A pre-season opener for the newly formed reserve team with the Under-16s was designed to be a confidence booster for the Reserves.

This was a reality check for all the players that they should never under estimate any opponent and very nearly left them with egg on their faces.

Alex Small of the U16s was a constant threat with her never say die attitude, chasing every lost cause and not allowing the Reserves a minutes piece.  Eventually this paid dividends for her, latching onto a through ball and giving the 16s the lead.

This was the wake-up call required for the Reserves, as they now faced the prospect of losing to the youngsters.

Sarah Mair picked the ball up and drove forward to strike home from 20 yards and level the score.

A physical battle ensued which did not allow any free flowing football that was greatly anticipated.  Both teams reached half time battered and bruised with the scores level.

If the Reserves thought that by simply turning up that they would win the game, then they were in for a shock.  The U16s started the second half stronger and deservedly took the lead with a shot by Becky Shepherd.  The reserves now were all at sea chasing the game.  A ball over top allowed Alex Small to run through on goal, Reserves goalkeeper Lacey Amato came out leading with her feet instead of her hands and allowed Alex to slide the ball away from her and roll the ball into the empty net.  3-1 to the Under-16s.

Now it would be a test of character for the Reserves.  Could they come back was the question.  For some it was easier than others.  Louise Van-Hamme (Rocket), Katie Taylor, Sam Garner, debutante Hayley Graham and Fiona Butterfield were raising their game to get something out of the match.  A scramble in the box with the ball not fully cleared allowed Laura Allen to get one back for the reserves.

Rocket was now driving the team on for the equaliser.  Sustained pressure and possibly better fitness begun to sway the game in favour of the Reserves.  Sarah Mair picked the ball up in midfield, drove forward and was allowed to shoot from distance just evading the goalkeepers hand to score.  3-3 honours even.

The Reserves definitely got out of jail, but it did highlight the complacent attitudes by some of the players.  The question now is will this performance impact on who is selected for the opening fixture ?  Probably.

Well played Under-16s, who showed great spirit and team play.  The Reserves need to keep looking over your shoulders as these girls will soon be eligible to play for this team.

Performances of the day for the Reserves : Louise Van-Hamme (Rocket), Katie Taylor, Sam Garner, Hayley Graham and Fiona Butterfield.        

HARRY YENNARIS

The game started well with good possession by the Reserves and in the fifth minute, Sarah Mair gained possession in midfield and moved the ball out wide to Mary Griffiths who passed to Kirsty Allen.  Kirsty opened her body and played the ball over the right back into the path of Katie Taylor who struck the ball sweetly into the far corner.  1-0 to the reserves.

Both teams were still finding their feet, but the reserves had the slight edge with their passing and movement.  In the 20^th minute Sarah Mair was again involved, playing the ball into Fiona Butterfield.  Fiona shielded the ball well from the defender and set the ball back to Kirsty Allen, who was able to smash the ball with her right foot into the goal.  Yes her right foot the one that is used for standing on only !!  2-0.

The reserves now had the bit between their teeth and were strutting around more confidently.  Solid at the back with the two rocks in the centre, Louise van Hamme and Hannah Charman, playing together for the first time.  Nigel, aka Mary Griffiths, at right back was giving out instructions to the younger players around her to ensure that they all performed.

In the 25^th minute 2-0 became 3-0 with a quick counter attacking move from the back.  Having won possession, Lacey Amato threw the ball to out to Sam Garner.  Two touches and she had now played the ball over the top of the Bushey defence for Fiona to run onto.  As the goalkeeper came out to meet her, Fiona calmly played the ball over the keeper and into the empty net from 25 yards. 

Within a minute, a lapse in concentration by the defence allowed Bushey to score, Lacey came charging out, but as she anticipated the lob, she jumped over the ball as it was hit low into the goal to make the score 1-3.

Just before half time, Katie scored her second of the game restoring the three goal cushion by cutting in from the left onto Laura Allen's pass to fire across the keeper.  Another great strike from Katie Taylor.

