Woodford Youth Football Club

UPR A  1 - 0  Woodford

30 March 2008

Echo Friendly

It was always going to be close between these two great teams and today was no exception. Woodford started the brighter of the two but did everything but score their deserved goal. With the entire Woodford defense out due to illness the pairing of MOM Swan and Bickmore dealt with most things throughout the game. Dady also put in an outstanding performance and his return was a welcome one. Half time came and went with the deadlock still to be broken. The home team began to find their game and started to ask questions of the tired Orange midfield. The moment that eventually won this game however was an outstanding strike, Lefevre took his goal kick which fell just short of the half way line as soon as it bounced was it returned looping over the Woodford keeper and into an unguarded net, a fantastic winner which was nothing more than UPR deserved after coming back into the game.  A good game played with good sportsmanship.

Match report:  SS  

Woodford  2 - 2  Senrab A

24 February 2008

Echo Friendly

On reflection this one seemed like two points lost than one point gained but such is the beautiful game. After a cagey start by both teams Woodford finally opened the scoring, a break straight through the middle finding Parsons clear one on one with the keeper and she coolly slotted home from inside the box. MOM Parsons scored her second from point blank range after Solanki delivered an excellent corner to her feet, two nil at the break.  Senrab had threatened one several occasions with their pace and quick feet but grabbed their first after a long throw caught the Orange defence napping (again) and the shoot was well taken leaving the keeper stranded. The away team secured a point from a superb freekick into the top right corner from just outside the area and in all honesty they deserved something from their second half performance.A boisterous crowd enjoyed the game which was played with good sportsmanship, well done to both teams.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  7 - 1  Buckhurst Hill B

17 February 2008

Friendly

Believe it or not but this was a closely fought contest in the first half. Woodford took the lead with a great freekick into the top right-hand corner from Cannon who had been brought down just outside the box. Buckhurst Hill started to ask questions of the Woodford defence and it was a ball over the top that finally gave the away team a clear shot on goal which they took, one each at half time.  If ever there was a game of two halves then this was it, a transformed Orange took the field and simply finished every opportunity that fell to them. Firstly Swan intercepted a goal kick and fired it straight back into the net with power. Swan's second came immediately after and was even better than his first, he broke down the left then cut inside and smashed it shoot into the far corner (3-1). Thomas grabbed a well deserved second in two games with a strikers finish from an excellent cross from Solanki. Cannon then struck again with a well paced effort into the bottom corner. Both Parsons and Dady scored from similar moves towards the end, again breaking down the left with some great passing movement and interchange with McDiarmid, Walters and Bickmore respectively, but both the finishes were of the highest quality giving their keeper no chance. The drama was not complete with a late penalty being awarded to the visitors but it was Lefevre who came out on top to cap an outstanding second half of total football.  Well done to both teams and we look forward to another encounter with our neighbours.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  3 - 1  LOASS

16 February 2008

Friendly

This was a game young Walters was certainly looking forward to as he is a keen follower of the O's. Woodford started brightly and after several attempts found the net in the first 10 minutes of the first half, with Walters spraying an excellent pass to Cannon who found the bottom corner. The second was a goal mouth scramble but Thomas came out on top and finished under the crossbar. The third came soon after and it was the MOM Cannon finishing as the move off. Were it not for an excellent and brave LOASS keeper there could have been a bigger margin at half time.The second half was a much more even contest after a few Woodford changes and the large travelling away support had something to cheer with a great move straight through the midfield and a great finish.  A nice way to warm up a crispy Saturday morning, well done to both teams.

Match report:  SS

LTD  3 - 3  Woodford

10 February 2008

Friendly

This was a much anticipated away match from the Woodford perspective. After this seasons humbling experience at the hands of LTD
(where Woodford lost 4-0) the Orange were keen to salvage some pride and wandered down to the lovely countryside town of Thurrock. The game was set in picturesque surroundings but the atmosphere was neither still nor calming. This was a game of four halves so to speak, where LTD won the first game 3-2 and Woodford won the second 1-0, (hence the 3-3 aggregate score). The game plan was to learn from our previous encounter against the Whites and ensure our left back and left midfield positions were not exploited by the quick one touch football which had undone us so clinically last time around. Woodford competed for the majority of the first half but it was LTD who opened the scoring by out numbering our defence on the break and finishing with a powerful shot into an empty net. The second half however saw LTD take a three nil advantage as Woodford were made to pay for their complacency. The second was a well worked moved but the shot from outside the area somehow managed to slip under Lefevre's body.  But he certainly made up for it with some smashing dashes out of his box to deny Dynamo more certain goals. Their third came soon after and the Orange could feel a rugby score on the cards. Rejoice! This time Woodford came out fighting and began to pass the ball through midfield into the strikers early. In particular Walters (the engine), Dady who did all that was asked of him by keeping the left side of midfield congested and Cannon, all had very good games. However, how many times is the Captain going to steal the headlines?  Today she scored all three Woodford goals and showed the boys how to do it, Parsons the Captain Incredible to the rescue! The second match saw McDiarmid play in right midfield (where he was effective) and Thomas up front, who continuously chased the ball.  My MOM however could have gone to either Solanki or Swan as they really did impress throughout the hour of play. Swan was very effective as left back and when pushed into the middle of the park played with spirit and passion. Solanki was his usual composed self, clearing off the line and casual but crisp in his challenges, thoughtful in his passes and even surprised the boss by playing well in midfield.  I must mention that although Dynamo only had the minimum seven players on the day they did not stop for the entire play and were a credit to themselves and their manager. Looking at their place in their respective league table, having played 14 and won 14 they took their 1-0 defeat well.  I hope everyone enjoyed it? I know I did and can not wait for another chance to play one of the best under seven sides I have had the pleasure to watch.

