From the first to the last minute, the Reserves attempted to keep the ball on the ground and play football, even at the cost of conceding two goals, which would have been avoided if they chose to play kick and run football.

From the start, the Reserves were retaining possession and moving the ball around the pitch.  It would only be a matter of time before they would score and sure enough after seven minutes, Hayley Graham crossed deep from the right for Natalie Arbuckle.  The ball was cleared to the edge to Sarah Mair, who played a the ball through for Sam Garner to score from 12 yards.  Reserves take the lead 1-0.

After 12 minutes, Ebony attempted to play the ball the through to Natalie, but shanked her pass which deceived the defender.  Natalie raced away and slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.

20 minutes into the game, a change had to be made when Sarah Mair had to be replaced by Charley Sandford after complaining of not feeling well.  The reserves were keeping the ball well and restricting Camden to few chances, but still only had two goals to show for all their possession.

In the 30^th minute, the team moved the ball across the back four and down the line to Hayley.  Closed down by the Camden defence, she turned and played a one two with Charley.  Finding a small area of space, Hayley was able to whip the ball across to the far post, where the ball was met by Fiona Butterfield, whose volley was blocked by a Camden defender.

The reluctance to participate in kick and run football will now and again always work against you.  The unfortunate victim on this occasion was Lisa.  The ball was played back to Lisa, but in her desire to spread the ball wide early, mis-kicked the ball to the Camden player, who crossed for the striker to tap in from two yards.

The Reserves ended the half strongly and deserved their 2-1 lead.

The Reserves started the second half strongly, as Laura played the ball wide to Hayley, who cut inside and stroked the ball across the pitch wide to Sam to rifle home to make it 3-1.

The team still hadn’t finished.  Laura fed the ball through to Natalie, whose defence slitting pass set Sam through on goal.  Her shot hit the post and bounced out, but Hayley was following up and tried her luck from the opposite side. The Camden keeper managed to claw the ball out from beneath the bar, but the ball fell to Fiona, who turned and smashed the ball home from six yards.  The Reserves now led 4-1.

Katie came onto replace Lizzy.  Being dropped appeared to have a positive effect on Katie, as she came on possessed with a point to prove.

In the 70^th minute Camden scored their second goal of the game, when a cross was met by the striker whose shot was saved by Lisa.  Instead of kicking the ball clear, the Reserves tried to play the ball away, but this lead to a melee in front of goal that allowed Camden to stab the ball home.

Despite conceding the second goal theReserves continued to play their football and pushed Camden hard looking for another goal.  Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t to be,but the smiles were back again and with them came the football.

A good performance which extends the Reserves unbeaten run in the league.  They need to maintain this run and ensure the season does not end up with nothing to show for it.

Lady of the Match: Ebony Heath – Excellent defensive and attacking display.

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  4     Newham Womens  3    
Watford Youth  7     Garston  1    

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the lack of numbers at training is starting to impact performances.  The team looked as if they had never played together before.

The passing, movement and unity of the team that was evident at the start of the season has slowly disappeared, now everyone is looking to play for themselves.

As for the game, it was disappointing.  The reserves, in all honestly, did not play well.  At the start of the game the team were warned that Leyton would be looking to play the ball over the top and allow their quick front players to run towards goal.

Neither team played particularly well, with any chances created being due to defensive errors.

A mix up by the Leyton defence allowed Natalie Arbuckle a shot at an empty net, but unfortunately there was not enough power in her effort, allowing the defender to clear off the line.  Thirty seconds later the ball was pumped over the to top with a Leyton midfield player running through.  Lisa McCabe came rushing out, but was nowhere near the ball and allowed the player to lob the ball into the empty net.
Leyton continued to have the better of the first half chances and went in at the break leading 1-0.

The second half was very much like the first; neither team creating any clear cut chances that were forcing the goalkeepers to make a save.

Midway through the second half, again the ball is played over the top of the defence.  The Leyton player held off the chasing defender and got her foot to the ball to push it past the advancing keeper from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0.