In the second half the girls took a while to get into their stride.  In the 60^th minute an opportunist strike from a Bushey player looped over Lacey for their second.  The score was now 2-4.

This was the wake up call the reserves required and within two minutes were able to restore their three goal advantage.  A scramble from the corner resulted in debutant Hayley Graham firing in a shot from close range.  A Bushey player attempted to stop the ball from crossing the line using their hand, but the referee awarded the goal.

Hannah Charman intercepted a pass, played the ball wide for Sam Garner, who ran down the wing drawing the goalkeeper out from her goal and as the goalkeeper advanced the winger passed to Fiona for her second goal.  It was amazing how Sam did not score; she did everything right but find the net.

Lady of the Match : Fiona Butterfield – Tremendous work rate and leading the line from the front.

A great start to the season with a 6-2 away victory, but complacency must not set in, there will be harder challenges to come in the very near future.

HARRY YENNARIS

-

Garston  9     East Barnet  1    
Watford Youth  3     Camden Town  0      

The windy conditions made it difficult for both teams to play with the ball hanging in the air.

The reserves started well and attempted to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible.  Sarah Mair and Laura Allen started to win their individual battles in midfield to take control of the game.  As they won the ball they were able to play the ball wide to Sam Garner and Hayley Graham, who were full of energy and always dangerous on the flanks.

The rocks, Rocket (Louise van Hamme) and Donkey (Hannah Charman) were comfortably dealing with any aerial threat posed by Dagenham.  Nige aka (Mary Griffiths) and Roberto Carlos (Katie Taylor) closed down the flanks ensuring the defence was dealing with any problems.

As the game progressed and the players became accustomed to the conditions Spurs Ladies started to pass the ball around and move their opponents all over the place.  In the 20^th minute, a through ball by Laura was won in the air by Fiona Butterfield, leaving Natalie Arbuckle to race through and smash a right foot half volley against the post.  Luckily for Dagenham the ball whizzed past Hayley and Fiona who were following up.

In the 25^th minute, Spurs pressure finally paid dividends.  Laura Allen played the ball from midfield into Fiona.  Shielding the ball from the defender, she played it into the path of Hayley, who smashed the ball home.  1-0 and richly deserved lead at this stage.

In the 30^th minute Sara Mair smashed the ball from the half way line towards the goal, causing the Dagenham keeper to scramble back to cover the shot as it sailed just over the bar.  Another swift move resulted in Sarah threading the ball through to Natalie, whose deft flick allowed Fiona to lob the keeper and score.  Mysteriously, the referee disallowed the goal to the relief of Dagenham & Redbridge for off-side.

The ladies now had the game by the scruff of the neck and were pushing hard for a second goal.  In the 42^nd  minute, Sam Garner played the ball through to Fiona, who fired the ball across the goal towards Hayley.  Just as she was lining up to score her second, a Dagenham & Redbridge defender poked the ball away.  The chances were now increasing as Dagenham tired in the conditions.  Natalie wriggled her way past a defender and struck a sweet left foot shot forcing the keeper to save.  As the end of the half approached, Sarah this time played the ball to Hayley and yet again the keeper pulled off another fine save to keep the score 1-0 at half time.

The second half started as the first had finished with the Reserves dominating play.  The danger now was that D&R had the wind behind them.  D&R pushed hard, but the Reserves were resolute, working as a team to ensure they did not concede. 

Natalie broke away, running through towards the goal.  Everyone expected her to slot the ball home to make it 2-0, but unfortunately her left foot shot blazed wide.  We wondered would this opportunity prove costly ?

In the 60th minute Hannah played the ball up to Natalie, who controlled and then laid the ball off to Hayley on the overlap.  Her run towards the goal drew out a defender and a sublime cross was knocked in to Fiona, which allowed her the simple task of a tap in from close range.  Finally 2-0.

D&R came back and for a 10 minute period had the upper hand, but the Spurs defence held strong, not allowing them to break through, ensuring Lacey Amato had a quiet afternoon.

