Our U14 girls had a tricky home tie against Hertford this weekend at Pursley; a win would secure 2nd place and promotion back to D1 where these lionesses belong!
The game got off to a good start with the Wood dominating possession and looking for an early goal. Hertford’s now spikey, all guns blazing style held no fear for the Wood girls as they had now dispatched with this opponent twice already this season.
The back 5 of GK Emily, Elsinho at RB and stalwarts Ava and Poppy S (our two dominant CB’s) complimented by Theaya at LB; they had no intention of giving quarter today! Backed to the hilt by flair central and the engine room of the team, our midfield with Lonaldo at LM, Aandinho RM, Poppy N & Skipper Annie, with Karadonna as our 10. These girls are a handful for any team in the county; then add our star striker G9 to the mix and Hertford were not gonna have a good day!
Lonaldo was to break the early fight and give the Wood dominance with an exquisite finish down the side of the GK, found from a delightful slipped pass by Aanydinho! All our wide players are in a really rich vein of form at the moment, scoring and assisting for fun. Aanya has particularly flourished this last 4 weeks after switching positions, she is now playing like an old fashioned inside right and finding time and space to cause havoc between the lines for her teammates.
Hertford didn’t like going a goal down as all good teams don’t. They tried to respond as they dug in defensively and fought back harder trying to get at our own defence. They found no way through though with Poppy S using her pace to cover the back line with the other girls alway looking to attack the ball. If they did break through them Emily was there to sweep up. Elsinho was also on fire today with family down from the cold dark north she had her heart set on impressing!
The second goal was to come from some great teamwork and Sophie K’s instinctive finishing; this young lady has bags of talent but the ball just hadn’t run for her recently.
Today she was in the right place at the right time to smash home a volley after G9’s shot was saved! Right place right time poachers goal. 👏👏
HT came and went and knowing the psychological importance of the next goal the girls went out hunting the decisive third. Hazel was chasing down every ball trying to get a half chance to turn our way. Yvie and Isabella both stepped into defence with aplomb, both girls playing out from the back and helping us get forward quicker then we were. Riss came on for Emily and all our subs were now used.
The girls were probing all across the field and a corner from the the left was cleared by Hertford some 35-40 yds from goal. Out of the sunlight like a hunting Spitfire came Poppy S striding forward, gathering pace, her eyes transfixed on the clearance! This was her ball and her's alone. As the ball bobbled, Pop’s settled it with an assured touch, looked up and saw the hoards of players rushing towards her; there was only one thing on her mind though and kaboom! She let fly with a missile from 40yds that flew over the defence and flailing keeper, spinning in slow motion into top bins!! Cue pandemonium and a celebration not to be forgotten: 3-0 the wood.
However, the game was not over and we let our guard down a bit; Hertford took advantage to score themselves a late consolation goal for a 3-1 finish. Well done to all, promotion bagged and a job very well done!
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The Wood’s U15 girls had the biggest test of their debut season so far with a County Cup final against reigning Cup holders and runaway Division 1 champions, Bengeo Tigresses.
A game that didn’t even seem possible when this Wood team formed just a little over six months ago, was a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against the best in county.
The whole experience of the final was incredible for our fledgling team, and for the coaching staff, from start to finish. The meet and greet with Herts FA officials (who were amazing and welcoming), the team sheets, the tunnel walkout, the stadium, the PA announcers who struggled with our multitude of double-barrelled names on the team sheets. All of it.
We were prepared as best we could possibly be but nerves were abound and despite a decent start on the ball Bengeo got off to a flying start scoring within the 1st minute after an excellent move which caught us cold. Before we could fully recover and get a foothold in the game the Wood were 2-0 inside 10mins, another good goal. This was which about the worst scenario we could have hoped for but this team is made of stern stuff. We had a plan to get back in the game and girl did we do it.
We got to grips with the (multiple) individual talents of Bengeo, and their movement off the ball, and going forward we imposed ourselves more and more as the 1st half progressed. The deficit was reduced on 19 mins with a superb first touch and close range finish from Milly, after an outrageous left foot pass from POM Abi Goymer. We gained confidence from this and gradually pushed for an equaliser.
Bengeo were always a threat going forward and Nisa made a smart save that somehow came back off the crossbar that kept us in the game, but the half ended 2-1. Despite a rocky start we were firmly in the game at the midway point.
The second half whizzed by in a flash and was an absolute joy to watch and a credit to both clubs. The Wood defended stoically, we played superbly from back to front, and really made Bengeo know that they were in a contest. Before we knew it we were approaching the final stages of the game and it was still in the balance, which is huge testament to our girls. Many a team would have folded after that start, but not us.
With the clock ticking the Wood pushed players forward in numbers and were it not for some dogged defending, and for a couple of timely tackles and blocks, the deserved equaliser would surely have come. It wasn’t to be and the Wood will have to wait (perhaps only a week) to lift a trophy.
On the biggest stage It was amazing to go toe to toe with the top team in the county and our girls were an absolute credit to themselves and to the club. We congratulate Bengeo for the win and hope to see them next season in Division 1. We must now focus on the task of winning Division 2 and enjoying the end of a fine debut season with promotion and the title.
We have learnt a lot from this journey, not least that the away team always pays for the ref in the County Cup and we have been away from home in every round, and the progression in the group during this time has been truly incredible.
The whole team stepped up to the occasion and were brilliant. I can’t name them all but the back four and the imperious Abi Goomer (as per PA announcement) are as good as anything in the league. Our combative midfield lead by dynamo Lilly VT and the flare and guile of Amie and Milly on the wings were a joy to watch. This was a high level of football played by both teams and a real credit to girls’ football in Hertfordshire and beyond.
