Boreham Wood FC U16s 5 (2) – St Albans Rangers 0 (0)
Herts County Cup Round 4
Boreham Wood U16s progressed into the quarter finals of the Herts County Cup with a disciplined 5-0 performance against a very committed St Albans Rangers side who had knocked out two Royston Crow Premier League sides in the previous rounds. The match was played in the derelict grounds of Harperbury hospital and with the home side featuring several former Harvesters team-mates of the Wood players a physical match was a certainty.
After the ref had introduced himself to the Borehamwood supporters, Wood started very much in control and after 15 minutes opened the scoring when Elliot Bailey got to the bye-line on the right and Jack Read spectacularly volleyed home the cross from close to the penalty spot. This was repeated after 22 minutes when Stuart Henderson struck home another Elliot cross on the half-volley high into the net to give a two nil lead at the break.
With the wind at their backs a win for Wood was now a certainty and three further goals were added in the second half. Again Elliot caused havoc down the right-hand side and the home defence were unable to clear a hard low cross for the third (own) goal which spiralled into the net by an unfortunate defender. The fourth goal resulted from a neat move and pass down the left from Stuart to substitute Cieran Yapp who slotted under the keeper. Arnie Galloway came close to scoring with a rasping shot which struck the base of the post from 25 yards then there were two lighter moments as George Boote showed his defensive abilities by twice ‘clearing’ the ball over the gaping Rangers goal from inside their box! The final rites for Rangers came again from the boot of Jack Read when his shot from outside the box took a deflection of a Rangers’ player to land high in the net for the fifth goal.
Overall a good performance on a difficult surface – the Wood defence and keeper never looked in trouble and the midfield created enough chances and possession, despite never quite getting out of second gear. The lads are now into the quarter finals with a trip to either East Herts Youth or Hemel Hempstead Town on 13 February.
Match squad: Daniel McDermott; George Boote, Laurence Wroe, Sam Doolan, Craig Meddeman; James Kaloczi, Matt Taylor, Joe Kazer; Stuart Henderson, Jack Read, Elliot Bailey: Subs; Sabana Rai, Cieran Yapp, Arnie Galloway.
Goal Scorers – Jack Read (2), Stuart Henderson, Cieran Yapp, own goal.