Match report:  SS

Barking Colts  0 - 2  Woodford

3 February 2008

Echo Friendly

On the third time of asking Woodford finally beat this resilient Colts side but it was by no means an easy victory.  With the wind proving a very difficult element to play against both teams did very well to keep the game flowing but chance were few and far between in the first half. Walters was the engine in the midfield and Solanki the heart in defence. Although playing on the right wing Cannon maintained his usual disciplined performance and was involved with some great passing moves. The deadlock was broken in the second half when Woodford, with the wind behind them began to force the issue. A shoot from inside the area fell to Parsons who kept her composure and beautifully lobbed the advancing keeper from outside the area, a finish anyone would have been proud of and a truly magnificent touch.  A penalty was then award as a harsh handball was even inside the Colts area and it was Cannon who stepped up where he had previously missed from the same spot in November of last year...Yet again the Barking curse hit and Cannon smashed his penalty high and wide (wind aided.)  The Colts were rejuvenated by the penalty miss but the two MEN of the Match (Lefevre who sustained a terrible nose bleed before the game and McDiarmid who played on despite a bad injury kept Woodford’s clean sheet.)  The victory was soon ensured when the Orange began to find their simple passing game and whipped in a great cross for Dady to stab home from close range. A great effort from both teams and we look forward to the next encounter.

Match report:  SS  

Woodford  4 - 2  Ryan F.C.

27 January 2008

Echo Friendly

What a thriller this game was. After a cagey start by both team it was Ryan who scored first, a great move from the left wing attracting the WYFC defence only to be caught short when a cross field ball was delivered to the right with the Ryan front line queuing up to finish. Woodford hit back and after several chances it was Thomas who finish in spectacular style from a near impossible angle. Just as the Orange began to grow in confidence they were hit by a sucker punch break, with the entire Woodford team pressing for the lead the Red & White of Ryan broke again with Lefevre doing everything to stop them but was simply out numbered, 2-1 to the away side. With the first half drawing to a close a Cannon pass to Parsons who moved the ball across to her trusted left foot unleashed the equaliser, 2-2 at the interval.  A strong start to second half from Ryan but with the Woodford side approaching full strength it was Walters & Swan who packed the midfield to ensure the game was concentrated in the Ryan half. The long balls over the Orange midfield were dealt with by Solanki & McDiarmid who were reliable as ever.  Parsons found herself just outside the Ryan area and swung her foot through the ball but a fortunate bounce in front of the keeper saw Woodford take the lead. The drama was not finished when Cannon was have thought to have handled the ball inside the area and the referee duly gave a penalty, Lefevre looked confident but the away support could feel an equaliser was only moments away, but the penalty was smashed right of the keeper and the result looked secured. Cannon scored the last with a well taken effort at the end which did flatter the score line a tad. As for MOM, well with would be wrong to credit one individual, so on this one occasion I am proud to say that all the players received it. Well done to both teams and sets of supporters who made this a cracking game.