In the 70^th minute, a clearance from Mary Griffiths was flicked on by Fiona for Natalie to run through and calmly slot the ball away to make it 3-0. The front pair, Fiona and Natalie, again worked well together.

Beth Richards came on for Hayley Graham who started to tire and with Beth playing her first game of the season, she slotted well into midfield and demonstrated great close control in tight situations.

Goal scoring opportunities started to wane as both teams tired.

In the 75^th minute Chanel Breen replaced Natalie Arbuckle. A great performance by Natalie ending her day with a goal.

With 10 minutes remaining, the conditions not having helped at all making it even harder for the players, the hard-working Sam Garner was replaced by Lizzy De Asha.

It was a great team performance, so selecting one individual for Lady Of the Match was very difficult.  As a team the performance was gritty and solid - Rocket and Donkey at the back, Sarah and Laura in midfield through to Fiona and Natalie up front.  In the end it was decided that the lady of the match was Hayley Graham, scoring on her debut.  Well done Hayley.

Next up in this competition will be Hackney at home on Sunday 21^st October and although the Ladies have made a positive start to the season in the London and League Cups, we need to ensure we perform as well in the league starting next week. 

Lady of the Match : Hayley Graham  – Neat and tidy play and a continuous threat to the opposition.

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  1     Leyton  1    
Watford Youth  5     Hampstead  0    
Katabella  3     Camden Town  2      
Newhams Women  v   Hemel Hempstead  -  match postponed  

The East Barnet keeper must have enjoyed the persistent back passes for shots that were taking place.  East Barnet played a very high defensive line, squeezing up and constantly catching the Spurs ladies offside.

Sarah Mair won the ball in midfield, played the ball wide to Sam, who crossed into the middle for Fiona who was unfortunate to have an East Barnet player clear as she was about to shoot in front of goal.  Chances were coming thick and fast.  Chanel played the ball to Sam Garner, who with two touches had played in Natalie, who had a right foot strike straight into the goalkeepers’ hands.

East Barnet were struggling to cope with the constant pressure and closing down by the Reserves and were seldom crossing the half way line.  The defence were working well together to keep the East Barnet team quiet.  Chanel again won the ball in midfield, played Sam through and she took two touches before her shot was again saved by the keeper.

A clearance by Lacey Amato was neatly controlled by Natalie, who laid the ball off to Chanel.  Again, with only the keeper to beat, the shot was fired straight at her.  The East Barnet keeper definitely had the Reserve players in her sights.  Sarah broke away from midfield, as she sailed past oncoming players and her strike on goal unfortunately went wide.  At least she did not fire it into the keepers’ hands.

East Barnet were struggling to contain the constant onslaught from the Reserves.  Chanel won the ball in midfield, played a ball through for Katie Taylor to run on to.  Katie looked up and fired her shot from 20 yards only to see the ball crash back off the bar.

Sarah played the ball up to Fiona whose deft flick on allowed Natalie to beat the off side trap and run through on goal.  As the keeper came out, Natalie calmly slotted the ball down the side to give the reserves a 1-0 lead.  Great finish and for once the ball remained low.

Two more opportunities were created by Sarah for Fiona and Natalie, but, once more, unfortunately both strikes were straight into the keepers’ hands.  Oh if only we could keep the ball low.

Half time arrived with the reserves 1-0 up, but having had countless opportunities to have finished the game.

The Ladies started the second half with even more vigour, with a flea in there ear regarding their finishing.  Within the first minute of the restart Fiona was through on the keeper, firing a low powerful drive that was saved by the keeper using her legs.  The midfield was now overpowering Barnet.  Katie Taylor played the ball through for Chanel to run through beat the defender and fire the ball straight at the keeper.

Sarah received the ball from Rocket and drove at the opposition, playing the ball through the middle.  Both Chanel and Natalie ran through, but left the ball for each other allowing the goal keeper the simple task to come out and collect.  Sam played the ball down the line, but the East Barnet defender got to the ball first.  However, great closing down and pressure forced her into an error near the corner flag, allowing Natalie to win the ball and play the ball square to Fiona for a tap in.  Finally.  65 minutes played and score was 2-0.