The game ended with a 2-0 victory to Leyton.  The result reflected the Reserves performance and they got what they deserved.  If you turn up a do not impose yourself on the game you will lose.

HARRY YENNARIS

Newham Womens  2     Garston  1    
Watford Youth  0     Katabella  2    
Camden Town  3     Hemel Hempstead  5    
Hampstead  1     East Barnet  1    

The game was a scrappy affair, both teams launching the ball forwards with little panache.  A few times the Reserves did get the ball down and moved it around they were creating goal scoring opportunities.  Neither goalkeeper was really made to work hard If anything the Reserves shaded the first half.

A corner kick from Hannah Charman dropped to Mary Griffiths in the area, but her shot unfortunately sailed over the bar.  Midway through the first half, a cross from Hayley Graham found Natalie Arbuckle, who was able to shoot low to score.  Hopefully the goal would settle the Reserves down, but it wasn’t to be.

1-0 at half time, but the message was clear, keep the ball down and play your football.

The second half started in a more positive manner.  The Reserves at last kept the ball on the ground and a seven pass move resulted in Natalie having her shot saved by the keeper.  Moments later Hayley broke down the right, but her cross was cleared away by Camden for a corner.  Hannah took the corner kick and the ball was met by Ebony Heath, who thundered her header into the far corner.

50 minutes played and the Reserves now led 2-0.  For the next 15 minutes the Reserves were playing well in fits and starts.  When they kept the ball down, it was exciting to watch.

In the 70^th minute, a long clearance from Camden was not cleared by Rocket, in an effort to redeem the situation the ball was given away.  The Camden player broke down the right and crossed into the box.  Everyone appeared to swing and miss, resulting in a Camden player scoring from six yards to make it 2-1.

Five minutes later, It got worse.  A through ball was met by Lisa McCabe at the feet of the Camden player.  Everybody had turned away, but, to the astonishment of everyone, the Camden player had slid the ball into the empty net.  Somehow Lisa allowed the ball to slip away from her and allow the Camden player to score.  Even Camden players did not realise the goal had been scored.

A draw would be a catastrophic result for the Reserves, as any ambitions to win the league would require a victory.

The breakthrough occurred in the 85^th minute, as a clearance by a Camden defender fell to Hannah, who smashed the ball back across the goal.  Fortunately the ball fell to Fiona Butterfield, who was able to flick the ball into the net from close range to make it 3-2.

Then, in the 88^th minute, Hayley broke away from Ebony’s pass, with her cross come shot somehow finding the far corner to make it 4-2.

A lucky result at the end of the day.  A win's a win, but with the natural ability the Reserves have, they have to start believing if they are to progress to higher and better things.

Lady of the match: Ebony Heath – Great header for the second goal.
 

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Watford Youth  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

The game started very cautiously, neither team over committing.  If anything, playing against the wind the Reserves were looking quite comfortable.  The first opportunity fell to Charley Sandford, whose strike from Fiona Butterfield’s lay off went straight at the keeper.

The first strike on goal from Newham came in the 27^th minute, when their striker was through on goal and was only thwarted by an excellent save from Laura May and the goal line clearance from Rocket to ensure the scores remained level.

In the 33^rd minute a goal kick against the wind was flicked on by the defence, Reserves midfield failed to win the second ball allowing Newham to gain possession. Failing to close the player down or put in a tackle in midfield allowed the Newham player to come forward. The midfield player struck an opportunist shot from some 25 yards out which with the wind behind the ball flew in off the post to make it 1-0 to Newham.  Newham had two strikes on goal and they were leading 1-0.

Conceding the goal stirred the Reserves into action, in the 40^th minute a cross by Hayley Graham was laid back to Chanel Breen by Fiona, whose strike towards goal was saved by the Newham keeper.  A cross from Kirsty Allen was cleared by the defender only for Hayley to volley back towards goal, unfortunately for Hayley the ball hit a defender to deny her a certain goal.

In the closing minute of the half, Fiona chased hard forcing the Newham defender to lose possession, having won the ball she was unable to get a shot off.