Match report:  SS

Tigers A  0 - 0  Woodford

20 January 2008

Echo Friendly

As nil nil results go this was a terrific game played with great sportsmanship. The early running came from a much improved Tigers side who asked may a question of the Orange defense, but as we have seen throughout 2007 the pairing of Solanki & MacDiarmid remained water tight. Billy was called into action on several occasions and pulled off some heroic saves throughout the 30 minutes. Woodford began to find their passing game with Walters putting in some great challenges to win possession & finding his team mates with some excellent passing. The congested midfield was where the ball remained for most of this match with Dady & Parsons having to help out as the battle to win the ball continued. Finally a clear cut opportunity presented itself but it fell to the Tigers who after a poor clearance found themselves in a three against one situation, the first strike hit the left post and rebounded kindly and the second shoot smashed into the underside of the crossbar again falling kindly and finally the third effort believe it or not came off the right hand post. Woodford brushed them selves down and tried to counter on the break but the Tigers ability to recover from attack back to defense was admirable and both Parsons and Dady had efforts blocked inside their area.The Woodford MOM went to Thomas who after a long term break with illness seems to have found the form that got him into this A team with a tireless display and some strong challenges. Well done to both teams & sets of supporters who made this an enthralling Sunday morning.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  5 - 2  Raphaels Park B

13 January 2008

Friendly

With a massive divide in the divisions with the Foxes in the top and Raphael’s in the bottom showed in the match.  Woodford taking a massive 5-0 lead in the first half with goals from Cannon 2, Parsons 2 and Walters. After a discussion with the managers we evened up the teams with Raphael’s playing with 11 against the Foxes 7. Raphael’s enjoyed the rest of the match by getting two nicely taken goals and they finished with smiles on there faces instead of the heads in the hands. Good luck Raphaels for the rest of the s eason.

Match report:  MC

Woodford  0 - 7  LTD

6 January 2008

Friendly

A harsh welcome back post the festive break and a lot of lessons learnt in this friendly. A usual 8 v 8 game saw a tight opening with both teams trying to create space in this mud bath. Woodford had several opportunities in this game mainly falling to Parsons & Cannon who on any other day would have scored at least 4 between them. But alas today they came across a brave Dynamo Keeper who advanced on every occasion and pulled off some great saves. This Dynamo side had really come on leaps and bounds since the last time these two teams met during a summer tournament where the score was 2-2. They gave a demonstration of communication and passing of the highest order creating a hatful full of chances over the 60 minutes, MOM Billy.  The movement down the right wing from Dynamo was the starting point of all their goals with 3 Premiership Academy payers causing havoc for this naive start to the year for Woodford. Their ability to pass and work as a team coupled with a disciplined formation was great to watch and something I hope this Woodford side aspire to. To quote a line from the film Goodfellas “We all take a beating now and again” and this was certainly that. The challenge now is how we respond to such a defeat but I have no doubt this was a learning curve for all and we will come back from this set back stronger and more determined than ever.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  1 - 0  Ryan F.C. 

2 December 2007

Echo Friendly

A wet and windy Sunday saw these two teams meet for the first time this season. Historically always a good match and this game was no exception. But before we go into the details both team must be applauded for even turning up as the conditions were really dreadful. An even opening with Lefevre having to make a few saves as well as come flying off his line to clear the danger one occasion. Solanki who received the MOM yesterday against Tottenham was again exceptional and both his defensive partners Swan and McDiarmid ensured the clean sheet. The middle of the park was a close fought contest with Woodford maybe just shading it at times, MOM Walters who covered every inch of the pitch led the way with his best display of the season so far. Thomas and Parsons were their usual threat up front but it was that Cannon who was the difference on the day, some good passing lead to the goal with Cannon managing to stay on his feet into the box and beating the advancing keeper with a low shoot into the corner. Ryan could not get their passing game together on this occasion but made it an enjoyable game with their spirited performance.  Well done to both teams who put in a great display despite the elements. 

Match report:  SS

UPR  2 - 1  Woodford

25 November 2007

Echo Friendly

Well it was going to happen sooner or later and on this fresh Sunday morning the proud unbeaten record of this under 7's (A) team disappeared. But do not let it be said that it was not protected with honour and a fighting sprit that this team has been renowned for all season thus far.  Both teams went into the game unbeaten and the expectations were high from both sets of supporters, but the best thing that came from this game was the football. At some points it was hard to believe that this was an under sevens league match with both teams playing great passing football. The game started with the expected high tempo and UPR showed why they are a force with an early goal, a ball over the top caught out the Woodford defence and Lefevre could not stop the shot. A superb Woodford response saw Cannon burst into the UPR box and like we have seen so many times this season fire the shot past the keeper 1-1. The UPR second was a well worked goal down the left and the sides came in at half time with the score 2-1. The second half saw Woodford throw everything including the kitchen sink at UPR who coupled with some good defending and poor finishing from the Orange hung onto their slender advantage.  This battle was not for the faint hearted and although the game was very spirited, it was played with good sportsmanship. Well done to both teams and we certainly look forward to the home fixture.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  3 - 1  Tigers

18 November 2007

Echo Friendly

A cold Sunday morning and a stunning hat-trick by Cannon saw the mighty orange Under 7's remain unbeaten. A cracking performance by all, with Lafevre receiving M.o.M. An understrength side, which saw Swan take the Captain's armband for the unwell Parsons and doing the job admirably.  Dady put in a superb passing performance. The Tigers goal came on the counter attack, with the defence caught upfield. Thomas came off his sick bed for the second half and proved he still had the stomach for the match. A contentious decision saw the dodgy ref deny the Foxes a blatant penalty when the Woodford No 9 was brought down in the area! Walters showed great strength in midfield, passing well alongside Dady, all of which kept the pressure on the Tigers defence. Overall a very good performance by both teams with Woodford's strength edging the game. Well done both teams on what was definitely the coldest match day yet at Torbitt Park!

