Woodford Youth Football Club                                       In  Association With Manford Way FC

 AFA Cup Final 2011/12

Champions!

Woodford Youth U14's

A comfortable victory for the Foxes. Walker openend the scoring with a good finish from a well threaded pass from Edelman. Manley made it two, scoring from an acute angle after a strong run and cross from the impressive Mweni had hit the post. Woodford really stepped up a gear in the second half, passing and moving with ease. A number of chances were spurned however the management team were still impressed with the confidence and team spirit that was flowing through the team. Edelman finished off a good team move for the third goal before Chinegwundoh made it four nil with a powerful shot from a corner.  A special mention to the defence for keeping a clean sheet and Gokcimen and Olagbaju for sharing the goalkeeping duties.  A good performance which sets us up for our double header this weekend, away to Bethwin in the quarter final of the AFA Cup on Saturday, and away to Bardag in the league on Sunday.

After some encouraging results over the previous two weeks, expections were high going into this game. Woodford had the better of the early exchanges and the midfield of Thomas , Manley, Watkins, Mweni and Rafique were linking well, utilising the full length of the pitch with their passing and movement. The breakthrough came when Bex glanced the ball into the net from a well worked corner. However, and against the run of play, UPR scored two quick goals in succession from set plays, (our achilles heel has returned).  After a second half re-shuffle, Woodford again enjoyed the majority of possession. Massie was unlucky with a header that hit the bar and Watkins hit the post after a well worked move. With Woodford chasing the game, UPR sealed their win with two late goals.  The team were unfortunate not to get at least a draw today. We had the majority of possession and created a number of chances.

Defending set plays at training on Saturday while we play Shield Academy in a friendly at Elmbridge on Sunday.      

The management team had specifically asked Gants Hill United for a friendly due to their impressive statistics in the Echo C division, (they’ve scored over 6 goals a game this season and will obviously play next year at a higher level).  The positives were that every member of the squad available was given the opportunity to impress the Woodford coach’s. The first half was an even affair although at times Woodford were unable to keep possession, which is an aspect of our game which we will continue to work on in training. Mweni impressed in the first half and Coates & Watkins in the second. Watkins equaliser was a great effort from outside the area. Woodford should have then won this game easily with the majority of the second period played in the Gants Hill United half. Walker and Watkins were unlucky not to convert further chances. Thanks for the game George and good luck to your team during the remainder of this season.

Back to our league campaign on Sunday with UPR the visitors at Elmbridge.

Woodford produced their best performance of the season and were unlucky not to take all three points in what was an exciting and enthralling encounter.  Every team discipline, which has been analysed and worked on at the club training ground in Hainault this season, came to fruition. The squad now know that they can compete at the highest level and hopefully this result will be the start of exciting times to follow.  Woodford were unfortunate not to finish the first half with a 2 – 0 lead after Gokicmen was unlucky with a header and the impressive Rafique was unable to convert a scoring opportunity after being set up by Manley.  Another impressive display followed in the second half. Woodford were passing the ball well, winning every 50 / 50 challenge, and making full use of the width of the pitch with both wingbacks, Boateng & Ayofe having good games from both an offensive and defensive perspective.  The back four repelled every Interwood attack with ease and the midfield were playing the triangle passes demanded from the coaching team. However, it was the visitors who took the lead with a well taken free kick. Woodford were not to be beaten and Walker, who was causing the Interwood defence problems, was awarded a penalty. Although the penalty was well saved, the home team equalised shortly afterwards when a great long range effort from Rafique found the back of the net.

A good team performance, with every member of the match day squad making a telling contribution.

A solid performance in South London enabled the U-14’s to progress into the quarter finals of the AFA cup. Reyman openend the scoring with a deft chip after the opposition failed to clear a corner. Woodford had the majority of possession in the first half but were finding it difficult to penetrate the Valley Park Rangers defence who were holding a very deep defensive line. However, Edelman made it 0-2, finishing with aplomb, when he found himself one on one with the keeper after a good pass from Thomas.  Woodford continued to dominate in the second half with Olagbaju scoring his first goal for the team from a corner and Manley sealing victory in the last minute after a good turn and shot deceived the home keeper.  A good team performance overall with the players showing glimpses of what the manager and coaching team expect from them during the remainder of this season.    

We now play Pro Touch, away, in the quarter finals on Saturday 17th  December.