie moved superbly to meet this; her snap shot flying narrowly wide of the right hand stanchion!
The game ebbed and flowed before the ball was moved to St. Albans' tricky right winger; she drove forward and looped a shot just inside the far post, with keeper Emily having no chance with it at all. The same player fizzed in a cross soon after that was dispatched for 0-2.
The Wood stood firm, however, and Emily produced two outstanding and brave saves when the away side threatened further to ensure the Wood could have a realistic chance of turning the match down the slope second half.
Exactly this transpired as the Wood laid siege to the St. Albans goal, creating chance after chance. The away keeper was in fine form herself and produced a fine save for a corner from the ever dangerous Gabby after lovely work from the very impressive Anya. Lola hammered the corner across and it was Marissa, normally between the sticks but, now running riot outfield, just missing the target with a crashing shot that flew narrowly wide.
Soon after, Gabby sprinted through only to see the away keeper make an incredible double save and she was unluckily thwarted again after her shot was saved, after Anya had produced a visionary ball to split the opposition defence. That bit of luck any team needs was just not going the Wood's way and inevitably, St. Albans re-grouped and scored two quick fire goals to seal the match 0-4.
The game was played in a great spirit as you'd expect from these two teams and St. Albans will we worthy winners of this competition should they win in the final. What we have to say though is that our girls were really tremendous throughout and such a credit to the club. The ultimate scoreline doesn't reflect the pressure, possession and chances the Wood had during the second half while players like Ava and PoM Poppy were really immense at the back. As such, the Wood only gained from this match and from what has been a wonderful cup run that has excited and enthused the whole club.
The girls get back to league action now and are pushing for promotion to Division 1. On this showing, they will be a great addition to that division should they make it.
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The stage was set for an electrifying showdown as our U10 Girls hosted the formidable Royston Town. Coming off the back of two tough matches, the young stars of Borehamwood knew they had a challenge ahead, but their spirits were sky-high. With the faithful crowd in full voice, Captain Maisie led her team out onto the pitch, ready to take on the task at hand.
The opening whistle blew, and Quarter 1 exploded into action. Borehamwood’s defensive trio of Sienna, Maisie, and Anisia stood tall, refusing to let anything past them. Early on, Sienna made a crucial clearance, setting the tone for a resilient defensive display. Playing with relentless energy, Borehamwood pressed high up the pitch, forcing Royston onto the back foot. Striker Juniper dazzled with quick footwork before threading a perfectly timed pass to Daisy, who fired a shot on goal, only to be denied by the Royston keeper. The captain, Maisie, was instrumental in midfield, orchestrating play with precision. A pinpoint pass from her found Sienna battling in the Royston box. Despite the pressure, Sienna managed to release the ball to Juniper, who spun brilliantly and slotted home Borehamwood’s first goal of the game!
Quarter 2 saw the introduction of the lively Elsie, who made an immediate impact with her speed and link-up play with Daisy. Amber added steel to the defense, making clever, decisive moves to neutralize Royston’s attacks. Polly, an absolute dynamo on the wing, had the Royston defence in knots with her boundless energy. It was Polly who set up the next goal, sending a perfect pass to Elsie, who calmly picked out Daisy. With confidence, Daisy struck from distance, blasting home Borehamwood’s second goal! At the other end, goalkeeper Olivia was putting on a masterclass, fearlessly charging off her line and making a stunning save to deny Royston. Tippi, taking on a key defensive role, used her sharp footballing mind to dictate the tempo of the game.
As the third quarter got underway, Borehamwood’s attacking force showed no signs of slowing down. Juniper, refreshed after a short break, returned with fire in her belly. The trio of Juniper, Ruby, and Elsie was mesmerizing to watch, interchanging with ease. Ruby, playing through the middle, made dazzling runs and tracked back when needed. It wasn’t long before Elsie got herself on the scoresheet, smashing home a first-time strike from a pinpoint Juniper cross. Confidence was now coursing through the team. Borehamwood’s defenders pushed upfield, adding to the attacking options. Short corners between Juniper and Elsie created dangerous chances, with Sienna coming agonizingly close. Meanwhile, Anisia was a rock at the back, clearing the ball brilliantly down the wing. Maisie, fearless as ever, battled hard in midfield and won a crucial free-kick after a tough challenge. She stepped up and picked out Juniper, who struck just wide of the post.
With the final quarter underway, the game hung in the balance. Borehamwood knew they had to stay sharp. Amber remained steadfast in defence, while Tippi showcased her versatility, pushing forward into an attacking role. Ruby and Elsie combined beautifully up front, while Daisy continued to provide pinpoint passes. Then came a moment of brilliance—Polly sent a perfect ball through the middle to Ruby, who unleashed a rocket into the back of the net, scoring Borehamwood’s fourth! The crowd erupted in celebration.
Olivia, once again proving her class, made a brave save to keep Royston at bay. Daisy then delivered a sublime lob into the box, setting up Elsie for an unstoppable strike—the Royston keeper simply couldn’t contain the power! Borehamwood’s defence pressed higher than ever, completely shutting down Royston’s advances. Daisy found the net from an impossible angle for Borehamwood’s sixth goal. But she wasn’t done yet, and determined to bag a Hat-Trick. In the dying moments, Juniper whipped in a perfect cross, and Daisy controlled it with ease before calmly slotting home Borehamwood’s seventh of the day!
Royston, to their credit, never gave up and continued to push forward, but Borehamwood’s defence remained rock-solid. Amber, focused and relentless, ensured there were no late surprises. Polly maintained her high energy levels right until the final whistle. As the referee signaled full time, Borehamwood erupted in celebration—high-fives all around and sportsmanlike handshakes for the opposition.
It was a performance of bravery, teamwork, and confidence—one of the best displays of the season! Choosing the Player of the Match was no easy feat, as every single player contributed to an outstanding victory. In the end, the honors went to Maisie and Elsie. Maisie’s relentless battling in midfield and her ability to dictate play were instrumental, while Elsie’s unselfish team play and defensive tracking back were truly exceptional.