The reserves had the upper hand, with three more opportunities created by Sarah for Fiona and Natalie forcing the goal keeper into making saves.  East Barnet pushed up to catch the reserves off-side, but beating the trap, Sarah ran through by herself and narrowly shot over the bar.

Sam Garner slid the ball through for Natalie Arbuckle to run on to and as the keeper came out, Natalie did a lovely shimmy, which sent the keeper the wrong way.  She took the ball around the keeper who was on the floor and slotted the ball home for 3-0.  Great finish.

Hayley Graham came on to replace Katie Taylor and slotted in to the team pattern straight away, continuing where Sam had left off.  Beth Richards replaced Sam Garner, who again had worked tirelessly without getting the rewards she deserved.  Somebody somewhere will get a Sam Garner pasting.  Charley Sandford came on for Chanel Breen, who started to tire.  The team persisted in trying to keep the ball on the floor and stretching the play.

Opportunities still came the reserves way, but unfortunately poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score at 3-0.

We would like to wish East Barnet good luck for the rest of the season.

It was a great result and start to the league campaign.  On any other day the team will need to be more clinical with their finishing in front of goal, otherwise we will be punished by the opposition. 

Lady of the Match : Sarah Mair – Constantly winning the ball back and driving the team forward.

HARRY YENNARIS

Camden Town  1      Garston  3    
Hampstead  0     Katabella  2    
Hemel Hempstead  7     Watford Youth  1    
Leyton  0     Newhams Women  1    

As early as the eighth minute Natalie Arbuckle’s cross shot just evaded Sam Garner at the far post and again, it was the story of the season for Sam, who worked hard with no reward for all her endeavour.

The reserves started well and were working hard to close down the opposition and not allow them to settle; the first warning to Newham that the young reserves were ready for the challenge ahead.  The home side were being restricted to set pieces and on two occasions we were let off as headers from Laura Bryant went just over.

The Newham defence led by Laura Bryant and Karen Livingston were working hard to keep the Reserves attack at bay.  Eventually the sustained pressure paid dividends.  Katie Taylor, who was chasing everything in the box, forced the Newham defender to slice her clearance.  The ball fell to Natalie Arbuckle, whose right foot ferocious strike hit the post, rebounding to hit the keeper in the face and go into the net.  It will be very harsh on Natalie to give that as an own goal, even though it was.

In the 33^rd minute, Hannah Charman drove forward from midfield, played the ball in to Natalie who laid it off into the path of Sam.  Sam ran through and her strike on goal forced the keeper to save.  Newham were still causing concern from set plays, but the make-shift defence were holding steady and ensuring that there were no strikes to trouble Lacey Amato in goal.

Twinkle toes Beth Richards, playing at right back, was dancing around the attackers with quick feet and movement to clear her lines and working well with Sam in front of her.  The next opportunity fell to Katie, who was played in by Natalie.  Unfortunately she rushed her strike on goal and shot wildly wide.

The half time whistle came with the reserves 1-0 up, but they easily could have been two or three goals ahead.  The message at half time was to keep pressing and not stop the great team work and work rate.

The re-start of the second half saw Natalie break away and she cut across the defender to strike a left foot shot forcing the keeper to save.  The effort and work rate being put in by the midfield quartet – Sam Garner, Sarah Mair, Hannah Charman and Hayley Graham, was starting to tire the opposition.  Having won their individual battles, the midfield were now in command of the game.

A through ball by Hannah had Hayley running through on goal.  With the keeper coming out fast, she panicked and shot well wide - a wasted opportunity with Katie and Natalie in the box looking for anything across the box.  The game was now in the Newham half and from a throw-in by Lizzie De Asha to Hannah, the ball was played to Katie in front of goal who shot over from 10 yards out.

