Spurs U11s were today playing host to QPR for their first showdown of the season.   From previous experience, the girls knew they’d have to step it up a gear and from the whistle that’s exactly what they did, in what had turned out to be a very exciting match.   

As expected, QPR immediately took control of the game, but Spurs weren’t going to let them have an easy game.  Whilst Spurs did most of the chasing, QPR didn’t have their usual run of the field and despite QPR getting a few shots on goal, a totally fearless Daniela Charles finally got the chance to show us what she’s made of and kept the score clean.  

The half time whistle blew and the score was still 0-0.  Spurs were putting in a strong performance and Daniela had been unbelievable in goal. 

With another half to play, the game restarted with the Spurs girls again keeping up the pressure, forcing QPR to make mistakes and not allowing their opponents to get that all important first goal.  However, half way through the second half QPR finally caught a tiring Spurs off guard and scored their first goal, which was totally unstoppable.  This was shortly followed by their second goal, again a powerful shot in the back of the net. 

QPR managed to get goal number three just before the final whistle, bringing the score to 0-3 and from past history against this team, this is a score the Spurs girls could be proud of. 

The whole team had got a chance on the pitch today and each and every one had put in 100%.  Congratulations to Daniela who was awarded Player of the Match for putting in an amazing performance, even receiving praise from the QPR coach and parents. 

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

bedmond ajax  1     denham united  1   
st. albans city  2    luton town  5   
hampstead  4        enfield town  1    

This morning Spurs Ladies Under-11s made their way to Regents Park to play Hampstead for a first meeting of these two teams.   With just Alice Simmonds unable to play today due to illness, the rest of the team lined up in their usual positions with Daniela Charles in goal, Megan Jones, Rebecca Lane (Laney) and Jacqueline McLucas in defence with Ellis Lunn (today’s Captain) and Charlie-Leigh Dixon in midfield and Rebecca Mills (Bex) upfront.  Ronnell Humes and Lauren Howland were keeping warm, waiting to take their turn. 

The game started slowly with Spurs sluggish and lacking their usual energy and passion.  Hampstead took advantage of this and within a few minutes, following a corner, it looked as if they’d scored, but Dani had managed to get her hand to it and push it over the top of the goal.  Even this did little to wake Spurs up and it took some time of the ball remaining in open play until finally following a pass up the pitch from Megan to Nell, Spurs managed to break through their defence and get the first goal as Nell put it past the keeper.

The half time whistle blew with Spurs in the lead although not safe yet; it could all change.  For the second half, Ellis handed over the captain’s armband to birthday girl Megan.  Spurs immediately came out more determined and the stronger team and were passing well between each other.  With full time fast approaching, it was Megan who again created Spurs’ next goal, when, following a great tackle and winning possession, she took the ball and passed it up to Jac on the wing, who played the ball across to Ellis and from 18 yards out the striker turned and put the ball in the back of the net giving Spurs their much needed second goal. 

Spurs confidence had finally returned and the girls upped their game in the final stages, battling hard at every opportunity to win the ball.  Megan had played a great game and and for that reason, as well as creating both goals, on the final whistle Megan was awarded Player of the Match.   

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

enfield rangers  0     bedmond ajax  2    
st. albans city  v qpr  -  match postponed 
denham united  0    enfield town  6    

match postponed - cup commitments.   

luton town  v  hampstead  -   home win awarded  
enfield rangers  0        enfield town  8   
qpr  v bedmond ajax  -  match postponed
denham united  3    st. albans city  3    

For their last match before the Christmas break, Tottenham Ladies U11 travelled south of the river to play Crystal Palace U10s in the London FA Youth Cup Semi Final.  With Alice Simmonds unable to play today and Megan Jones stuck in traffic, the game kicked off with Daniela Charles in goal, Rebecca Mills (Bex) stepping into defence alongside Rebecca Lane (Laney), Jacqueline McLucas (captain) in her usual holding position with Charlie-Leigh Dixon, Ronnell Humes and Ellis Lunn playing in midfield, leaving just Lauren Howland on the sidelines. 