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Our U15 Boys head into the huge semi-final of the WHYL Intermediate League Cup next Sunday away at Kings Langley and, ahead of this, were looking for a solid performance against Harvesters at home in the League today.
This they got first half, going 1-0 up, but, the lads then followed that with a scintilating and stunning second half performance that saw the match end 9-0!! The boys are now primed and fully ready to secure their destiny and make what will be the Wood's first boys' section final in modern history! We wish them all the very best of luck!!
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Our U16 Boys faced New Salamis away in the league and started the game so beautifully, going 0-1 up in the first 10 minutes with the red-hot Fan producing another sublime goal, this time taking possession outside the box and then curling a stunning effort past the home keeper, who was utterly helpless to stop it.
As a team the boys were producing some of their best football to date, on the front foot, first to the ball, pressing really hard. However, on pretty much their first foray forward, New Salamis's striker drove into the box before Ifeacho ate up the ground to execute what was a perfectly timed challenge, sending the ball out for a corner. His reward for this outstanding play was to see the referee inconceivably award a penalty, the official seemingly being the only guy in the vicinity to deem it so? New Salamis could not believe their luck, rubbed their hands in glee at this unexpected bounty and equalised from the spot, turning momentum and the game on its head.
The Wood were stunned, conceded soon after and with their manager sent off for two yellow cards, the game ran away from them. The match ended 6-3 to the home side with MoM Da Silva grabbing two late consolation goals and continuing his own incredible streak of form.
Major events today, many of which were out of their hands, meant the boys didn't get a fair crack of the whip. That's a great pity and needs some thought. However, with a massive WFL Challenge Cup Quarter Final at home next week against Whetstone Tigers, the boys must regain focus, train hard and try to secure a historic semi final appearance.
Together they can do it. Together they will do it.
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What a game. This was football at its finest – end-to-end action, moments of magic, and enough drama to make even the most seasoned fans heart race! The sun was shining, the spring air was crisp, and the stage was set for an unforgettable encounter between Borehamwood 2000 U10 Girls and Evergreen Youth.
Leading the team out with pride was Captain Olivia, her leadership shining before a ball had even been kicked. From the very first whistle, Borehamwood came out with intent. Quarter 1 saw a masterclass in passing from Ruby and Daisy, threading beautiful balls through the midfield like they were knitting scarves! Within minutes, Ruby fired just wide, giving Evergreen an early warning.
At the back, Tippi was a rock in defence, not just stopping attacks but launching precision passes forward. Juniper o the left covered every blade of grass, tirelessly tracking back while also pushing forward. The breakthrough came when Daisy floated in a pinpoint cross to Juniper, who slotted a beauty into the bottom right corner. Wild celebrations from the Borehamwood faithful could be heard for miles!
Olivia, between the sticks, proved her worth with some heroic back-to-back saves, keeping Evergreen at bay. Then, the moment of controversy – Daisy’s thunderous strike cannoned off the crossbar, bouncing straight down before being scooped up by the goalkeeper. Calls for VAR echoed around the ground! Meanwhile, Polly was an absolute speed demon, chasing down any Evergreen attack, while Maisie dazzled on the left with some skillful turns and inch-perfect runs. Daisy, desperate for a goal, unleashed another rocket, only for the keeper to palm it away, resulting in a corner for Borehamwood. Daisy stepped up to take, finding Ruby who latched on and buried a first-time strike to make it two!
Quarter 2 saw fresh energy injected into the squad. Sienna, Anisia, and Amber slotted into defence, creating an unbreakable wall, while Gracie, Elsie, and Leah brought firepower up front. Leah wasted no time stamping her authority with crunching tackles and sharp passes. Sienna was a defensive commander, vocalising encouraging instructions and throwing herself into challenges. Amber was the definition of composure, calmly intercepting Evergreens attacks and releasing the ball to her teammates. Anisia made clearing the ball look effortless, making the left wings a no-go area for Evergreen . Up top, Gracie was a blur of pace, darting through the middle, while Elsie's quick feet, and mesmerising skills saw her come agonisingly close with a shot that skimmed past the post. The pressure was mounting!
Quarter 3 was nail-biting! Daisy continued to torment the Evergreen defence with clever flicks and long-range shots. Polly was simply unstoppable, winning battle after battle like a warrior. In goal, Gracie proved she’s a true all-rounder, making crucial saves to keep Evergreen at bay. Maisie showed her intelligence, controlling the tempo and creating chances out wide. Elsie, growing in confidence, was a constant threat with solo runs. Then came the goal of the match – a stunning team effort. Tippi started it all with a powerful pass to Daisy, who whipped in a cross. Evergreen managed to clear, but only as far as Ruby, who absolutely smashed a worldy from the edge of the box into the top corner! What a Goal!!
Heading into the fourth and final quarter, Evergreen threw everything at Borehamwood. Sienna made a last-ditch tackle on the goal line to keep the opposition out. Up the other end, Daisy’s shot was saved, rebounding to Elsie, who rattled the post – the woodwork had been Borehamwood’s biggest opponent all game! Leah, now given freedom to roam, linked up brilliantly with the wingers. Juniper pulled off a dazzling run, sending in a wicked cross to Ruby, who was just inches away from converting.
The whistle blew. What a performance from Borehamwood! Every single player gave their all, showed incredible teamwork, and delivered an unforgettable display of football. The neutral fans would have been entertained, but for the Borehamwood faithful, this was a rollercoaster of emotions!
Player of the Match went to Sienna for her fearless defending, tireless work rate, and never-say-die attitude. Daisy achieved OPOM for her onslaught of long range shots and her unwillingness to give up.
A fantastic game, a fantastic team, and an unforgettable day of football!