A forced change at half time resulted in a reshuffle of the team.  Fiona replaced Laura May in goal and allowing Laura Wilding to come on.  Instructions to the team was very simple, "Keep the ball on the floor and when opportunity allows strike for goal."

The Reserves started the second half like a train.  They were closing down keeping the ball on the floor and playing some great stuff.  In the 48^th minute Ebony gained possession at the back played the ball wide to Hayley. Her touch found Kirsty who played the ball in to Natalie.  Receiving the ball back from Natalie Arbuckle, Kirsty crossed the ball into the box where Laura Wilding, on her debut, came in to head the ball in. This was just the start that the Reserves needed.

For the following ten minutes they dominated, but, for some unexplained reason, the Reserves stopped playing and allowed Newham back into the game.  Some players tired after 60 minutes and the team started to lose its shape.  Other players attempted tricks and flicks, when a simple pass was all that was required.  That’s great if you are leading the game comfortably, but not when you are searching for a win and low on confidence.  In the 80^th minute Natalie who was now running on empty was replaced by Jade Perrin.

Neither team were creating any real goal scoring opportunities, In the 89^th minute a ball cleared by Newham was chased by the attacker.  Fiona ran out from the goal and smashed the ball only to see it hit the striker and go past her towards the empty net.  Newham were now leading 2-1 with a minute left to play.  Fiona did everything correct by coming out and clearing the ball and had it cleared the half way line it will have been a great clearance, but like everything at the moment it was very unfortunate the ball hit the striker and went in.

The game restarted; the ball was played forward to the edge of the box, but wasn’t cleared and Hayley managed to dribble past a defender and smash the ball home from the edge of the box to score a last minute equaliser.

A point salvaged from a game that was so nearly lost.  Is it the pressure or expectation of challenging for the league that is causing the loss of form ?  Whatever it is, the sooner the players get back to basics and play as a team the sooner they will find their form.

Lady of the match: Hayley Graham – Solid performance topped with a last minute equaliser.

HARRY YENNARIS

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

The Spurs Ladies Reserves managed to produce the best 45 minutes and the worst 45 minutes of football that could be imagined.

From the first to the 45^th minute they played like a team possessed.  It was by far the best 45 minutes that they had played all season.  From the start they were running Leyton ragged, creaking down the wings, getting crosses into the box and pressing Leyton and forcing Leyton into errors.

It would only be a matter of time before the Reserves would score, even though a couple of times Leyton managed to break away resulting in tame effort at goal.

In the 15^th minute Leyton took the lead against the run of play.  From a corner kick, the Reserves failed to clear their lines allowing the Leyton centre back to turn and smash the ball home from 12 yards.

Conceding the goal spurred the team to raise their game up yet another gear.  Ebony Heath played the ball down the line to Hayley Graham, who was able to turn and run down the line.  As the defender approached, Hayley turned away and played the ball back to Sarah Mair, who hit a screamer into the roof of the net from 30 yards.

For the next 30 minutes, the game flowed back and forth with the majority of opportunities falling to Spurs Reserves.  When the team is lacking in confidence, every shot is snatched or the last pass is just short not allowing the player to get there shot off.

Half time came and the game was there to be won, all the Reserves had to do was repeat their performance for another 45 minutes.

The second half was a defensive horror show, with players, who for so long periods this season had played well, decided to forget the basics and gift Leyton the three points.  The defending was absolutely shocking.

In the 46^th minute, Leyton player ghosted past Lizzie De Asha on the right and crossed into the box.  Mary Griffiths swung and missed allowing the striker to tap in from eight yards.

The fluidity of the first half had all but deserted the team; midfield players were struggling to keep the ball or track back with Leyton players.  Chanel Breen and Hayley were not receiving any service to allow them to exploit the Leyton defence.

In the 60^th minute Sarah was replaced by Katie Taylor, who had turned up to watch the team, as she was struggling with an ankle injury.

In the 75^th minute Leyton scored again, Ebony allowed her player to run off her and head the ball into the goal.