After a very official line-up in front of the referee, followed by a boot check and rule reminder, the game kicked off with Spurs having the advantage of going downhill on the sloping pitch.  From the off, Spurs took control and Nell, Ellis and Charlie created some great chances crossing the ball in from the wing but frustratingly a combination of both sheer bad luck and a good Crystal Palace keeper kept the ball out of the goal.  Although Crystal Palace are a year younger than Spurs, they weren’t going to give them an easy game and Spurs had to work hard to keep the ball.  Both Bex and then Lauren, in unfamiliar positions, adapted quickly and worked well with Laney in defence, who was performing some really strong tackles, ensuring Dani had a quiet game.     

The second half kicked off in the much the same way with Spurs continuing to take shot after shot on goal but still the score remained unchanged.  It looked as if Spurs had finally scored when Ellis fired the ball at the goal, but it hit the crossbar and although Nell was there waiting to tap the ball into the net, the keeper beat her to it and safely caught the ball in mid air.  Spurs didn’t give up and with continued words of encouragement from their supporters, they dug deep and continued with their attack on goal.  It looked as if Lauren would get her first goal for the team when she picked up a loose ball outside the box and took a shot, but unfortunately it went over the bar, which was turning out to be a familiar story !   

The final whistle blew with the score still at 0-0 so it was to be played into extra time.  The girls were starting to show signs of tiredness, but they kept each other going.  Megan had finally arrived and was a welcome addition to the team for the extra time period as she had fresh legs and she certainly put them to good use.   

The all important goal finally came following a cross up the pitch from Jac to Ellis, who took ran with the ball up the pitch and released a shot which the keeper parried out.  It was picked up by a quick thinking Charlie who made the most of the chance and finally got the ball past the keeper giving Spurs a 1-0 lead. 

All they had to do now was hold on to the lead and again Spurs continued to attack the goal and following a cross into the box, Nell got her head to the ball and put it into the net, putting Spurs safely 2-0 up. 

The final score remained at 2-0 with Spurs going through to the London Cup final.  Charlie was awarded Player of the Match for finally getting that first goal. 

Well done girls, enjoy your Christmas break !   

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : - 

lauren howland

match postponed. 

all other games postponed   

The game kicked off with Daniela Charles in goal, Rebecca Lane (Laney) and Megan Jones in defence, Jacqueline McLucas in the holding position, Ellis Lunn (captain) and Charlie-Leigh Dixon in midfield with Ronnell Humes up front.  Lauren Howland, Alice Simmonds and Rebecca Mills (Bex) were keeping warm on the touchline. 

From the whistle the two teams were fairly evenly matched and despite an early run by Ellis down the wing crossing the ball into the box, Spurs couldn’t get it in the net.  However, Enfield soon took charge and were definitely looking the stronger team causing Dani to make a couple of great saves.  Unfortunately following a dive across the goal to make a save half way through the first half, Dani fell awkwardly on her hand and it was looking serious so she was whisked off to A&E to get it checked out.  With the girls recovering from the shock of losing Dani, Laney bravely stepped up to take her place in goal.  The line-up on the pitch adjusted, with Jac falling back into defence to help Laney out, and Alice came on in defence.  It wasn’t long before Laney’s goalie skills were tested and she didn’t let her team down and made a great save. 

Megan came off giving Bex her chance on the pitch, but before long before there was another casualty with Nell having trouble with an existing injury and she came off for a rest while Lauren took up her position.  The first half finished with Enfield still looking the stronger team and Spurs not even managing to get a shot on goal.  The Christmas break had taken its toll ! 

The whistle blew to start the second half and Spurs came back fighting.  Lauren was showing great determination battling for the ball, as were both Bex and Alice in defence.  All the girls had upped their game and at last Spurs were getting some chances on goal but still the goal wouldn’t come.  With fifteen minutes to go, Megan came back to replace Bex and shortly after Nell, feeling better, returned to the pitch to give Lauren a rest.   

Following a goal mouth scramble, Alice came forward to pick up a loose ball which she passed to Nell, who was unmarked on the far side of the box.  She fired the ball towards the goal and it skimmed inside the goal post out of the reach of the keeper, scoring the first, all important goal.  Spurs were finally in the lead and they just had to hold on to it for the last five minutes.  The final whistle blew with the score at 0-1 to Spurs, giving them the three points. 

Laney was awarded Player of the Match (which her team whole-heartedly agreed with) for stepping up as goalie and keeping a clean sheet.  Following a visit to A&E Dani has unfortunately broken her thumb and will be out for at least three weeks.  All your team-mates and their parents wish you a speedy recovery – get well soon Dani !!