Finally the second goal was scored which the reserves deserved finally arrived.  Sam played the ball into Natalie, who shielded and turned to play the ball wide to Hayley.  This time with two touches Hayley fired hard and low past the goalkeeper.

Newham were now pressing hard for a goal, putting pressure on the defence.  A poor clearance allowed the Newham player to strike from 20 yards out.  For once the midfield players were not able to get close enough to close down and the resulting shot was watched by Lacey as it went into the roof of the net.  2-1.

Laura Allen came onto replace Katie Taylor for the last 20 minutes.  Laura added fresh legs in midfield and ensured there were no further threats to the reserves goal.

A fantastic performance from the reserves who had to dig in and work hard to win the game.  The biggest compliment to the team is that even with players playing out of position, the work-rate and team spirit cannot be faulted, constantly encouraging and playing for each other.

The bench mark is being set higher every week by the teams’ performances. Well done.

Picking a team each week is becoming harder and harder.  

Lady of the Match : Hannah Charman – Great battling with Sarah Mair to keep Newham at bay.

HARRY YENNARIS

Garston  -     Hampstead  -    
East Barnet  -     Camden Town  -      
Watford Youth  -     Leyton  -    
Katabella  -     Hemel Hempstead  -    

Katabella's performance in the second half deserved a share of the spoils, but unfortunately the damage of the first half performance was beyond repair.

The reserves started well, getting quickly into their stride and asserting themselves all over the field.  As early as the fifth minute Natalie Arbuckle was through on goal, shooting narrowly wide with the visiting keeper beaten.   it was an early warning for Katabella that Natalie had her sights set on the target.  In the tenth minute a through ball by Rocket, Louise van Hamme, made its’ way to Natalie, who took the ball in her stride and struck the ball across the keeper and inside the far post to make it 1-0 to the reserves.

There were a couple of breaks for Katabella at the other end, but playing with one up front allowed the Reserves defensive rocks of Donkey (Hannah Charman) and Rocket to manage the situation.  In the 18^th minute Katie Taylor, playing in an unfamiliar left back role, received the ball from a Katabella clearance.  From fully 25 yards out she struck a magnificent left foot strike just over the bar.  Seven minutes later the Reserves made the score 2-0, as Chanel Breen played the ball into Fiona Butterfield, who found Natalie to shoot home from 12 yards out.

Katabella were now all over the place trying to organise themselves and stop the onslaught from the Reserves.  You could literally count on one hand the number of times they had managed to cross the halfway line into the reserves half.  Perhaps inevitably, it became 3-0 in the 35^th minute, when a shot by Sarah Mair was blocked by the Katabella defence only for the ball to fall into the path of Hayley Graham who was able to shoot hard and low inside the near post.

The fourth reserve goal was by far not only the best of the day, but the best they had scored this season so far.  Even Bill Nicholson would have been proud.

Mary Griffiths was chasing a ball played over the top by Katabella.  Facing her own keeper, she played the ball back to Lacey Amato.  The Spurs goalie opened her body and played the ball wide to Hannah, who moved the ball forward and stroked it into Rocket's path.  Rocket played the ball into Chanel in midfield, who threaded the ball to Fiona who completed the move with a low hard drive to score.  4-0 and any coach's dream goal of pass and move football.

With the Ladies still on a high of having scored, Katabella struck back just before half time.  A cross into the box was allowed to bounce between the defence and with the goalkeeper having come out, it allowed Katabella the easiest of chances to score with a header into the empty net to make the score 4-1 at half time.

At half time the Reserves were warned about complacency and the importance to get on top of the game and continue where they had left off.

Katabella had reorganised at half time and came out much stronger in the second half.  It would now be a test of character and desire.  A clearance by the defence fell to a Katabella midfielder who calmly chipped the ball over Lacey from 30+ yards.  Full credit to the player for having the awareness to try something like that from such a distance.

The score was now 4-2 and Katabella were very much in the driving seat.  Everything that the Reserves had done well in the first half of passing and moving appeared to have been forgotten in the second half.  Laura Allen came on for Chanel Breen, who started to tire and become increasing frustrated with things not going her way.

