Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC -

Under-14s reports 2003-04

The under 14’s took on a double header of games on Sunday, involving Kettering Utd and Bridport Queen Bees.

The Under 14’s were seriously depleted for these games due to holidays, but still proved that they have true quality about them.  Several players were playing out of position and we had four starting from the reserves and a guest goalie from Cambridge City.

Kettering took the lead from a cross that curled in the wind fooling the keeper, but Spurs replied from a penalty won by and converted by Robyn Downie. Kettering scored again to restore their lead and again Spurs scored to equalise just before half time, when Robyn again showed some sweet finishing to round off a good build up.

The second half saw the girls working very hard and pressing Kettering back Spurs won a free kick 25 yards out and Leesa Shields (captain on the day) converted with a trademark rocket shot.  Some good build up from the back involving some nice one touch football ended with Robyn again scoring to complete her hat-trick and make the full-time score 4-2 to Spurs.

In the second half it was a different story as Spurs turned on the style using one touch passing to make the ball do the work.  They were defending so well that they did not let Bridport out of their half.  

Good play down the left wing found Natalie Richardson and she ghosted past three defenders to score.  

After 100 minutes of football played on the day, the girls were tired and the manager was happy.  Mark Richardson said "I am very pleased with all players for their effort and endeavour in very hot conditions." 

Sunday saw the Under 14’s invited to take part in the inaugural Bernie Grant Memorial Peace Cup, held at Lordship Lane Recreation Ground, Tottenham.  The tournament was organised, by Haringey Council, in association with the Met Police and the Bernie Grant Trust.

It was a shame that only three teams entered the Under-13 to Under-16 ladies section, as more were invited but did not attend.

Our first game was against Ferry Lane , including some of the Leyton Orient U13 team that we met in the Women’s London FA Cup Final, last year.  The Spurs girls started the game bright and worked hard to breakdown their dogged defence, but a lack of match practice and the fact that the girls do not usually play 5 a side football showed and despite the girls best efforts they could not score, although Sophie Petros, Riana Soobadoo, Hoshi Cooper-Hutchinson, Shikiera Richards-Lake all went close with fine shots.  Final score 0-0

Our next match was against a community team from Broadwater Farm.  Having split the girls into two outfield teams and Ricole Vyse in goal, it was up to team two, to strut their stuff.  The game kicked off with a Spurs shot straight on goal, nearly catching the keeper off guard and resulting in a corner.  Stavroulla Panayiotou put the ball into the danger area and if it had not been for the brave keeper throwing herself at the feet of Natalie Richardson, Spurs would have been one up inside the first minute.  The girls were up against far bigger and more powerful players, but to their credit the Spurs girls started to play some very good football.  Ryah Vyse moved the ball forward from the back in a series of crisp passes with Joy Dutch, who laid the ball perfectly into the advancing Richardson’s feet who finished coolly 1-0 Spurs.  The game descended into a display of supreme defending and fast moving passing, resulting in Stavroulla Panayiotou scoring two goals and one more for Natalie Richardson.  4-0 Spurs.

Game three and it was Ferry Lane again, having to play both teams twice, the team stayed on to play straight away.  Again Spurs were playing well and went onto score two goals from Natalie Richardson.  But this was not an easy game and if Ricole Vyse was not as athletic a keeper as she is, the girls could have been down a goal or two.  A master class of last ditch defending by Joy Dutch and Vyse kept another clean sheet.  2-0

The final game was the best by far, as the girls again met Broadwater Farm.  This team really turned on the style pushing forward with great passing moves from Riana Soobadoo and super finishing from Sophie Petros (with both feet).  At the back, Hoshi and Shikiera did not let any forward get passed them.  A more emphatic win would have been on the cards but for some rushed shots, it could have been double figures.  Riana 3, Sophie 2 and Hoshi scored the goals in a very good performance by the team, which was pleasing to the eye.  6-0 Spurs  

Well done girls in securing the first silverware of the season !!

Joy Dutch won the Fair Play award of the tournament ... just desserts for a player that gives her all for this team and is improving with every game.  Well done Joy!

Congratulations to all the organisers, whose hard work paid off in the end, and a great time was had by all.  

MARK RICHARDSON

Denham United  10     Hatfield Town  0     
Queens Park Rangers  1     Watford Ladies  4      
Harvesters  2      Bedwell Rangers  2       
Luton Town Belles  3     Enfield Town Ladies  2      

GLENN WEAVER

Enfield Town Ladies  6      Barking Ladies  3     
Queens Park Rangers  5       Denham United  2     

GLENN WEAVER

Hatfield Town  6     Queens Park Rangers  2       
Bedwell Rangers  3     Enfield Town Ladies  1      
Luton Town Belles  3     Watford Ladies  1      
Denham United  1     Harvesters  7      

Another close game for the Under 14s as they narrowly beat 3-2 against Denham United Ladies in the HGFL.

Spurs took the lead after 20 minutes from captain Ryah Vyse following the award of a debatable penalty. Denham battled hard and drew level just before the break.

Midway through the second half, Spurs bagged two scrambled goals following corners through Lauren Taylor-Marks and Shikiera Richards-Lake to take a 3-1 lead. Denham came back again to 3-2 and Spurs battled on in the later stages of the match to protect their lead. 

Goalkeeper Ricole Vyse was the Spurs Player of the Match for her excellent performance.

GLENN WEAVER

Bedwell Rangers  5     Barking Ladies  0     
Hatfield Town  1     Luton Town Belles  6     
Watford Ladies  1      Harvesters  0      
Queens Park Rangers  3       Enfield Town Ladies 11