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

luton town  3    bedmond ajax  2    
st. albans city  6    enfield rangers  2    
hampstead  1        qpr  3   

match postponed. 

all other games postponed  

Today Spurs Ladies played host to St Albans City.  Due to injury and illness, Spurs only had six players so it was going to be a tough match but the girls went out on the pitch willing to give it their all.  The line-up saw Lauren Howland in goal, Alice Simmonds and Jacqueline McLucas (captain) in defence, Charlie-Leigh Dixon in a central holding position and Ellis Lunn and Rebecca Mills (Bex) in midfield.   

The game kicked off and Spurs looked strong despite their lack in numbers, but it soon became apparent that St Albans were going to make regular substitutions using their full team of 11 to keep their players fresh, which could give them the advantage.  Despite a great effort from Spurs, St. Albans were the first to score with a strike from outside the box which Lauren just couldn’t get to, despite a valiant effort.    

Spurs kept their heads up and continued to battle back and for most of the match looked the stronger team, but were unfortunately unable to convert their efforts into goals.  Alice and Jacqueline worked hard together in defence, constantly closing down and chasing.  Just before the half time whistle, Lauren stopped St Albans scoring again with a great dive across the goal to rescue the ball. 

At the much needed half time whistle, the girls took a well deserved breather.  With words of advice to believe in themselves ringing in their ears the game re-commenced and Spurs continued to look the stronger team.  The second half saw Spurs controlling the game and St Albans chasing, with play remaining in the St Albans half for the majority of the match.  Ellis used her pace making some great runs down the wing through the St Albans defence, even throwing in some step-overs and one of these finally paid off when she crossed into Charlie who managed to get a toe to it and the ball rolled over the line, evening the score. 

With renewed confidence, Spurs continued to dominate.  Bex was showing great determination in midfield and never gave up a tackle, dispossessing her opponents on many an occasion and Jac, Charlie and Ellis never seemed to run out of steam.  Alice and Lauren had a quieter game in the second half, with St Albans rarely getting the ball over the half way line but when they did, Alice was always there with fresh legs to chase it down. 

With ten minutes left on the clock, Spurs were tiring fast but they dug deep, took deep breaths and continued to put in 100% effort.  The whistle blew with the score equal, and each team taking a point. 

The whole team was awarded Player of the Match for the fantastic effort put in by everyone, with Lauren getting to take home the trophy for a great job in goal.  Their manager and parents couldn’t have been prouder for how hard they all worked.  Well done girls ! 

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

enfield rangers  1     denham united  1   
luton town  1    qpr  12   

match postponed. 

all other games postponed       

Today, with the weather finally settling down, Spurs Ladies Under-11s played host to Enfield Rangers.  With an on-off pattern to recent games, the girls were glad to be finally playing a game.  

Daniella Charles was still injured, so Lauren Howland again stepped into goal; Rebecca Lane (Laney) and Alice Simmonds were in defence; Jacqueline McLucas in the central holding position with Ellis Lunn (captain), Charlie-Leigh Dixon and Ronnell Humes in midfield.  Rebecca Mills (Bex) and Megan Jones were keeping warm on the touchline. 

The match started fairly quietly with Spurs getting back into their stride and Enfield Rangers putting up a good fight.  Spurs again were creating chances, but couldn’t get the goals.  Finally, from an Enfield goal kick, Nell picked up the ball and put it straight into the corner of the net giving Spurs a 1-0 lead.  The remainder of the first half saw Spurs taking control and Enfield Rangers making the chase in what was turning out to be a physical game.  Lauren had a quiet first half thanks to Laney, Alice and then Megan working well together in defence to clear any threats.  Jacqueline also continued to keep up the pressure, making sure she was everywhere at once !

The second half kicked off in much the same way as the first half had finished.   The Spurs girls were confident and enjoying themselves and this was showing in their play.  This paid off when Nell got her second goal of the day following a pass through from Laney, and it wasn’t long before Nell completed her hat trick resulting from a Spurs corner.  Jac delivered the ball into the box and following a scuffle on the edge of the box, Nell managed to break through and timed her shot perfectly, firing it into the far corner of the net. 