In the 77^th minute, ball was played over the top; both Ebony and Louise (Rocket) stood square and watched the ball as a Leyton player ran between them both to lob the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

In the 85^th minute a ball played down the line was covered by Rocket; a simple back pass to the goalkeeper would have sufficed and allowed Lisa McCabe to clear her lines, but instead Rocket decided to try and turn the Leyton player and lost possession allowing the Leyton player to make it 5-1 from an acute angle.

Yet again the Reserves capitulated and quit giving away not only goals, but also the valuable points to the opposition.  It's time some of the players started to become more accountable for their performances, accepting second best is not good enough.

Lady of the match: Hayley Graham – One of the few to come away with any credit from today’s game, working to the end.

HARRY YENNARIS

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

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

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

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
GarstonReserves  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

The game started well enough, early pressure allowed a pass from Hayley Graham to be flicked on by Fiona Butterfield into the path of Natalie Arbuckle, who was through on goal.  The referee blew the whistle for off side, but it was a very tight decision.  The next opportunity fell to Sam Garner in the tenth minute.  Her shot was punched clear by the defender on the goal line, denying her an obvious goal scoring opportunity.  The referee awarded the penalty, but failed to dismiss the player from the field of play.  Captain Louise van Hamme took the responsibility to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball home to take the lead.

The Reserves continued to press forward, unfortunately the extra pass or touch allowed the opposition to close them down and clear the danger.  The game continued with the Reserves very much on top, Rocket and Mary Griffiths were keeping the Katabella forwards at bay.

In the 30^th minute, typical of the luck the team has endured since the turn of the year.  A corner kick was cleared to the edge of the box, where a Katabella player's attempted shot deflected off Rocket and looped over Lisa in goal for the equaliser.  Everyone looked at each other trying to work out how this could have happened.  Worse was to follow ten minutes later, as yet another corner kick allowed a Katabella player a free header to make it 2-1.

Just before half time one of the home players went past Laura Allen and Katie Taylor, with neither player making a challenge, allowing the player to shoot and make it 3-1.

Half time came and a few home truths were told.  Katie was replaced by Chanel, with the formation changed to 3-4-3.  With all the possession that we had, there was now a need to score goals and get back in the game.

From the restart the Reserves pummelled Katabella.  Their onslaught was relentless forcing the keeper to make several crucial saves.  The Reserves were finally rewarded in the 70^th minute, when a free kick was awarded for a trip on one of our players.  Rocket placed the ball down and from 25 yards clipped the ball into the top corner of the goal.

In the 80^th minute, Hayley and Laura combined to get the ball to Sam, who cut inside her marker and fired her shot past the goal keeper to equalise at 3-3.

Katabella were struggling to maintain the relentless pressure, they were playing 5-4-1 trying to keep the Reserves out.  Unfortunately, the deserved winner never came and the Reserves had to settle for the draw. 

Many other teams would have folded and given up the ghost after coming in 3-1 down at half time, having taken the lead, but credit to the team for digging in and gaining a point from the game.  On another day the second half performance would have earned all three points, which would have been justified.

Next up will be a tough game at Garston, who need a victory to avoid relegation.  If the reserves want to gain promotion, they will have to do it the hard way and today they showed that they have the character to do so.

Lady of the match: Louise Vann-Hamme – A fantastic free kick to get us back in the game.

HARRY YENNARIS

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

The game started well enough, when a pass from Mary Griffiths found Sam Garner wide, who was able to get past her defender and pull the ball back for Natalie Arbuckle to stab the ball home to make it 1-0 to Spurs.

The game became a scrappy affair, neither team making any real chances to force the stand-in goalkeepers into any crucial saves.  One brave save by Fiona Butterfield at the feet of the striker ensured the Reserves retained the lead.

The game, up to the 40^th minute, was level, with both teams cancelling each other out.  The ball was cleared for a corner.  The delivery to the near post was met by the Garston player who was able to flick the ball on at the near post to score.  This was a cruel blow to the team, having kept Garston at bay for so long.