Match report:  MC

Harold Hill  0 - 3  Woodford

11 November 2007

Echo Friendly

This was a great game from start to finish if your colour happened to be Orange. Harold Hill started well but could not force an opening through this now well organised midfield. The first real attempt on goal came ten minutes into the game and fell to Parsons who turned onto her favoured left foot and calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the goal, a very well taken goal which has been typical of her season thus far. Finally we began to see this Woodford side passing the ball which resulted in some more opportunities which were well defended by the Harold Hill defence. Half time ended with a thin Woodford margin.  The second half was completely dominated by Woodford with some fantastic runs down both flanks, Solanki ran riot down the right wing with more tricks than Rolando and produced some excellent passes. The second Woodford goal was typical of Cannon who picked up the ball in the midfield and only had eyes for the back of the net, he struck with a perfectly timed right foot shoot which flew passed the keeper. Not to be out done MOM Dady returning to the team forced all the issues down the left with strong challenges & excellent passing, he set up the third again for Cannon who was at the right place at the right time.  A strong performance from Swan in the middle who did not stop running ensured there was no way back for Harold Hill.  Some great distribution from Lefevre in goal into midfield made the passing easy on the eye & McDiarmid who is beginning to show why he commands a regular first team place did not disappoint with some well timed challenges but more importantly his positional play was exceptional allowing Solanki to be creative down the wing.  Well done to both teams & sets of supports who were a credit to their respective clubs.

Match report:  SS

Bryon A  1 - 3  Woodford

4 November 2007

Echo Friendly

A sunny Sunday saw these two teams meet for the first time and there was not too much that separated them.  Byron started the brighter of the two teams playing some great one touch football and deservedly took the lead. A long ball which caught the Woodford defence on the hop was met by two Red strikers and although Lefevre did well he was out numbered and the ball crept in.  The half time Woodford team talk certainly did the trick and saw the Orange adopting a shoot on sight policy which lead to the equalizer. Swan launched a clearance from just inside the Byron half which somehow managed to beat two of their defenders and sneaked through the keepers legs. This was the platform which was required to instill the Woodford belief that they could win this game. Solanki and McDiarmid returned to marshal the defence and ensured the ball remained in the Byron half. Thomas kept the pressure down the right with some great challenges and both Parsons and Walters took control of the middle of the park to help the Orange home.Two goals from MOM Cannon who although at times had to brush himself down after a few hard tackles showed why he was pushed up into the strikers position at half time.  The first was long range effort from Solanki which bounced once and found cannon who acrobatically bicycled kicked the ball home. The second was another penetrating run with a good finish to match.  Well done to both teams and both sets of supporters who ensured this game was played in the right spirit.

Match report:  SS

Woodford  9 - 0  Develop

14 October 2007

Echo Friendly

Woodford  2 - 0  Aztec

7 October 2007

Echo Friendly

Another  win for Woodford could not have come at a better time. After last weeks heroics but no cigar some were beginning to question whether a they had the guts for the top division....! But no so.  Woodford begun the game with the same appetite shown last week, lots of passion, fight and team sprit from Lefevre in goal all the way through to Parsons up front but were unable to break this slick Aztec side down. The visitors who had just won 5-0 last week showed they were not here to make up the numbers and put together some great passing football and had their chances. The first half came to an end with the dead lock still to be broken. The rolling substitutions began to unlock the visitors and Cannon who started this game on the bench found himself sandwiched between two defenders and was clumsily brought down....the referee did not hesitate and Cannon brushed himself down and placed the ball on the penalty spot...  Again Cannon fired his second penalty in as many games into the top right hand corner but this time he made it count, the way support expressed their disappointment but it was not to be the match decider. Cannon skipped down the left passed two Aztec players , looked up and squared the ball to Swan. Swan who has recently broken into this team cut inside from the left and pulled back his right foot from outside the area and unleashed what can only be described as an absolute screamer into the top right hand corner, the goalie did manage a touch but the sheer power took it into the net. There have been many goals scored but this Woodford team over the last 18 months and this was certainly up there with the best of them. Swan also put in a good performance both as centre back and in the middle of the park and deservedly receives the MOM. 

Match report:  SS