Spurs were having fun and the next goal was again from a Jac corner which was this time picked up by Ellis who put it straight into the net.  Spurs were on a roll and again Lauren saw little of the action.  Bex came on to give Ellis a rest and her fresh legs were put to good use in midfield.  It was now Charlie’s turn to take a shot and with the keeper drawn out of the goal Charlie put the ball over her head.  With the ball still in play and up for grabs, Charlie followed it through and knocked it easily into the open goal.  With the score now at 5-0 and still time on the clock, there was time for another goal.  Ellis was back on the pitch and with renewed energy she didn’t hesitate when she had the ball, with just the keeper in her way she took a clean strike into the back of the net, scoring the last goal of the day, bringing the final score to 6-0. 

The girls had a great game today and looked strong on the pitch.  Jac was awarded Player of the Match for her endless energy and hard work throughout the match. 

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

hampstead  3        bedmond ajax  1    

bedmond ajax  2     enfield town  7    
enfield rangers  1     luton town  2   

Today Spurs Ladies travelled up the M1 to play Luton Town U11s in what promised to be an entertaining match.  The team were pleased to welcome Daniela Charles back in goal, fully recovered from her injury.  Rebecca Lane (Laney) and Megan Jones took up their positions in defence, Jacqueline McLucas, today’s Captain, in her usual central position, Ellis Lunn, Charlie-Leigh Dixon and Ronnell Humes in midfield.  Lauren Howland, Alice Simmonds and Rebecca Mills (Bex) were keeping warm on the touchline. 

The game kicked off with Luton clearly looking to play a defensive game with four of their players across the back.  However, undaunted, Spurs initially looked the stronger team, although the girls were fully aware this could quickly change with Luton as their opponents.  Megan and Laney put in strong performances in the Spurs defence, ensuring a quiet return for Dani in goal.  Ten minutes into the first half Ellis took a shot on goal which was stopped by a Luton defender and the ball came back out of the box, however not one to give up, Ellis took another shot, this time finding the back of the net, scoring the first goal of the game. 

With Spurs on a high, it wasn’t long before Spurs were again threatening the goal and following a cross which no-one could get on the end of, Ellis ran to pick up the ball in the corner which she passed back into Megan who took a shot from outside the box, which hit the back of the net.  With a 2-0 lead the Spurs girls perhaps started to feel too comfortable and took their ‘foot off the pedal’.  Luton started to take advantage of this and it wasn’t long before Dani was being stretched to ensure the score remained in Spurs favour. 

Megan continued to work hard in defence and her new haircut was taking a bashing with some great headers.  With fifteen minutes gone, Laney came off, and Megan was joined by Alice in defence.  Ellis then took a break and Lauren joined the game in midfield.  The game continued apace with both teams battling to win the ball.  Just before the half time whistle, Dani again saved a great shot resulting from a Luton corner.  A final first half substitution saw Bex come on to join Lauren and Nell in midfield, giving Charlie a rest. 

The second half kicked off with Luton this time looking the stronger team and it wasn’t long before they found a gap in the Spurs defence and scored.  Apart from the odd break up the pitch from Spurs, Luton had taken control and were fighting back.  Spurs were now playing defensively to ensure they kept their lead. 

Megan came off for a well earned breather and Alice replaced her in defence, however shortly afterwards Ellis took a knock to the ankle and Megan came back on to replace a limping Ellis. 

The end of the match was a tense one with what felt like the longest three minutes of extra time ever.  Ronnell and Charlie managed to get the ball up the pitch a few times, but Luton always foiled their attempts on goal.  It looked at times as if Luton would equalise, but Spurs managed to hold on to the lead with some hard work from all the girls and the final whistle blew with the score remaining at 1-2. 

Due to the nature of today’s game, both Bex and Lauren didn’t get much time of the pitch today, but their team-spirit deserves a mention and should be applauded.  Dani was awarded Player of the Match as not only did she put in a great performance, but it was great to have her back !  

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

enfield town  8     denham united  0   
qpr  17    enfield rangers  0    
st. albans city  2    bedmond ajax  1    

Spurs Ladies today travelled back round the M25 and down some very narrow country lanes to play Bedmond Ajax.  Daniela Charles took her position in goal, Rebecca Lane (Laney) and Alice Simmonds in defence, Jacqueline McLucas in the central position with Ellis Lunn (captan), Ronnell Humes and Charlie-Leigh Dixon completing the line up in midfield.  Megan Jones, Rebecca Mills (Bex) and Lauren Howland waited their turn on the side lines. 

