Pre Season Friendly
Reading U18’s 4-3 Boreham Wood U18’s
Match Report
Our Under 18s travelled to the impressive Hogwood Park training ground to test themselves against one of the best Academies in the Country our Partners Reading FC. The growing Partnership saw a Reading FC XI visit Meadow Park in pre season.
A 1pm kickoff saw the perfect conditions for the game between the sides. A nervous start by the Wood youngsters allowed Reading to impose themselves on the game and dominate the early exchanges. Wood began to settle and find their passing game as they grew in confidence.
An early ball caught right back Orlando Rodriguez out allowing the Royals wide man time and space to cross and find his forward who finished coolly. This seemed to bring Wood together and go at the men in Blue, with Robert Hastings going close with a low drive, after some positive play by Maxwell Holland who was bright all afternoon.
Hollands direct play caused problems in the Royals ranks once again but the young winger unfortunately could not find a finish to the move. The Reading side increase the tempo towards the end of the half creating several chances that lead to a dubious penalty decision, after Sam Doolan made what looked like two good challenges but was penalised by the referee. The Reading number 10 cheekily lofted the ball into the net to give his side a two nil lead at the break.
After the break Wood continued on the front foot and when Maxwell Holland was fouled on the left wing, it allowed Marcio Cruz to deliver right footed with quality to find Jack Vasey unmarked at the back post to head into the roof of the net. Wood grew in confidence despite Reading dictating possession. The youngsters frustrated the Royals with a good defensive shape and spells of possession. After a Reading attack Wood broke quickly with Salim Sahnoun who found Micah Jackson in the centre of the park and neatly exchanged with Robert Hastings, to send the midfielder through and confidently lifted the ball over the advancing Reading No1.
With Wood level and Reading making several changes. The fresh legs told and two quick flowing passing moves led to Wood conceding 2 quick goals. The introduction of Robert NNaji for the Wood and Sandro Sanchez gave Wood some energy in the closing 10minutes. NNaji pulled another goal back with a well constructed team goal that allowed Sahnoun to find time and space to set Nnaji away that finished with poise.
Academy Head Coach Mario Noto added “We have been coming to Reading over the last 3 years and the relationship is growing all the time. It’s always a good test for the boys and an opportunity to gage and assess our players. It was a very positive exercise and experience for all the boys involved, with some pleasing performances”.
Reading U16’s 3 -0 Boreham Wood U16’s
Match Report
Boreham Wood Elite Under 16s travelled down to Hogwood Park, to face Reading FC Under 16s in a pre season Friendly. With Wood youngsters fresh into their Pre Season Schedule it was always going to be a good test for the boys.
Reading started bright with good inter change between their front three to work an effort on goal. Wood then went close when Taj Figueroa a new recruit went on a solo run to bend his effort wide of the goal.
Reading took the lead on the 30minute mark when Sadiq Giwa fouled his opposite number, for him to pick himself up and rifle the ball into the top right hand corner.
Wood than dictated for a spell where they nearly levelled the match when Jamal Brown found himself on the edge of the box beyond the back line only for him to dwell in possession failing to get a shot away and test the Reading keeper.
Wood started with intent in the second half after a few changes, their build up play and ball retention improved and looked to take a foot hold in the game, only for Ismail Camara who was immense up until he went to ground in the box gifting Reading a penalty kick. The lead woas doubled with the Wood keeper being sent the wrong way.
Reading completed the scoring from another set piece where they worked a short corner for them to deliver with pace for their 6ft centre half to direct his header into the top corner.
Academy Director Luke Garrard gave his thoughts after the defeat. “Iwas pleased with the game, we showed we have lots to work with, individually today some performances were very good. We have had these now for four sessions and had to try and cram as much into them as possible, they have reacted and done these ok, but over time they will understand their roles to the last detail. Set Pieces are huge in games, and I explained to them the importance they bring, whether that’s attacking or defending, and for all 3 goals to be conceded by set pieces is frustrating. We’re now preparing the boys for the start of the season, and are really looking forward to working with this crop”.