A great through ball by Sarah released Sam on the right, who ran through to shoot just over the top and then Katie Taylor’s cross found Natalie, whose shot was straight at the keeper.

Kirsty Allen replaced Hayley on the left, but the midfield battle was still being won by Katabella who were driving through.  Charley Sandford replaced Fiona, with the idea being to change the formation to 4-5-1.  For some reason the Ladies decided they wanted to play their own game and not follow the instructions as requested.

The Reserves held on for the final 10 minutes, a game which started so brightly and could have ended so disastrously wrong.

The win maintains the Reserves good start to the campaign but failure to play for 90 minutes will undoubtedly prove costly in the long run.  The team must do better for the whole duration of the game, not just one half.

Lady of the Match : Sarah Mair – Good performance holding the midfield together narrowly edging Hannah Charman’s defensive display.

HARRY YENNARIS

Camden Town  -      Watford Youth  -    
Hampstead  -     Newhams Women  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -     East Barnet  -    
Leyton  -     Garston  -    

The Reserves passed the test with flying colours.  The midfield duo of Hannah Charman (Donkey) and Sarah Mair(Sonic) were working hard to win the midfield battle.  On the wings Hayley Graham and Sam Garner were striking fear into the opponents with their constant running and team play from wide positions.  The shuffled back four of Beth Richards, Mary Griffiths, Louise van Hamme and Katie Taylor were playing well together as if they had played together all season.  The front pair of Fiona Butterfield and Natalie Arbuckle are developing a formidable partnership up front, working well together as a pairing.

The Reserves first strike on goal came from Fiona Butterfield, from a knock on by Natalie Arbuckle, forcing a great save from the Hackney keeper.  It was an early warning for Hackney that the Reserves were up for it.

In the 16^th minute, a throw by Beth found Sam whose pass found Natalie.  The striker played a one two with Fiona and was able to cut inside to strike on goal and past the keeper to give Spurs a well deserved1-0 lead.

Hackney were now being pushed further and further back into their own half trying to contain the Reserves.  The Hackney keeper, Jackie Pidcock, was having a great game keeping the score at 1-0.  Eventually, after 22 minutes, a through ball by Hayley found Sam, who was able to run and chip the keeper.  Credit to the keeper for getting a hand to the ball, but it slowly dropped into the net to make it 2-0.

The midfield duo of Donkey and Sonic were proving increasingly difficult to get past.  A corner kick in the for the Reserves was cleared by the Hackney defence, but, as the defence charged out, Mary Griffiths sent a diagonal pass back across to the far side for Hayley Graham to bring the ball down and drill it into the back of the net.  3-0.  Great pass and finish.

The opposition were now desperate to get something before the break, A launched ball over the top was cleared by Rocket to Hayley, who turned and laid the ball down the line to Fiona.  Cutting inside, the forward hit a drive towards goal.  The Hackney defender went across allowing Fiona to play the ball into the middle for Natalie in front of goal. As the keeper raced out Natalie was able to dance around the keeper and stroke the ball into the empty net. 4-0 and well deserved.

The question now was would the Reserves give as a good a performance as they did in the first or would they collapse like last week.

The first five minutes of the second half started slowly for the Reserves, but slowly increased the tempo to take control of the game.  Chances were still being created by the Reserves, but staunch defending and great goalkeeping were holding Spurs back from increasing the score line.  Fiona and Natalie up front along with Sam and Hayley on the wing were running the Hackney defence ragged.

In the 60^th minute a long punt from Lacey cleared the Hackney defence allowing Fiona to race away towards the keeper.  As the keeper came out, Fiona calmly slotted the ball past her to make it 5-0.

A moment of petulance from Sarah earned her a caution from the referee, more through frustration of having been hacked down moments earlier.  Laura Allen came on to replace Sarah adding fresh legs to midfield.