The match kicked off with Spurs immediately on the attack, although Bedmond weren’t going to let them have an easy match.  With just five minutes gone, Ellis made a run down the wing through the Bedmond defence and brought the ball into the box.  With the keeper in front of her, she crossed the ball to a well positioned Charlie, who left-footed it into the corner of the net giving Spurs an early lead. 

The game continued with Spurs getting plenty of opportunities, but unfortunately couldn’t convert them into goals.  Bedmond were attacking the ball, but Alice, Laney and Jac were doing a sterling job clearing the ball back up the pitch.  Following a clash in the box, Nell was the first of three Spurs players to take a knock, but Nell was happy to continue on the pitch.  However, Charlie was next to go down injured shortly followed by Jac, both of whom had to come off, with Lauren and Bex slotting into their positions.  The two substitutes were determined to show their ever-improving ability and worked really hard on the pitch.  They were soon joined by Megan, again a great addition to the game, giving Alice a breather. 

Bedmond got their chance when Spurs gave away a free-kick, but Dani was waiting and caught the ball easily.  Lauren continued to work hard on the wing, feeding the ball through to her team mates.  The whole team were playing some great football.  With the half time whistle about to blow, Dani took a goal kick, sending the ball nearly the length of the pitch to where Ellis and Bex were waiting, and following some intelligent passing between the two and a goal mouth scramble, Ellis took a shot which Bex then slotted into the net, giving Bex her second of the season. 

The second half started with Spurs keeping the ball mostly in Bedmond’s half with Laney and Megan waiting should it make its way over the half way line, giving Dani a very quiet start to the second half.  However, their opponents were looking stronger and were determined to get on the score sheet, but when a Bedmond player made a break down the wing, Alice stayed with her and put the pressure on ensuring she didn’t make it to the goal.   

Time for Ellis to take a break and for a now recovered Charlie to come back on.  Ellis handed the captaincy to Bex.  The game continued with both teams battling to take possession, but Bedmond, finding a gap in the Spurs defence, took a shot and managed to slide a goal past Dani, bringing the score 2-1. 

Ellis came back on the pitch to join Nell and Charlie in midfield, but with their renewed confidence, Bedmond continued to fight back and despite corner after corner for Spurs it looked as if Bedmond had equalised, but the ball skimmed the outside of the post.  In a repeat of last week’s match, the closing minutes were tense, but again the Spurs girls held on and kept the lead, taking the full three points. 

Unable to make a choice between the two, Megan and Bex were awarded joint Player of the Match for their determination and hard work shown throughout today’s game.  Well done girls!

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

luton town  1    enfield town  3    
qpr  13    denham united  0   
hampstead  2        st. albans city  0   

Spurs Ladies today travelled back round the M25 again, experiencing some déjà vu, to play Bedmond Ajax for the second week running.  Today’s match was round 1 of the HCGFL U11 Cup with both teams needing a win to go through to the next round.   

A good strong game ensued from the Spurs girls and the final score was 4-0 to Spurs including a first-of-the-season goal from Lauren Howland and one apiece from Ellis Lunn, Ronnell Humes, Charlie-Leigh Dixon, all scored in the first half.  Ellis scored first with a great shot over the keeper’s head, which was shortly followed by Lauren, picking up a missed shot from Ellis. Nell then squeezed the ball past the keeper into the corner of the net and not long after Charlie scored following a shot from Nell which flew across the front of the net. Spurs totally dominated the first half with the whole team playing a strong game and the passing between the girls was intelligent and well thought through.   

Bedmond looked stronger in the second half, preventing Spurs from adding to their tally.  Bedmond managed to break through a couple of times, but Daniela Charles was in goal ensuring a clean sheet.  Alice Simmonds, making a great contribution to the game in defence alongside both Megan Jones and Rebecca Lane, was also determined to score her first goal and following a cross into the box from Ellis, Alice got on the end of it and it looked as if she might get her wish, but her shot sadly hit the post – so close! 

The final whistle blew with Spurs going through to the next round.  The decision for Player of the Match was taken by the girls and following a three-way tie between Ellis, Alice and Rebecca Mills, today’s captain Jacqueline McLucas took the final decision and voted Alice today’s Player of the Match. 

diane lunn

tottenham hotspur : -  (rolling subs used)

lauren howland

enfield town  -    
enfield rangers  -    
bedmond ajax  -    
luton town  -   
qpr  -   
st. albans city  -   
denham united  -   
hampstead  -