Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC -

Under-14s reports 2003-04

Initially struggling to come to terms with manager Alex Fearon's experimental 3-5-2 formation, the girls adapted well as the game went on and took the game with goals from Bonnie Cullinan, Roisin Fletcher, Jessica Richards and Laura Parker.  

The side played well, but outstanding were Laura Parker in attack, with Abi Hutchinson-McKay having a sound game in defence and Jodie Smith made an impact coming on as a sub in midfield and Alex was pleased with the way the girls applied themselves as the game went on. 

A lot of the game was played in midfield, but Rebecca Williams had to be alert to tip a shot from outside the box up onto the crossbar and then grab it at the second attempt and keep Harpenden out.  However, right on the stroke of half-time, a goal-mouth scramble in the Spurs area produced a low shot through a crowd of bodies and snuck into the net, low down.

In the second half, chances came at both ends, with Rebecca again making a good save to deny the visitors and poor finishing meant she wasn't troubled when they broke away on a couple of occasions.  Spurs did put a couple of good moves together in the latter stages of the match, providing Bonnie Cullinan with an opportunity to hit a powerful drive a foot over the top and then another from 20 yards, which the keeper saved.

Unfortunately, on the day, it was not enough to take anything from the game and they will have to try to make amends next week at home to Hemel Hempstead.

Spurs started nervously and twice defensive mix-ups in the six yard box nearly led to an away goal, with Abi Hutchinson McKay taking one ball off the goal-line and another being save by Becky Williams' leg with a good reflex save as a forward nipped in.

Hemel's strong midfield was the springboard for many of their moves and their number five broke forward to blaze over the bar when just six yards out.  Bonnie Cullinan was Spurs' main threat and she had two efforts - one blocked and another over the bar - just around the half hour mark.  Becky was called into action again when she took a rising shot above her head and then produced another sharp save when defensive indecision let Hemel in.

However, right on the stroke of half-time, Emma Marshall played a pass down the right wing to Jessica Richards, who turned the ball into the danger area.  There Bonnie spun to hit a shot that the keeper got hands to, but could not keep out.  There was just enough injury time after the goal for Bonnie to crack a 20-yarder narrowly over the bar.

The second half saw a much more open game, with play moving from end to end.  Bonnie just failed to connect with a volley in the second minute of the half, before the visitors broke through the middle and fired a 22 yard shot past Becky in the Tottenham goal.

As the half progressed, Bonnie twice had shots go close, while at the other end Becky did well to keep a low shot out with an outstretched leg.  The best chances fell to Hemel as the game came to a close and a mighty block by Rochelle stopped a forward just as she was poised to shoot from within the area.  Twice Hemel players had free runs on goal and one was hit straight at the Spurs goalie, while the other was hit far too high to trouble the keeper.

A head injury to Lizzie Lodge and cramp affecting Abi threw Tottenham's shape for the last few minutes, but Rochelle produced a trademark heavy challenge right on the goal-line to prevent a late, late goal for Hemel Hempstead.  The resulting corner was shot narrowly over the angle of post and crossbar and then the final whistle blew.

It was a fair result, as both sides had chances and for Tottenham, Becky Williams was the best player, keeping them in the game with a string of saves.  Mention should be given to a hard working performance in midfield by Jodie Smith and a solid defensive job done by Lauren Wedderburn, who used the ball well from the back.

Manager Alex Fearon was pleased with the point saying "the girls had played better than they did last week in very hot conditions."

Tricky winger Jessica Richards was the star of the show as she bagged seven goals.  With further goals from Bonnie Cullinan, Lizzie De Asha and Emma Marshall, the ten Under-14 players sealed a convincing win over Northwood.

Bonnie Cullinan was the Spurs goal hero bagging four with further goals from Lizzie Lodge and Jessica Richards, as the girls showed exactly what they are capable of.

Jessica Richards continues to bang the goals in with another four, with further goals from Renee Johnson-Allen, Bonnie Cullinan and Jodie Smith. 

The team welcomed back last year's top goal scorer Kelly Farace as she bagged herself a second half hat-trick.

Jodie Smith was Spurs lone goal-scorer with a looping effort from 18 yards over the Harpenden Colts keeper.

For Neil Marshall's photos from the game click here.