Natalie was still working hard up front, looking to complete her hat trick and earn herself a new pair of boots.  Well she did not have long to wait, Fiona played the ball through to Natalie who fired home to make the score 6-0.

With her hat trick completed, It was time to take Natalie off before she got too big for her new boots.  Chanel Breen came on to replace Natalie, along with Charley Sandford for Hannah.  The Reserves were still pressing hard looking for more goals. Rocket won the ball at the back and played the ball to Katie wide.  The ball was then quickly moved forward to Hayley, who passed to Fiona running into space.  Fiona cut back inside, drew the defender before playing the ball square to Chanel to slide the ball home from six yards.  7-0 and well deserved.

Credit to Hackney who continued to press forward looking for a consolation goal.  The Hackney goalkeeper, Jackie Pidcock, had an outstanding game to keep the score at seven.

Great finishing and team play allowed the Reserves to progress to the next round away to either South London or Newham in the next round on Sunday 18^th Nov. 

Lady of the Match: Mary Griffiths for a solid defensive performance and the deft exquisite chip to Hayley for the third goal, which gave her the edge over Katie Taylor for Lady of the Match.

HARRY YENNARIS

Garston  -     Hemel Hempstead  -    
East Barnet  -     Hampstead  -    
Katabella  -     Leyton  -    
Newhams Women  -     Camden Town  -      

The Spurs Ladies Reserves positive start to the season continued with a deserved victory over Garston.  The day though was marred with a serious injury to Beth Richards who was caught accidentally by a Garston player whilst challenging for the ball.

The day started off well and although conditions were cold and windy, whichever team could adjust to the conditions the quickest would be gain the upper hand.

The Reserves quickly got into their stride, pressing Garston and not allowing them any time on the ball.  Spurs scored in the fifth minute, when Louise (Rocket) van Hamme passed to Natalie Arbuckle, who bought the ball down and played it wide to Hayley Graham, who glided past the defender and squared the ball to Chanel Breen in front of goal for a simple tap in.  1-0 to the Reserves.

With Garston in a state of shock at conceding so early, the Reserves quickly pressed to regain possession from the restart.  Chanel chased down the defender to gain possession and played the ball wide to Sam Garner, who cut in and forced the goal keeper to save.

The move of the game came mid way through the half, Rocket to Hannah; on to Natalie; wide to Sam, who crossed first time to Hayley running in from the opposite wing to strike first time.  Credit to the keeper for making the save, but the move deserved a goal.  Hayley wasn’t to be denied though, as a through ball by Rocket allowed Hayley to break away towards goal and slide the ball down the side of the keeper to make it 2-0.

Katie Taylor and Hayley were linking well down the left flank, working well together in attack and defence.  The more they play together the greater the understanding.  Rocket and Nige (a.k.a. Mary Griffiths) are also doing well in the centre of defence.  Midfield duo Sarah (Sonic) Mair and Hannah (Donkey) Charman were competing and giving as good as they got in the midfield battle and not shirking from the challenges.

The Reserves pressed on looking for the third goal, and soon they were rewarded.  Sam broke away after being put through by Donkey and smashed the ball home to make it 3-0.

The windy conditions spoilt the second half, but credit to the Reserves who kept trying to play their football and create more opportunities.  The unfortunate Beth, who was injured, was replaced by Laura, Natalie was replaced by Charley and Hayley replaced by Kirsty.

The Reserves protected the 3-0 score line, smothering any chances that Garston created and deserved another victory to maintain their 100% record in the league and keep their winning streak going.  As they continue to win games, they will become a target for the opposition who will want to become the first team to beat them. 

** Special thanks to the Garston player/physio who assisted with the injury assessment of Beth.  Your assistance was very much appreciated.

To the Garston player involved, it was a football accident.

Lady of the Match: Hayley Graham - Great work in defence and attack.

HARRY YENNARIS

Camden Town  4      Katabella  0    
Hampstead  3     Watford Youth  0    
Hemel Hempstead  9     Newhams Women  0    
Leyton  11     East Barnet  1