Chanel Breen took over in goal from Fiona at half time and Sarah Mair had to be replaced by Katie soon into the second half.

The game restarted after the break in pretty much the same vein as the first half, but Garston were on the ascendancy and were taking long shots at Chanel in goal.  Each shot was met by a gasp from the touchline, but, true to form, Chanel was able to save every shot with ease.  For any ball played through by Garston, she came off her line to collect with supreme confidence.

In the 83^rd minute a break from Hayley Graham found Fiona, who was able to draw the keeper out and squeeze the ball to Natalie to roll the ball into the empty net to make it 2-1.

With seven minutes left to play, it looked like the Reserves had pulled it off ... BUT nothing is ever that easy.  The ball was played to the Garston right midfield player, who was standing in an off-side position, but because the ball was touched by a Spurs player trying to intercept the pass the referee allowed play to continue.  The player ran onto to score the equaliser and in doing so Garston had also managed to avoid relegation.

A cruel twist of fate.  Last week, a player punches the ball away to deny a goal and remains on the pitch to score and this week a player, who is off side, is allowed to run through and score.

With four games left to play, promotion is still possible, but we need to convert the draws into victories.

Lady of the match: Chanel Breen – two great saves to keep the reserves in the game at 1-1.

HARRY YENNARIS

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

From the start the Reserves were running Hemel ragged; moving the ball across the field back and forth probing for the opening.  When Hemel did win the ball back, they resorted to kicking the ball as high and as far as they could for the speedy centre forward to chase.

In the 10^th minute, one such clearance led to Hemel scoring their first goal. The ball was punted forward from midfield.  Lacey came out, but misjudged the flight of the ball and allowed the striker to prod the ball home into the empty net.

Not to be deterred, the Reserves restarted and continued to pepper the Hemel goal.  Crosses came in from the wings just beyond the reach of the centre forwards and any strikes on goal were dealt with by the Hemel goalkeeper.

In the 20^th minute, a clearance by Hemel saw two Spurs defenders leave the ball for each other. The Hemel forward came between the two and got to the ball, drawing a rash challenge in the box, which resulted in a penalty kick being awarded.  Fortunately for the Reserves, Lacey saved the penalty, but the relief was short lived.  Minutes later, a free kick was awarded just outside the box to Hemel.  Full credit to the Hemel player, who was able to curl her free kick around the wall and into the far corner.

Still the Reserves continued to battle away, but were not able to get on the score sheet and went in at half time 2-0 down.

The message at half time was simple, "More of the same; a fantastic first half performance that deserved more."  The next goal after the break would be the making or breaking of the team.  Even at 2-0 down the belief was still there.

From the restart, the Reserves continued where they left off.  Hemel were increasingly frustrated and were now screaming at the referee for every decision.  They were under pressure and feeling it.  The Hemel keeper was absolutely rock solid and maintained her level of performance keeping the Reserves out.  In the 60^th minute Hemel broke down the right, the ball was pulled back from the goal line to the edge of the box for the Hemel player to shoot into the far corner.  0-3.

Chanel, Charley and Laura came on for Sam, Sarah and Hannah.

The Reserves had given everything and no matter how hard they tried, they were unable to get the ball past the Hemel keeper.  Hemel had a few opportunities of their own, but equally found Lacey in form to produce some excellent saves.  In the 80^th minute, typical of the second half of our season, a cross from the left was sliced into the goal by Mary “Nige” Griffiths.

In the 85^th minute, Lacey and a Hemel player were dismissed from the field of play for swinging their hand bags at each other.  An unfortunate and avoidable incident that marred an excellent game, the referee had no option but to dismiss both players from the field of play.

Once everything had settled down, The game resumed and opportunities created by both teams.  The final whistle blew, Hemel won 4-0 but the Reserves gave them a game that they will never forget.

Congratulations to Hemel on winning the league and good luck for the remainder of the season.

Lady of the match: The team – An absolutely fantastic spirited display playing excellent football from start to finish.  All for one, One for all.

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Watford Youth  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Watford Youth  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

As a result, the team started of very lethargic; there was no fluidity or cohesion with their movement.  The ladies were reshuffled due to various players carrying minor injuries, but that was no excuse for the performance.

Watford opened the scoring, beating the off side trap and slotting the ball past Lisa McCabe in goal.

Watford scoring kick-started the Reserves into action.  A great move down the left had Fiona Butterfield dancing around the right back and centre back before pulling the ball back for Hayley Graham to slot the ball home.

The Reserves were now in the ascendancy and had Watford on the back foot.  The fluidity and belief was now there for all to see, but again the team was reshuffled, as the warm weather started to take its toll on some of the players. Fiona hit a crisp shot which the keeper managed to get both hands to after it had crossed the goal line by at least two feet.  The Watford manager, who was refereeing the game, from the half way line judged that the ball had not crossed the line and disallowed the goal.  Everyone just stared in amazement.

Just before half time a Watford corner was flapped at by Lisa, the ball dropped inside the six yard box and prodded home by the Watford player.  Christmas had come early.

Sam Garner replaced Chanel Breen at half time and Laura Allen replaced Sarah Mair.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Reserves looking for the equaliser, but it was never meant to be. A valid goal by Fiona that was chalked off summed up the game.  The ball would have had to have ripped through the net before it counted.

Lady of the match: Hayley Graham – dangerous every time the ball was at her feet.

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

The game started well enough, but once the heat had got hold of the players, the brain may have been saying one thing, but the legs were not there.

Credit to the team, as they battled well in the first half.  A break down the right by Watford saw the ball played to the striker to shoot and open the score.

The Reserves battled back and a cross from Laura Allen saw Ebony bravely head in the equaliser to make it 1-1.

The Ladies tried in vain to keep their game going, but all to no avail.  They were unable to sustain any pressure and convert into goal scoring opportunities.  Half time came to the relief of many; all gasping to get as much water as possible.

Mary Griffiths was replaced by Hayley and Natalie Arbuckle was replaced by Fiona.

The second half started, but it was pedestrian paced by both teams.  A great run down the right by Hayley saw the ball crossed in to the middle for Sarah Mair, but unfortunately she swung and missed in front of goal.  To add to Sarah’s unfortunate miss, a corner kick from Watford was met at the near post and flicked passed both Sarah and Lisa to make it 2-1.

Ten minutes later the ball was cleared to the edge of the box, where the Watford centre back chipped Lisa to make it 3-1.  A breakaway towards the end of the game allowed Watford to score to make it 4-1.

The game finished at walking pace, with both teams happy to hear the whistle for full time and put an end to the season.

Lady of the match: Ebony Heath – Came to support the team and ended up not only playing but scoring a goal.

HARRY YENNARIS

East Barnet  -    
Newham Womens  -    
Garston  -    
Katabella  -    
Camden Town  -    
Hemel Hempstead  -    
Leyton  -    
Hampstead  -    

I’d like to thank all the players, parents and friends who have supported the Reserves throughout the season.

The season started off so well for the newly formed team where we picked up an astonishing 24 out of 27 points in the first nine games.  Unfortunately we were only able to pick up 9 out of 27 in the final nine games.  A number of contributing factors but for me the key and primary factor came down to the dwindling numbers that attended training and players who let the team down on match days by failing to turn up.

Successful teams have to put the work in not only on match days but also in training.  In future if you cannot commit to the minimum requirements then expect to be left on the bench.  There will always be exception through work and illness.

Next year the U/16’s will be joining the current reserve squad.  Competition for places will tough and those that are fortunate enough to gain the shirt at the beginning will do well to hold onto it.  Nobody will be guaranteed a starting position, If you play well you will be in until the levels of performance drop. 

Be prepared and be ready. During the summer work on your fitness and skills.  Promotion next season is a MUST for the reserves.  The players have proved they are good enough by the performances at the beginning of the season, now with the U/16s the depth of the squad will keep everyone on their toes to maintain the surge forward until the end.

HARRY